Nursing Tips (615)

Educate patients on the use of the incentive spirometer. They should inhale slowly and deeply, and use the device ~ 10 times an hour while awake.

Incentive Spirometer

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Educate patients on the use of the incentive spirometer. They should inhale slowly and deeply, and use the device ~ 10 times an hour while awake.

Incentive Spirometer

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Educate patients on the use of the incentive spirometer. They should inhale slowly and deeply, and use the device ~ 10 times an hour while awake.

Kwashiorkor is severe protein malnutrition marked by abdominal distension, peripheral edema, round face, muscle atrophy, and hepatomegaly.

Kwashiorkor

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Kwashiorkor is severe protein malnutrition marked by abdominal distension, peripheral edema, round face, muscle atrophy, and hepatomegaly.

Kwashiorkor

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Kwashiorkor is severe protein malnutrition marked by abdominal distension, peripheral edema, round face, muscle atrophy, and hepatomegaly.

Two types of data the nurse should document include objective and subjective.

Objective versus Subjective Data

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Two types of data the nurse should document include objective and subjective.

Objective versus Subjective Data

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Two types of data the nurse should document include objective and subjective.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms - LevelUpRN

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

How to remember that Rheumatoid Arthritis causes swan neck and boutonniere deformities

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

How to remember that Rheumatoid Arthritis causes swan neck and boutonniere deformities

Signs that a parent may be experiencing impaired bonding with their infant may include ignoring the infant, showing apathy or indifference when the infant cries, expressing disgust with diapers or spit-up, or expressing disappointment in the infant.

Impaired Bonding

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Signs that a parent may be experiencing impaired bonding with their infant may include ignoring the infant, showing apathy or indifference when the infant cries, expressing disgust with diapers or...

Impaired Bonding

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Signs that a parent may be experiencing impaired bonding with their infant may include ignoring the infant, showing apathy or indifference when the infant cries, expressing disgust with diapers or...

Laissez-Faire leadership style follows a hands-off approach, which leads to low productivity and frustration.

Laissez-Faire Leadership

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Laissez-Faire leadership style follows a hands-off approach, which leads to low productivity and frustration.

Laissez-Faire Leadership

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Laissez-Faire leadership style follows a hands-off approach, which leads to low productivity and frustration.

A patient with osteoarthritis may have Heberden's nodes on the distal interphalangeal joints and/or Bouchard's nodes on the proximal interphalangeal joints.

Osteoarthritis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A patient with osteoarthritis may have Heberden's nodes on the distal interphalangeal joints and/or Bouchard's nodes on the proximal interphalangeal joints.

1 comment

Osteoarthritis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A patient with osteoarthritis may have Heberden's nodes on the distal interphalangeal joints and/or Bouchard's nodes on the proximal interphalangeal joints.

1 comment
Vesicles are fluid-filled primary skin lesions < 1 cm in size. Bulla are also fluid-filled primary skin lesions, but are larger than 1 cm in size.

Vesicles versus Bulla

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Vesicles are fluid-filled primary skin lesions < 1 cm in size. Bulla are also fluid-filled primary skin lesions, but are larger than 1 cm in size.

Vesicles versus Bulla

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Vesicles are fluid-filled primary skin lesions < 1 cm in size. Bulla are also fluid-filled primary skin lesions, but are larger than 1 cm in size.

Somogyi phenomenon is morning hyperglycemia due to untreated overnight hypoglycemia.To prevent Somogyi's phenomenon, provide a bedtime snack and insulin.

Somogyi Phenomenon

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Somogyi phenomenon is morning hyperglycemia due to untreated overnight hypoglycemia. To prevent Somogyi's phenomenon, provide a bedtime snack and insulin.

1 comment

Somogyi Phenomenon

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Somogyi phenomenon is morning hyperglycemia due to untreated overnight hypoglycemia. To prevent Somogyi's phenomenon, provide a bedtime snack and insulin.

1 comment
Prevalence is the number of current cases (new and pre-existing) of a disease/injury in a population during a specified time. This figure does not include those who have died from the condition!

Prevalence

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Prevalence is the number of current cases (new and pre-existing) of a disease/injury in a population during a specified time. This figure does not include those who have died from...

Prevalence

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Prevalence is the number of current cases (new and pre-existing) of a disease/injury in a population during a specified time. This figure does not include those who have died from...

Pulse oximetry (SPO2) is used to assess the percentage of hemoglobin saturation in the blood. Normal levels are 95 - 100%, but remember that a patient with COPD is expected to have SPO2 levels in the low 90s!

Pulse Oximetry (SPO2)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Pulse oximetry (SPO2) is used to assess the percentage of hemoglobin saturation in the blood. Normal levels are 95 - 100%, but remember that a patient with COPD is expected...

