THE OPERATING ROOM / THE POSTOPERATIVE PATIENT

                                               The Operating Room
 
 Prior to surgery, extreme measures are taken to prevent the
spread of infection. The surgical team spend a significant
length of time scrubbing up. In addition, sterile gowns and 
gloves are worn. Masks are used over the nose and mouth.

The operating room has been cleansed sterilely. The patient
has also been prepped, as ordered by the doctor.

    Potential problems of the surgical patient

- 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.

WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR

 

Dear nurses, 

Welcome to 2025.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL NURSES

Dear nurses, 

I just want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Please enjoy
my video if you can find the time: Holiday Cheer.

 

WHEN AN ERCP HAS BEEN ORDERED

Scenario: Pam has been admitted to the hospital
with complaints of abdominal pain over a period
of time. The doctor has decided to do an ERCP
( Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
for this questionable abdominal pain.

This will be reflected in the care plan.

What is an ERCP?

An ERCP ( Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
is a procedure that is performed using a flexible tube, with a
light at the end. The tube is called an endoscope.

It is passed from the mouth to the duodenum. Contrast dye is
injected through the endoscope. This allows the doctor to
visualize the pancreatic ducts and the surrounding organs. 

The doctor will make a diagnosis based on findings.

Preparation for ERCP (Cholangiopancreatography)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING NURSES

 

CARE PLANNING /ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS ( IN ADPIE )

 

Assessment

When a patient is admitted to a healthcare facility, the medical
staff is responsible for doing an assessment so a diagnosis can
be made.

Scenario: In the scenario above, Mrs.G is admitted to the hospital
with complaints of headaches and poor coordination for the last
two weeks. The nurse takes a history and does an assessment. She 
documents her findings.

Diagnosis

The doctor examines Mrs.G and makes a diagnosis based on the
nature of the complaints. He plans to run some tests, in order to 
confirm the diagnosis. The care plan will reflect the problems 
associated with diagnosis and treatment. It is updated daily or as
changes are made by the doctor.
This topic continues here.

                                    

                                            

WHAT IS THE AORTA AND WHAT IS AN ANEURYSM?

 

WHAT IS THE AORTA? 

The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body.
It is a very powerful artery and originates in the
heart. The aorta carries oxygenated blood.

It works its way through the chest and abdomen, 
then divides up to supply blood to the legs .

*The heart is a pump that pumps blood around the body.

WHAT IS AN ANEURYSM?

An aneurysm is a bulge or balloon in a blood vessel.

The majority of aneurysms occur in the abdominal 

area.They may also occur along the blood vessels

that divide, after leaving the abdominal area.

An example of this phenomenon is the iliac artery.

HYPOTHERMIA OUTDOORS AND INDOORS

 

Hypothermia may occur outdoors or indoors. The key
to prevention, is taking necessary measures to stop this.
It is important to understand the causes and ways to
prevent the occasion. Here are some helpful hints:

- THINK AHEAD if going hiking , skiing or engaging in other
  outdoor activities.
- Always carry an extra set of warm clothing and enough fluids.
- Try to keep small children well hydrated  and avoid prolonged 
  overexposure of small children to very cold weather.

Scenario: In the image above, a patient has just arrived in PACU.
His core temperature is 95 degrees ( Fahrenheit).The above patient
is also at risk for a cardiac event, due to lack of oxygen.

Hypothermia increases the body's need for oxygen, A lethal cardiac
arrhythmia such as asystole may result.

A bair hugger or warm blankets may be used to combat hypothermia

in PACU.