WHY A CARDIAC STRESS TEST?

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In the image above, Jim is having a stress test done.
This was ordered by his doctor following recovery from 
a MI ( Myocardial Infarction).

A stress test may be ordered for a number of reasons:

- the patient with a history of Coronary Artery Disease ( CAD), 
- to assess any damage after a heart attack 
-  post surgical intervention, 

During the stress test, the patient is made to walk the
treadmill, without incline. The level of speed is increased

every three minutes.Tolerance to the test is documented.

This will include : EKG, oxygen saturation, heart rate
and blood pressure.

Monitoring for complaints of : chest pain, dizziness, 

shortness of breath, EKG changes and hypotension
is also done.

A list of medications used for cardiac patients, are
listed above.

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.

Learn more : Hemodynamics

Chest pain is a very common complaint . It may occur anywhere
and anytime, even at rest. It may be related to stress or actual
damage to the heart. A patient having a heart attack, may very
readily complain of chest pain.

The Numerical Pain Scale is a useful tool when
assessing pain. It is based on a scale of 0-10.
A ladder starts from the ground and escalates to|
the highest point, so does pain start from 0-10.

It is important to do a pain assessment after pain
medication has been given. See image for more
information.

CLINICAL PICTURE OF THE PERSON IN EARLY SEPTIC SHOCK ( PART OF CASE STUDY)

 

AN OVERVIEW OF SEPTIC SHOCK 

Septic shock is commonly seen in the ICU. The long and
complicated course of illness in ICU patients, may be a
contributing factor. 

Learn more by clicking on the link: Sepsis an overview

Learn more about : Trauma /Sepsis

Learn more about : The Immune System

UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES

 Diabetic complications

Scenario: Sara is a young adult who was diagnosed 
with Type 2 diabetes, about a year ago. She has now
been admitted for visual problems.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Sara's eye exam reveals Diabetic Retinopathy. This 
condition affects the blood vessels in the eye. Poor
vision and possible blindness may result from leaking
and weakening of the blood vessel.

The consequences of poor circulation

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

Diabetic Nephropathy

This condition may further complicate diabetes.
Poor renal function and possibly renal failure may
result. Hemodialysis then becomes necessary.

MEDICATION ERROR / COULD THIS SITUATION BE AVOIDED?

Scenario: Angie is a very dependable nurse.
She had the right dose of medication ready 
to be given to the correct patient. 

The Insulin is now ready to be given.

Angie receives a phone call. Sad to say,

it was about a home problem. Angie's 
thoughts are now turned to the bad news
she has just received.

It is unfortunate, she picks up the Insulin
syringe and delivers it to the wrong patient.

What could Angie have done differently?

A medication error could have been avoided
by the nurse taking a few to compose herself.
If necessary, throw away the medication and 
start all over again.

 Correction: More medication rights have been
added. Please check with your Institution for
additional rights.

           Learn more about: PACU and Quiz questions

UNDERSTANDING THE CLINICAL SETTING - TOPICS FOR EVERY NURSE

Dear nurses, 

I invite you to enjoy a number of clinical
situations you may encounter. Enjoy learning! 

.

Learn more about : Care planning

Learn more about: DKA

Learn more about : Liver failure and renal failure

Learn more about : The standards of care

EXPLORING TRAVEL AND INFECTION

 

Many people travel to different places. Some flights
are long, some are short. Infection can easily spread
from one place to another.

Using such areas like wash rooms, going through
checkpoints, picking up baggage and endless sharing
of communal areas, may all make a contribution to
spreading infection.

A healthy Immune System works to prevent the spread of 
infection. If however, the immune system is weakened, the
body loses the ability to fend off infection.

An intravenous infusion may be started in a peripheral site
or a central line site. It is important for the nurse to recognize,
that every effort should be made , to prevent an infection.
Learn more, by clicking on the link below: 
IV site assessment

Infection may be spread in many ways. Public places
such as restaurants, coffee shops, buses and more, are
likely to be major ways to allow the spread of infection.

Infection if not carefully treated, may progress to Sepsis.

UNDERSTANDING IBS (IRRITABLE BOWEI SYNDROME) AND MORE

Scenario: Emma is in the doctor's office with complaints
of abdominal pain, diarrhea and flatulence.The nurse
 takes a history and does an assessment.

 What is IBS? 
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a digestive disorder that
is diagnosed based on symptoms. It disrupts the normal
 pattern of the digestive system and is sometimes brought
on by stress related situations.
Please watch the video on Stress, which is listed below.

    ABDOMINAL ASSESSMENT
    This is done by:
    - inspection
    - auscultation
    - percussion and palpation

Please watch the video: Bowel obstruction

Enjoy watching the video:
Stress and its impact on the body