Posts

TRAUMA/SEPSIS CASE STUDY CONTINUES

Image
The Sepsis case study begins: Here The image above provides helpful information about Nick's progress in the ICU.  The day following  admission continues below: Postoperative day 1  - extubation ( his endotracheal tube was removed ) was done.Prior to removal of the endotracheal tube, an ABG was done. Results can be seen above. Supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula was done.To learn more about Mechanical Ventilation please click on the link and enjoy learning: Mechanical Ventilation Postoperative days 2 and 3: Nick continues to make excellent progress. He is afebrile. His lab values are within normal limits. He also has a nasogastric tube which is connected to wall suction. Why was TPN ordered for Nick? Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) was ordered by the doctor, as Nick would not be able to eat and drink as normal. Adequate nutrition would be provided via TPN. A central line and  special IV tubing with a filter, is used. What is septic shock? The image above sh...

NURSING FROM OLD TO NEW

Image
                    The website on the image above is no longer available. There is always room for growth in our profession. However, there is more helpful information which can be accessed by clicking on the link: Sessions 69 and mor e The standards of care are an essential part of  the Nursing profession. It provides  guidelines  within a framework of practices. Learn more about :  The standards of care Learn more about :  Nursing communication PCA ( Patient Controlled Analgesia) Patient Controlled Analgesia  may be ordered by the doctor for the patient who is awake, alert and able to self medicate. This method of administering pain medication , is done via a pump, through the intravenous route. Dosages are decided by the doctor. However, patient and  family   teaching should be included in the  care plan.   It is not uncommon for family members to press the pain button for the pa...

SEPSIS AN OVERVIEW( WHAT IS SEPTIC SHOCK?) / QUIZ QUESTIONS

Image
 WHAT IS SEPTIC SHOCK? Septic shock is a condition which is commonly seen in the ICU. It is suggested that the long and complicated course of illness in ICU patients , may contribute to sepsis. Organisms such as gram negative rods, enter the bloodstream and trigger an inflammatory process. PHASES OF SEPTIC SHOCK  Septic shock is divided into two phases. The hyperdynamic ( warm phase)and the hypodynamic ( cold phase). If treated early, sepsis may not progress to the cold phase. Please read the image and learn more. Nick was fortunate. The possible septic event was mild and responded to antibiotic therapy. His abdominal incision showed signs of improvement and Nick made a full recovery. Updated 4/23  Be aware, that there have been changes made in the treatment  of Sepsis . It is suggested that broad-spectrum antibiotics are used. Medications used currently, are antibiotics such as Piperacillin and Ceftriaxone. Also watching the video: The New Nurse- Diagnostics QUIZ ...

AN OVERVIEW OF THE KIDNEYS

Image
  The clinical scenario above shows a 38 year old female who has just been diagnosed with renal failure. THE KIDNEYS ( an overview) The kidneys are two bean shaped organs located in the abdominal cavity on either side of the spine. They work to filter out waste products from the blood. If the kidneys fail, hemodialysis is ordered by the doctor,  in an attempt to remove waste products. Depending on  the situation , this may be short or long term. Learn more by clicking on the link : Hemodialysis Learn more about :  Organ failure and transplantation Anasarca and its causes Anasarca , which is also known as generalised edema, may be caused by a  number of conditions.  These include: - Heart, renal or liver failure - Low albumin (hypoalbuminemia), burns - Corticosteroids and more This topic, including quiz questions, continues here: Anasarca  The Braden Scale is used for predicting pressure ulcers.These may develop in patients who are  confined ...

EXCERPTS TAKEN FROM A CASE STUDY OF TRAUMA / SEPSIS

Image
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. IN THE OPERATING ROOM  Nick was taken to  surgery emergently. An exploratory laparotomy and bowel repair was performed. He also received 2 units of blood . He was later transferred to the ICU, in stable condition. Nick did not require any any surgical intervention for his pelvic fracture. Bedrest and physical therapy would however be necessary.   HOW DID NICK PROGRESS IN THE ICU?   An overview of the responsibilities of the ICU nurses is included above. The care plan  will reflect the potential  problems and updated as needed.  Learn more: Can a stroke be prevented? POSTOPERATIVE DAY 1 Nick made excellent progress overnight. his vital signs were stable and his mechanical ventilation which was started in the Operating Room , would be discontinued, following an...

WELCOME TO 2022

Image
  Dear nurses, We look forward to serving you this New Year 2022. Falls  should be avoided at all costs! Relaxation is a beautiful thing. It decreases anxiety and helps to reduce  stress. Berries are rich in vitamins , potassium and magnesium. They are also said to have  anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Learn more :  All Things food  Learn more about:  Foods and their properties            

MERRY CHRISTMAS NURSES

Image
Updated 3/26 Dear nurses, We wish you the best for this wonderful holiday. 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