Nursing Tips (579)

Culturally competent care begins with identifying your own cultural beliefs and values!

Culturally Competent Care

Cathy Parkes

Culturally competent care begins with identifying your own cultural beliefs and values!

Culturally Competent Care

Cathy Parkes

Culturally competent care begins with identifying your own cultural beliefs and values!

When it comes to lactation, prolactin is responsible for causing milk production, while oxytocin controls the release of milk from the breasts through the "letdown reflex."

Lactation

Cathy Parkes

When it comes to lactation, prolactin is responsible for causing milk production, while oxytocin controls the release of milk from the breasts through the "letdown reflex."

Lactation

Cathy Parkes

When it comes to lactation, prolactin is responsible for causing milk production, while oxytocin controls the release of milk from the breasts through the "letdown reflex."

Educate patients that in order to lose one pound per week, they should decrease daily caloric intake by 500.

Weight Loss: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients that in order to lose one pound per week, they should decrease daily caloric intake by 500.

Weight Loss: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients that in order to lose one pound per week, they should decrease daily caloric intake by 500.

For effective nonverbal communication, remember your ROLES: Relaxed body language, Open posture, Lean in, Eye contact, Sit squarely toward the patient.

Effective Nonverbal Communication

Cathy Parkes

For effective nonverbal communication, remember your ROLES: Relaxed body language, Open posture, Lean in, Eye contact, Sit squarely toward the patient.

Effective Nonverbal Communication

Cathy Parkes

For effective nonverbal communication, remember your ROLES: Relaxed body language, Open posture, Lean in, Eye contact, Sit squarely toward the patient.

Educate patients to immediately report a rash when taking lamotrigine, as this may be due to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a life-threatening complication!

Lamotrigine: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients to immediately report a rash when taking lamotrigine, as this may be due to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a life-threatening complication!

Lamotrigine: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients to immediately report a rash when taking lamotrigine, as this may be due to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a life-threatening complication!

Educate patients to prevent Lyme Disease (a tick-borne illness) by wearing long sleeves/long pants/close-toed shoes/a hat in wooded or grassy areas, and check their body fully for ticks when returning inside.

Lyme Disease: Prevention

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients to prevent Lyme Disease (a tick-borne illness) by wearing long sleeves/long pants/close-toed shoes/a hat in wooded or grassy areas, and check their body fully for ticks when returning...

Lyme Disease: Prevention

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients to prevent Lyme Disease (a tick-borne illness) by wearing long sleeves/long pants/close-toed shoes/a hat in wooded or grassy areas, and check their body fully for ticks when returning...

When administering vaccinations to a child less than 12 months of age, be sure to use the vastus lateralis muscle of the thigh. The deltoid should not be used until the child is over a year old!

Pediatric Vaccine Administration

Cathy Parkes

When administering vaccinations to a child less than 12 months of age, be sure to use the vastus lateralis muscle of the thigh. The deltoid should not be used until...

Pediatric Vaccine Administration

Cathy Parkes

When administering vaccinations to a child less than 12 months of age, be sure to use the vastus lateralis muscle of the thigh. The deltoid should not be used until...

Anabolism describes protein synthesis, while catabolism is the breakdown of protein for energy.

Anabolism

Cathy Parkes

Anabolism describes protein synthesis, while catabolism is the breakdown of protein for energy.

1 comment

Anabolism

Cathy Parkes

Anabolism describes protein synthesis, while catabolism is the breakdown of protein for energy.

1 comment
When palpating the carotid pulse, be sure to only do one side at a time to avoid restricting blood flow to the brain!

Palpating the Carotid Pulse

Cathy Parkes

When palpating the carotid pulse, be sure to only do one side at a time to avoid restricting blood flow to the brain!

Palpating the Carotid Pulse

Cathy Parkes

When palpating the carotid pulse, be sure to only do one side at a time to avoid restricting blood flow to the brain!

Thrombolytics may be given within three hours of the onset of symptoms in the case of an ischemic stroke, but are NOT indicated for hemorrhagic strokes.

