Nursing Tips (617)

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.

Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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.

Acarbose

Acarbose

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Acarbose is an alpha glucosidase inhibitor used to treat type 2 Diabetes. It works by inhibiting glucose absorption in the GI tract. HINT: A = "NO" + CARBS. So "No...

Acarbose

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Acarbose is an alpha glucosidase inhibitor used to treat type 2 Diabetes. It works by inhibiting glucose absorption in the GI tract. HINT: A = "NO" + CARBS. So "No...

Dumping Syndrome Nutrition

Dumping Syndrome Nutrition

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Nutrition recommendations to prevent DUMPING syndrome: Consume small frequent meals. Do not drink liquids with meals. Include protein and fat at each meal. Avoid dairy products and concentrated sugar.

Dumping Syndrome Nutrition

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Nutrition recommendations to prevent DUMPING syndrome: Consume small frequent meals. Do not drink liquids with meals. Include protein and fat at each meal. Avoid dairy products and concentrated sugar.

Diverticulitis Nutrition

Diverticulitis Nutrition

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with Diverticulitis should avoid seeds and husks. Avoid: popcorn, tomatoes, berries.

Diverticulitis Nutrition

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with Diverticulitis should avoid seeds and husks. Avoid: popcorn, tomatoes, berries.

Propylthioruracil (PTU)

Propylthiouracil (PTU)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is used for Grave's disease (and in preparation for a thyroidectomy). HINT: PTU will Prevent Thyroid from being Up too high.

Propylthiouracil (PTU)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is used for Grave's disease (and in preparation for a thyroidectomy). HINT: PTU will Prevent Thyroid from being Up too high.

Cholecystitis Nutrition

Cholecystitis Nutrition

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with cholecystitis should consume a LOW FAT diet.

Cholecystitis Nutrition

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with cholecystitis should consume a LOW FAT diet.

Valproic Acid

Valproic Acid

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Valproic acid is an antiepileptic drug. Key side effect is hepatotoxicity! Carefully monitor liver lab values (ex: AST, ALT).

Valproic Acid

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Valproic acid is an antiepileptic drug. Key side effect is hepatotoxicity! Carefully monitor liver lab values (ex: AST, ALT).

Interpreters

Interpreters

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Interpreters: Using a family member is NOT recommended. Interpreters need to have knowledge of health terminology.

Interpreters

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Interpreters: Using a family member is NOT recommended. Interpreters need to have knowledge of health terminology.

Potassium Ranges

Potassium Ranges

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Potassium (K) expected range: 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L HINT #1: There are ~3.1 miles in a 5K HINT #2: Bananas (high in Potassium!) come in bunches of 3-5.

Potassium Ranges

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Potassium (K) expected range: 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L HINT #1: There are ~3.1 miles in a 5K HINT #2: Bananas (high in Potassium!) come in bunches of 3-5.

Magnesium Ranges

Magnesium Ranges

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Magnesium (Mg) expected range: 1.3 - 2.1 mEq/L HINT: MGs are very small British cars - you can only fit 1-2 people in them.

Magnesium Ranges

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Magnesium (Mg) expected range: 1.3 - 2.1 mEq/L HINT: MGs are very small British cars - you can only fit 1-2 people in them.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If your patient has hypoglycemia (blood glucose level under 70 mg/dL), provide a 10-20g carbohydrate. This could be a 4 oz juice or regular soda.

Hypoglycemia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If your patient has hypoglycemia (blood glucose level under 70 mg/dL), provide a 10-20g carbohydrate. This could be a 4 oz juice or regular soda.

Family Transitions

Family Transitions

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Examples of Transitions in families: birth of child, death in family, divorce, major illness, loss of income. Transitions = time of risk for family.

Family Transitions

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Examples of Transitions in families: birth of child, death in family, divorce, major illness, loss of income. Transitions = time of risk for family.

Chloride Range

Chloride: Expected Range

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Chloride (Cl) expected range: 98 - 106 mEq/L HINT: I like my hot tub chlorinated, with a temperature between 98-106 degrees.

Chloride: Expected Range

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Chloride (Cl) expected range: 98 - 106 mEq/L HINT: I like my hot tub chlorinated, with a temperature between 98-106 degrees.

Sucralfate

Sucralfate

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Sucralfate is a Mucosal Protectant used to treat duodenal ulcers. It reacts with stomach acid to form a thick paste that adheres to ulcers. HINT: Sucralfate gets sucked down into ulcers.

Sucralfate

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Sucralfate is a Mucosal Protectant used to treat duodenal ulcers. It reacts with stomach acid to form a thick paste that adheres to ulcers. HINT: Sucralfate gets sucked down into ulcers.

Hospice Care

Hospice Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Hospice care is focused on palliative care (i.e. symptom management), NOT on curing a disease.

Hospice Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Hospice care is focused on palliative care (i.e. symptom management), NOT on curing a disease.

