SPINAL CORD INJURY / REHABILITATION

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Updated 1/26

Dear Nurses,

New topics and links have been added below.

Learn more about  : Avoiding medication errors

Medical abbreviations and 

 Safe medication administration

Over morning coffee

The nurse above is about to make a medication error.
This is very poor judgement on her part.

Here are some helpful pointers for good medication administration:
- Follow MD orders

- Remember the five or more rights
- DO NOT USE COLOR CODING AS YOUR ONLY GUIDELINE.
Remember, many pills may have the same color, but that does not
mean they are of equal strength.
- If you are a new nurse and you are uncertain, consult with a more
 experienced nurse to help you out.

- Always follow your Institution's policies and procedures

Learn more about: Communication skills

In the image above, Mrs.M sustained a fracture of
the neck of the femur. An ORIF ( open reduction
internal fixation) was done in the Operating Room.

Above, an example of MD orders is shown. An 
abductor pillow to prevent internal rotation has
been put in place. 

The patient who is confined to bed is at risk for
skin breakdown, DVT and pneumonia. This should
be reflected in the plan of care

Addressing Psychotherapy

There are people who require mental health
therapy. They are the ones who become very
depressed or anxious and lose the ability to cope.

Examples are: the patient with OCD or Schizophrenia,
postpartum depression and more.

Learn more about: Spinal injury

 

THE BRADEN SCALE / PRESSURE SORES

                                         

Updated 8/24

Dear Nurses,

What is it - Chapter 4 is no longer available.

The Braden Scale is used to predict pressure ulcers. This may occur in patients who are confined to bed for a long period of time. The nurse is responsible for documentation of any skin breakdown. An air mattress may be ordered by the doctor to prevent this from happening. Always follow your institution's policies for using this scale.

Pressure (decubitus) ulcers may readily develop in patients confined to bed for a long period of time.