WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS EKG SERIES - TORSADES DE POINTES

Updated 4/26

Dear nurses,

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

Torsades de Pointes, which is a form of Ventricular 

Tachycardia.

 It is commonly found in patients who are chronic

alcoholics and are poorly nourished. Lack of Magnesium
is usually the cause. Treatment is directed at correcting 

the cause.

Clinical appearance of the patient in DKA

Scenario: Tom was admitted to the ICU, with the clinical
picture of a patient in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). His blood
glucose was 600. Tom has an altered level of consciousness (LOC).
He also has hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose).
Please watch the video below:
Dehydration

Signs and symptoms of DKA

The patient in DKA requires immediate intervention and a level
 of care like ICU.

Paracentesis

In the image above , a patient is being examined by
his doctor. He has an enlarged abdomen due to liver 
failure. He is also experiencing shortness of breath.

The patient in liver failure, may experience difficulty
breathing. This is caused by an accumulation of peritoneal
fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Paracentesis is done to remove excess fluid and make 
breathing easier.

The Care Plan would reflect the potential problems
associated with this condition. This would include:
- Respiratory problems related to ascites.
- Skin breakdown related to anasarca.
- Mental confusion related to liver toxins.
-Decrease in urinary output related to liver failure.

Learn more about : Potential problems and 
 Care planning and The Digestive System