Dear Nurses

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Dear nurses,

Wishing you the very best for Christmas and
the New Year.

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

SAFE NURSING PRACTICES - A NURSE'S PRIORITIES

When a nurse's priorities are wrong

In the image above, Jenna is a new nurse.
She has not fully understood the importance
of safe nursing practices.

Her desperation to be on time to meet a friend
for lunch, took priority over patient safety.

Jenna works in the ICU. The monitor alarm
of the patient in her care, was going off. She
made no attempt to check if something was
wrong.

It is important to understand that a patient who
is cared for in the ICU, requires a higher level
of care.

It is unfortunate Jenna did not prioritize.

The image above shows a Code blue in progress. This is
happening in the Emergency Room. Always follow your

Institution's policies and procedures for Code Blue.

The role of the nurse who is assigned to the Code Blue

The nurse has an important role in effective communication.
There are many responsibilities.

- staying calm in a chaotic situation
- giving clear instructions to coworkers
- ensuring that MD orders are conveyed correctly

- proper documentation of vital signs and all treatments ,
interventions that take place ( defibrillation for example)
- the nurse becomes the " binding force.

Learn more about: The Nursing Process

Learn more about : Nursing communication

Common causes of medication errors

Like the artist perfects painting skills, so does the
nurse perfect clinical skills!

Nursing Fundamentals

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL

Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Please enjoy the videos:
Sessions 38 - Happy Holiday
and Sessions 61- From holiday cheers to horrors

Learn more about: All things food

Learn more about: Preventing infection

WHY A CARDIAC STRESS TEST?

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In the image above, Jim is having a stress test done.
This was ordered by his doctor following recovery from
a MI ( Myocardial Infarction).

A stress test may be ordered for a number of reasons:

- the patient with a history of Coronary Artery Disease ( CAD),
- to assess any damage after a heart attack
- post surgical intervention,

During the stress test, the patient is made to walk the
treadmill, without incline. The level of speed is increased

every three minutes.Tolerance to the test is documented.

This will include : EKG, oxygen saturation, heart rate
and blood pressure.

Monitoring for complaints of : chest pain, dizziness,

shortness of breath, EKG changes and hypotension
is also done.

A list of medications used for cardiac patients, are
listed above.

Hemodynamics and its meaning

Hemodynamics refers to blood flow.

The heart is a pump, which pumps blood around the body.
If there is damage, like a myocardial infarction, the heart's
function will be impaired.

Learn more : Hemodynamics

Chest pain is a very common complaint . It may occur anywhere
and anytime, even at rest. It may be related to stress or actual
damage to the heart. A patient having a heart attack, may very
readily complain of chest pain.

The Numerical Pain Scale is a useful tool when
assessing pain. It is based on a scale of 0-10.
A ladder starts from the ground and escalates to|
the highest point, so does pain start from 0-10.

It is important to do a pain assessment after pain
medication has been given. See image for more
information.

CLINICAL PICTURE OF THE PERSON IN EARLY SEPTIC SHOCK ( PART OF CASE STUDY)

AN OVERVIEW OF SEPTIC SHOCK

Septic shock is commonly seen in the ICU. The long and
complicated course of illness in ICU patients, may be a
contributing factor.

Learn more by clicking on the link: Sepsis an overview

Learn more about : Trauma /Sepsis

Learn more about : The Immune System

UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES

Diabetic complications

Scenario: Sara is a young adult who was diagnosed
with Type 2 diabetes, about a year ago. She has now
been admitted for visual problems.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Sara's eye exam reveals Diabetic Retinopathy. This
condition affects the blood vessels in the eye. Poor
vision and possible blindness may result from leaking
and weakening of the blood vessel.

The consequences of poor circulation

The patient who has heart failure,
is also at risk for stroke or renal failure.
The diabetic patient is also at risk for stroke.

Diabetic Nephropathy

This condition may further complicate diabetes.
Poor renal function and possibly renal failure may
result. Hemodialysis then becomes necessary.

Learn more about: Diabetic complications for the layperson

MEDICATION ERROR / COULD THIS SITUATION BE AVOIDED?

Scenario: Angie is a very dependable nurse.
She had the right dose of medication ready
to be given to the correct patient.

The Insulin is now ready to be given.

Angie receives a phone call. Sad to say,

it was about a home problem. Angie's
thoughts are now turned to the bad news
she has just received.

It is unfortunate, she picks up the Insulin
syringe and delivers it to the wrong patient.

What could Angie have done differently?

A medication error could have been avoided
by the nurse taking a few to compose herself.
If necessary, throw away the medication and
start all over again.

Correction: More medication rights have been
added. Please check with your Institution for
additional rights.