Thrombolytics

Cathy Parkes

Thrombolytics may be given within three hours of the onset of symptoms in the case of an ischemic stroke, but are NOT indicated for hemorrhagic strokes.

Thrombolytics

Cathy Parkes

Thrombolytics may be given within three hours of the onset of symptoms in the case of an ischemic stroke, but are NOT indicated for hemorrhagic strokes.

Cyclosporine is a medication used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.

Cyclosporine

Cathy Parkes

Cyclosporine is a medication used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.

Cyclosporine

Cathy Parkes

Cyclosporine is a medication used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.

Kernicterus is a possible complication of hyperbilirubinemia in the infant.

Kernicterus

Cathy Parkes

Kernicterus is a possible complication of hyperbilirubinemia in the infant.

1 comment

Kernicterus

Cathy Parkes

Kernicterus is a possible complication of hyperbilirubinemia in the infant.

1 comment
Transformational leadership promotes teamwork and shared decision-making, and is considered the ideal leadership style.

Transformational Leadership

Cathy Parkes

Transformational leadership promotes teamwork and shared decision-making, and is considered the ideal leadership style.

Transformational Leadership

Cathy Parkes

Transformational leadership promotes teamwork and shared decision-making, and is considered the ideal leadership style.

Chvostek's Sign

Chvostek's Sign

Cathy Parkes

One sign of hypocalcemia is a positive Chvostek's sign. HINT: You check for the Chovostek's sign by tapping the patient's cheek (over the area of the facial nerve).

Chvostek's Sign

Cathy Parkes

One sign of hypocalcemia is a positive Chvostek's sign. HINT: You check for the Chovostek's sign by tapping the patient's cheek (over the area of the facial nerve).

Restraints should be removed immediately once a patient is no longer a risk to themselves or others.

Restraints: When to Remove

Cathy Parkes

Restraints should be removed immediately once a patient is no longer a risk to themselves or others.

Restraints: When to Remove

Cathy Parkes

Restraints should be removed immediately once a patient is no longer a risk to themselves or others.

Prior to initiating hemodialysis, auscultate their arteriovenous fistula for a bruit and palpate for a thrill.

Hemodialysis: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

Prior to initiating hemodialysis, auscultate their arteriovenous fistula for a bruit and palpate for a thrill. 

Hemodialysis: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

Prior to initiating hemodialysis, auscultate their arteriovenous fistula for a bruit and palpate for a thrill. 

When evaluating a patient's nutritional status, be sure to check: Albumin levels (normal range: 3.5-5) and Prealbumin levels (normal range 15-36).

Albumin & Prealbumin: Normal Ranges

Cathy Parkes

When evaluating a patient's nutritional status, be sure to check: Albumin levels (normal range: 3.5-5) and Prealbumin levels (normal range 15-36).

Albumin & Prealbumin: Normal Ranges

Cathy Parkes

When evaluating a patient's nutritional status, be sure to check: Albumin levels (normal range: 3.5-5) and Prealbumin levels (normal range 15-36).

Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) is a progestin-only contraception, meaning it is okay for patients who are breastfeeding or have a prior history of clotting!

Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera)

Cathy Parkes

Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) is a progestin-only contraception, meaning it is okay for patients who are breastfeeding or have a prior history of clotting!

Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera)

Cathy Parkes

Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) is a progestin-only contraception, meaning it is okay for patients who are breastfeeding or have a prior history of clotting!

The "quality" of a patient's pain refers to the words the patient uses to describe it. Examples would be "dull," "aching," "throbbing," "burning," etc.

Quality of Pain

Cathy Parkes

The "quality" of a patient's pain refers to the words the patient uses to describe it. Examples would be "dull," "aching," "throbbing," "burning," etc.

1 comment

Quality of Pain

Cathy Parkes

The "quality" of a patient's pain refers to the words the patient uses to describe it. Examples would be "dull," "aching," "throbbing," "burning," etc.

1 comment
Dermatophytosis is a fungi spread through human and animal contact, including tinea capitis (head) and tinea pedis (athlete's foot)

Dermatophytosis

Cathy Parkes

Dermatophytosis is a fungi spread through human and animal contact, including tinea capitis (head) and tinea pedis (athlete's foot).