IBS Medications

IBS Medications

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications: alosetron is used for IBS w/diarrhea.HINT: You might aloe on your backside from all that diarrhea.  Lubiprostone is used for IBS w/consipation. HINT: Use lubiprostone to "lube up...

IBS Medications

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications: alosetron is used for IBS w/diarrhea.HINT: You might aloe on your backside from all that diarrhea.  Lubiprostone is used for IBS w/consipation. HINT: Use lubiprostone to "lube up...

Types of Abuse

Types of Abuse

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Types of abuse: Physical abuse Sexual abuse Emotional abuse (ex: humiliation, intimidation) Neglect (ex: failure to provide shelter, medical care, education) Economic abuse (ex: misuse of money, theft)

Types of Abuse

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Types of abuse: Physical abuse Sexual abuse Emotional abuse (ex: humiliation, intimidation) Neglect (ex: failure to provide shelter, medical care, education) Economic abuse (ex: misuse of money, theft)

Z-Track Method

Z-Track Method

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When administering iron dextran via IM injection, use the Z-track method!

Z-Track Method

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When administering iron dextran via IM injection, use the Z-track method!

Types of Immunity

Types of Immunity

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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
Warfarin

Warfarin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Warfarin is an important oral anticoagulant. The mode of action of warfarin is the antagonize vitamin K, which prevents formation of several clotting factors. HINT: Warfarin declares WAR on vitamin...

Warfarin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Warfarin is an important oral anticoagulant. The mode of action of warfarin is the antagonize vitamin K, which prevents formation of several clotting factors. HINT: Warfarin declares WAR on vitamin...

Stomatitis

Stomatitis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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...

BP Cuffs

BP Cuffs

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Blood pressure cuffs: If the cuff is too large, you will get a falsely low reading. If the cuff is too small, you will get a falsely high reading.

BP Cuffs

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Blood pressure cuffs: If the cuff is too large, you will get a falsely low reading. If the cuff is too small, you will get a falsely high reading.

Thrombolytic Meds

Thrombolytic Meds

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Thrombolytic meds include: alteplase, reteplase (many end in -plase). If you are trying to break up a clot, you have come to the right PLACE!

Thrombolytic Meds

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Thrombolytic meds include: alteplase, reteplase (many end in -plase). If you are trying to break up a clot, you have come to the right PLACE!

Gentamicin

Gentamicin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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.

Pioglitazone

Pioglitazone

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Pioglitazone is an oral antidiabetic medication. Key side effects include fluid retention and elevated LDL levels. HINT: Pioglitazone kind of looks like "pig zone", which can help you remember these...

Pioglitazone

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Pioglitazone is an oral antidiabetic medication. Key side effects include fluid retention and elevated LDL levels. HINT: Pioglitazone kind of looks like "pig zone", which can help you remember these...

Apical Pulse

Apical Pulse

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Apical pulse is taken at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line.

Apical Pulse

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Apical pulse is taken at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line.

Rivaroxaban

Rivaroxaban

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Rivaroxaban is an anticoagulant. HINT: If you take Rivaroxaban, your blood will flow like a river. RivaroXaban works by inhibiting factor Xa in the coagulation cascade.

Rivaroxaban

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Rivaroxaban is an anticoagulant. HINT: If you take Rivaroxaban, your blood will flow like a river. RivaroXaban works by inhibiting factor Xa in the coagulation cascade.

Glucagon

Glucagon

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Glucagon is a hyperglycemic agent used to treat severe hypoglycemia wihen a patient is unable to take oral glucose (ex: unconscious patient). HINT: When the glucose is all GONE, take...

Glucagon

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Glucagon is a hyperglycemic agent used to treat severe hypoglycemia wihen a patient is unable to take oral glucose (ex: unconscious patient). HINT: When the glucose is all GONE, take...

Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Sumatriptan is a medication used to treat migraines by causing vasoconstriction of the intracranial arteries. If a SUMO wrestler sits on your head, that will also cause vasoconstriction.

Sumatriptan

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Sumatriptan is a medication used to treat migraines by causing vasoconstriction of the intracranial arteries. If a SUMO wrestler sits on your head, that will also cause vasoconstriction.

Physical Assessment Order

Physical Assessment Order

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Order of physical assessment: Inspect, palpate, percuss, auscultate. EXCEPT for assessing the abdomen: Inspect, auscultate, percuss, palpate (to avoid altering bowel sounds).

1 comment

Physical Assessment Order

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Order of physical assessment: Inspect, palpate, percuss, auscultate. EXCEPT for assessing the abdomen: Inspect, auscultate, percuss, palpate (to avoid altering bowel sounds).

1 comment
Contrast Dye

Contrast Dye

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Any time your patient needs to have a procedure that uses contrast dye (ex: angiogram, CT/MRI with contrast, hysterosalpingography), be sure to check for an allergy to shellfish and iodine...

Contrast Dye

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Any time your patient needs to have a procedure that uses contrast dye (ex: angiogram, CT/MRI with contrast, hysterosalpingography), be sure to check for an allergy to shellfish and iodine...