MENINGITIS - A CASE STUDY

Updated 1/25
Dear nurses,

The meningitis case study is no longer available.

For New information, click on the link below:

Meningitis and Quiz questions.

There is a video packed with helpful information.

So, click on the link : Sessions 23 ( Meningitis)

and enjoy learning.

GOD BLESS YOUR WEEK - THERE IS STILL LOTS TO LEARN

Updated 9/25

Dear nurses,

Dearnurses.com is no longer available.

New topics and links have been added below.

Learn more about : What if you were the nurse

Learn more about: Common causes of medication errors

Learn more about : Nursing communication

Learn more about: Pediatric facts

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS EKG SERIES

Learn more about : Atrial fibrillation - An overview

Updated 10/25

Dear nurses,

The EKG series is no longer available.
New information has been added below.

The heart is always at work. Even when you 
 are asleep, the heart continues to work. 

Hemodynamics refers to blood flow.

Any obstruction to the flow of  blood around
the heart, may lead to heart failure. Learn more
about the heart and the EKG by watching
the video: Sessions 68- Quiz 1

Learn more about : Post stroke- Why Therapy

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. 

What is 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

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS EKG SERIES

THE DOCTOR WILL DECIDE THE BEST TREATMENT FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION. TYPICALLY , THIS IS BASED ON THE HISTORY.
FOR MORE HELPFUL INFORMATION ON ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
AND ITS TREATMENT, SIMPLY CLICK ON THE LINK:
http://www.dearnurses.com/ AND ENJOY READING:-
EKG SERIES -WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS EKG
AND
CHEST PAIN SERIES-MASTER YOUR CLINICAL SKILLS.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS EKG SERIES

Updated 4/24

Dear nurses,

Chest pain series is no longer available. Please click

on the links below, for more updated information.

Chest pain assessment and EKG quiz

Sessions 50-Atrial fibrillation

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION is discussed in greater detail in

CHEST PAIN SERIES -MASTER YOUR CLINICAL SKILLS

(A CASE STUDY of ATRIAL FIBRILLATION can be found on PAGES 21-26).
FOR MORE HELPFUL INFORMATION ON EKG READING, ENJOY:
EKG SERIES-WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS EKG.

You may also enjoy watching the Clinical Videos called SESSIONS
In particular Sessions 16 through 18

ADDRESSING DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS

Updated 1/26

Dear nurses,

New information has been added below.

Enjoy learning!

The diabetic patient is at risk for many
 complications. Here are some of  the
 complications that may occur:

- DKA- diabetic ketoacidosis

- Retinopathy

- PVD 

- Poor wound healing

- Hypo/ hyperglycemia

Learn more about : Insulin reaction

Avoiding medication errors

Clinical appearance of the patient in DKA

Scenario: Tom was admitted to the ICU, with the clinical

picture of a patient in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). His blood
glucose was 600. Tom has an altered level of consciousness (LOC).
He also has hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose).
Please watch the video below:
Dehydration

Signs and symptoms of DKA

The patient in DKA requires immediate intervention and a level
 of care like ICU.

Some signs that may appear include:

- Hyperglycemia

- Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)

- Tachypnea (rapid breathing)

- Polyuria (excessive urination)

- Polydipsia (excessive thirst)

- Flushed face

- Breath has a fruity odor

Please enjoy the video:
Patient education

Medical management is necessary for the patient in DKA.
Frequent monitoring of blood glucose, Insulin IV, Potassium
replacements are included in the management.

  Insulin - Hormone of the pancreas

 Insulin is a hormone which is produced
in the pancreas by special glands known
as the Islets of Langerhans.

When we eat a meal like hamburger, fries and milkshake,
Insulin is released in the blood stream to control blood glucose.
The liver stores glucose in the form of glycogen. If the pancreas
is not able to produce insulin, diabetes ensues.

Diabetes Mellitus may be Type 1 or Type 2. 

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 vessels.

Diabetic Nephropathy

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

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

HAVE A GREAT WEEK

Dear nurses,

Thanks for visiting my blog. It is a pleasure to share with you my CLINICAL EXPERTISE. Below are posts of WHAT IS WRONG WITH EKG.

I hope you have learnt something from this.

Have a great week and God bless you all!

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS EKG SERIES

The above EKG demonstrates the absence of the P wave which signifies no effective atrial contraction. When the atria contract blood is forced into the ventricles.The interruption of blood flow will affect blood going to the body's organs. More EKG strips to follow. AN UPDATE ON EKG READING CAN BE ACCESSED BY CLICKING ON THE LINK:EKG SERIES-WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS EKG.
You may also enjoy watching the Clinical Videos called SESSIONS

PACEMAKER INTERVENTION

Updated 2/25

In the image below, Pam has a known cardiac history. 
Her own natural pacemaker is not functioning well.
She is having episodes of chest pain, shortness of 
breath and dizziness.

