PEDIATRIC FACTS

PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT TRIANGLE

An initial assessment that is easy. It is based on
- Appearance
- Breathing
- Circulation

Stadiometer is used for height measurement. 

Infants are weighed soon after birth and daily.
Although weight gain may vary, the birth weight
doubles between four to six months.

BMI ( Body Mass Index)
This measurement is done to evaluate whether
a child's or teen's weight is adequate for the
person's height ( ages 2-20 years).

Addressing Greenstick fractures

Scenario: Sara was enjoying swinging, when she 
suddenly fell to the ground and hurt her right arm.
She was transported to the Emergency Room for 
assessment of a fracture.

Greenstick fractures are common in children.The 
bones of children are not fully developed like those
of adults. The bones are softer and tend to bend not 
break. Symptoms of possible fracture : pain, swelling,
twisting of the limb.

 

ADDRESSING HEMODYNAMICS AND CARDIOGENIC SHOCK

 

Hemodynamics and its meaning

Hemodynamics refers to blood flow.

 The heart is a pump, which pumps blood around the body.
 If there is damage, like a myocardial infarction, the heart's
 function will be impaired.

Signs and symptoms include: chest pain,
shortness of breath and EKG changes.

Learn more about: Cardiogenic Shock

The heart is a pump which supplies blood to all the body's
cells. The heart is a small organ that has a lot of work to do.
If the heart becomes damaged by injury such as myocardial
infarction, trauma or cardiomyopathy ( weakness of the heart
muscle), a state of shock may occur.

RECOGNIZING STROKE PREVENTION

What is a stroke?

A stroke is also known as a brain attack. It may be hemorrhagic

( caused by bleeding) or ischemic ( embolic), caused by a clot 
or plaque.

Can a stroke be prevented?

It is suggested that a stroke can be prevented. People who
smoke frequently, eat a diet rich in cholesterol foods and
do not exercise regularly, are considered to be at risk.

High blood pressure and obesity also puts someone at risk.
Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, eating a diet with

fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as high fiber may help to

reduce stroke risk.

Scenario: In the image above, Ann is an opera
singer. While on stage, she suddenly starts having

trouble getting her words out. Her right arm also
feels weak. These symptoms are classic of someone
experiencing a stroke.

Signs and stroke symptoms:

- sudden , severe headache
- slurred speech, mental confusion

- nausea and vomiting

- visual disturbances, hearing loss

- facial weakness

- weakness in arm or leg on one side

A CAT scan or MRI or both may be done to 
confirm diagnosis.

Cranial nerves, learn more by clicking on the link:
Cranial nerves

The consequences of poor circulation

The patient who has heart failure,
is also at risk for stroke or renal failure.
The diabetetic patient is also at risk for stroke.

Learn more : Poor circulation

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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS A SPINAL INJURY

    Scenario

   Three friends are out hiking on a nature trail.Sad to say, one
    sustains a fall and subsequently injury to the spine. As they
    work to provide a safe place to rest and comfort their friend,
    they are also trying to figure out, how to get him to the hospital.

When someone is involved in a traumatic event,
whether a  car accident , burns,fall, impaled object,
or cardiac event and more, the standard of care will 
depend on the severity of the injury or injuries.

Sometimes trauma may occur in a rural area or one 
where a higher skill level is not readily available.
For this reason, services such as a helicopter may
be necessary to transfer the patient to a higher level of care.

              

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Regardless of where a nurse works, good
communication is of utmost importance. 

How good are your communication skills?
Have you helped your coworker today?

Have a good week.

Enjoy watching the video:

The New Nurse - Communication Skills

Above is helpful information for the clinical nurse.

COMMON CAUSES OF MEDICATION ERRORS

 

When a patient is admitted to a healthcare facility, 
 information such as allergies, past medical history,
 height, weight and medications taken, are all recorded.

This type of information is very important, as it will help
 the doctor when prescribing medications. It will also be
of use to the pharmacist with providing correct drug dosages.

Regardless of where a nurse works, medication administration 
 is done.The nurse who gives drugs of any kind, should take time, 
to ensure that everything is done correctly.

 Learn more: Nursing fundamentals

Helpful information for the clinical nurse
                                         

                                  

                                         

 

                               Clinical judgement         

Here are some of the ways in which medication
errors may occur:
-Misreading MD orders. If the nurse is uncertain
about an order , it is best to communicate with the
doctor or pharmacist.   
-   Poor communication of information, for example,
   when a patient is  transferred from one unit to
  another.
  - Improper dilution of medication ( always check
  the manufacturer's instructions for proper dilution). 
 - Drug incompatibility: An example - Dilantin
   can only be mixed with  Normal Saline.
- Confusing one drug with another, as some
    drugs have similar names.

 

POST ANESTHESIA CARE

WHAT IS HYPOTHERMIA?

     Hypothermia is defined as a drop in core temperature
     of less than 95 Fahrenheit (35 Celsius).Regardless of
     the cause, it is considered to be life-threatening. The
     postoperative patient is at risk for hypothermia. Fluid
     loss and exposure in the surgical suite, may predispose
      to hypothermia.

     Hypothermia increases the body's demand for oxygen
     and if left untreated can lead to a myocardial infarction
      (heart attack). Trauma resulting in excessive blood loss, 
      as well as alcohol ingestion, may also lead to hypothermia.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of hypothermia?
Symptoms include: Shivering, blue lips, decrease in level 

of consciousness and cold extremities.

Homeless people may become hypothermic,
 due to prolonged exposure to cold weather.
Alcohol ingestion may lead to hypothermia.
 This is caused by vasodilation and significant
heat loss.