Nursing Tips (579)

Adenosine (Adenocard) is a Class V antiarrhythmic medication used for supraventricular tachycardia.

Adenosine

Cathy Parkes

Adenosine (Adenocard) is a Class V antiarrhythmic medication used for supraventricular tachycardia.

Adenosine

Cathy Parkes

Adenosine (Adenocard) is a Class V antiarrhythmic medication used for supraventricular tachycardia.

Calcium (Ca) expected range: 9 - 10.5 mEq/L.

Calcium Ranges

Cathy Parkes

Calcium (Ca) expected range: 9 - 10.5 mEq/L HINT: California (CA) is due for a big earthquake that may measure 9 - 10.5 on the Richter scale.

Calcium Ranges

Cathy Parkes

Calcium (Ca) expected range: 9 - 10.5 mEq/L HINT: California (CA) is due for a big earthquake that may measure 9 - 10.5 on the Richter scale.

Neutrophils

Filgrastim

Cathy Parkes

Filgrastim is a medication used to stimulate the growth of neutrophils in patients with neutropenia.

Filgrastim

Cathy Parkes

Filgrastim is a medication used to stimulate the growth of neutrophils in patients with neutropenia.

A patient who experienced a long-bone fracture is at risk for a fat embolism. Immediately report any dyspnea, confusion, tachypnea, tachycardia, or chest pain to the provider.

Long-bone Fractures

Cathy Parkes

A patient who experienced a long-bone fracture is at risk for a fat embolism. Immediately report any dyspnea, confusion, tachypnea, tachycardia, or chest pain to the provider.

Long-bone Fractures

Cathy Parkes

A patient who experienced a long-bone fracture is at risk for a fat embolism. Immediately report any dyspnea, confusion, tachypnea, tachycardia, or chest pain to the provider.

Authoritarian parents are those who are strict and require high control but offer little warmth. Authoritative parents have moderate-high control, but offer high amounts of warmth.

Authoritarian vs. Authoritative Parenting

Cathy Parkes

Authoritarian parents are those who are strict and require high control but offer little warmth. Authoritative parents have moderate-high control, but offer high amounts of warmth. 

Authoritarian vs. Authoritative Parenting

Cathy Parkes

Authoritarian parents are those who are strict and require high control but offer little warmth. Authoritative parents have moderate-high control, but offer high amounts of warmth. 

Because oxybutynin is used to treat overactive bladder by inhibiting acetylcholine in the bladder, assess for anticholinergic symptoms. These include dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, and blurred vision.

Oxybutynin

Cathy Parkes

Because oxybutynin is used to treat overactive bladder by inhibiting acetylcholine in the bladder, assess for anticholinergic symptoms. These include dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, and blurred vision.

Oxybutynin

Cathy Parkes

Because oxybutynin is used to treat overactive bladder by inhibiting acetylcholine in the bladder, assess for anticholinergic symptoms. These include dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, and blurred vision.

A patient with appendicitis is likely to have RLQ pain at McBurney's Point along with rebound tenderness, nausea/vomiting, and fever.

Appendicitis: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

A patient with appendicitis is likely to have RLQ pain at McBurney's Point along with rebound tenderness, nausea/vomiting, and fever.

Appendicitis: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

A patient with appendicitis is likely to have RLQ pain at McBurney's Point along with rebound tenderness, nausea/vomiting, and fever.

A patient undergoing hemodialysis may have an arteriovenous fistula in the arm. Educate patient that blood pressures, IVs, and blood draws must be done from the arm without the shunt.

Hemodialysis: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

A patient undergoing hemodialysis may have an arteriovenous fistula in the arm. Educate patient that blood pressures, IVs, and blood draws must be done from the arm without the shunt....

Hemodialysis: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

A patient undergoing hemodialysis may have an arteriovenous fistula in the arm. Educate patient that blood pressures, IVs, and blood draws must be done from the arm without the shunt....

Corticosteroids: Patient Teaching - LevelUpRN

Corticosteroids: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Patients taking corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, hydrocortisone) are at increased risk of infection. Monitor for signs of infection, and educate patients taking these medications to avoid crowded areas and perform frequent...

Corticosteroids: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Patients taking corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, hydrocortisone) are at increased risk of infection. Monitor for signs of infection, and educate patients taking these medications to avoid crowded areas and perform frequent...

