Nursing Tips (587)

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

Mannitol

Cathy Parkes

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

Mannitol

Cathy Parkes

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

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

Measles (Rubeola)

Cathy Parkes

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

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

MyPlate

Cathy Parkes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lyme Disease

Cathy Parkes

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

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

Intussusception

Cathy Parkes

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

Intussusception

Cathy Parkes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clotrimazole

Cathy Parkes

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

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

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

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

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.

"Gift from Infant"

Cathy Parkes

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

"Gift from Infant"

Cathy Parkes

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

In Vitamin E toxicity, a patient may experience impaired blood coagulation. Too much E = blEEding.

Vitamin E Toxicity

Cathy Parkes

In Vitamin E toxicity, a patient may experience impaired blood coagulation.

Vitamin E Toxicity

Cathy Parkes

In Vitamin E toxicity, a patient may experience impaired blood coagulation.

Monitor patients taking cyclophosphamide for blood in the urine, as this medication can cause hemorrhagic cystitis.

Cyclophosphamide

Cathy Parkes

Monitor patients taking cyclophosphamide for blood in the urine, as this medication can cause hemorrhagic cystitis.

Cyclophosphamide

Cathy Parkes

Monitor patients taking cyclophosphamide for blood in the urine, as this medication can cause hemorrhagic cystitis.

Nursing Tips - Halo Traction Devices

Halo Traction Devices

Cathy Parkes

If a patient has a halo traction device in place, be sure wrench to release rods is attached to vest (so CPR can be performed in the event of an...

Halo Traction Devices

Cathy Parkes

If a patient has a halo traction device in place, be sure wrench to release rods is attached to vest (so CPR can be performed in the event of an...

If there is a tornado, avoid windows, and move patients to the middle of the building (e.g., hallways). If the patient cannot be moved, place a blanket over the patient for protection.

Tornado Nursing Procedures

Cathy Parkes

If there is a tornado, avoid windows, and move patients to the middle of the building (e.g., hallways). If the patient cannot be moved, place a blanket over the patient...

Tornado Nursing Procedures

Cathy Parkes

If there is a tornado, avoid windows, and move patients to the middle of the building (e.g., hallways). If the patient cannot be moved, place a blanket over the patient...

If an infant has not passed meconium within the first 48 hours of life, they should be evaluated for Hirschsprung Disease. A colostomy may be needed in this case after surgical removal of the affected portion of the colon.

Hirschsprung Disease

Cathy Parkes

If an infant has not passed meconium within the first 48 hours of life, they should be evaluated for Hirschsprung Disease. A colostomy may be needed in this case after...

Hirschsprung Disease

Cathy Parkes

If an infant has not passed meconium within the first 48 hours of life, they should be evaluated for Hirschsprung Disease. A colostomy may be needed in this case after...

Important nutritional guidance for the patient with Cushing's Disease includes restricting fluid and sodium, but increasing intake of potassium, calcium, and protein.

Cushing's Disease: Nutritional Guidance

Cathy Parkes

Important nutritional guidance for the patient with Cushing's Disease includes restricting fluid and sodium, but increasing intake of potassium, calcium, and protein.

Cushing's Disease: Nutritional Guidance

Cathy Parkes

Important nutritional guidance for the patient with Cushing's Disease includes restricting fluid and sodium, but increasing intake of potassium, calcium, and protein.

Primary use of Lactulose

Primary use of Lactulose

Cathy Parkes

Lactulose is a laxative, but it is primarily used to decrease AMMONIA levels in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.

Primary use of Lactulose

Cathy Parkes

Lactulose is a laxative, but it is primarily used to decrease AMMONIA levels in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.

If equipment malfunctions, tag the faulty equipment, take it out of use, and notify the appropriate department.

Faulty Equipment

Cathy Parkes

If equipment malfunctions, tag the faulty equipment, take it out of use, and notify the appropriate department.

Faulty Equipment

Cathy Parkes

If equipment malfunctions, tag the faulty equipment, take it out of use, and notify the appropriate department.

