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.

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.