Nursing Tips

Immune (37)

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.

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.

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...

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...

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!

Expected labs with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Positive Rheumatoid Factor (RF) antibody and Positive ANA titer.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Expected Labs

Cathy Parkes

Expected labs with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Positive Rheumatoid Factor (RF) antibody and Positive ANA titer.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Expected Labs

Cathy Parkes

Expected labs with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Positive Rheumatoid Factor (RF) antibody and Positive ANA titer.

Fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin carry a black box warning for tendon rupture. This is a unique side effect that is important to remember!

Fluoroquinolones

Cathy Parkes

Fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin carry a black box warning for tendon rupture. This is a unique side effect that is important to remember!

Fluoroquinolones

Cathy Parkes

Fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin carry a black box warning for tendon rupture. This is a unique side effect that is important to remember!

Cyclosporine is a medication used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.

Cyclosporine

Cathy Parkes

Cyclosporine is a medication used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.

Cyclosporine

Cathy Parkes

Cyclosporine is a medication used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.

Plasma cells are a type of B cell which produce and release antibodies against a specific antigen.

Plasma Cells

Cathy Parkes

Plasma cells are a type of B cell which produce and release antibodies against a specific antigen.

Plasma Cells

Cathy Parkes

Plasma cells are a type of B cell which produce and release antibodies against a specific antigen.

Educate patients taking tetracyclines that it is important to avoid dairy products, foods high in calcium and iron, and antacids, as these decrease the absorption of the antibiotic.

Tetracyclines: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients taking tetracyclines that it is important to avoid dairy products, foods high in calcium and iron, and antacids, as these decrease the absorption of the antibiotic.

Tetracyclines: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients taking tetracyclines that it is important to avoid dairy products, foods high in calcium and iron, and antacids, as these decrease the absorption of the antibiotic.

Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline) should not be used in pregnant/breastfeeding patients. Due to the risk for permanent tooth discoloration, it should also be avoided in children under 8 years old.

Tetracyclines

Cathy Parkes

Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline) should not be used in pregnant/breastfeeding patients. Due to the risk for permanent tooth discoloration, it should also be avoided in children under 8 years old.

Tetracyclines

Cathy Parkes

Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline) should not be used in pregnant/breastfeeding patients. Due to the risk for permanent tooth discoloration, it should also be avoided in children under 8 years old.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or malaria may require use of the medication hydroxychloroquine. Because this medication can cause agranulocytosis, monitor CBC levels during therapy.

Hydroxychloroquine

Cathy Parkes

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or malaria may require use of the medication hydroxychloroquine. Because this medication can cause agranulocytosis, monitor CBC levels during therapy.

Hydroxychloroquine

Cathy Parkes

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or malaria may require use of the medication hydroxychloroquine. Because this medication can cause agranulocytosis, monitor CBC levels during therapy.

Fifth's Disease (Parvovirus-B19) has a classic finding of a "slapped cheek" rash on the face.

Fifth's Disease

Cathy Parkes

Fifth's Disease (Parvovirus-B19) has a classic finding of a "slapped cheek" rash on the face.

1 comment

Fifth's Disease

Cathy Parkes

Fifth's Disease (Parvovirus-B19) has a classic finding of a "slapped cheek" rash on the face.

1 comment
A patient who reports "sulfa" allergies should not be given sulfonamide antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole.

Sulfa Allergies

Cathy Parkes

A patient who reports "sulfa" allergies should not be given sulfonamide antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole.

Sulfa Allergies

Cathy Parkes

A patient who reports "sulfa" allergies should not be given sulfonamide antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole.

A patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has some classic findings including fatigue, joint pain, fever, butterfly rash on the face, Raynaud's phenomenon, and a positive ANA titer.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Cathy Parkes

A patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has some classic findings including fatigue, joint pain, fever, butterfly rash on the face, Raynaud's phenomenon, and a positive ANA titer.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Cathy Parkes

A patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has some classic findings including fatigue, joint pain, fever, butterfly rash on the face, Raynaud's phenomenon, and a positive ANA titer.

A patient taking ethambutol for tuberculosis should be educated to have regular vision screenings and report changes in vision to the prescriber.

Ethambutol: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

A patient taking ethambutol for tuberculosis should be educated to have regular vision screenings and report changes in vision to the prescriber.

Ethambutol: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

A patient taking ethambutol for tuberculosis should be educated to have regular vision screenings and report changes in vision to the prescriber.

Assess any skin lesions for potential cancerous changes using ABCDE.

