Dear Nurses

Friday, September 28, 2007

CHEST PAIN SERIES FOR NURSES

Updated 7/23
Hi nurses,
There is more updated information on chest pain and also
for the layperson. To learn more, simply click on the links
below and enjoy learning:

RED ALERT FOR NURSES


UNDERSTANDING HYPOTHERMIA




Hi guys,

Hope you had a good week. I have tried to simplify Hypothermia for you.

Hypothermia regardless of the cause, is considered to be life-threatening. It is defined as a drop in core temperature of less than 95*F(35*C) and may result in death if left untreated.

Symptoms will depend on the degree of hypothermia. A patient may have shivering , cold bluish lips and extremities and slowly lapse into an unconscious state. Trauma and prolonged exposure to cold in the outdoors may lead to hypothermia. Small children and the elderly are also at risk. For more information on this topic, click on the link:
PACU CARE ( POSTOPERATIVE CARE).

ENJOY MY SIMPLE EXPLANATIONS.

UNDERSTANDING HYPOTHERMIA


A patient in the PACU( Post Anesthesia Care Unit (chapt 9) is at risk for hypothermia. Cold water immersion may also lead to hypothermia. Enjoy reading and learning.

HYPOTHERMIA


Hypothermia increases the body's demand for oxygen and if left untreated can lead to a myocardial infarction (heart attack).Cardiac arrhythmias and alcohol ingestion may also lead to hypothermia. For more helpful information on this topic, click on the link:
PACU CARE ( POSTOPERATIVE CARE).

HYPOTHERMIA TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

Avoiding hypothermia is the key. Hypothermia can be prevented by understanding the causes and preventing the occasion. THINK AHEAD if going hiking , skiing or other outdoor activities. Carry enough warm clothing and fluids. Keep small children well hydrated and avoid prolonged overexposure of small children to cold weather.
Learn more about Hypothermia in the Clinical Setting (PACU CARE, chapter 9).
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

Friday, September 21, 2007

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK ( CASE STUDY )


Hi guys,

Hope you had a good week. I have tried to simplify Cardiogenic Shock
in a case study format. 

Dear nurses,

Updated 3/23 - The case study is no longer available. A You tube
video Sessions 10 explains cardiogenic and septic shock.


CARDIOGENIC SHOCK ( CASE STUDY)

Enjoy reading the complete Cardiogenic Shock Case Study.

Dear nurses,

Updated 3/23 - this case study is no longer available.

Enjoy learning about how to recognize the patient in 
Cardiogenic and Hypovolemic Shock.
Simply click on the links : Sessions 10




CARDIOGENIC SHOCK (CLINICAL PICTURE)


A  patient, who has sustained a myocardial infarction, involving
the left coronary, may very readily go into cardiogenic shock.

The clinical picture is shown in the image above. The heart loses
its ability to pump blood around the body, resulting in:
chest pain, shortness of breath
- hypotension, cool, clammy skin
- EKG changes
- a decrease in urinary output
ICU care and mechanical ventilation become necessary
in the management of these patients.


To learn more about the patient in cardiogenic shock,
simply click on the link:
Diagnostic Tests ( Part 3)
Enjoy reading and learning more.
Updated 4/23

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK ( MANAGEMENT)

                               Management of the patient in Cardiogenic Shock

Scenario: In the image above, a patient is admitted to the ICU for treatment of
cardiogenic shock. 

Management of the patient in cardiogenic shock may vary from one ICU to another.
Lab values, EKG, drugs like Dopamine, Dobutrex, Nitroglycerin, oxygen and Morphine
are part of the treatment. A Pulmonary Artery Catheter may or may not be inserted.


Updated 7 /24
To learn more, simply click on the links:
Sessions 10- Cardiogenic shock
Enjoy learning.

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK, SIMPLIFIED



Understanding what happens to the patient in Cardiogenic Shock (Sessions 10)
can make management easier.
To learn more, simply click on the link:
Hemodynamic monitoring
Updated 4/23
Enjoy learning.


Friday, September 14, 2007

HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK


Hi guys,

Hope you had a good week. I have tried to simplify Hypovolemic Shock (Sessios 9)
Just click on the link:
(Chapter 1, 7 and 14).
Enjoy learning!

HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK


Hypovolemic Shock (Sessions 9) results from excessive fluid loss and inadequate
fluid volume.
Just click on the link:
Enjoy learning.

HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK

                                       Clinical picture of the patient in Hypovolemic Shock

Updated 10 /24

The patient in Hypovolemic Shock may present the following clinical picture:
- Altered mental status ( restlessness and disorientation may be present)
- Dyspnea - due to lack of red blood cells which carry oxygen
- Cool, clammy skin due to blood loss
- Hypotension ( a drop in blood loss due to a decrease in blood volume)
- Decreased urinary output due to low fluid volume

Fluid replacement therapy for the patient in Hypovolemic Shock is 
 necessary, to reverse the signs and symptoms. This may include blood transfusion.


To learn more about this topic, just click on the links:
Enjoy learning.


HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK

Hypovolemic Shock (Sessions 9) is a life-threatening emergency. Trauma patients
commonly experience Hypovolemic Shock. Quick management and replacement of
the fluid loss brings about good results. Fluid replacement either with blood and blood
products or IV fluids will depend on the amount of fluid lost and the trauma team's decision.

Updated 4/23
Just click on the link:
Enjoy learning.

Sunday, September 09, 2007

CHEST PAIN MANAGEMENT


Hi nurses,


How good are your clinical skills? Do you know how to manage a patient complaining of chest pain, a diabetic patient or a stroke patient ? Stay posted!COMING SOON A SERIES THAT WILL ADDRESS YOUR CONCERNS.
UPDATE: Learn more about the patient with chest pain, diabetes or stroke symptoms.
Simply click on the link:http://www.dearnurses.com/ and enjoy learning.

Saturday, September 08, 2007

SPINAL SHOCK (CASE STUDY)

Updated 8/23
The case study is no longer available. See below for new info.
Injury to the spinal column may not be easy to diagnose at the scene of the accident. The spinal column has a high network of nerves which control blood pressure. Injury to the spinal cord will result in blood flow being affected and ultimately a change in blood pressure. IV Fluid
replacement therapy and drugs such as Dopamine may be necessary to correct hypotension.
*Steroids in an IV solution may be given in a drip form, to decrease swelling around the spinal cord and reduce futher damage.

 Just click on the link :
Enjoy learning!

SPINAL SHOCK


Updated  8/23

The patient above, has sustained a spinal injury.
To learn more about this topic,
please click on the link:

SPINAL SHOCK

                                        Injury to the spinal cord may result in mild to severe damage.Ventilatory 
                                 support may be necessary for injuries involving C-3 and above.





Injury to the spinal cord following trauma may result in shock.
For more helpful information, enjoy the video:
Emergency room experience.

SPINAL SHOCK (WHAT IS IT )

 Updated 2/24
 Dear nurses,
 We are updating our information. Please click on the link:
 Cranial nerves for more information.





Hi guys,

Hope you had a good week. 
For more helpful information on Spinal Shock and other traumatic events,
simply click on the link: An Emergency Room experience
and enjoy learning.
Have a good week.