Written educational materials should be provided in the patient's primary language using layman's terms and an appropriate reading level.

Providing Educational Materials to Patients

Cathy Parkes

Written educational materials should be provided in the patient's primary language using layman's terms and an appropriate reading level.

Providing Educational Materials to Patients

Cathy Parkes

Written educational materials should be provided in the patient's primary language using layman's terms and an appropriate reading level.

When performing a Snellen exam for visual acuity, an adult should stand 20 feet away from the chart, but a child should stand 10 feet from the chart.

Performing a Snellen Exam

Cathy Parkes

When performing a Snellen exam for visual acuity, an adult should stand 20 feet away from the chart, but a child should stand 10 feet from the chart.

Performing a Snellen Exam

Cathy Parkes

When performing a Snellen exam for visual acuity, an adult should stand 20 feet away from the chart, but a child should stand 10 feet from the chart.

Because of the unpleasant GI side effects of metformin, educate patients to take this medication with a meal.

Metformin

Cathy Parkes

Because of the unpleasant GI side effects of metformin, educate patients to take this medication with a meal.

Metformin

Cathy Parkes

Because of the unpleasant GI side effects of metformin, educate patients to take this medication with a meal.

Vitamin B9 (folic acid) is needed to prevent neural tube defects in a developing fetus.

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Cathy Parkes

Vitamin B9 (folic acid) is needed to prevent neural tube defects in a developing fetus.

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Cathy Parkes

Vitamin B9 (folic acid) is needed to prevent neural tube defects in a developing fetus.

A patient with asthma who is experiencing airway obstruction unresponsive to usual therapy is experiencing status asthmaticus. Administer oxygen and prepare for emergency intubation!

Status Asthmaticus

Cathy Parkes

A patient with asthma who is experiencing airway obstruction unresponsive to usual therapy is experiencing status asthmaticus. Administer oxygen and prepare for emergency intubation!

Status Asthmaticus

Cathy Parkes

A patient with asthma who is experiencing airway obstruction unresponsive to usual therapy is experiencing status asthmaticus. Administer oxygen and prepare for emergency intubation!

Avoid recapping needles to prevent sharps injury. If recapping is unavoidable, use the scoop method to minimize the risk of injury.

The Scoop Method

Cathy Parkes

Avoid recapping needles to prevent sharps injury. If recapping is unavoidable, use the scoop method to minimize the risk of injury.

The Scoop Method

Cathy Parkes

Avoid recapping needles to prevent sharps injury. If recapping is unavoidable, use the scoop method to minimize the risk of injury.

When caring for a child with appendicitis, report to the provider any sudden relief of pain. This may indicate that the appendix has perforated and requires emergency surgery!

Appendicitis: Family Teaching

Cathy Parkes

When caring for a child with appendicitis, report to the provider any sudden relief of pain. This may indicate that the appendix has perforated and requires emergency surgery!

Appendicitis: Family Teaching

Cathy Parkes

When caring for a child with appendicitis, report to the provider any sudden relief of pain. This may indicate that the appendix has perforated and requires emergency surgery!

A patient who experiences prolonged standing (like nurses!) is at risk for developing varicose veins. Educate patients with this risk factor to wear compression stockings and elevate the legs when possible.

Varicose Veins: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

A patient who experiences prolonged standing (like nurses!) is at risk for developing varicose veins. Educate patients with this risk factor to wear compression stockings and elevate the legs when...

Varicose Veins: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

A patient who experiences prolonged standing (like nurses!) is at risk for developing varicose veins. Educate patients with this risk factor to wear compression stockings and elevate the legs when...

Because hypokalemia increases a patient's risk of digoxin toxicity, be sure to closely monitor the potassium levels for patients taking digoxin!

Digoxin and Hypokalemia

Cathy Parkes

Because hypokalemia increases a patient's risk of digoxin toxicity, be sure to closely monitor the potassium levels for patients taking digoxin!

Digoxin and Hypokalemia

Cathy Parkes

Because hypokalemia increases a patient's risk of digoxin toxicity, be sure to closely monitor the potassium levels for patients taking digoxin!

Patients receiving enemas may report cramping. Lower the solution container if cramping is reported.

Enemas: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

Patients receiving enemas may report cramping. Lower the solution container if cramping is reported.

