Nursing Tips (628)

Signs of mastitis include cracked/sore nipples, erythema of the breast, pain, fever, and flu-like symptoms. Report these findings to the provider!

Mastitis: Signs & Symptoms

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Signs of mastitis include cracked/sore nipples, erythema of the breast, pain, fever, and flu-like symptoms. Report these findings to the provider!

Mastitis: Signs & Symptoms

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Signs of mastitis include cracked/sore nipples, erythema of the breast, pain, fever, and flu-like symptoms. Report these findings to the provider!

Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant, can also be given to treat neuropathy. CC: Pregabalin prevents Gabby's neuropathy pain.

Pregabalin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant, can also be given to treat neuropathy. CC: Pregabalin prevents Gabby's neuropathy pain.

Pregabalin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant, can also be given to treat neuropathy. CC: Pregabalin prevents Gabby's neuropathy pain.

Raynaud's phenomenon is caused by vasospasms in the arterioles and arteries. Upon exposure to cold/stress, fingers become cyanotic, cold, numb, and painful. After spasm the tissue will become reddened as blood returns.

Raynaud's phenomenon

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Raynaud's phenomenon is caused by vasospasms in the arterioles and arteries. Upon exposure to cold/stress, fingers become cyanotic, cold, numb, and painful. After spasm the tissue will become reddened as...

Raynaud's phenomenon

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Raynaud's phenomenon is caused by vasospasms in the arterioles and arteries. Upon exposure to cold/stress, fingers become cyanotic, cold, numb, and painful. After spasm the tissue will become reddened as...

Prior to beginning a surgery, a "time out" procedure should be done to verify the patient identity and the correct surgical site.

"Time Out" Procedure

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Prior to beginning a surgery, a "time out" procedure should be done to verify the patient identity and the correct surgical site.

"Time Out" Procedure

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Prior to beginning a surgery, a "time out" procedure should be done to verify the patient identity and the correct surgical site.

Permethrin is a topical medication used to treat pediculosis (lice) and scabies. 

Permethrin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Permethrin is a topical medication used to treat pediculosis (lice) and scabies. 

Permethrin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Permethrin is a topical medication used to treat pediculosis (lice) and scabies. 

Presbyopia is a common finding in the older adult, and indicates difficulty focusing on close-up objects.

Presbyopia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Presbyopia is a common finding in the older adult, and indicates difficulty focusing on close-up objects.

Presbyopia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Presbyopia is a common finding in the older adult, and indicates difficulty focusing on close-up objects.

Herpes Simplex Virus - LevelUpRN

Herpes Simplex Virus

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with Herpes Simplex Virus should be educated to abstain from sexual activity during periods of known active viral shedding (i.e., when visible lesions are present), but use condoms at...

Herpes Simplex Virus

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with Herpes Simplex Virus should be educated to abstain from sexual activity during periods of known active viral shedding (i.e., when visible lesions are present), but use condoms at...

Nitroprusside - LevelUpRN

Nitroprusside

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator used to treat hypertensive crisis, but it could cause profound hypotension. In this case, elevate the patient's legs, decrease the dose, and increase fluids per...

Nitroprusside

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator used to treat hypertensive crisis, but it could cause profound hypotension. In this case, elevate the patient's legs, decrease the dose, and increase fluids per...

Hemolysis - LevelUpRN

Hemolysis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If an Rh-negative person receives Rh-positive blood, it will cause hemolysis—destruction of RBCs (red blood cells)!

Hemolysis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If an Rh-negative person receives Rh-positive blood, it will cause hemolysis—destruction of RBCs (red blood cells)!

Maternal Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disease that causes the amino acid phenylalanine to build up in the body, which can cause birth defects in the developing fetus.

Maternal Phenylketonuria

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Maternal Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disease that causes the amino acid phenylalanine to build up in the body, which can cause birth defects in the developing fetus.

Maternal Phenylketonuria

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Maternal Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disease that causes the amino acid phenylalanine to build up in the body, which can cause birth defects in the developing fetus.

The MOST important side effect to know for BOTH hyperkalemia and hypokalemia is DYSRHYTHMIAS.

Hyperkalemia & Hypokalemia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The MOST important side effect to know for BOTH hyperkalemia and hypokalemia is DYSRHYTHMIAS.

Hyperkalemia & Hypokalemia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The MOST important side effect to know for BOTH hyperkalemia and hypokalemia is DYSRHYTHMIAS.

What blood type can receive what blood type? - LevelUpRN

What blood type can receive what blood type?

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Know what types each blood type can receive: Type O: Can receive O Type A: Can receive A and O Type B: Can receive B and O Type AB: Can receive  A, B,...

What blood type can receive what blood type?

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Know what types each blood type can receive: Type O: Can receive O Type A: Can receive A and O Type B: Can receive B and O Type AB: Can receive  A, B,...

Mild and Severe Anxiety - LevelUpRN

Mild and Severe Anxiety

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

For mild anxiety, you can assist the patient with problem-solving and relaxation techniques. For severe anxiety, problem-solving is NOT realistic.

