Nursing Tips (627)
BP Cuffs
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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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 is taken at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line.
Apical Pulse
Apical pulse is taken at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line.
Rivaroxaban
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
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 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
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 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
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
Order of physical assessment: Inspect, palpate, percuss, auscultate. EXCEPT for assessing the abdomen: Inspect, auscultate, percuss, palpate (to avoid altering bowel sounds).
Physical Assessment Order
Order of physical assessment: Inspect, palpate, percuss, auscultate. EXCEPT for assessing the abdomen: Inspect, auscultate, percuss, palpate (to avoid altering bowel sounds).
Contrast Dye
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
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 is used to treat erectile dysfunction. If you use sildenafil it will help you fill out "down there".
Sildenafil
Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction. If you use sildenafil it will help you fill out "down there".
Left Shift in WBCs
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
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 is an expectorant. "Gauif" sounds like "Cough". It reduces the viscosity of secretions, making coughs more productive.
Guaifenesin
Guaifenesin is an expectorant. "Gauif" sounds like "Cough". It reduces the viscosity of secretions, making coughs more productive.
Terbutaline Sulfate
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
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 with IUDs: Report foul smelling discharge, change in IUD string length, fever/chills, or pain with intercourse!
Key Patient Teaching: IUDs
Key patient teaching with IUDs: Report foul smelling discharge, change in IUD string length, fever/chills, or pain with intercourse!
Ondansetron
Ondansetron is an antiemetic (used to prevent nausea and vomiting). Hint: "I threw up on DAN. Better get me some ondansetron."
Ondansetron
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 require caregivers and visitors to wear a gown and gloves when going into the patient's room.
Contact Precautions
Contact precautions require caregivers and visitors to wear a gown and gloves when going into the patient's room.
Speech Language Pathologist
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
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) is used for insomnia. Zolpidem will help you catch some ZZZs...
Zolpidem (Ambien) Uses
Zolpidem (Ambien) is used for insomnia. Zolpidem will help you catch some ZZZs...
Misoprostol and Pregnancy
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
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 for a patient starts at ADMISSION.
Discharge Planning
DISCHARGE planning for a patient starts at ADMISSION.
Try less invasive interventions first
Always try LESS invasive interventions FIRST. Example: Move a patient at risk for falls to a room near the nursing station vs. placing restraints.
Try less invasive interventions first
Always try LESS invasive interventions FIRST. Example: Move a patient at risk for falls to a room near the nursing station vs. placing restraints.
Incident Reports
Incident reports should NOT be part of the patient's chart, and incident reports should NOT be referenced in the patient's chart.
Incident Reports
Incident reports should NOT be part of the patient's chart, and incident reports should NOT be referenced in the patient's chart.
Preventing falls
Preventing falls: Do not place all 4 bed rails UP for patient who try to get out of bed on their own.
Preventing falls
Preventing falls: Do not place all 4 bed rails UP for patient who try to get out of bed on their own.
Home safety interventions for Alzheimer's patients
KEY home safety interventions for Alzheimer's patients: NO scatter rugs, do have door locks, mark step edges with colored tape, place the mattress on the floor.
Home safety interventions for Alzheimer's patients
KEY home safety interventions for Alzheimer's patients: NO scatter rugs, do have door locks, mark step edges with colored tape, place the mattress on the floor.
Priority for Patients with Depression
If a patient has depression, your PRIORITY is to assess the patient's risk of suicide and implement 1:1 observation if indicated.
Priority for Patients with Depression
If a patient has depression, your PRIORITY is to assess the patient's risk of suicide and implement 1:1 observation if indicated.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
Signs/Symptoms of PTSD: flashbacks, distressing dreams, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, detachment from others, hyper-vigilance, exaggerated startle response, feeling of guilt, and negative self-image.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
Signs/Symptoms of PTSD: flashbacks, distressing dreams, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, detachment from others, hyper-vigilance, exaggerated startle response, feeling of guilt, and negative self-image.
Suspicion of Abuse
Nurses are required to report suspicion of abuse. You do not need to gather more information or provide proof.
Suspicion of Abuse
Nurses are required to report suspicion of abuse. You do not need to gather more information or provide proof.
Oral Iron Supplements
Oral iron supplements can cause teeth staining! Administer with a straw.
Oral Iron Supplements
Oral iron supplements can cause teeth staining! Administer with a straw.
Administering misoprostol
When administering a misoprostol (for prevention of gastric ulcers) to a person of child-bearing age, be sure to run a PREGNANCY test first as this medication can cause a miscarriage!
Administering misoprostol
When administering a misoprostol (for prevention of gastric ulcers) to a person of child-bearing age, be sure to run a PREGNANCY test first as this medication can cause a miscarriage!
Know your antidotes for anticoagulants
Know your antidotes for anticoagulants: Vitamin K for warfarin, Protamine for Heparin.
Know your antidotes for anticoagulants
Know your antidotes for anticoagulants: Vitamin K for warfarin, Protamine for Heparin.
Therapeutic INR for patients receiving warfarin
Therapeutic INR is 2-3 for patients receiving warfarin.
