Dear Nurses

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

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.