Nursing Tips (632)

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.

Try less invasive interventions first

Try less invasive interventions first

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Preventing falls: Do not place all 4 bed rails UP for patient who try to get out of bed on their own.

Preventing falls

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Home safety interventions for Alzheimer's patients

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Priority for Patients with Depression

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If a patient has depression, your PRIORITY is to assess the patient's risk of suicide and implement 1:1 observation if indicated.

Signs/Symptoms of PTSD

Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Suspicion of Abuse

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Nurses are required to report suspicion of abuse.  You do not need to gather more information or provide proof.

Suspicion of Abuse

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Oral iron supplements can cause teeth staining!  Administer with a straw.

Oral Iron Supplements

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Oral iron supplements can cause teeth staining!  Administer with a straw.

Administering misoprostol

Administering misoprostol

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Know your antidotes for anticoagulants: Vitamin K for warfarin, Protamine for Heparin.

Know your antidotes for anticoagulants

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Know your antidotes for anticoagulants: Vitamin K for warfarin, Protamine for Heparin.

Therapeutic INR for patients receiving warfarin

Therapeutic INR for patients receiving warfarin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Therapeutic INR is 2-3 for patients receiving warfarin.

Therapeutic INR for patients receiving warfarin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Therapeutic INR is 2-3 for patients receiving warfarin.

Therapeutic aPTT for patients receiving Heparin

Therapeutic aPTT for patients receiving Heparin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Therapeutic aPTT is 1.5-2 times baseline (baseline = 30-40 sec) for patients receiving Heparin.

Therapeutic aPTT for patients receiving Heparin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

What to Do if You Suspect Epiglottitis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Meds that promote alcohol abstinence: disulfiram, naltrexone, acamprosate. These meds are NOT used during alcohol withdrawal!

Meds that Promote Alcohol Abstinence

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Meds that promote alcohol abstinence: disulfiram, naltrexone, acamprosate. These meds are NOT used during alcohol withdrawal!

Lithium Side Effects vs. Toxicity

Lithium Side Effects vs. Toxicity

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Lithium: fine hand tremors are an EXPECTED side effect, coarse hand tremors indicate TOXICITY.

Lithium Side Effects vs. Toxicity

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Lithium: fine hand tremors are an EXPECTED side effect, coarse hand tremors indicate TOXICITY.

SSRIs and Serotonin Syndrome

SSRIs and Serotonin Syndrome

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

For patients taking SSRIs, watch for serotonin syndrome! Symptoms: agitation, hallucinations, fever, diaphoresis, tremors.

SSRIs and Serotonin Syndrome

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

For patients taking SSRIs, watch for serotonin syndrome! Symptoms: agitation, hallucinations, fever, diaphoresis, tremors.

Informed Consent

Informed Consent

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

In order to give informed consent, a patient must be an unimpaired adult (ex: no drugs, alcohol, hallucinations) or an emancipated minor.

Informed Consent

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Electro convulsive therapy

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Short-term memory loss is EXPECTED after electroconvulsive therapy.

Electro convulsive therapy

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Short-term memory loss is EXPECTED after electroconvulsive therapy.

Older adult home safety

Older adult home safety

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When assessing HOME safety for older adults, it is important to remove scatter rugs!

Older adult home safety

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When assessing HOME safety for older adults, it is important to remove scatter rugs!