Quiz me Nurse

 In the image above, someone is scheduled for an MRI. What is an MRI? An MRI ( Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a diagnostic study. It is noninvasive. MRI scans have the ability to show bones, blood vessels and other internal structures. MRI has very strong magnetic fields. Preparation for an MRI scan  When an MRI scan is ordered by the doctor, special preparation is made. Because of the strong magnetic fields, a questionnaire is filled out. Knowledge regarding pacemaker insertion , IVC filter, aneurysm clips , surgical wires and more is documented. Objects such as keys, credit cards,   coins and glasses are removed. An MRI scanner may be very noisy, like a blow horn. The doctor may  order sedation for the patient who has claustrophobia .  Patient education is also done . The result of the MRI scan will be read by the doctor.

In the image above, Tracy was practicing for show jumping. She fell off her horse and had to be transported to the Emergency Room by paramedics. She did not lose consciousness, but did have a mild headache. The doctor ordered a CAT SCAN of the head, to find out if there is any internal bleeding. What is a CAT SCAN? CAT SCAN ( Computerized Axial Tomography) A CAT SCAN is a type of X Ray used to scan body parts in detail.  It is noninvasive and can show parts of the body like muscles, bones, organs and more. When a CAT Scan is ordered by the doctor , the nurse is responsible  for a consent being signed by the patient or guardian. Contrast dye is sometimes used and may be given orally or IV. The doctor decides whether to use dye. Sedation may be ordered by the doctor, to decrease anxiety. Once the CAT scan is completed, the doctor will read the scan and  confirm diagnosis.

  Subarachnoid Hemorrhage   The image above shows a patient displaying the symptoms of Subarachnoid  hemorrhage. A CAT scan  was done to confirm the diagnosis.   Surgical intervention was done, for clipping of the aneurysm. He will be cared for in the ICU. VASOSPASM  This condition may occur following a Subarachnoid hemorrhage. TCD ( Transcranial Doppler) ultrasound is ordered by the doctor, following a Subarachnoid hemorrhage. This is a noninvasive study to evaluate    blood flow in the brain.

  Brudzinski's and Kernig's signs  are seen in patients who have Meningitis or  Subarachnoid hemorrhage. Brudzinski's sign  -When the examiner flexes the patient's neck , the knees and  hips flex at the same time. Kernig's sign  - inability to straighten the leg when the hip is flexed at a 90 degree angle. The hamstring muscles become very stiff.

                                                                Fetal Heart Monitoring  Fetal Ultrasound In the image above, a fetal ultrasound is being done, by a technician. Contact gel is applied to the skin , followed by the use of a probe, to sense sound waves. This technique is similar to what boats use, to view the ocean's floor. Ultrasound waves are used to diagnose internal structures like the growing fetus. Learn more about Placenta previa Addressing fetal heart monitoring Fetal heart monitoring is done to monitor the baby's heart rate. An electric fetal monitor is used for this purpose. Belts are strapped around the abdomen and sensors are held in place, to monitor FHR ( fetal heart rate)and uterine contractions.   Information is recorded on paper.

Scenario:  Mrs. S is a 28 year old who is in her second trimester of pregnancy. She woke up feeling very tired. In addition, she noticed lower back pain and mild abdominal cramps. She notified her doctor and was advised to go to the  ER for further evaluation. Preterm labor is a very common occurrence in pregnancy. lts causes are not clearly understood. It may be triggered by events such as stress, trauma,  heavy lifting or infection.  Signs and symptoms include:  Premature contractions,  abdominal cramping, low back  pain and vaginal bleeding . Patients should be encouraged  to go to their doctor or  Emergency Room  if necessary.  Close monitoring of the patient in preterm labor is done. Medications such as Calcium channel blockers, Tocolytics ( Terbutaline and Albuterol) , antibiotic therapy to treat the infection,  Magnesium Sulfate and Prostaglandins are used in treating this condition.

                                                       Third degree AV block The patient in third degree heart block is likely to display  the EKG rhythm seen above. Typically, in a healthy heart , the atria contract at the same time, forcing blood into the ventricles. This is followed by the ventricles contracting,  at the same time, pushing blood out of the heart. In third degree heart block, because the heart is damaged, it cannot pump as effectively as a healthy heart. This causes the atria and ventricles to beat independently of each other.  The P wave may not be followed by the QRS. The EKG tracing above demonstrates this. This means blood flow is lacking. Symptoms  include: chest pain, feeling lightheaded and  hypotension. Causes of third degree heart block: - cardiomyopathy - coronary artery disease - surgical i...