Enemas: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

Patients receiving enemas may report cramping. Lower the solution container if cramping is reported.

With Cushing's Syndrome, restrict fluid and sodium but increase the patient's intake of protein, calcium, and vitamin D.

Cushing's Syndrome: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

With Cushing's Syndrome, restrict fluid and sodium but increase the patient's intake of protein, calcium, and vitamin D.

Cushing's Syndrome: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

With Cushing's Syndrome, restrict fluid and sodium but increase the patient's intake of protein, calcium, and vitamin D.

A patient reporting a loss of central vision should be evaluated for macular degeneration.

Loss of Central Vision

Cathy Parkes

A patient reporting a loss of central vision should be evaluated for macular degeneration.

Loss of Central Vision

Cathy Parkes

A patient reporting a loss of central vision should be evaluated for macular degeneration.

Atropine is a medication that can be administered to patients with sinus bradycardia or heart block in order to increase heart rate.

Atropine

Cathy Parkes

Atropine is a medication that can be administered to patients with sinus bradycardia or heart block in order to increase heart rate.

Atropine

Cathy Parkes

Atropine is a medication that can be administered to patients with sinus bradycardia or heart block in order to increase heart rate.

Car seat safety for newborns includes installing the car seat in the back/middle seat, using a rear-facing seat with a 5-point harness until at least age 2.

Car Seat Safety for Newborns

Cathy Parkes

Car seat safety for newborns includes installing the car seat in the back/middle seat, using a rear-facing seat with a 5-point harness until at least age 2, installing the seat...

Car Seat Safety for Newborns

Cathy Parkes

Car seat safety for newborns includes installing the car seat in the back/middle seat, using a rear-facing seat with a 5-point harness until at least age 2, installing the seat...

A patient using crutches should be taught to ascend stairs leading with the strong leg and descend by leading with the weaker leg.

Crutches: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

A patient using crutches should be taught to ascend stairs leading with the strong leg and descend by leading with the weaker leg.

Crutches: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

A patient using crutches should be taught to ascend stairs leading with the strong leg and descend by leading with the weaker leg.

Assess any skin lesions for potential cancerous changes using ABCDE.

Assessing Skin Lesions with ABCDE

Cathy Parkes

Assess any skin lesions for potential cancerous changes using ABCDE.

Assessing Skin Lesions with ABCDE

Cathy Parkes

Assess any skin lesions for potential cancerous changes using ABCDE.

When caring for a child with pheochromocytoma, be sure not to palpate the abdomen. Palpation can cause a sudden release of catecholamines, triggering severe hypertension!

Pheochromocytoma in Children

Cathy Parkes

When caring for a child with pheochromocytoma, be sure not to palpate the abdomen. Palpation can cause a sudden release of catecholamines, triggering severe hypertension!

Pheochromocytoma in Children

Cathy Parkes

When caring for a child with pheochromocytoma, be sure not to palpate the abdomen. Palpation can cause a sudden release of catecholamines, triggering severe hypertension!

Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) pumps should only be used by the patient. Educate families/visitors not to press the button for the patient!

Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) Pumps

Cathy Parkes

Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) pumps should only be used by the patient. Educate families/visitors not to press the button for the patient!

Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) Pumps

Cathy Parkes

Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) pumps should only be used by the patient. Educate families/visitors not to press the button for the patient!

Because ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication, educate patients that they should increase their fluid intake and suck on candy for dry mouth.

Ipratropium

Cathy Parkes

Because ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication, educate patients that they should increase their fluid intake and suck on candy for dry mouth.

Ipratropium

Cathy Parkes

Because ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication, educate patients that they should increase their fluid intake and suck on candy for dry mouth.

Cardiac Enzymes are released in response to cardiac ischemia. They include CK-MB, Myoglobin, Troponin T, and Troponin I. Troponin is the most specific!

Cardiac Enzymes

Cathy Parkes

Cardiac Enzymes are released in response to cardiac ischemia. They include CK-MB, Myoglobin, Troponin T, and Troponin I. Troponin is the most specific!

1 comment

Cardiac Enzymes

Cathy Parkes

Cardiac Enzymes are released in response to cardiac ischemia. They include CK-MB, Myoglobin, Troponin T, and Troponin I. Troponin is the most specific!

1 comment
Carbohydrates and protein each provide 4 kcal of energy/gram. Lipids provide 9 kcal of energy/gram.

