INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HEPARIN AND TPA ( THROMBOLYTIC PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR)

In the image above, a new nurse seeks information
about Heparin, an anticoagulant drug.

Heparin is an anticoagulant drug. It is used to
prevent clot formation in conditions such as 
Atrial fibrillation and DVT ( deep vein thrombosis).
Learn more about :Heparin Therapy

Heparin is given IV or SQ, but never via the intra-
muscular route. Side effects of anticoagulant therapy
include: bleeding of gums, hematuria, bleeding from IV
and dressing sites. Protamine Sulfate is the drug used to

counteract the action of Heparin.

A patient on Anticoagulation Therapy may experience 
bleeding of the gums, at dressing sites, in the urine, or
at IV sites. It is important for the nurse to assess and 
document any bleeding.

Poor circulation may occur for a number of reasons.
Any obstruction to the flow of blood may lead to conditions
such as stroke, heart failure, and or renal failure .The 
diabetic patient is also at risk.

Learn more about : ARDS, DVT and PE

What is a stroke?

A stroke is also known as a brain attack.

Identifying strokes and treatment

A stroke may be hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding) or
ischemic (embolic) caused by a clot or plaque in a blood
vessel. 

Bleeding ( hemorrhagic) into the brain may be caused
by trauma or rupture of a blood vessel due to high
blood pressure. ICP monitoring may be necessary for 
the patient with a hemorrhagic stroke.

In the case of an embolic stroke, a blood clot may
obstruct the flow of blood in the brain. This will also
affect oxygen to the brain.

Embolic strokes are usually treated with drugs such
as TPA ( Tissue Plasminogenic Activator). Antihypertensive
drugs and anti- seizure medications may also be ordered.

Reperfusion Therapy and its uses

Reperfusion Therapy is a form of treatment that
is used for patients who have a myocardial infarction

(MI) with STEMI. Typically, the patient with a
completely blocked coronary artery, would
demonstrate STEMI on the EKG.

TPA ( Thrombolytic Plasminogen Activator)
is not only used for reperfusion in patients
who had a myocardial infarction, it is also
used in the treatment of embolic strokes.

ADDRESSING HELPFUL TOPICS FOR THE CLINICAL NURSE

 Dear nurses,

As a nurse we must strive to do the best
job we can. The clinical setting is sometimes
challenging, but that does not mean we cannot
perfect our learning skills.

Enjoy learning!

In the image above, Mr. R is admitted to the hospital
with a history of congestive heart failure. His doctor
has ordered a fluid restriction of 500 cc/day, 
Learn more about: Fluid restriction in the heart patient.

Learn more about : The importance of Therapy

Please watch the video to learn more about : Bowel obstruction

Helpful suggestion:

The care plan 

Patient and family education should always
be included in the plan of care. The nurse is
responsible for initiating and updating the
care plan. 

   The Nursing Process

UNDERSTANDING NARCOTIC USES AND SIDE EFFECTS

 

Narcotic uses

Narcotics are controlled substances that are frequently
used in the clinical setting. They may be used for reasons
such as pain control, as anesthesia, pain control and more.

Commonly used narcotics include: Morphine, Oxycodone,
Fentanyl and Hydromorphone. It is important for the nurse
to be aware of the side effects, when administering these
types of drugs.

Side effects include: lethargy, hypotension, nausea, vomiting,
mental confusion or hallucinations. It is also necessary for the
nurse to document pain scales and reaction to medication given.

Medication is frequently given in a healthcare facility.
When the doctor orders medication, different routes
of administration may be used. 

Drugs may be given through different routes:
- orally, by inhalation, sublingually ( under
 the tongue)
- by injection in the muscle( IM), subcutaneously( SQ)
  or intravenously ( IV or IV infusion).

Medication errors should be avoided at all costs.

In the image above, Nancy requested a pain shot.
The nurse did not read the doctor's order correctly
 and drew up 5.0mg of the medication, instead of
0.5mg.

It is extremely important to pay close attention to the 
placement of the decimal point.

I

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026

 

Relaxation is a beautiful thing. It decreases

anxiety and helps to reduce stress.

Learn more about : The spread of infection

Berries are rich in vitamins , potassium
and magnesium. They are also said to have
 anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Learn more : All Things food 

Learn more about: Foods and their properties

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

 

Dear nurses,

Wishing you the very best for Christmas and 
the New Year.

Please enjoy the videos:

Sessions 38 - Happy Holiday
and Sessions 61- From holiday cheers to horrors

Learn more about : Travel and eating

Learn more about: All things food

UNDERSTANDING SAFE NURSING PRACTICES - A NURSE'S PRIORITIES

 

When a nurse's priorities are wrong

In the image above, Jenna is a new nurse.
She has not fully understood the importance
of safe nursing practices.

Her desperation to be on time to meet a friend
for lunch, took priority over patient safety.

Jenna works in the ICU. The monitor alarm 
of the patient in her care, was going off. She
made no attempt to check if something was
wrong.

It is important to understand that a patient who
is cared for in the ICU, requires a higher level
of care.

It is unfortunate Jenna did not prioritize.

The image above shows a Code blue in progress. This is 
happening in the Emergency Room. Always follow your

Institution's policies and procedures for Code Blue. 

The role of the nurse who is assigned to the Code Blue

The nurse has an important role in effective communication.
There are many responsibilities.

- staying calm in a chaotic situation
- giving clear instructions to coworkers
- ensuring that MD orders are conveyed correctly

- proper documentation of vital signs and all treatments ,
  interventions that take place ( defibrillation for example)
  - the nurse becomes the " binding force.

Learn more about: The Nursing Process

Learn more about : Nursing communication

Common causes of medication errors

Like the artist perfects painting skills, so does the
nurse perfect clinical skills!

Nursing Fundamentals

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Please enjoy the videos:
Sessions 38 - Happy Holiday
and Sessions 61- From holiday cheers to horrors

Learn more about: All things food

Learn more about: Preventing infection

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.