Assessing Skin Lesions with ABCDE

Cathy Parkes

Assess any skin lesions for potential cancerous changes using ABCDE.

Assessing Skin Lesions with ABCDE

Cathy Parkes

Assess any skin lesions for potential cancerous changes using ABCDE.

A patient taking oseltamivir to treat Influenza A and B must begin therapy within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Oseltamivir

Cathy Parkes

A patient taking oseltamivir to treat Influenza A and B must begin therapy within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Oseltamivir

Cathy Parkes

A patient taking oseltamivir to treat Influenza A and B must begin therapy within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

A child with Chickenpox (Varicella) is contagious until all lesions have crusted over. Educate families to keep them at home and away from others until this time.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Cathy Parkes

A child with Chickenpox (Varicella) is contagious until all lesions have crusted over. Educate families to keep them at home and away from others until this time.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Cathy Parkes

A child with Chickenpox (Varicella) is contagious until all lesions have crusted over. Educate families to keep them at home and away from others until this time.

Immunizations in first 6 months

Immunizations in first 6 months

Cathy Parkes

IMMUNIZATIONS IN FIRST 6  MONTHS Birth = "B" Hep B 2 Months = "B. Dr. HIP" Hep B, DTAP, RV, Hib, IPV, PCV 4 months = "Dr. HIP" DTAP, RV,...

Immunizations in first 6 months

Cathy Parkes

IMMUNIZATIONS IN FIRST 6  MONTHS Birth = "B" Hep B 2 Months = "B. Dr. HIP" Hep B, DTAP, RV, Hib, IPV, PCV 4 months = "Dr. HIP" DTAP, RV,...

Don't get TIPSY when taking your TB meds! Alcohol is contraindicated for these TB meds: Isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol. All carry a risk for hepatotoxicity!

TB Meds

Cathy Parkes

Don't get TIPSY when taking your TB meds! Alcohol is contraindicated for these TB meds: Isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol. All carry a risk for hepatotoxicity!

TB Meds

Cathy Parkes

Don't get TIPSY when taking your TB meds! Alcohol is contraindicated for these TB meds: Isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol. All carry a risk for hepatotoxicity!

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat UTIs. A unique side effect of this medication is "achilles tendon rupture".
HINT: If you take CIPRO, you might SLIP due to your achilles tendon rupturing.

Ciprofloxacin

Cathy Parkes

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat UTIs. A unique side effect of this medication is "achilles tendon rupture". HINT: If you take CIPRO, you might SLIP due to...

1 comment

Ciprofloxacin

Cathy Parkes

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat UTIs. A unique side effect of this medication is "achilles tendon rupture". HINT: If you take CIPRO, you might SLIP due to...

1 comment
Amphotericin B is only used for life-threatening fungal infections, because the side effects will "terrorize" your body. These side effects include: hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and bone marrow suppression.

Amphotericin B

Cathy Parkes

Amphotericin B is only used for life-threatening fungal infections, because the side effects will "terrorize" your body. These side effects include: hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and bone marrow suppression.

Amphotericin B

Cathy Parkes

Amphotericin B is only used for life-threatening fungal infections, because the side effects will "terrorize" your body. These side effects include: hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and bone marrow suppression.

Acyclovir and Ganciclovir are antiviral medications. Both medications have a key side effect of nephrotoxicity. Ganciclovir can also cause bone marrow suppression (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia).

Acyclovir and Ganciclovir

Cathy Parkes

Acyclovir and Ganciclovir are antiviral medications. Both medications have a key side effect of nephrotoxicity. Ganciclovir can also cause bone marrow suppression (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia).

Acyclovir and Ganciclovir

Cathy Parkes

Acyclovir and Ganciclovir are antiviral medications. Both medications have a key side effect of nephrotoxicity. Ganciclovir can also cause bone marrow suppression (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia).

Innate vs. Acquired Immunity. Innate Immunity: Defense mechanisms in the body that respond immediately to all antigens. Acquired Immunity: Body produces antibodies in response to a specific antigen through the action of B and T lymphocytes.

Innate v. Acquired Immunity

Cathy Parkes

Innate vs. Acquired Immunity Pathophysiology

Innate v. Acquired Immunity

Cathy Parkes

Innate vs. Acquired Immunity Pathophysiology

Nursing Tips - External Radiation Therapy Patient Teaching

External Radiation Therapy Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Patient teaching for external radiation therapy.

External Radiation Therapy Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Patient teaching for external radiation therapy.

Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia

Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia

Cathy Parkes

Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia are key symptoms of hematologic cancers (ex: leukemia, multiple myeloma). Key Nursing priority: Prevent infection and bleeding!

Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia

Cathy Parkes

Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia are key symptoms of hematologic cancers (ex: leukemia, multiple myeloma). Key Nursing priority: Prevent infection and bleeding!

Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate Cancer Screening

Cathy Parkes

When screening a patient for prostate cancer, be sure to obtain the PSA (prostate specific antigen) before performing a DRE (digital rectal exam).

Prostate Cancer Screening

Cathy Parkes

When screening a patient for prostate cancer, be sure to obtain the PSA (prostate specific antigen) before performing a DRE (digital rectal exam).

Mastectomy Care

Mastectomy Care

Cathy Parkes

Mastectomy Care and Patient Teaching: Nursing Care: Do not administer injections, obtain blood, or take BP in the affected arm. Patient Teaching: Wear sling when ambulating, wear loose clothing, perform...

Mastectomy Care

Cathy Parkes

Mastectomy Care and Patient Teaching: Nursing Care: Do not administer injections, obtain blood, or take BP in the affected arm. Patient Teaching: Wear sling when ambulating, wear loose clothing, perform...

Doxorubicin

Doxorubicin

Cathy Parkes

Doxorubicin is an antitumor antibiotic used to treat cancer. Think "ruby" RED. This medication can cause RED discoloration of sweat, urine, and tears.

Doxorubicin

Cathy Parkes

Doxorubicin is an antitumor antibiotic used to treat cancer. Think "ruby" RED. This medication can cause RED discoloration of sweat, urine, and tears.

Leuprolide

Leuprolide

Cathy Parkes

Leuprolide is a medication used to treat prostate cancer. HINT: Dr. Lou lied to me about the side effects of this medication, which include: hot flashes, gynecomastia, decreased libido.

Leuprolide

Cathy Parkes

Leuprolide is a medication used to treat prostate cancer. HINT: Dr. Lou lied to me about the side effects of this medication, which include: hot flashes, gynecomastia, decreased libido.

Vincristine

Vincristine

Cathy Parkes

Vincristine is an antimitotic medication used to treat cancer. A key side effect with this medication is peripheral neuropathy. HINT: Vin = wine in French. If you drink too much...

Vincristine

Cathy Parkes

Vincristine is an antimitotic medication used to treat cancer. A key side effect with this medication is peripheral neuropathy. HINT: Vin = wine in French. If you drink too much...

Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen

Cathy Parkes

Tamoxifen is a medication used to treat breast cancer. It works by competing with estrogen for binding sites in breasts. HINT: Tammy is a foxy lady with breast cancer.

Tamoxifen

Cathy Parkes

Tamoxifen is a medication used to treat breast cancer. It works by competing with estrogen for binding sites in breasts. HINT: Tammy is a foxy lady with breast cancer.

Types of Immunity

Types of Immunity

Cathy Parkes

Types of immunity: Active natural: Body produces antibodies in response to exposure to a live pathogen. Active artificial: Body produces antibodies in response to a vaccine.  Passive natural: Antibodies are passed from the...

2 comments

Types of Immunity

Cathy Parkes

Types of immunity: Active natural: Body produces antibodies in response to exposure to a live pathogen. Active artificial: Body produces antibodies in response to a vaccine.  Passive natural: Antibodies are passed from the...

2 comments
Stomatitis

Stomatitis

Cathy Parkes

Stomatitis is inflammation of the mouth/lips. It is a common side effect of chemotherapy. If your patient has stomatitis, provide the following teaching: Do not use alcohol based mouthwash! Use...

Stomatitis

Cathy Parkes

Stomatitis is inflammation of the mouth/lips. It is a common side effect of chemotherapy. If your patient has stomatitis, provide the following teaching: Do not use alcohol based mouthwash! Use...

Gentamicin

Gentamicin

Cathy Parkes

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside used to treat SERIOUS bacterial infections. Gentamicin looks like "Gentle", but it is the OPPOSITE of gentle. Key side effects include ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Gentamicin

Cathy Parkes

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside used to treat SERIOUS bacterial infections. Gentamicin looks like "Gentle", but it is the OPPOSITE of gentle. Key side effects include ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Mucositis (related to chemotherapy)

Mucositis (related to chemotherapy)

Cathy Parkes

For patients who suffer mucositis (related to chemotherapy): Avoid glycerin or alcohol containing mouthwashes!!

Mucositis (related to chemotherapy)

Cathy Parkes

For patients who suffer mucositis (related to chemotherapy): Avoid glycerin or alcohol containing mouthwashes!!