Her cardiologist evaluates her cardiac status and 
decides to put in a permanent pacemaker.

  The doctor usually decides when a permanent pacemaker 
       should be inserted. Typically, a patient has cardiac problems
     which cause symptoms such as the ones described above. 

A 12 lead EKG and other studies are also done. 
 If the patient's symptoms are considered an
              emergency, a temporary pacemaker or external pacing
       (TCP) may be used. 

           Dearnurses.net is no longer available.

 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.

PACEMAKER INSERTION OVERVIEW

Here is an OVERVIEW of PACEMAKER INSERTION. Hope this has been helpful in understanding the use of PACEMAKERS. PACEMAKER INSERTION will be discussed
in greater detail in the coming weeks.
UPDATE- Information on EKG reading and pacmaker intervention is ready for you. Enjoy learning.

PACEMAKER OVERVIEW

The heart has its own natural pacemaker, known as the SA node. When it loses its ability to do its function, a permanent pacemaker may have to be inserted. To learn more, enjoy reading:
http://www.dearnurses.com/ekg_series_-_what_is_wrong_with_this_ekg

HAVE A GREAT WEEK NURSES

Dear nurses,

Have a great week! Below are posts of a new SERIES to come and the use of TPN in the CLINICAL SETTING. Enjoy learning more about the Clinical Setting.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS EKG?

Updated 10/25

Pacemaker implantation may be done for different reasons.
Any damage to the heart muscle, or the electrical conduction
 system, will interfere with the ability of the heart to function
 normally.This may be an indication for a pacemaker. 
Sick sinus syndrome (though rare) or myocardial infarction are
examples. Learn more about : Pacemaker implantation

Here are some diagnostic tests that are done frequently.

Follow the links below:

1. Chest X ray
2. CAT scan
3. EKG
4. MRI scan
5. Ultrasound
6. Echocardiogram

A pneumothorax may occur as a result of a rib fracture.
The punctured lung, collapses.

Scenario: A patient was involved in a car accident. 

Trauma to the chest area, has resulted in a pneumothorax.
He was also having difficulty breathing, so the medical team
initiated CPR and placed an ETT ( endotracheal tube). 
Learn more about: Pneumothorax

TPN ADMINISTRATION IN THE TRAUMA PATIENT

TPN is used for a number of reasons.

The doctor usually assesses this need. If your patient is receiving TPN,  here

are some helpful hints :

- change and date the tubings per your institution's protocol.

- document and report any significant *fever as infection is a complication.

- monitor blood glucose and do lab values per MD orders.

- assess , document and report any complaints of pain or tenderness in the calf,

chest pain, shortness of breath, or significant changes in vital signs.

Updated 5/23

For more information on this topic, click on the links:

Sessions 20

Atropine and TPN

TPN OVERVIEW FOR NURSES

Above is an overview of TPN. Hope it helps you to understand the reason for

TPN use (Sesssions 14).

TPN is also given in the home under the supervision of licensed personnel.

Enjoy learning more about the Clinical Setting.

UPDATED 5/23

For more helpful information, click on the link:

Trauma / Sepsis

THE CLINICAL SETTING A GREAT PLACE TO LEARN

Updated 7/25

Dear nurses,

The Clinical setting is a great place to grow and learn.
Enjoy learning by clicking on the links below.

Learn more about : ARDS and Care planning

Learn more about : Sepsis

The heart is always at work. Hemodynamics refers

to blood flow. Any obstruction to the flow of blood
in and around the heart, may lead to failure. 

Learn more about : The Circulatory System

Learn more about : The Clinical setting

HAVE A GREAT WEEK TO ALL NURSES

Updated 5/24

Dear nurses, 

The Clinical Setting is no longer available. 

Please click on the link below for updated information:

Quizmenurse

Learn more about : Autodigestion / Pancreatitis

DIABETIC CARE FOR NURSES - PART 2

Updated 8 /25

Dear nurses,

New topics have been added below.

Learn more about : Insulin - A hormone

Learn more about : Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Learn more about : Poor circulation

TRAUMA - EYE INJURIES

An eye injury may occur at anytime and anywhere, sometimes in the workplace.
It is important to recognize that quick intervention is of paramount importance.

Helpful hints

Always lift try to lift large objects away from the eyes.
If something splashes in the eye, washing it out of the eye and
seeking medical treatment may be necessary.

Hyphema - Blood in the anterior chamber of the eye caused by blunt trauma.
See above image).

TRAUMA - EYE INJURIES

A traumatic event may occur at any time. More than one part of the body may be affected.

To learn more about trama, simply click on the link: http://www.dearnurses.com/

and enjoy the TRAUMA CARE TOPICS , or click on:

http://www.dearnurses.net/the_clinical_setting_step_by_step

and enjoy the different TRAUMA topics throughout the chapters.