Tumors are staged using the TNM staging criteria.

TNM Staging Criteria for Tumors

Cathy Parkes

Tumors are staged using the TNM staging criteria. T = Tumor (T1 - T4), representing the size and extent of the tumor. N = Node (N0 - N3), relating to...

TNM Staging Criteria for Tumors

Cathy Parkes

Tumors are staged using the TNM staging criteria. T = Tumor (T1 - T4), representing the size and extent of the tumor. N = Node (N0 - N3), relating to...

If a child ingests or is believed to have ingested a poison or other toxic substance, educate parents that the first step is to call poison control before doing anything else.

Poison Control: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

If a child ingests or is believed to have ingested a poison or other toxic substance, educate parents that the first step is to call poison control before doing anything...

Poison Control: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

If a child ingests or is believed to have ingested a poison or other toxic substance, educate parents that the first step is to call poison control before doing anything...

Interferon alpha-2b is used to enhance the body's immune response to tumors and viruses, but it can cause flu-like symptoms, bone marrow suppression, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, dyspnea, alopecia, GI upset, and psychiatric disorders!

Interferon Alpha-2b

Cathy Parkes

Interferon alpha-2b is used to enhance the body's immune response to tumors and viruses, but it can cause flu-like symptoms, bone marrow suppression, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, dyspnea, alopecia, GI upset, and...

Interferon Alpha-2b

Cathy Parkes

Interferon alpha-2b is used to enhance the body's immune response to tumors and viruses, but it can cause flu-like symptoms, bone marrow suppression, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, dyspnea, alopecia, GI upset, and...

Laboring patients who express back pain may benefit from sacral counterpressure. The nurse or support person can use the heel of their hand or their fist to push against the maternal sacrum to relieve lower back pain.

Back Pain during Labor

Cathy Parkes

Laboring patients who express back pain may benefit from sacral counterpressure. 

Back Pain during Labor

Cathy Parkes

Laboring patients who express back pain may benefit from sacral counterpressure. 

If a child is diagnosed with Mononucleosis, educate the family that they should avoid contact sports due to the risk of splenic rupture!

Mononucleosis in Children

Cathy Parkes

If a child is diagnosed with Mononucleosis, educate the family that they should avoid contact sports due to the risk of splenic rupture!

Mononucleosis in Children

Cathy Parkes

If a child is diagnosed with Mononucleosis, educate the family that they should avoid contact sports due to the risk of splenic rupture!

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) causes a sudden onset of weakness and paralysis, usually following a respiratory or GI viral infection. Be sure to maintain a patent airway!

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)

Cathy Parkes

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) causes a sudden onset of weakness and paralysis, usually following a respiratory or GI viral infection. Be sure to maintain a patent airway!

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)

Cathy Parkes

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) causes a sudden onset of weakness and paralysis, usually following a respiratory or GI viral infection. Be sure to maintain a patent airway!

For topical lidocaine cream (e.g., EMLA cream) to numb an area, be sure to apply it 1 hour before the procedure and cover it with an occlusive dressing.

Applying Topical Lidocaine Cream

Cathy Parkes

For topical lidocaine cream (e.g., EMLA cream) to numb an area, be sure to apply it 1 hour before the procedure and cover it with an occlusive dressing.

Applying Topical Lidocaine Cream

Cathy Parkes

For topical lidocaine cream (e.g., EMLA cream) to numb an area, be sure to apply it 1 hour before the procedure and cover it with an occlusive dressing.

When collecting a clean catch urine specimen, educate patients to clean the urethra with sterile wipes, waste the initial amount into the toilet and then position the sterile container into the stream.

Clean Catch Urine Specimen Collection

Cathy Parkes

When collecting a clean catch urine specimen, educate patients to clean the urethra with sterile wipes, waste the initial amount into the toilet and then position the sterile container into...

Clean Catch Urine Specimen Collection

Cathy Parkes

When collecting a clean catch urine specimen, educate patients to clean the urethra with sterile wipes, waste the initial amount into the toilet and then position the sterile container into...