1 comment

Mild and Severe Anxiety

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

For mild anxiety, you can assist the patient with problem-solving and relaxation techniques. For severe anxiety, problem-solving is NOT realistic.

1 comment
Glomerulonephritis Labs - LevelUpRN

Glomerulonephritis Labs

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Key labs with Glomerulonephritis: Serum: Positive antistreptolysin-O titer. Urinanalysis: hematuria, proteinuria. Throat culture: Positive for group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus

Glomerulonephritis Labs

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Key labs with Glomerulonephritis: Serum: Positive antistreptolysin-O titer. Urinanalysis: hematuria, proteinuria. Throat culture: Positive for group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus

If your patient's next parenteral nutrition (i.e. TPN) bag is unavailable, administer 10-20% dextrose in water until it arrives!

Unavailable Parenteral Nutrition

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If your patient's next parenteral nutrition (i.e. TPN) line is unavailable, administer 10-20% dextrose in water until it arrives!

Unavailable Parenteral Nutrition

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If your patient's next parenteral nutrition (i.e. TPN) line is unavailable, administer 10-20% dextrose in water until it arrives!

Patients in a crisis - LevelUpRN

Patients in a crisis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When assisting a patient with a crisis, be sure to ask him/her about past ways of coping.

Patients in a crisis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When assisting a patient with a crisis, be sure to ask him/her about past ways of coping.

Histamine 2 Receptor Antagonists and DINE-ing - LevelUpRN

Histamine 2 Receptor Antagonists and DINE-ing

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Histamine 2 receptor antagonists (ex: ranitidine and famotidine) are used to treat ulcers and GERD. These meds will help you feel better when you "dine".

Histamine 2 Receptor Antagonists and DINE-ing

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Histamine 2 receptor antagonists (ex: ranitidine and famotidine) are used to treat ulcers and GERD. These meds will help you feel better when you "dine".

Prefix: Lingu- - LevelUpRN

Prefix: Lingu-

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The root "lingu/o" means "tongue," as in the "sublingual" (under the tongue).

Prefix: Lingu-

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The root "lingu/o" means "tongue," as in the "sublingual" (under the tongue).

Colchicine - LevelUpRN

Colchicine

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Colchicine is a medication used to treat an acute gout attack.

Colchicine

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Colchicine is a medication used to treat an acute gout attack.

Amiodarone Drip - LevelUpRN

Amiodarone Drip

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Amy owes me one hundred dollars, but she is in the hospital with VFIB on an amiodarone drip... so I guess it's not a good time to collect.

Amiodarone Drip

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Amy owes me one hundred dollars, but she is in the hospital with VFIB on an amiodarone drip... so I guess it's not a good time to collect.

Urinary Tract Infection - LevelUpRN

Urinary Tract Infection

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

With a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), the urinanalysis may be positive for leukocyte esterase and nitrites.

Urinary Tract Infection

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

With a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), the urinanalysis may be positive for leukocyte esterase and nitrites.

Prefix: Ab- - LevelUpRN

Prefix: Ab-

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The prefix "Ab-" means "to take away from," such as abducting the arm (moving it away from midline).

Prefix: Ab-

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The prefix "Ab-" means "to take away from," such as abducting the arm (moving it away from midline).

Hip Flexion Contractures - LevelUpRN

Hip Flexion Contractures

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Prevent hip flexion contractures in patients with a BKA (below-the-knee amputation): Have patient lie prone every 3-4 hrs for 20-30 min.

Hip Flexion Contractures

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Prevent hip flexion contractures in patients with a BKA (below-the-knee amputation): Have patient lie prone every 3-4 hrs for 20-30 min.

NPH- Intermediate-Acting Insulin - LevelUpRN

NPH- Intermediate-Acting Insulin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin. Onset is 1-2 hours, peak is 4-12 hours, and duration is 18-24 hours. HINT: Neil Patrick Harris (NPH) is a hard-working actor of intermediate height....

NPH- Intermediate-Acting Insulin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin. Onset is 1-2 hours, peak is 4-12 hours, and duration is 18-24 hours. HINT: Neil Patrick Harris (NPH) is a hard-working actor of intermediate height....

Chronic Kidney Disease - LevelUpRN

Chronic Kidney Disease

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) should LIMIT intake of phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) should LIMIT intake of phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.

Prioritizing Typical Diagnoses - LevelUpRN

Prioritizing Typical Diagnoses

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with EXPECTED findings for their diagnosis are typically NOT the priority. Examples: COPD patient with spO2 of 90% Stroke patient with facial drooping MS patient with ataxia

Prioritizing Typical Diagnoses

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with EXPECTED findings for their diagnosis are typically NOT the priority. Examples: COPD patient with spO2 of 90% Stroke patient with facial drooping MS patient with ataxia

Mucositis (related to chemotherapy) - LevelUpRN

Mucositis (related to chemotherapy)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Mucositis (related to chemotherapy)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Chorionic Villus Sampling - LevelUpRN

Chorionic Villus Sampling

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is a procedure used to identify chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.

Chorionic Villus Sampling

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is a procedure used to identify chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.