Pulse Oximetry (SPO2)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Pulse oximetry (SPO2) is used to assess the percentage of hemoglobin saturation in the blood. Normal levels are 95 - 100%, but remember that a patient with COPD is expected...

Sensible water losses refer to measurable excretion (e.g., urination), but insensible losses occur as well (e.g., fluid loss through sweat or respiration).

Sensible Water Losses

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Sensible water losses refer to measurable excretion (e.g., urination), but insensible losses occur as well (e.g., fluid loss through sweat or respiration).

Sensible Water Losses

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Sensible water losses refer to measurable excretion (e.g., urination), but insensible losses occur as well (e.g., fluid loss through sweat or respiration).

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is a respiratory infection characterized by a cough with a "whoop" sound, frequently leading to post-tussive emesis (coughing to the point of vomiting). Initiate droplet precautions for a patient with pertussis!

Pertussis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is a respiratory infection characterized by a cough with a "whoop" sound, frequently leading to post-tussive emesis (coughing to the point of vomiting). Initiate droplet precautions for...

1 comment

Pertussis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is a respiratory infection characterized by a cough with a "whoop" sound, frequently leading to post-tussive emesis (coughing to the point of vomiting). Initiate droplet precautions for...

1 comment
Patients with artificial airways may be unable to speak. Use alternative communication methods (e.g., writing board) to allow the patient to convey their needs.

Patients with Artificial Airways

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with artificial airways may be unable to speak. Use alternative communication methods (e.g., writing board) to allow the patient to convey their needs.

Patients with Artificial Airways

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with artificial airways may be unable to speak. Use alternative communication methods (e.g., writing board) to allow the patient to convey their needs.

Fluticasone - LevelUpRN

Fluticasone

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Fluticasone is a nasal corticosteroid used to treat rhinitis (nasal congestion).

Fluticasone

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Fluticasone is a nasal corticosteroid used to treat rhinitis (nasal congestion).

Screening for scoliosis is conducted with the Adam's forward bend test. A positive result is demonstrated by asymmetry of the ribs and flanks.

Screening for scoliosis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Screening for scoliosis is conducted with the Adam's forward bend test. A positive result is demonstrated by asymmetry of the ribs and flanks.

Screening for scoliosis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Screening for scoliosis is conducted with the Adam's forward bend test. A positive result is demonstrated by asymmetry of the ribs and flanks.

Precipitous labor is one which lasts less than three hours from the onset of contractions to the time of delivery.

Precipitous Labor

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Precipitous labor is one which lasts less than three hours from the onset of contractions to the time of delivery. Monitor patients with precipitous labor for postpartum hemorrhage!

Precipitous Labor

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Precipitous labor is one which lasts less than three hours from the onset of contractions to the time of delivery. Monitor patients with precipitous labor for postpartum hemorrhage!

Patients with Crohn's Disease will experience periods of flare-ups. During severe exacerbations, complete NPO status for bowel rest with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) may be needed.

Crohn's Disease: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with Crohn's Disease will experience periods of flare-ups. During severe exacerbations, complete NPO status for bowel rest with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) may be needed.

Crohn's Disease: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with Crohn's Disease will experience periods of flare-ups. During severe exacerbations, complete NPO status for bowel rest with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) may be needed.

When recording I&Os, ice chips should be recorded as half their volume. For example, 8 oz of ice chips count as 4 oz of water.

Recording I&Os

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When recording I&Os, ice chips should be recorded as half their volume. For example, 8 oz of ice chips count as 4 oz of water.

Recording I&Os

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When recording I&Os, ice chips should be recorded as half their volume. For example, 8 oz of ice chips count as 4 oz of water.

Monitor patients with eating disorders for refeeding syndrome, caused by introducing nutrition too rapidly after prolonged starvation.

Refeeding Syndrome

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Monitor patients with eating disorders for refeeding syndrome, caused by introducing nutrition too rapidly after prolonged starvation.

1 comment

Refeeding Syndrome

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Monitor patients with eating disorders for refeeding syndrome, caused by introducing nutrition too rapidly after prolonged starvation.

1 comment
When providing denture care, place towels into the sink to prevent damage should they fall during cleaning.

Denture Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When providing denture care, place towels into the sink to prevent damage should they fall during cleaning.

Denture Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When providing denture care, place towels into the sink to prevent damage should they fall during cleaning.

Venturi devices are used to provide the most precise FiO2 delivery (up to 40%) without intubation. The flow rate depends on the mask to which the device is attached.

Venturi Devices

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Venturi devices are used to provide the most precise FiO2 delivery (up to 40%) without intubation. The flow rate depends on the mask to which the device is attached.

Venturi Devices

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Venturi devices are used to provide the most precise FiO2 delivery (up to 40%) without intubation. The flow rate depends on the mask to which the device is attached.

Clonidine, a centrally acting Alpha2 Agonist, may cause three main side effects.