Presumptive Signs of pregnancy are things that can be explained by OTHER reasons besides pregnancy. Examples: Nausea/vomiting, urinary frequency, amenorrhea, quickening (fetal movements felt by the mother), breast changes, fatigue.

Presumptive Signs of Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes

Presumptive Signs of pregnancy are things that can be explained by OTHER reasons besides pregnancy.

Presumptive Signs of Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes

Presumptive Signs of pregnancy are things that can be explained by OTHER reasons besides pregnancy.

Educate a patient following cataract surgery to avoid activities that increase intracranial pressure. Do not bend at waist, blow nose, lift ≥ 10 lbs., or strain with bowel movements.

Cataract Surgery: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate a patient following cataract surgery to avoid activities that increase intracranial pressure. Do not bend at waist, blow nose, lift ≥ 10 lbs., or strain with bowel movements.

Cataract Surgery: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate a patient following cataract surgery to avoid activities that increase intracranial pressure. Do not bend at waist, blow nose, lift ≥ 10 lbs., or strain with bowel movements.

Family teaching for a child experiencing Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome should include to thoroughly cook all food in the future in order to kill E. coli, the toxin responsible for the condition.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: Family Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Family teaching for a child experiencing Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome should include to thoroughly cook all food in the future in order to kill E. coli, the toxin responsible for the condition.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: Family Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Family teaching for a child experiencing Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome should include to thoroughly cook all food in the future in order to kill E. coli, the toxin responsible for the condition.

When administering enemas, lubricate the tip and insert it approximately 3 - 4" into the rectum with the tip angled towards the umbilicus.

Administering an Enema

Cathy Parkes

When administering enemas, lubricate the tip and insert it approximately 3 - 4" into the rectum with the tip angled towards the umbilicus.

Administering an Enema

Cathy Parkes

When administering enemas, lubricate the tip and insert it approximately 3 - 4" into the rectum with the tip angled towards the umbilicus.

For a patient experiencing shoulder dystocia, suprapubic pressure may help to push baby's shoulder off of the symphysis pubis.

Shoulder Dystocia

Cathy Parkes

For a patient experiencing shoulder dystocia, suprapubic pressure may help to push baby's shoulder off of the symphysis pubis. 

Shoulder Dystocia

Cathy Parkes

For a patient experiencing shoulder dystocia, suprapubic pressure may help to push baby's shoulder off of the symphysis pubis. 

In most states, scheduled medications (i.e., those with risk for abuse) cannot be called in over the phone, and refills are not permitted.

Scheduled Medications

Cathy Parkes

In most states, scheduled medications (i.e., those with risk for abuse) cannot be called in over the phone, and refills are not permitted.

Scheduled Medications

Cathy Parkes

In most states, scheduled medications (i.e., those with risk for abuse) cannot be called in over the phone, and refills are not permitted.

Herbal supplements can interact with medications! Garlic, Gingko Biloba, and Ginger increase a patient's bleeding risk with aspirin, NSAIDs, and warfarin.

Drug Interactions: Herbal Supplements

Cathy Parkes

Herbal supplements can interact with medications! Garlic, Gingko Biloba, and Ginger increase a patient's bleeding risk with aspirin, NSAIDs, and warfarin.

1 comment

Drug Interactions: Herbal Supplements

Cathy Parkes

Herbal supplements can interact with medications! Garlic, Gingko Biloba, and Ginger increase a patient's bleeding risk with aspirin, NSAIDs, and warfarin.

1 comment
Fine motor skills for a preschooler by age include: 3 years: draw a circle, 4 years: draw a square, 5 years: draw a diamond and triangle.

Fine Motor Skills for a Preschooler

Cathy Parkes

Fine motor skills for a preschooler by age include: 3 years: draw a circle, 4 years: draw a square, 5 years: draw a diamond and triangle.

Fine Motor Skills for a Preschooler

Cathy Parkes

Fine motor skills for a preschooler by age include: 3 years: draw a circle, 4 years: draw a square, 5 years: draw a diamond and triangle.

