Nursing Tips (614)

NEGATIVE symptoms in schizophrenia include the absence of things that normally present. Symptoms (5As): Anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure), Anergia (lack of energy), blunt Affect, Alogia (↓ speech), and Avolition (↓ motivation).

Negative Schizophrenia Symptoms

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

NEGATIVE symptoms in schizophrenia include the absence of things that normally present. Symptoms (5As): Anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure), Anergia (lack of energy), blunt Affect, Alogia (↓ speech), and Avolition (↓...

Negative Schizophrenia Symptoms

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

NEGATIVE symptoms in schizophrenia include the absence of things that normally present. Symptoms (5As): Anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure), Anergia (lack of energy), blunt Affect, Alogia (↓ speech), and Avolition (↓...

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are STDs that can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and infertility if not treated promptly.

Chlamydia & Gonorrhea

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are STDs that can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and infertility if not treated promptly.

Chlamydia & Gonorrhea

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are STDs that can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and infertility if not treated promptly.

Non-selective beta blockers are used for hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, and MIs. However, they should NEVER be used in patients with asthma, as they can cause bronchospasm.

Key Information: Beta Blockers

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Non-selective beta blockers are used for hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, and MIs. However, they should NEVER be used in patients with asthma, as they can cause bronchospasm.

Key Information: Beta Blockers

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Non-selective beta blockers are used for hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, and MIs. However, they should NEVER be used in patients with asthma, as they can cause bronchospasm.

During pregnancy, an ultrasound is typically performed at 18-20 weeks gestation to assess growth, development, and age of the fetus.Full bladder allows better visualization. Instruct mom to drink approximately 1 quart of water before the procedure.

Ulstrasounds in Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

During pregnancies, an ultrasound is typically performed ~ 18-20 weeks gestation to assess for growth, development, and age of the fetus.

Ulstrasounds in Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

During pregnancies, an ultrasound is typically performed ~ 18-20 weeks gestation to assess for growth, development, and age of the fetus.

Please Listen Carefully - these beta blockers are NON-selective:  Propranolol, Labetalol, Carvedilol. They will impact the lungs too!

Non-selective Beta Blockers

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Please Listen Carefully - these beta blockers are NON-selective: Propranolol, Labetalol, Carvedilol. They will impact the lungs too!

Non-selective Beta Blockers

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Please Listen Carefully - these beta blockers are NON-selective: Propranolol, Labetalol, Carvedilol. They will impact the lungs too!

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is a procedure used to identify chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. A small sample of placenta tissue is removed from the uterus. Key Advantage: CVS is done earlier, so it provides an EARLIER diagnosis.

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.

During a patient's seizure: Lower patient to the bed or floor if standing/sitting. Turn the patient to his/her side. Loosen restrictive clothing. Do NOT put anything in the patient’s mouth. Do NOT restrain patient. Note onset/duration of seizure.

Seizures

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

During a seizure, take these important nursing actions

Seizures

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

During a seizure, take these important nursing actions

Maternal Phenylketonuria is a genetic disease that causes the amino acid phenylalanine to build up, which can cause birth defects. Teach mom to adhere to a PKU diet 3 months prior to and throughout pregnancy. With PKU, Protein might Kill U.

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.

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Innate vs. Acquired Immunity Pathophysiology

Innate v. Acquired Immunity

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Innate vs. Acquired Immunity Pathophysiology

Care of an infant born to a HIV-positive mom. Scheduled c-section.
Administer antiviral agents during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and to newborn. Avoid forceps, vaccum, scalp electrodes, amniotomy. Breastfeeding NOT recommended.

HIV-Positive Moms

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Care of an infant born to a HIV-positive patient

HIV-Positive Moms

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Care of an infant born to a HIV-positive patient

Bleeding during pregnancy: PAINLESS bright red bleeding during the second half of pregnancy is indicative of Placenta Previa. Bleeding with INTENSE UTERINE PAIN is indicative of Abruptio Placenta.

Bleeding During Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Causes of bleeding during pregnancy

Bleeding During Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Causes of bleeding during pregnancy

Nursing Tips - Fetal Lung Maturity

Fetal Lung Maturity

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Fetal lung maturity is determined by the L/S ratio.

Fetal Lung Maturity

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Fetal lung maturity is determined by the L/S ratio.

Nursing Tips - Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH

Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH (SIADH) causes the excess water to be reabsorbed by the kidneys, resulting in hypervolemia.

Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH (SIADH) causes the excess water to be reabsorbed by the kidneys, resulting in hypervolemia.

Nursing Tips - Signs of Child Neglect

Signs of Child Neglect

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Signs of child neglect: poor hygiene, inappropriate dress (for weather), malnourishment, withdrawal, school absences.