Dermatophytosis

Cathy Parkes

Dermatophytosis is a fungi spread through human and animal contact, including tinea capitis (head) and tinea pedis (athlete's foot).

Restraints should be applied to a portion of the bed frame which moves up and down with the bed, but cannot move on its own (i.e., not the side rail).

Restraints

Cathy Parkes

Restraints should be applied to a portion of the bed frame which moves up and down with the bed, but cannot move on its own (i.e., not the side rail).

Restraints

Cathy Parkes

Restraints should be applied to a portion of the bed frame which moves up and down with the bed, but cannot move on its own (i.e., not the side rail).

Plasma cells are a type of B cell which produce and release antibodies against a specific antigen.

Plasma Cells

Cathy Parkes

Plasma cells are a type of B cell which produce and release antibodies against a specific antigen.

Plasma Cells

Cathy Parkes

Plasma cells are a type of B cell which produce and release antibodies against a specific antigen.

Medications for the infant after delivery include "eyes and thighs".

Newborn Medications

Cathy Parkes

Medications for the infant after delivery include "eyes and thighs": erythromycin ophthalmic ointment to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum, Vitamin K administered IM in the vastus lateralis to prevent bleeding, and the...

Newborn Medications

Cathy Parkes

Medications for the infant after delivery include "eyes and thighs": erythromycin ophthalmic ointment to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum, Vitamin K administered IM in the vastus lateralis to prevent bleeding, and the...

Lithotomy position

Lithotomy Position

Cathy Parkes

Lithotomy position has the patient supine with their knees flexed and legs abducted. This position is commonly used for gynecologic, rectal, or urologic procedures.

Lithotomy Position

Cathy Parkes

Lithotomy position has the patient supine with their knees flexed and legs abducted. This position is commonly used for gynecologic, rectal, or urologic procedures.

Educate patients > 60 years of age who have had chickenpox (Varicella) that prevention of shingles (Herpes Zoster) is possible with the Zostavax vaccine.

Zostavax Vaccine

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients > 60 years of age who have had chickenpox (Varicella) that prevention of shingles (Herpes Zoster) is possible with the Zostavax vaccine.

1 comment

Zostavax Vaccine

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients > 60 years of age who have had chickenpox (Varicella) that prevention of shingles (Herpes Zoster) is possible with the Zostavax vaccine.

1 comment
If a patient reports abdominal pain or tenderness, palpate these areas last.

Abdominal Pain/Tenderness

Cathy Parkes

If a patient reports abdominal pain or tenderness, palpate these areas last.

Abdominal Pain/Tenderness

Cathy Parkes

If a patient reports abdominal pain or tenderness, palpate these areas last.

It is vital to avoid palpating the abdomen of a child with Wilms Tumor, as this may cause cancer to spread.

Wilms Tumor - Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

It is vital to avoid palpating the abdomen of a child with Wilms Tumor, as this may cause cancer to spread.

Wilms Tumor - Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

It is vital to avoid palpating the abdomen of a child with Wilms Tumor, as this may cause cancer to spread.

Educate patients taking tetracyclines that it is important to avoid dairy products, foods high in calcium and iron, and antacids, as these decrease the absorption of the antibiotic.

Tetracyclines: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients taking tetracyclines that it is important to avoid dairy products, foods high in calcium and iron, and antacids, as these decrease the absorption of the antibiotic.

Tetracyclines: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients taking tetracyclines that it is important to avoid dairy products, foods high in calcium and iron, and antacids, as these decrease the absorption of the antibiotic.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) involves palpation of the prostate gland through the rectal wall. Abnormal findings include an enlarged or hard prostate, or irregular shapes/lumps within the prostate.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

Cathy Parkes

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) involves palpation of the prostate gland through the rectal wall. Abnormal findings include an enlarged or hard prostate, or irregular shapes/lumps within the prostate.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

Cathy Parkes

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) involves palpation of the prostate gland through the rectal wall. Abnormal findings include an enlarged or hard prostate, or irregular shapes/lumps within the prostate.

If a breastfed child presents with oral thrush (candidiasis), the breastfeeding mother must also be treated in order to prevent passing the fungus back and forth.