Educate patients on measures to prevent integumentary system cancers including avoiding midday sun, wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, and performing regular skin checks for changes.

Skin Cancer

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients on measures to prevent integumentary system cancers including avoiding midday sun, wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, and performing regular skin checks for changes.

Skin Cancer

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients on measures to prevent integumentary system cancers including avoiding midday sun, wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, and performing regular skin checks for changes.

Fluoride is important for decreasing tooth decay.

Fluoride

Cathy Parkes

Fluoride is important for decreasing tooth decay. 

Fluoride

Cathy Parkes

Fluoride is important for decreasing tooth decay. 

Exstrophy of the Bladder is a condition marked by an infant's bladder being inside out and exposed through the abdominal wall.

Exstrophy of the Bladder

Cathy Parkes

Exstrophy of the Bladder is a condition marked by an infant's bladder being inside out and exposed through the abdominal wall.

Exstrophy of the Bladder

Cathy Parkes

Exstrophy of the Bladder is a condition marked by an infant's bladder being inside out and exposed through the abdominal wall.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant, meaning that it pulls fluid into thin secretions and make them easier to cough out.

Guaifenesin: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Guaifenesin is an expectorant, meaning that it pulls fluid into thin secretions and make them easier to cough out.

Guaifenesin: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Guaifenesin is an expectorant, meaning that it pulls fluid into thin secretions and make them easier to cough out.

Educate patients who experience gout to avoid alcohol, purine-rich foods (e.g., red meat, organ meat, shellfish, high fructose drinks), and "starvation" dieting, but increase their fluid intake and reduce stress.

Gout: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients who experience gout to avoid alcohol, purine-rich foods (e.g., red meat, organ meat, shellfish, high fructose drinks), and "starvation" dieting, but increase their fluid intake and reduce stress.

Gout: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients who experience gout to avoid alcohol, purine-rich foods (e.g., red meat, organ meat, shellfish, high fructose drinks), and "starvation" dieting, but increase their fluid intake and reduce stress.

Umbilical Cord Inspection - LevelUpRN

Umbilical Cord Inspection

Cathy Parkes

After birth, the placenta and umbilical cord are inspected for abnormalities. The umbilical cord should contain 2 arteries and 1 vein and have no green/brown discoloration.

Umbilical Cord Inspection

Cathy Parkes

After birth, the placenta and umbilical cord are inspected for abnormalities. The umbilical cord should contain 2 arteries and 1 vein and have no green/brown discoloration.

Filgrastim - LevelUpRN

Filgrastim

Cathy Parkes

Filgrastim is a medication used to stimulate the growth of neutrophils in patients with neutropenia. 

Filgrastim

Cathy Parkes

Filgrastim is a medication used to stimulate the growth of neutrophils in patients with neutropenia. 

Ways to prevent hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) include performing proper hand hygiene, performing line/tube/drain care per evidence-based facility policy, limiting invasive procedures, and removing invasive devices as soon as indicated.

Preventing Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs)

Cathy Parkes

Ways to prevent hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) include performing proper hand hygiene, performing line/tube/drain care per evidence-based facility policy, limiting invasive procedures, and removing invasive devices as soon as indicated.

Preventing Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs)

Cathy Parkes

Ways to prevent hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) include performing proper hand hygiene, performing line/tube/drain care per evidence-based facility policy, limiting invasive procedures, and removing invasive devices as soon as indicated.

Epistaxis, or nosebleed, is common in childhood. In a child with epistaxis, lean their head forward (not back!) to prevent swallowing of blood.

Epistaxis

Cathy Parkes

Epistaxis, or nosebleed, is common in childhood. In a child with epistaxis, lean their head forward (not back!) to prevent swallowing of blood. 

Epistaxis

Cathy Parkes

Epistaxis, or nosebleed, is common in childhood. In a child with epistaxis, lean their head forward (not back!) to prevent swallowing of blood.