Assess before action - LevelUpRN

Assess before action

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Always ASSESS before taking ACTION. Ex: If a patient has dyspnea, check their O2 saturation and listen to breath sounds BEFORE notifying the provider.

Assess before action

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Always ASSESS before taking ACTION. Ex: If a patient has dyspnea, check their O2 saturation and listen to breath sounds BEFORE notifying the provider.

Diabetes HgbA1C Levels - LevelUpRN

Diabetes HgbA1C Levels

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

For patients with Diabetes, the goal is to keep their HgbA1C under 7!

Diabetes HgbA1C Levels

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

For patients with Diabetes, the goal is to keep their HgbA1C under 7!

Troponin - LevelUpRN

Troponin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Troponin T and I are key cardiac enzymes that become elevated when there is damage to the heart.

Troponin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Troponin T and I are key cardiac enzymes that become elevated when there is damage to the heart.

Transference vs. Countertransference - LevelUpRN

Transference vs. Countertransference

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Transference vs. Countertransference: Transference: Patient views nurse as being similar to an important person in his/her life. Countertransference: Patient reminds the nurse of someone in his/her life.

Transference vs. Countertransference

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Transference vs. Countertransference: Transference: Patient views nurse as being similar to an important person in his/her life. Countertransference: Patient reminds the nurse of someone in his/her life.

Premature Rupture of Membranes - LevelUpRN

Premature Rupture of Membranes

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

To confirm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM), you can use one of these tests: Nitrazine paper test, Ferning test

1 comment

Premature Rupture of Membranes

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

To confirm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM), you can use one of these tests: Nitrazine paper test, Ferning test

1 comment
Periodic Rest - LevelUpRN

Periodic Rest

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Tire out easily? Try alternating periods of studying with periods of rest.

Periodic Rest

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Tire out easily? Try alternating periods of studying with periods of rest.

Suffix: -lithiasis - LevelUpRN

Suffix: -lithiasis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The suffix "lithiasis" means "presence of stones," as in "cholelithiasis" (presence of stones in the gallbladder).

Suffix: -lithiasis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The suffix "lithiasis" means "presence of stones," as in "cholelithiasis" (presence of stones in the gallbladder).

Response to a FIRE: Use the RACE sequence.  R = rescue (move patients to safer location).  A = alarm (activate alarm system).  C = contain (close doors/windows, turn off oxygen sources).  E = extinguish (use fire extinguisher).

FIRE-RACE

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Response to a FIRE: Use the RACE sequence. R = rescue (move patients to safer location). A = alarm (activate alarm system). C = contain (close doors/windows, turn off oxygen...

FIRE-RACE

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Response to a FIRE: Use the RACE sequence. R = rescue (move patients to safer location). A = alarm (activate alarm system). C = contain (close doors/windows, turn off oxygen...

Prefix: Pan- - LevelUpRN

Prefix: Pan-

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The prefix "Pan-" means "all," as in "pancytopenia" where all types of blood cells are decreased.

Prefix: Pan-

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The prefix "Pan-" means "all," as in "pancytopenia" where all types of blood cells are decreased.

Supine Vena Cava - LevelUpRN

Supine Vena Cava

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Supine vena cava syndrome is maternal hypotension due to the weight of the uterus on the vena cava when mom is supine. Teach mom to lay on her left side...

Supine Vena Cava

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Supine vena cava syndrome is maternal hypotension due to the weight of the uterus on the vena cava when mom is supine. Teach mom to lay on her left side...

Oxygen Safety - LevelUpRN

Oxygen Safety

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Oxygen safety: Use COTTON bedding and clothes (vs. synthetic fabrics or wool).

Oxygen Safety

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Oxygen safety: Use COTTON bedding and clothes (vs. synthetic fabrics or wool).

Osteoblasts are responsible for forming bone, while osteoclasts are bone-destroying cells.

Osteoblasts versus Osteoclasts

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Osteoblasts are responsible for forming bone, while osteoclasts are bone-destroying cells.

Osteoblasts versus Osteoclasts

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Osteoblasts are responsible for forming bone, while osteoclasts are bone-destroying cells.

ABCDE Principle - LevelUpRN

ABCDE Principle

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

With the ABCDE principle in Nursing, A is for "airway". Ensure the patient has a patent airway AND the cervical spine is stabilized if neck/head trauma is suspected.

ABCDE Principle

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

With the ABCDE principle in Nursing, A is for "airway". Ensure the patient has a patent airway AND the cervical spine is stabilized if neck/head trauma is suspected.

Cushing's Disease: Key Findings - LevelUpRN

Cushing's Disease: Key Findings

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Key findings in Cushing's Disease (excess cortisol) include a "buffalo hump" on the back, round "moon face" appearance, truncal obesity, weight gain, fluid retention, diabetes, bone loss, and increased risk...

Cushing's Disease: Key Findings

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Key findings in Cushing's Disease (excess cortisol) include a "buffalo hump" on the back, round "moon face" appearance, truncal obesity, weight gain, fluid retention, diabetes, bone loss, and increased risk...

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.

1 comment

Kwashiorkor

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

1 comment
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.

1 comment

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.

1 comment