Macronutrients

Cathy Parkes

Carbohydrates and protein each provide 4 kcal of energy/gram. Lipids provide 9 kcal of energy/gram.

Macronutrients

Cathy Parkes

Carbohydrates and protein each provide 4 kcal of energy/gram. Lipids provide 9 kcal of energy/gram.

Word Salad is a type of disorganized speech seen in schizophrenia (e.g., "happy green friendly running monkeys").

Word Salad

Cathy Parkes

Word Salad is a type of disorganized speech seen in schizophrenia (e.g., "happy green friendly running monkeys").

Word Salad

Cathy Parkes

Word Salad is a type of disorganized speech seen in schizophrenia (e.g., "happy green friendly running monkeys").

Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic used to treat pulmonary disorders with thick mucous secretions (e.g., cystic fibrosis). It is expected that this medication smells like rotten eggs; this is not an indication it has expired!

Acetylcysteine is Supposed to Smell Like Rotten Eggs

Cathy Parkes

Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic used to treat pulmonary disorders with thick mucous secretions (e.g., cystic fibrosis). It is expected that this medication smells like rotten eggs; this is not an...

Acetylcysteine is Supposed to Smell Like Rotten Eggs

Cathy Parkes

Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic used to treat pulmonary disorders with thick mucous secretions (e.g., cystic fibrosis). It is expected that this medication smells like rotten eggs; this is not an...

A patient presenting with a chancre (ulcer) on the genitals should be evaluated for syphilis. The chancre should be cultured, and a blood test should be done to assess for this sexually transmitted infection.

Chancre

Cathy Parkes

A patient presenting with a chancre (ulcer) on the genitals should be evaluated for syphilis. The chancre should be cultured, and a blood test should be done to assess for...

Chancre

Cathy Parkes

A patient presenting with a chancre (ulcer) on the genitals should be evaluated for syphilis. The chancre should be cultured, and a blood test should be done to assess for...

A patient who is practicing how to administer their own insulin injections is functioning under the psychomotor domain of learning, as they are not just thinking, but performing an action.

Psychomotor Domain of Learning

Cathy Parkes

A patient who is practicing how to administer their own insulin injections is functioning under the psychomotor domain of learning, as they are not just thinking, but performing an action.

Psychomotor Domain of Learning

Cathy Parkes

A patient who is practicing how to administer their own insulin injections is functioning under the psychomotor domain of learning, as they are not just thinking, but performing an action.

At approximately 1 year of age, a child should begin using "holophrases," which are one-word sentences. By age 2 the child should use more than 50 words and 2 - 3 word phrases.

Holophrases

Cathy Parkes

At approximately 1 year of age, a child should begin using "holophrases," which are one-word sentences. By age 2 the child should use more than 50 words and 2 -...

Holophrases

Cathy Parkes

At approximately 1 year of age, a child should begin using "holophrases," which are one-word sentences. By age 2 the child should use more than 50 words and 2 -...

Assessing skin turgor should be done by gently pinching/lifting the skin on the sternum. If the skin "tents," (i.e., stays lifted for a prolonged period and doesn't quickly return to its original place) it could indicate dehydration.

Assessing Skin Turgor

Cathy Parkes

Assessing skin turgor should be done by gently pinching/lifting the skin on the sternum. If the skin "tents," (i.e., stays lifted for a prolonged period and doesn't quickly return to...

Assessing Skin Turgor

Cathy Parkes

Assessing skin turgor should be done by gently pinching/lifting the skin on the sternum. If the skin "tents," (i.e., stays lifted for a prolonged period and doesn't quickly return to...

Audits are an effective way to measure and evaluate performance when carrying out quality improvement.

Nursing Audits

Cathy Parkes

Audits are an effective way to measure and evaluate performance when carrying out quality improvement.

Nursing Audits

Cathy Parkes

Audits are an effective way to measure and evaluate performance when carrying out quality improvement.

Acetylcysteine, a respiratory medication, is also used as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity!

Acetylcysteine

Cathy Parkes

Acetylcysteine, a respiratory medication, is also used as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity!

Acetylcysteine

Cathy Parkes

Acetylcysteine, a respiratory medication, is also used as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity!

