Nursing Tips (614)

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.

NPH- Intermediate-Acting Insulin

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....

Unavailable Parenteral Nutrition

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!

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.

Chronic Kidney Disease

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.

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.

Hyperkolemia & Hypokolemia

Hyperkolemia & Hypokolemia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Hyperkolemia & Hypokolemia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

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.

Troponin

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.

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...

Diabetes HgbA1C Levels

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!

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...

Sildenafil

Sildenafil

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction. If you use sildenafil it will help you fill out "down there".

Sildenafil

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction. If you use sildenafil it will help you fill out "down there".

Left Shift in WBCs

Left Shift in WBCs

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If labwork indicates there is a "Left Shift" in WBCs, this means that the body is fighting an infection and releasing many immature WBCs in response.

Left Shift in WBCs

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If labwork indicates there is a "Left Shift" in WBCs, this means that the body is fighting an infection and releasing many immature WBCs in response.

Guaifenesin

Guaifenesin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. "Gauif" sounds like "Cough". It reduces the viscosity of secretions, making coughs more productive.

Guaifenesin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. "Gauif" sounds like "Cough". It reduces the viscosity of secretions, making coughs more productive.

Turbutaline Sulfate

Terbutaline Sulfate

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Terbutaline sulfate is a medication used to treat pre-term labor. HINT: Terbutaline looks like turbulence, and when flying, turbulence delays arrival time.

Terbutaline Sulfate

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Terbutaline sulfate is a medication used to treat pre-term labor. HINT: Terbutaline looks like turbulence, and when flying, turbulence delays arrival time.

Key Patient Teaching: IUDs

Key Patient Teaching: IUDs

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Key patient teaching with IUDs: Report foul smelling discharge, change in IUD string length, fever/chills, or pain with intercourse!

Key Patient Teaching: IUDs

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Key patient teaching with IUDs: Report foul smelling discharge, change in IUD string length, fever/chills, or pain with intercourse!

Ondansetron

Ondansetron

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Ondansetron is an antiemetic (used to prevent nausea and vomiting). Hint: "I threw up on DAN. Better get me some ondansetron."

Ondansetron

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Ondansetron is an antiemetic (used to prevent nausea and vomiting). Hint: "I threw up on DAN. Better get me some ondansetron."

Contact Precautions

Contact Precautions

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Contact precautions require caregivers and visitors to wear a gown and gloves when going into the patient's room.

Contact Precautions

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Contact precautions require caregivers and visitors to wear a gown and gloves when going into the patient's room.

Speech Language Pathologist

Speech Language Pathologist

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The  Speech Language Pathologist is a key member of your interprofessional team. In addition to helping patients with speech and language issues, they evaluate and assist with SWALLOWING issues.

Speech Language Pathologist

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The  Speech Language Pathologist is a key member of your interprofessional team. In addition to helping patients with speech and language issues, they evaluate and assist with SWALLOWING issues.

Zolpidem (Ambien) Uses

Zolpidem (Ambien) Uses

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Zolpidem (Ambien) is used for insomnia. Zolpidem will help you catch some ZZZs...

Zolpidem (Ambien) Uses

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Zolpidem (Ambien) is used for insomnia. Zolpidem will help you catch some ZZZs...

Misoprostol and Pregnancy

Misoprostol and Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Misoprostol can be used to prevent gastric ulcers in patients taking NSAIDs. Do NOT administer to a patient who might be pregnant (because it can cause a miscarriage). HINT: "Me...

Misoprostol and Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Misoprostol can be used to prevent gastric ulcers in patients taking NSAIDs. Do NOT administer to a patient who might be pregnant (because it can cause a miscarriage). HINT: "Me...

Discharge Planning

Discharge Planning

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

DISCHARGE planning for a patient starts at ADMISSION.

Discharge Planning

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

DISCHARGE planning for a patient starts at ADMISSION.