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Showing posts from March, 2023

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL

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                                       Dear nurses,                                        Have a Happy Easter!

POSTOPERATIVE CARE AND POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

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                       The image above is an example of what happens to a patient                       in the postoperative period, following surgical intervention.                 Measures should always be taken to avoid postoperative complications. Learn more: PACU                                                In the immediate postoperative period, a patient may develop                         pneumonia if breathing exercises are neglected .The incentive                        spirometer is used for this purpose.The plan of care is used to                                     reflect what is needed to improve patient progress.                                                       Abdominal assessment for paralytic ileus is also important.                             This leads to abdominal distention and absent bowel sounds .                           DVT ( deep vein thrombosis) can be avoided by encouraging                          leg exercises, using TED hose or SCD device on the

CLINICAL APPEARANCE OF THE PATIENT IN DKA - QUIZ QUESTIONS

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Scenario: Tom was admitted to the ICU , with the clinical picture of a patient in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). His blood glucose was 600. Tom has an altered level of consciousness (LOC). He also has hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose). Please watch the video below: Dehydration Signs and symptoms of DKA? The patient in DKA requires immediate intervention and a level of care like ICU. Some signs that may appear include: - Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) - Tachypnea (rapid breathing) - Polyuria (excessive urination) - Polydipsia (excessive thirst) - Flushed face - Breath has a fruity odor Please enjoy the video: Patient education Medical management is necessary for the patient in DKA. Frequent monitoring of blood glucose, Insulin IV, Potassium replacements are included in the management. Learn more: Sessions 68-Quiz QUIZ QUESTIONS 1) What are some of the signs of a patient in DKA? 2) How is DKA managed? 3) What is another name for hyperglycemia? Please watch the video: Sessions 41- Di

THE NURSING PROCESS - ADPIE

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 Above is an example of the nursing process. This is described as having five steps. A - assessment D - diagnosis P -  planning I -  implementation E - evaluation Learn more : Care planning ASSESSMENT When a patient is admitted to the hospital or healthcare facility, an assessment is usually done by the nurse assigned. Documentation of  the history and physical, allergies,vital signs are all included and any other relevant information. DIAGNOSIS The doctor questions and examines the patient. Tests are ordered based on symptoms. When a diagnosis is made, the doctor writes orders to be carried out. PLANNING This process is completed by the nurse gathering data and initiating the care plan. IMPLEMENTATION The RN works with the other staff members like therapists, to implement the plan of care. EVALUATION The nurse is responsible for evaluation and documentation of patient progress based on the plan of care. Learn more: The New nurse and care planning

HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT AN AORTIC ABDOMINAL ANEURYSM

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  Scenario: Mr. S is an elderly male who has a longstanding history of hypertension. He suddenly develops throbbing  in the abdomen. He notified his doctor and was admitted to the hospital for tests. A CAT scan would reveal an  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Surgical intervention for AAA was done emergently. Following surgery, Mr.S was transferred to the ICU  for a higher level of care. During his stay, his vital  signs, neurological, cardiac and respiratory status   would all be monitored. Please click on the links for more learning: Hemodynamic Monitoring Info for the layperson