Dear Nurses: September 2012

UNDERSTANDING BRAIN INJURY AND ICP

Learn more about: ICP Monitoring

Updated 8/26

Dear nurses,

New topics and links have been added.
Enjoy learning!

Learn more about : Neurological assessment

Learn more about:
Dehydration on a long flight
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

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

Learn more by clicking on the link:
IV assessment

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.

Learn more about : The spread of infection

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

In the image above, there are people taking a stroll
in the park. Although no one stops to think about
each action that is taken, muscles, bones and joint
are at work.

The human body is made up of muscles, bones and
joints of different sizes. Bones and joints have very
important work to do. They work in unity, to provide
support for the body, as well as protecting vital
organs.

Learn more about: Muscles, bones and joints

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: 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