Signs of Child Neglect

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Signs of child neglect: poor hygiene, inappropriate dress (for weather), malnourishment, withdrawal, school absences.

Nursing Tips - Amiodarone Drip

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.

Nursing Tips - Dysphagia

Dysphagia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) need to have a swallow evaluation by a speech language pathologist.

Dysphagia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) need to have a swallow evaluation by a speech language pathologist.

Nursing Tips - Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Labs

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Rheumatoid Arthritis Labs

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Nursing Tips - Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Menorrhagia = Excessive menstrual bleeding. This can result in anemia.If you have menorrhagia, it will make you want to rage!

Menorrhagia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Menorrhagia = Excessive menstrual bleeding. This can result in anemia.If you have menorrhagia, it will make you want to rage!

Anticoagulant Side Effects

Anticoagulant Side Effects

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The key side effect to remember with ALL anticoagulants (ex: heparin, warfarin, rivaroxaban) is BLEEDING!

Anticoagulant Side Effects

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The key side effect to remember with ALL anticoagulants (ex: heparin, warfarin, rivaroxaban) is BLEEDING!

Epoetin Alfa

Epoetin Alfa

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Taking epoetin alfa will fix your anemia so you can grow up to be a strong alpha male.

Epoetin Alfa

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Taking epoetin alfa will fix your anemia so you can grow up to be a strong alpha male.

Nursing Tips - External Radiation Therapy Patient Teaching

External Radiation Therapy Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patient teaching for external radiation therapy.

External Radiation Therapy Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patient teaching for external radiation therapy.

Nursing Tips - Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Costovertebral tenderness is a key symptom with Pyelonephritis.

Pyelonephritis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Costovertebral tenderness is a key symptom with Pyelonephritis.

Nursing Tips - Hip Flexion Contractures

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.

Nursing Tips - Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Hormone Replacement therapy can be used to treat the signs/symptoms of menopause. However, it is important to remember that HT increases the risk of embolic events (DVT, MI, stroke) and...

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Hormone Replacement therapy can be used to treat the signs/symptoms of menopause. However, it is important to remember that HT increases the risk of embolic events (DVT, MI, stroke) and...

Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia

Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal Dialysis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

With peritoneal dialysis, bloody or cloudy outflow indicates possible infection!

Peritoneal Dialysis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

With peritoneal dialysis, bloody or cloudy outflow indicates possible infection!

Niacin Hypercholesterolemia

Niacin Hypercholesterolemia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Niacin (Vitamin B3) can be used to treat hypercholesterolemia. Key side effect is flushing of the face. My face doesn't look very nice after taking niacin (because it is flushed!)

Niacin Hypercholesterolemia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Niacin (Vitamin B3) can be used to treat hypercholesterolemia. Key side effect is flushing of the face. My face doesn't look very nice after taking niacin (because it is flushed!)

Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate Cancer Screening

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Urolithiasis

Urolithiasis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

For a patient with urolithiasis (kidney stone), a key nursing intervention is to strain the patient's urine. Send stone for lab analysis!

Urolithiasis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

For a patient with urolithiasis (kidney stone), a key nursing intervention is to strain the patient's urine. Send stone for lab analysis!

Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers

Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Key differences in symptoms for Gastric and Duodenal ulcers: Gastric ulcer: Pain 30-60 minutes after meal, worse in DAY, worse with eating. Duodenal ulcer: Pain 1.5-3 hours after meal, worse...

Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Key differences in symptoms for Gastric and Duodenal ulcers: Gastric ulcer: Pain 30-60 minutes after meal, worse in DAY, worse with eating. Duodenal ulcer: Pain 1.5-3 hours after meal, worse...

Malignant Hyperthermia

Malignant Hyperthermia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening complication due to certain general anesthesia medications. Symptoms: Muscle rigidity, tachycardia, fever, dysrhythmias, tachypnea, hypotension, cyanosis.

1 comment

Malignant Hyperthermia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening complication due to certain general anesthesia medications. Symptoms: Muscle rigidity, tachycardia, fever, dysrhythmias, tachypnea, hypotension, cyanosis.

1 comment
Continuous Bladder Irrigation

Continuous Bladder Irrigation

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When administering Continuous Bladder Irrigation (CBI) for a patient following a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), be sure to increase the CBI rate if outflow is bright red or...

Continuous Bladder Irrigation

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When administering Continuous Bladder Irrigation (CBI) for a patient following a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), be sure to increase the CBI rate if outflow is bright red or...

Ferrous Sulfate

Ferrous Sulfate

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Ferrous Sulfate is an iron supplement that can stain the teeth. I'm furious that my teeth got stained from ferrous sulfate!

