Dear Nurses: May 2006

DIABETES MELLITUS

Updated 12/24

Dear nurses,

Dearnurses.com is no longer available.

Diabetes Mellitus is a common condition.
It should not be confused with Diabetes

Insipidus. People of all age groups can be affected.

The causes, symptoms and
management is important for
the nurse and patient to understand.

There are several misconceptions which a diabetic patient may have.
Patient education is usually included in the plan of care.

CSF AND THE BRAIN

The ventricular system and CSF production

Updated 1/25

The brain is protected by a bony structure ( cranium).
There are three protective coverings under the cranium:
the dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater.

Beneath the arachnoid mater is a space known as the
Subarachnoid space.There are also hollow spaces
inside the brain, called ventricles.

CSF ( cerebrospinal fluid)is produced in these hollow
spaces ( 4 total). CSF is clear and acts as a buffer to
prevent injury. It flows without obstruction.

Please click on the link below: ICP Monitoring and

ICP fMonitoring for the layperson

and enjoy learning.

A skiing accident

DEFINING HEART FAILURE

Updated 5/25

Myocardial infarction

A MI (myocardial infarction ) is also known as a heart
attack. It results from obstruction to blood flow. Fatty
deposits may cause this.

Death of the heart muscle surrounding the obstructed
blood vessel will result. Symptoms such as lack of oxygen,
shortness of breath and chest pain will occur.

Reperfusion Therapy is a form of treatment used
for patients who have a myocardial infarction with
STEMI ( ST segment elevation myocardial infarction).
See above image for an example of STEMI.

STEMI

Typically, the patient with a completely blocked
coronary artery, would demonstrate STEMI on
the EKG. Death of the heart muscle caused by a
blood clot, would obstruct blood flow and cause
lack of oxygen.

Severe chest pain, shortness of breath and possible
fainting may occur. Quick intervention would be
necessary to prevent further damage.

TPA

TPA ( Thrombolytic Plasminogen Activator) is
a " clot buster" that is used in the treatment of
embolic stroke and myocardial infarction with
STEMI.

TPA is not without its side effects. Bleeding,

particularly into the brain and at injection sites,
seizures and possible anaphylaxis may occur.

Addressing Cardiogenic Shock

Cardiogenic Shock may occur following left heart failure.
Below is the clinical picture of the patient in Cadiogenic
Shock. Learn more, by clicking on the links:
Cardiogenic Shock
Cardiogenic Shock /ABG