Clonidine

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Clonidine, a centrally acting Alpha2 Agonist, may cause three main side effects.

Clonidine

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Clonidine, a centrally acting Alpha2 Agonist, may cause three main side effects.

Osteomyelitis (an infection of the bone) is a risk for any patient who experienced recent trauma (e.g., an open fracture), bacteremia, orthopedic surgery, and/or circulatory disorders (e.g., Diabetes Mellitus).

Osteomyelitis: Risk Factors

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Osteomyelitis (an infection of the bone) is a risk for any patient who experienced recent trauma (e.g., an open fracture), bacteremia, orthopedic surgery, and/or circulatory disorders (e.g., Diabetes Mellitus).

Osteomyelitis: Risk Factors

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Osteomyelitis (an infection of the bone) is a risk for any patient who experienced recent trauma (e.g., an open fracture), bacteremia, orthopedic surgery, and/or circulatory disorders (e.g., Diabetes Mellitus).

Phototherapy with UV lights is a common treatment for newborn hyperbilirubinemia.

Newborn Hyperbilirubinemia: Treatment

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Phototherapy with UV lights is a common treatment for newborn hyperbilirubinemia.

Newborn Hyperbilirubinemia: Treatment

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Phototherapy with UV lights is a common treatment for newborn hyperbilirubinemia.

Otitis Externa (swimmer's ear) affects the ear canal, causing erythema and itching.

Otitis Externa

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Otitis Externa (swimmer's ear) affects the ear canal, causing erythema and itching.

Otitis Externa

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Otitis Externa (swimmer's ear) affects the ear canal, causing erythema and itching.

Veracity is an ethical principle stating that the nurse should tell the truth. For example, the nurse should be honest with the patient about the possible side effects of a medication.

Veracity

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Veracity is an ethical principle stating that the nurse should tell the truth. For example, the nurse should be honest with the patient about the possible side effects of a...

Veracity

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Veracity is an ethical principle stating that the nurse should tell the truth. For example, the nurse should be honest with the patient about the possible side effects of a...

Albumin is used to maintain osmotic pressure in the plasma by drawing fluid into the vascular space.

Albumin: Mode of Action

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Albumin is used to maintain osmotic pressure in the plasma by drawing fluid into the vascular space.

Albumin: Mode of Action

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Albumin is used to maintain osmotic pressure in the plasma by drawing fluid into the vascular space.

To prevent injury, follow proper body mechanics: stand with feet shoulder width apart; avoid twisting the spine; bend using the knees instead of the waist; and hold objects close to the body when lifting.

Body Mechanics for Lifting

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

To prevent injury, follow proper body mechanics: stand with feet shoulder width apart; avoid twisting the spine; bend using the knees instead of the waist; and hold objects close to...

Body Mechanics for Lifting

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

To prevent injury, follow proper body mechanics: stand with feet shoulder width apart; avoid twisting the spine; bend using the knees instead of the waist; and hold objects close to...

Mumps (Paramyxovirus) may lead to swelling of the testes and parotid glands. Monitor for airway compromise.

Mumps (Paramyxovirus)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Mumps (Paramyxovirus) may lead to swelling of the testes and parotid glands. Monitor for airway compromise. 

Mumps (Paramyxovirus)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Mumps (Paramyxovirus) may lead to swelling of the testes and parotid glands. Monitor for airway compromise. 

Monitor adolescents for signs of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

Eating Disorders in Adolescents

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Monitor adolescents for signs of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

Eating Disorders in Adolescents

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Monitor adolescents for signs of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

Meniere's Disease affects the inner ear leading to balance and hearing disturbances.

Meniere's Disease: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Meniere's Disease affects the inner ear leading to balance and hearing disturbances. 

Meniere's Disease: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Meniere's Disease affects the inner ear leading to balance and hearing disturbances. 

Things you can delegate to your PN (LVN, LPN): Medication administration, foley catheter insertion, enteral feeding, NG tube insertion, suctioning, tracheostomy care, reinforcement of patient teaching.

Delegating to your PN

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Things can delegate to PN: Medication administration, foley catheter, enteral feeding, NG tube insertion, suctioning, tracheostomy care...

1 comment

Delegating to your PN

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Things can delegate to PN: Medication administration, foley catheter, enteral feeding, NG tube insertion, suctioning, tracheostomy care...

1 comment
Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure (ICP).

Mannitol

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure (ICP).

Mannitol

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure (ICP).

Measles (Rubeola) is a highly contagious illness preventable through vaccination.

Measles (Rubeola)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Measles (Rubeola) is a highly contagious illness preventable through vaccination.

Measles (Rubeola)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Measles (Rubeola) is a highly contagious illness preventable through vaccination.

MyPlate is a nutritional guide published by the USDA to help people eat the right amount of each food group.