Ferrous Sulfate

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Ferrous Sulfate is an iron supplement that can stain the teeth. I'm furious that my teeth got stained from ferrous sulfate!

Herpes Zoster

Herpes Zoster

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Key symptom of Herpes Zoster: Painful, unilateral vesicular rash that runs along a dermatome

Herpes Zoster

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Key symptom of Herpes Zoster: Painful, unilateral vesicular rash that runs along a dermatome

Mastectomy Care

Mastectomy Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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...

Magnesium Toxicity

Magnesium Toxicity

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Too much magnesium (magnesium toxicity) brought Maggie to her knees (due to cardiac and respiratory depression).

Magnesium Toxicity

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Too much magnesium (magnesium toxicity) brought Maggie to her knees (due to cardiac and respiratory depression).

Patient Teaching for GERD

Patient Teaching for GERD

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patient teaching for GERD: Avoid fatty, fried, citrus, spicy foods. Eat smaller meals. Remain upright after meals. Avoid tight-fitting clothing. Lose weight (if applicable). Quit smoking. Elevate HOB with blocks.

Patient Teaching for GERD

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patient teaching for GERD: Avoid fatty, fried, citrus, spicy foods. Eat smaller meals. Remain upright after meals. Avoid tight-fitting clothing. Lose weight (if applicable). Quit smoking. Elevate HOB with blocks.

Joint Dislocation Prevention

Joint Dislocation Prevention

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

To prevent joint dislocation after a total hip arthroplasty, do not allow hip flexion > 90°.

Joint Dislocation Prevention

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

To prevent joint dislocation after a total hip arthroplasty, do not allow hip flexion > 90°.

Lithium

Lithium

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Lithium is a mood stabilizer, used for Bipolar Disorder. Patients on lithium need adequate fluid and sodium intake! Diuretics, anticholinergics, NSAIDs are not recommended.

Lithium

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Lithium is a mood stabilizer, used for Bipolar Disorder. Patients on lithium need adequate fluid and sodium intake! Diuretics, anticholinergics, NSAIDs are not recommended.

MAOIS for Depression

MAOIS for Depression

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

MAOIs are used to treat depression. Important points about MAOIs: They interact with MANY other medications. Eating foods rich in tyramine can cause a hypertensive crisis. Foods rich in tyramine include...

MAOIS for Depression

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

MAOIs are used to treat depression. Important points about MAOIs: They interact with MANY other medications. Eating foods rich in tyramine can cause a hypertensive crisis. Foods rich in tyramine include...

Doxorubicin

Doxorubicin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Vitamin C and Iron

Vitamin C and Iron

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron. If your patient is taking an iron supplement, be sure they eat foods rich in Vitamin C! Examples: citrus fruit or juices, tomatoes,...

Vitamin C and Iron

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron. If your patient is taking an iron supplement, be sure they eat foods rich in Vitamin C! Examples: citrus fruit or juices, tomatoes,...

Leuprolide

Leuprolide

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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.

Cholesterol Intake

Cholesterol Intake

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Cholesterol intake should be limited to 200-300 grams/day to prevent heart disease.

Cholesterol Intake

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Cholesterol intake should be limited to 200-300 grams/day to prevent heart disease.

Vincristine

Vincristine

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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...

B-Complex Vitamin Deficiencies

B-Complex Vitamin Deficiencies

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Important conditions caused by B-complex vitamin deficiencies: Deficiency of Thiamin (B1) = Beriberi Deficiency of Riboflavin (B2) = Cheilosis, Glossitis Deficiency of Folate (B9) = Neural tube defects (in utero)...

B-Complex Vitamin Deficiencies

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Important conditions caused by B-complex vitamin deficiencies: Deficiency of Thiamin (B1) = Beriberi Deficiency of Riboflavin (B2) = Cheilosis, Glossitis Deficiency of Folate (B9) = Neural tube defects (in utero)...

Phenazopyridine

Phenazopyridine

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Phenazopyridine is a urinary tract analgesic. It is used to treat the symptoms of a UTI (burning, pain, frequency, urgency). It is not an antibiotic! HINT: Pyro = Fire, and...

Phenazopyridine

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Phenazopyridine is a urinary tract analgesic. It is used to treat the symptoms of a UTI (burning, pain, frequency, urgency). It is not an antibiotic! HINT: Pyro = Fire, and...

Phosphorus and Calcium Nutrition

Phosphorus and Calcium Nutrition

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

There is an INVERSE relationship between Phosphorus and Calcium. If calcium is high, phosphorus is low. If calcium is low, phosphorus is high.

Phosphorus and Calcium Nutrition

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

There is an INVERSE relationship between Phosphorus and Calcium. If calcium is high, phosphorus is low. If calcium is low, phosphorus is high.