Dear Nurses: June 2011

UNDERSTANDING WHY A PATIENT IS ON MECHANICAL VENTILATION

Enjoy the video:Mechanical ventilation

Updated 8/26

Scenario: In the above scenario, Mr. R is anxious
and feeling short of breath.

The patient in Congestive heart failure, will display
signs of anxiety, due to lack of oxygen.The damaged
heart cannot pump blood as efficiently as a healthy

heart.

Chest pain and shortness of breath will likely be present.

As a result of heart damage, fluid backs up into the lungs.

The patient who has an anterior wall myocardial infarction
may develop CHF. A higher level of care is usually needed.

Watch the videos: Hemoynamic monitoring

CHF/ Cardiogenic Shock

Learn more about : The Circulatory System

Learn about : the ABG and Code Blue

WHAT IS MITRAL VALVE REGURGITATION?

An overview of the heart valves

The heart has four chambers.There 2 atria and 2 ventricles.

The mitral valve lies between the left atrium and left ventricle.
The tricuspid valve lies between the right atrium and right ventricle.

The heart valves work to prevent the back flow of blood.

Damage to the mitral valve results in the back flow of blood.

This is known as mitral valve regurgitation.

Symptoms such as :

- heart palpitations

- shortness of breath, fatigue

- palpitations and chest pain may occur.

Scenario: In the image above, Mr.L was admitted to CCU for
complaints similar to those listed above. His doctor would like
to run some tests , including lab values for further evaluation.

A chest x-ray generally shows enlargement of the left atrium and
left ventricle. Medications like beta blockers may be ordered by
the doctor. Surgical intervention may also be done.

UNDERSTANDING MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Updated 2/26

A heart attack is the layman's terms for a
myocardial infarction. Learn more by
watching the video: Myocardial infarction

Learn more about: Simple heart facts

The heart and lungs are both located in the thoracic cavity.

The heart and lungs work together.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE ER ?

Updated 5/25

Dear nurses,

Dearnurses.net is no longer available. New information

has been added below.

In the above Emergency Room scenario, a patient has been
transported to the ER. Medical staff members are gathered
around the bedside.

Learn more by clicking on the link below:

What's happening in the ER

Scenario: In the above image, a patient was brought into
the Emergency room with complaints of chest pain and
a drop in blood pressure.

This topic continues below.
Please click on the link : Avoiding medication errors

An intravenous infusion may be started in a peripheral
site or a central line site.

Learn more by clicking on the link:
IV assessment

THE PATIENT IN HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK IN THE ER

Updated 11 /25

The clinical scenario below, shows a patient in Hypovolemic Shock.
An assessment reveals:
- decrease in oxygen saturation

- decrease in BP, cool, clammy skin
- rapid respirations and heart rate
- decreased level of consciousness

Dear nurses,
For more helpful information on this topic,
enjoy watching the videos:

Sessions 43
Hypovolemic Shock

Some websites are no longer available.

In the image above, a patient is in possible sepsis.
There is abdominal tenderness and redness at the
wound site. High fever and increased respirations
are also noted on assessment. The doctor's orders
include lab values :

( WBCs, ABG, electrolytes and PT/ PTT ).

Learn more about : Sepsis

The surgical patient is at risk for infection, related to
surgical intervention.

- Paralytic ileus may occur .

- Hypothermia due to fluid loss and bodily exposure
during surgery. Hypothermia increases the body's need
for oxygen and possibly may lead to a cardiac event.

Warming measures are necessary.

THE PATIENT ON MECHANICAL VENTILATION

Updated 1/25

Dear nurses,

Dearnurses.net is no longer available.

Scenario: The patient in the image above, is on
mechanical ventilation.The ventilator alarms keep
going off. It is obvious that something is wrong.

The nurse did not take time to troubleshoot
the problem and walks away. Please watch
the videos by clicking on the links below:

Mechanical Ventilation

Nursing Communication