Candidiasis

Cathy Parkes

If a breastfed child presents with oral thrush (candidiasis), the breastfeeding mother must also be treated in order to prevent passing the fungus back and forth.

Candidiasis

Cathy Parkes

If a breastfed child presents with oral thrush (candidiasis), the breastfeeding mother must also be treated in order to prevent passing the fungus back and forth.

Educate breastfeeding mothers that a correct latch is demonstrated by baby's nose, cheeks, and chin touching the breast with a portion of the areola in the infant's mouth.

Breastfeeding: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate breastfeeding mothers that a correct latch is demonstrated by baby's nose, cheeks, and chin touching the breast with a portion of the areola in the infant's mouth. Adequate breastfeeding...

Breastfeeding: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate breastfeeding mothers that a correct latch is demonstrated by baby's nose, cheeks, and chin touching the breast with a portion of the areola in the infant's mouth. Adequate breastfeeding...

Stroke: Right versus Left Hemisphere

Stroke: Right versus Left Hemisphere

Cathy Parkes

A patient experiencing a left hemisphere stroke is likely to have expressive aphasia (difficulty speaking/understanding language) or reading/writing difficulty. A stroke affecting the right hemisphere may lead to poor judgement...

Stroke: Right versus Left Hemisphere

Cathy Parkes

A patient experiencing a left hemisphere stroke is likely to have expressive aphasia (difficulty speaking/understanding language) or reading/writing difficulty. A stroke affecting the right hemisphere may lead to poor judgement...

After general anesthesia, keep a patient NPO until their gag reflex/swallowing ability returns.

General Anesthesia: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

After general anesthesia, keep a patient NPO until their gag reflex/swallowing ability returns.

General Anesthesia: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

After general anesthesia, keep a patient NPO until their gag reflex/swallowing ability returns.

Between 4 - 6 years of age a child should receive Varicella, DTaP, IPV, and MMR vaccinations.

Pediatric Vaccinations

Cathy Parkes

Between 4 - 6 years of age a child should receive Varicella, DTaP, IPV, and MMR vaccinations.

Pediatric Vaccinations

Cathy Parkes

Between 4 - 6 years of age a child should receive Varicella, DTaP, IPV, and MMR vaccinations.

Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline) should not be used in pregnant/breastfeeding patients. Due to the risk for permanent tooth discoloration, it should also be avoided in children under 8 years old.

Tetracyclines

Cathy Parkes

Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline) should not be used in pregnant/breastfeeding patients. Due to the risk for permanent tooth discoloration, it should also be avoided in children under 8 years old.

Tetracyclines

Cathy Parkes

Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline) should not be used in pregnant/breastfeeding patients. Due to the risk for permanent tooth discoloration, it should also be avoided in children under 8 years old.

Ascending = liquid, Transverse = semi-solid, Descending/Sigmoid = formed.

Ileostomoy versus Colostomy

Cathy Parkes

A patient with an ileostomy has a surgical opening created from the ileum. Bowel movements will be loose or watery. A colostomy, however, is created from the large intestine and...

1 comment

Ileostomoy versus Colostomy

Cathy Parkes

A patient with an ileostomy has a surgical opening created from the ileum. Bowel movements will be loose or watery. A colostomy, however, is created from the large intestine and...

1 comment
Cutaneous pain involves the skin (e.g., a paper cut) while somatic pain involves deeper tissues such as bones and joints.

Cutaneous Pain

Cathy Parkes

Cutaneous pain involves the skin (e.g., a paper cut) while somatic pain involves deeper tissues such as bones and joints.

Cutaneous Pain

Cathy Parkes

Cutaneous pain involves the skin (e.g., a paper cut) while somatic pain involves deeper tissues such as bones and joints.

Because albumin increases the fluid volume and osmotic pressure of the intravascular space, assess for signs of fluid overload, and be sure not to give this medication to a patient experiencing heart failure.

Albumin

Cathy Parkes

Because albumin increases the fluid volume and osmotic pressure of the intravascular space, assess for signs of fluid overload, and be sure not to give this medication to a patient...

