Dear Nurses: April 2010

HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT PHARAMCOLOGY FOR NURSES

Dearnurses.net is no longer available.

Updated 9/26

Dear nurses,

New topics and links have been added below.

Common causes of medication errors

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

Nursing Fundamentals

Learn more about : Organizational skills

Learn more about : Avoiding medication errors

Medical abbreviations and

Safe medication administration

Learn more about: Why Therapy and The Aging Process

Patient assessment is a very important tool.
The patient having chest pain, would have

an assessment done by the nurse.

A description of the pain, as well as pain
scales assessment ( 1-10) is usually done.

Documentation of intervention is also
necessary.

Below are more assessment links:
Neurological assessment
Abdominal assessment

Stroke assessment

The Nursing Process

PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSES

Dear nurses,

If you would like to learn more about topics such as
Paralytic Ileus and Malignant Hyperthermia, simply
click on the link:
Pharmacology for Nurses-Chapter 5
and enjoy learning.

FROM PREPARATION FOR THE OPERATING ROOM TO POST ANESTHESIA CARE UNIT

Updated 7/26

The Operating Room

Prior to surgery, extreme measures are taken to prevent the
spread of infection. The surgical team spend a significant
length of time scrubbing up. In addition, sterile gowns and
gloves are worn. Masks are used over the nose and mouth.

The operating room has been cleansed sterilely. The patient
has also been prepped, as ordered by the doctor.

General anesthetics are usually given prior to surgery

IV drugs such as Opiates(Fentanyl), Benzodiazepines
(Midazolam), Barbiturates (Thiopental), Hypnotics
(Propofol), are some examples of the medications used
to put patients to sleep.

It is important to remember that the aftermath of receiving
anesthetics agents will vary from one patient to the next.
Even under the best circumstances, some patients may be
more sensitive than others.

Some patients may report feelings of fear and hallucinations
after certain medications are given.

Learn more about: Reconstructive surgery

Dearnurses.net is no longer available.

Following surgical intervention in the OR, patients
are transferred to PACU. They are closely monitored
for a period of time, then discharged home or to
another unit.

During that time, medications may be given for pain,

hypertension, elevated or low blood sugar and more.
The doctor orders the appropriate medications and IV
fluids.