Acrocyanosis is the bluish discoloration of fingers/hands and toes/feet and is an expected finding in the newborn. Report persistent central cyanosis to the provider.

Acrocyanosis

Cathy Parkes

Acrocyanosis is the bluish discoloration of fingers/hands and toes/feet and is an expected finding in the newborn. Report persistent central cyanosis to the provider.

Acrocyanosis

Cathy Parkes

Acrocyanosis is the bluish discoloration of fingers/hands and toes/feet and is an expected finding in the newborn. Report persistent central cyanosis to the provider.

A patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is likely to have a "barrel chest" appearance, use accessory muscles to breathe, have clubbing of the fingernails, and exhibit hyperresonance upon percussion.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Signs & Symptoms

Cathy Parkes

A patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is likely to have a "barrel chest" appearance, use accessory muscles to breathe, have clubbing of the fingernails, and exhibit hyperresonance upon...

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Signs & Symptoms

Cathy Parkes

A patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is likely to have a "barrel chest" appearance, use accessory muscles to breathe, have clubbing of the fingernails, and exhibit hyperresonance upon...

A patient on protective/reverse isolation should be provided a private room with positive-pressure airflow. Do not allow flowers or live plants into the room, and screen all visitors for illness.

Protective/Reverse Isolation

Cathy Parkes

A patient on protective/reverse isolation should be provided a private room with positive-pressure airflow. Do not allow flowers or live plants into the room, and screen all visitors for illness.

Protective/Reverse Isolation

Cathy Parkes

A patient on protective/reverse isolation should be provided a private room with positive-pressure airflow. Do not allow flowers or live plants into the room, and screen all visitors for illness.

When assessing the eyes, the sclera should be white. The tympanic membrane of the ears, however, should be pearly gray.

Eye and Ear Assessment

Cathy Parkes

When assessing the eyes, the sclera should be white. The tympanic membrane of the ears, however, should be pearly gray.

Eye and Ear Assessment

Cathy Parkes

When assessing the eyes, the sclera should be white. The tympanic membrane of the ears, however, should be pearly gray.

Potassium (K) expected range: 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L

Potassium: Expected Range

Cathy Parkes

Potassium (K) expected range: 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L

Potassium: Expected Range

Cathy Parkes

Potassium (K) expected range: 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L

Ask your patient about any dietary considerations they may have in relation to their religion rather than assuming!

Dietary Considerations

Cathy Parkes

Ask your patient about any dietary considerations they may have in relation to their religion rather than assuming!

Dietary Considerations

Cathy Parkes

Ask your patient about any dietary considerations they may have in relation to their religion rather than assuming!

Beneficence is the ethical principle of promoting good, while nonmaleficence is to avoid causing harm.

Beneficence vs. Nonmaleficence

Cathy Parkes

Beneficence is the ethical principle of promoting good, while nonmaleficence is to avoid causing harm.

Beneficence vs. Nonmaleficence

Cathy Parkes

Beneficence is the ethical principle of promoting good, while nonmaleficence is to avoid causing harm.

A patient undergoing a paracentesis (drainage of fluid from the peritoneal cavity using a needle) must empty their bladder prior to the procedure.

Paracentesis: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

A patient undergoing a paracentesis (drainage of fluid from the peritoneal cavity using a needle) must empty their bladder prior to the procedure.

Paracentesis: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

A patient undergoing a paracentesis (drainage of fluid from the peritoneal cavity using a needle) must empty their bladder prior to the procedure.

A patient taking oseltamivir to treat Influenza A and B must begin therapy within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Oseltamivir

Cathy Parkes

A patient taking oseltamivir to treat Influenza A and B must begin therapy within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Oseltamivir

Cathy Parkes

A patient taking oseltamivir to treat Influenza A and B must begin therapy within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Two types of ultrasonography used in pregnancy are transvaginal (ultrasound transducer placed in the patient's vagina) and abdominal (transducer placed on the outside of the abdomen).

Ultrasonography

Cathy Parkes

Two types of ultrasonography used in pregnancy are transvaginal (ultrasound transducer placed in the patient's vagina) and abdominal (transducer placed on the outside of the abdomen). 

Ultrasonography

Cathy Parkes

Two types of ultrasonography used in pregnancy are transvaginal (ultrasound transducer placed in the patient's vagina) and abdominal (transducer placed on the outside of the abdomen).