MyPlate

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

MyPlate is a nutritional guide published by the USDA to help people eat the right amount of each food group.

MyPlate

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

MyPlate is a nutritional guide published by the USDA to help people eat the right amount of each food group.

Combatting the Effects of Immobility - LevelUpRN

Combatting the Effects of Immobility

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

In order to combat the effects of immobility, encourage coughing/deep breathing/use of incentive spirometer, apply TED hose or SCDs to promote blood return, provide anticoagulation as ordered, and reposition the...

Combatting the Effects of Immobility

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

In order to combat the effects of immobility, encourage coughing/deep breathing/use of incentive spirometer, apply TED hose or SCDs to promote blood return, provide anticoagulation as ordered, and reposition the...

Prior to performing a heel stick procedure on an infant, warm the newborn's heel to increase blood circulation.

Heel Stick Procedure: Infants

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Prior to performing a heel stick procedure on an infant, warm the newborn's heel to increase blood circulation.

Heel Stick Procedure: Infants

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Prior to performing a heel stick procedure on an infant, warm the newborn's heel to increase blood circulation.

Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Key feature of Lyme Disease is a ring-shaped, "bullesye" lesion at the site of the tick bite.

1 comment

Lyme Disease

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Key feature of Lyme Disease is a ring-shaped, "bullesye" lesion at the site of the tick bite.

1 comment
Intussusception is a condition marked by the small intestine "telescoping" in on itself and causing an obstruction.

Intussusception

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Intussusception is a condition marked by the small intestine "telescoping" in on itself and causing an obstruction.

Intussusception

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Intussusception is a condition marked by the small intestine "telescoping" in on itself and causing an obstruction.

Things you can delegate to your CNA/tech partner:  Bathing, toileting, dressing, ambulating, positioning, vital signs, bed making, specimen collection, feeding patients without swallowing precautions.

Delegating to your CNA

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Things can delegate to your CNA/tech partner: Bathing, toileting, dressing, ambulating, positioning, vital signs, bed making, specimen collection...

Delegating to your CNA

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Things can delegate to your CNA/tech partner: Bathing, toileting, dressing, ambulating, positioning, vital signs, bed making, specimen collection...

If a patient reports sudden, painless loss of vision (as though a "curtain" has been pulled over the visual field), immediately report this to the provider. This may indicate retinal detachment which requires emergency surgery to repair.

Retinal Detachment

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If a patient reports sudden, painless loss of vision (as though a "curtain" has been pulled over the visual field), immediately report this to the provider. This may indicate retinal...

Retinal Detachment

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If a patient reports sudden, painless loss of vision (as though a "curtain" has been pulled over the visual field), immediately report this to the provider. This may indicate retinal...

It is normal for a toddler to have temper tantrums and display "negativism" (i.e., automatically saying "no" when asked a question).

Negativism in Toddlers

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

It is normal for a toddler to have temper tantrums and display "negativism" (i.e., automatically saying "no" when asked a question).

Negativism in Toddlers

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

It is normal for a toddler to have temper tantrums and display "negativism" (i.e., automatically saying "no" when asked a question).

In order to uphold HIPAA laws, log off the computer when stepping away, and use secure, unique passwords that are changed frequently. Never share passwords with anyone.

HIPAA Laws: Password Safety

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

In order to uphold HIPAA laws, log off the computer when stepping away, and use secure, unique passwords that are changed frequently. Never share passwords with anyone.

HIPAA Laws: Password Safety

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

In order to uphold HIPAA laws, log off the computer when stepping away, and use secure, unique passwords that are changed frequently. Never share passwords with anyone.

Clotrimazole is a medication often used to treat athlete's foot (tinea pedis).

Clotrimazole

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Clotrimazole is a medication often used to treat athlete's foot (tinea pedis). 

Clotrimazole

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Clotrimazole is a medication often used to treat athlete's foot (tinea pedis). 

In a positive feedback loop, a release of hormones initiates actions that lead to an additional release of that hormone.

Positive Feedback Loop

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

In a positive feedback loop, a release of hormones initiates actions that lead to an additional release of that hormone.

Positive Feedback Loop

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

In a positive feedback loop, a release of hormones initiates actions that lead to an additional release of that hormone.

In the presence of blood, a fecal occult blood test card will turn blue. Report this finding to the provider for further evaluation.

Fecal Occult Blood Test

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

In the presence of blood, a fecal occult blood test card will turn blue. Report this finding to the provider for further evaluation.

Fecal Occult Blood Test

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

In the presence of blood, a fecal occult blood test card will turn blue. Report this finding to the provider for further evaluation.

Older siblings may have difficulty adapting to the presence of the infant.

Gifts from Infants

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Older siblings may have difficulty adapting to the presence of the infant. 

Gifts from Infants

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Older siblings may have difficulty adapting to the presence of the infant.