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ADDRESSING THE PATIENT IN RESPIRATORY DISTRESS

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Scenario : John was admitted to the ICU with difficulty breathing .He was intubated and placed on mechanical ventilation. Potential problems  of the patient on mechanical ventilation will include : -  anxiety   related to mechanical ventilation, the  doctor orders medication to reduce anxiety and  make breathing easier. - impaired gas exchange, checking breath sounds, suctioning secretions to maintain a patent airway. Troubleshooting alarms will also be necessary . - Patient and family education will help to decrease anxiety. Patient restraints may be necessary to prevent self extubation. Learn more by watching the video: Sessions 44 -The patient on mechanical ventilation Aortic rupture   may occur as a result of  trauma. Shortness of breath ,  chest or upper back pain are some of the symptoms. Cardiac Tamponade may be caused by penetrating  trauma   such as a knife wound. Pericardiocentesis is usually done to remov...

WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR /THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD HYGIENE

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Dear nurses, Welcome to a new year!  Whether at home or where food is served, basic hygiene is a necessity. It prevents the spread of infection. Like it or not, when basic hygiene standards are overlooked, the potential for infection becomes real. Hand washing is simple and is considered to be an easy tool in preventing the spread of infection. Learn more by reading the image above.  Preventing the spread of  infection  should be a priority for every healthcare worker.  In-service education in a healthcare facility, is done on a regular basis, to provide the staff  with tips to prevent infection.  Maintaining a  safe  work environment is crucial. There are ways to accomplish this.  Examples include:  - Correct disposal of needles and syringes - Ensuring needle holders are not too full - Using gloves appropriately, not like another pair of hands -  IV sites  are maintained per protocol       - Proper di...

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

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Updated 3/26  Dear nurses, I just want to wish you the best for the Christmas season. Please enjoy the videos: Sessions 38 -  Happy Holiday and  Sessions 61-  From holiday cheers to horrors Learn more about :  Travel  and eating Learn more about:  All things food

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL NURSES

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 Have a wonderful Thanksgiving nurses!

TREATMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA

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Treatment of Schizophrenia Sc hizophrenia may be treated in a number of different ways. ACT-Active Community Therapy is a form of treatment which involves a team of individuals who are able to meet with the patient in a place that is not related to a hospital or doctor's office. (see image) ECT - Electroconvulsive Conculsive Therapy is also a form of treatment used to treat psychiatric disorders such as depression bipolar disorder, catatonia and schizophrenia.  Patients are put under anesthesia and electric shocks are given to induce a brief brain seizure.(See image). Zyprexa, Abilify and Risperdal are some of the drugs used to treat this condition. Chest pain may be brought on by stress. It may also  be a sign  of a cardiac event. It is important to seek  medical advice  if  chest pain  occurs.  Learn more:  Stress  

IDENTIFYING PARANOID SCHIZOPHRENIA

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Scenario : The young lady in the red shirt is  traveling on a bus.She is having delusions.  She feels certain she is hearing voices telling                               her that other passengers on the bus are plotting                              to harm her.                                                                       Signs and symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia                          include : delusions , anxiety,   auditory hallucinations  and suicide ideation.     AN OVERVIEW Paranoid Schizophrenia is a mental disorder which is identified as the m...

UNDERSTANDING CLAUSTROPHOBIA

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Scenario : Tom is having a panic attack in the elevator. He is extremely anxious and feels like he cannot breathe and wants to run away. What is Claustrophobia? Claustrophobia may be defined as an abnormal fear of being in a small or enclosed space. Typically a person may have been trapped in a box or a closet at some point in life. Treatment : Drugs like Beta Blockers may be used to decrease heart rate. Serotonin inhibitors such as Paxil may also be used. Hypotherapy is also another form of treatment used to improve this condition. Learn more: Stress                                                      The Adrenal glands The adrenal glands are small endocrine glands and are situated one on top of each kidney. The hormone adrenaline ( epinephrine) is secreted by the  adrenals. This hormone is commonly known as   the gland of " fight, ...