Albumin

Cathy Parkes

Because albumin increases the fluid volume and osmotic pressure of the intravascular space, assess for signs of fluid overload, and be sure not to give this medication to a patient...

A patient who is lying "supine" is lying on their back in a neutral position.

Supine Position

Cathy Parkes

A patient who is lying "supine" is lying on their back in a neutral position. 

1 comment

Supine Position

Cathy Parkes

A patient who is lying "supine" is lying on their back in a neutral position. 

1 comment
The autonomic nervous system is comprised of two parts: the sympathetic nervous system ("fight or flight" responses) and the parasympathetic nervous system ("rest and digest" functions).

Autonomic Nervous System

Cathy Parkes

The autonomic nervous system is comprised of two parts: the sympathetic nervous system ("fight or flight" responses) and the parasympathetic nervous system ("rest and digest" functions).

Autonomic Nervous System

Cathy Parkes

The autonomic nervous system is comprised of two parts: the sympathetic nervous system ("fight or flight" responses) and the parasympathetic nervous system ("rest and digest" functions).

Time-critical scheduled medications (e.g., antibiotics) need to be given within 30 minutes before or after the scheduled time.

Time-critical scheduled medications

Cathy Parkes

Time-critical scheduled medications (e.g., antibiotics) need to be given within 30 minutes before or after the scheduled time.

Time-critical scheduled medications

Cathy Parkes

Time-critical scheduled medications (e.g., antibiotics) need to be given within 30 minutes before or after the scheduled time.

Along with the normal vaccination schedule, children should receive their seasonal influenza vaccine beginning at 6 months of age.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

Cathy Parkes

Along with the normal vaccination schedule, children should receive their seasonal influenza vaccine beginning at 6 months of age.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

Cathy Parkes

Along with the normal vaccination schedule, children should receive their seasonal influenza vaccine beginning at 6 months of age.

Blood is composed of plasma and formed elements. The plasma contains water, ions, protein, nutrients, wastes, gasses, and clotting factors. The formed elements include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Blood: Components

Cathy Parkes

Blood is composed of plasma and formed elements. The plasma contains water, ions, protein, nutrients, wastes, gasses, and clotting factors. The formed elements include red blood cells, white blood cells,...

Blood: Components

Cathy Parkes

Blood is composed of plasma and formed elements. The plasma contains water, ions, protein, nutrients, wastes, gasses, and clotting factors. The formed elements include red blood cells, white blood cells,...

Clopidogrel, a platelet aggregate inhibitor, helps to prevent myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Clopidogrel

Cathy Parkes

Clopidogrel, a platelet aggregate inhibitor, helps to prevent myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome. 

Clopidogrel

Cathy Parkes

Clopidogrel, a platelet aggregate inhibitor, helps to prevent myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome. 

Educate caregivers that after a vaccine it is normal for a child to have pain at the injection site, rash, or a fever.

Post-vaccine Care for Children

Cathy Parkes

Educate caregivers that after a vaccine it is normal for a child to have pain at the injection site, rash, or a fever. Instruct caregivers that while pain relievers may...

Post-vaccine Care for Children

Cathy Parkes

Educate caregivers that after a vaccine it is normal for a child to have pain at the injection site, rash, or a fever. Instruct caregivers that while pain relievers may...

The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of the brain and spinal cord.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Cathy Parkes

The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of the brain and spinal cord.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Cathy Parkes

The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of the brain and spinal cord.

Watch out! Extreme words like "always" or "never" may make an otherwise good answer incorrect. It is rare that we always or never do something in nursing!

Extreme Answers

Cathy Parkes

Watch out! Extreme words like "always" or "never" may make an otherwise good answer incorrect.

2 comments

Extreme Answers

Cathy Parkes

Watch out! Extreme words like "always" or "never" may make an otherwise good answer incorrect.

2 comments
Normal lymph nodes are moveable, soft, nontender, and < 1 cm in size.

Lymph Nodes

Cathy Parkes

Normal lymph nodes are moveable, soft, nontender, and < 1 cm in size. 

Lymph Nodes

Cathy Parkes

Normal lymph nodes are moveable, soft, nontender, and < 1 cm in size.