Dear Nurses: September 2012

BRAIN INJURY AND ICP

Dear nurses,

Did you know that a patient who has sustained injury to the
head , may require ICP monitoring? Swelling to the brain due
to injury, may cause deterioration in the neurological status.
Quick intervention may be necessary to protect the brain.
The outcomes may be good or bad. Learn more by
clicking on the link:
Brain injured patient and ICP

RECOGNIZING THORACIC AND ABDOMINAL TRAUMA

Updated 9/25

Dear nurses,

New information and links have been added below.
Enjoy learning!

Learn more by clicking on the links: Chest and Abdominal trauma

and About blood transfusion

Learn more about : Pneumothorax

Learn more about : Aortic Rupture

Learn more about : Sepsis

HEMODYNAMIC MONITORING - WHAT IS IT

Updated 3/25

What is an Arterial line
An arterial line is an invasive line which is inserted
in the artery. Typically, the radial or brachial artery
is used. Sometimes the femoral artery may also be
used.

An artery line provides continuous blood pressure
monitoring, as well as, blood drawn for lab values
can also be done, without having to stick the patient.

In the above image, a patient in the ICU has an Arterial
line inserted in the right radial artery. This is an invasive
line.

It is important to follow your Institution's policies and
procedures for site care and IV line changes.Assessment
of the site and maintaining a patent line is a nurse's
responsibility.

Please watch the video: Hemodynamic Monitoring
and enjoying learning.

Hemodynamic monitoring.

AN OVERVIEW OF GENERAL ANESTHETICS

Updated 9/25

Dear nurses,

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.

Learn more about : Anesthetics

Learn more about: PACU

Learn more about : Neurological assessment

The nurse should take the time to assess an IV site that is
swollen and painful. It may be necessary to change the site,
in order to prevent further tissue damage.

Learn more about : IV assessment and care