Therapeutic INR for patients receiving warfarin
Therapeutic INR is 2-3 for patients receiving warfarin.
Therapeutic aPTT for patients receiving Heparin
Therapeutic aPTT is 1.5-2 times baseline (baseline = 30-40 sec) for patients receiving Heparin.
Therapeutic aPTT for patients receiving Heparin
Therapeutic aPTT is 1.5-2 times baseline (baseline = 30-40 sec) for patients receiving Heparin.
Major Risk Factor for Rheumatic Fever
Major risk factor for rheumatic fever: untreated or partially treated upper respiratory infection with Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS).
Major Risk Factor for Rheumatic Fever
Major risk factor for rheumatic fever: untreated or partially treated upper respiratory infection with Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS).
What to Do if You Suspect Epiglottitis
If you suspect that a patient has epiglottitis, DO NOT take a throat culture or place a tongue blade in the patient's mouth!
What to Do if You Suspect Epiglottitis
If you suspect that a patient has epiglottitis, DO NOT take a throat culture or place a tongue blade in the patient's mouth!
Major Risk Factor for Reye's Syndrome
Major risk factor for Reye's syndrome: Use of aspirin to treat fever associated with a viral infection.
Major Risk Factor for Reye's Syndrome
Major risk factor for Reye's syndrome: Use of aspirin to treat fever associated with a viral infection.
Meds that Promote Alcohol Abstinence
Meds that promote alcohol abstinence: disulfiram, naltrexone, acamprosate. These meds are NOT used during alcohol withdrawal!
Meds that Promote Alcohol Abstinence
Meds that promote alcohol abstinence: disulfiram, naltrexone, acamprosate. These meds are NOT used during alcohol withdrawal!
Lithium Side Effects vs. Toxicity
Lithium: fine hand tremors are an EXPECTED side effect, coarse hand tremors indicate TOXICITY.
Lithium Side Effects vs. Toxicity
Lithium: fine hand tremors are an EXPECTED side effect, coarse hand tremors indicate TOXICITY.
SSRIs and Serotonin Syndrome
For patients taking SSRIs, watch for serotonin syndrome! Symptoms: agitation, hallucinations, fever, diaphoresis, tremors.
SSRIs and Serotonin Syndrome
For patients taking SSRIs, watch for serotonin syndrome! Symptoms: agitation, hallucinations, fever, diaphoresis, tremors.
Informed Consent
In order to give informed consent, a patient must be an unimpaired adult (ex: no drugs, alcohol, hallucinations) or an emancipated minor.
Informed Consent
In order to give informed consent, a patient must be an unimpaired adult (ex: no drugs, alcohol, hallucinations) or an emancipated minor.
Signs of abuse in children
Signs of abuse in children: bruising in unusual locations (bruising on arms/legs expected!), bruising in different stages of healing, forearm spiral fractures.
Signs of abuse in children
Signs of abuse in children: bruising in unusual locations (bruising on arms/legs expected!), bruising in different stages of healing, forearm spiral fractures.
Electro convulsive therapy
Short-term memory loss is EXPECTED after electroconvulsive therapy.
Electro convulsive therapy
Short-term memory loss is EXPECTED after electroconvulsive therapy.
Older adult home safety
When assessing HOME safety for older adults, it is important to remove scatter rugs!
Older adult home safety
When assessing HOME safety for older adults, it is important to remove scatter rugs!
How to treat a seizure
During a seizure, turn the patient to his/her side, loosen restrictive clothing, and DO NOT insert airway or restrain patient.
How to treat a seizure
During a seizure, turn the patient to his/her side, loosen restrictive clothing, and DO NOT insert airway or restrain patient.
Bone loss and aging
Bone loss begins at 35 years old. In order to prevent osteoporosis, individuals should engage in weight-bearing exercises. FYI - swimming is NOT weight-bearing.
Bone loss and aging
Bone loss begins at 35 years old. In order to prevent osteoporosis, individuals should engage in weight-bearing exercises. FYI - swimming is NOT weight-bearing.
Choking hazard foods
The following foods pose a choking hazard for small children: popcorn, raisins, peanuts, grapes, raw carrots, hotdogs, celery, peanut butter, candy, tough meat.
Choking hazard foods
The following foods pose a choking hazard for small children: popcorn, raisins, peanuts, grapes, raw carrots, hotdogs, celery, peanut butter, candy, tough meat.
BMI ranges to learn
Know your BMI ranges: <18.5 = underweight, 18.5-24.9 = healthy, 25-29.9 = overweight, 30 or more = obese.
BMI ranges to learn
Know your BMI ranges: <18.5 = underweight, 18.5-24.9 = healthy, 25-29.9 = overweight, 30 or more = obese.
Albumin and prealbumin
When evaluating a patient's nutritional status, be sure to check: albumin (normal range: 3.5-5) and prealbumin levels (normal range 15-36).
Albumin and prealbumin
When evaluating a patient's nutritional status, be sure to check: albumin (normal range: 3.5-5) and prealbumin levels (normal range 15-36).
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