Nursing Tips (617)

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

Unavailable Parenteral Nutrition - LevelUpRN

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
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!