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MAINTAINING A SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT

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What methods can be used to maintain a safe work environment? Maintaining a safe work environment is of paramount importance. Education of staff, the correct use of gloves, hand washing,  proper disposal of needles and IV fluids, will all help in creating a safe work environment.

THE SPREAD OF INFECTION

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How does infection spread? Infection may spread in many ways. Colds and flu's result from a weakened Immune system . The handling of food and poor hand washing techniques may encourage the spread of infection. Learn more: Infection Scenario:  Nick is a 21 year old male, who was on his way  to work , when he became involved in a head on collision. Someone called 911 and paramedics arrived on scene, to resuscitate  him. Learn more about : Sepsis The Immune System Inservice education provides a platform for staff members  to be educated regarding a  safe  work environment. Each institution has  policies  and procedures in place that are demonstrated as needed , in order to maintain a  good standard  of care. Helpful Hints: - Handwashing is important in preventing the spread of infection - A full needle holder can become a source of contamination. Getting stuck with a dirty needle poses a  risk of infection .

WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION

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What causes depression? Depression may be brought on by a number of different situations. Generally feelings of hopelessness, the loss of a loved one. major illness and more may lead to depression. What about suicide ideation? This may affect people of all different age groups. It may very readily follow depression. Read more---

NURSE - PAY CLOSE ATTENTION !

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What went wrong? The nurse on the top called Erica was assigned to a Code Blue in the ER. She did not pay attention to the WET FLOOR sign. She simply rushed off and slid and fell. Needless to say she did not make it to the code as intended. What about the needle holder? Did anyone take note  that it was full? It has become a potential danger for a needle stick. Learn more about: The patient on mechanical ventilation Please read the image above for helpful tips. Also enjoy watching the video: Sessions 44 - The patient on mechanical ventilation

IDENTIFYING COLONOSCOPY

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Scenario: Jim had blood in the stool for 2 days and  decided to see his doctor. He has been scheduled for  a colonoscopy. Read image for more information. What is a colonoscopy ? A colonoscopy is a diagnostic test that may be done for a number of reasons.  These include : colon cancer,  polyps, blood in the stool and bowel irregularities. Prior to a colonoscopy, special preparation is required. A solution known as Golytely  may be ordered by the doctor, for bowel cleansing.  Learn more by clicking on the  link : Bowel obstruction Learn more about the topics listed above :  Sessions 36  and  Dysphagia Preparation for ERCP (Cholangiopancreatography) Learn more:  What is an ERCP? Scenario:  Pam has been admitted to the hospital with complaints of  abdominal pain  over a period of time. The doctor has decided to do an ERCP ( Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) for this questionable abdominal pain. This...

IDENTIFYING PROM ( PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES) / HOMAN'S SIGN

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What is PROM ( Premature Rupture of Membranes)  This condition which typically occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy, is also called " water breaking". The amniotic sac which contains the baby, may rupture prematurely and amniotic  fluid leaks out of the vagina.  Homan's sign - when dorsiflexion of the     foot is done by the examiner, the  patient     will complain of  calf pain,  if there is a    blood clot.   The care plan for each patient, is a reflection of the information provided about the history  and MD's diagnosis. Learn more:  Care plan Homan's sign - when dorsiflexion of the     foot is done by the examiner, the  patient     will complain of  calf pain,  if there is a    blood clot.

ADDRESSING ELECTROLYTES AND DEHYDRATION

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What are electrolytes? Electrolytes are basically minerals in the blood and body tissues that give the electrical charge necessary to keep the heart, kidneys and vital organs functioning well. Dehydration in a dry climate like the desert, may go unnoticed for many hours. In humid weather, sweating is obvious. This however, is not the case in a climate with low humidity, like the desert. Loss of  body fluids through sweating can be ignored until symptoms such as severe headache, muscle weakness and fatigue set in. This can cause dehydration. What is the treatment of electrolyte imbalances? The treatment will depend on the cause.  Learn more by watching the video: Electrolyte s   Learn more about :  Sepsis The surgical patient is at risk for infection, related to   surgical intervention. -  Paralytic ileus  may occur . -  Hypothermia  due to fluid loss and bodily exposure   during surgery. Hypothermia increases the body's nee...