Nursing Tips (587)

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). 

Asking the patient to stick out their tongue and move it side to side is an effective way to assess the function of Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal).

Assessing Hypoglossal Nerve Function

Cathy Parkes

Asking the patient to stick out their tongue and move it side to side is an effective way to assess the function of Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal).

Assessing Hypoglossal Nerve Function

Cathy Parkes

Asking the patient to stick out their tongue and move it side to side is an effective way to assess the function of Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal).

A patient asked to do a 24-hour urine collection should be taught to discard the first void and then collect all urine voided over the following 24 hours.

24-Hour Urine Collection

Cathy Parkes

A patient asked to do a 24-hour urine collection should be taught to discard the first void and then collect all urine voided over the following 24 hours.

24-Hour Urine Collection

Cathy Parkes

A patient asked to do a 24-hour urine collection should be taught to discard the first void and then collect all urine voided over the following 24 hours.

Acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic, can cause hepatotoxicity in high doses. Educate patients to take no more than 4 g per day, and to read the labels of OTC medications as many contain acetaminophen!

Acetaminophen: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic, can cause hepatotoxicity in high doses. 

Acetaminophen: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic, can cause hepatotoxicity in high doses. 

A patient on a clear liquid diet may have items that are transparent and liquid at room temperature (e.g., water, clear sodas, pulp-free juices, popsicles, jello, black coffee, clear broth).

Clear Liquid Diets

Cathy Parkes

A patient on a clear liquid diet may have items that are transparent and liquid at room temperature (e.g., water, clear sodas, pulp-free juices, popsicles, jello, black coffee, clear broth).

Clear Liquid Diets

Cathy Parkes

A patient on a clear liquid diet may have items that are transparent and liquid at room temperature (e.g., water, clear sodas, pulp-free juices, popsicles, jello, black coffee, clear broth).

A patient experiencing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) will likely have hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, metabolic acidosis, anemia, and elevated creatinine and BUN.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Cathy Parkes

A patient experiencing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) will likely have hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, metabolic acidosis, anemia, and elevated creatinine and BUN.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Cathy Parkes

A patient experiencing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) will likely have hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, metabolic acidosis, anemia, and elevated creatinine and BUN.

A patient taking a strong iodine solution to treat hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis in preparation for thyroidectomy should be educated as to the symptoms of iodism (e.g., metallic taste, stomatitis, severe GI upset).

Iodism: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

A patient taking a strong iodine solution to treat hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis in preparation for thyroidectomy should be educated as to the symptoms of iodism (e.g., metallic taste, stomatitis, severe...

Iodism: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

A patient taking a strong iodine solution to treat hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis in preparation for thyroidectomy should be educated as to the symptoms of iodism (e.g., metallic taste, stomatitis, severe...

A nursing nutritional assessment includes a patient's height/weight/BMI, assessing for recent weight loss/gain assessing for difficulty swallowing or chewing, and identifying food allergies, diet restrictions, and religious/cultural dietary preferences.

Nursing Nutritional Assessment

Cathy Parkes

A nursing nutritional assessment includes a patient's height/weight/BMI, assessing for recent weight loss/gain assessing for difficulty swallowing or chewing, and identifying food allergies, diet restrictions, and religious/cultural dietary preferences.

Nursing Nutritional Assessment

Cathy Parkes

A nursing nutritional assessment includes a patient's height/weight/BMI, assessing for recent weight loss/gain assessing for difficulty swallowing or chewing, and identifying food allergies, diet restrictions, and religious/cultural dietary preferences.

When assessing for "Accommodation," ask the patient to focus their eyes on a distant object, then to a near object. The pupils should constrict when focusing on the near object!

Assessing for Accommodation

Cathy Parkes

When assessing for "Accommodation," ask the patient to focus their eyes on a distant object, then to a near object. The pupils should constrict when focusing on the near object!

Assessing for Accommodation

Cathy Parkes

When assessing for "Accommodation," ask the patient to focus their eyes on a distant object, then to a near object. The pupils should constrict when focusing on the near object!

HF stands for Heart Failure.

Symptoms of Heart Failure

Cathy Parkes

HF stands for Heart Failure.

Symptoms of Heart Failure

Cathy Parkes

HF stands for Heart Failure.

Discharge planning for a patient starts at admission. Other important admission tasks include confirming the patient's code status, identifying allergies, assessing fall risk, and assessing for swallowing issues.

Admission Tasks

Cathy Parkes

Discharge planning for a patient starts at admission. Other important admission tasks include confirming the patient's code status, identifying allergies, assessing fall risk, and assessing for swallowing issues.

Admission Tasks

Cathy Parkes

Discharge planning for a patient starts at admission. Other important admission tasks include confirming the patient's code status, identifying allergies, assessing fall risk, and assessing for swallowing issues.

When beginning testing for infertility, semen analysis is often the first test performed. This is non-invasive and less expensive than further testing!

Testing for Infertility

Cathy Parkes

When beginning testing for infertility, semen analysis is often the first test performed. This is non-invasive and less expensive than further testing!

Testing for Infertility

Cathy Parkes

When beginning testing for infertility, semen analysis is often the first test performed. This is non-invasive and less expensive than further testing!

Treatment for infertility is unique to the individual, but some treatments include: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Embryo Transfer (ET), the use of donor eggs/sperm/embryo, and the use of a gestational carrier (surrogate).

Treatment for Infertility

Cathy Parkes

Treatment for infertility is unique to the individual, but some treatments include: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Embryo Transfer (ET), the use of donor eggs/sperm/embryo, and the use...

Treatment for Infertility

Cathy Parkes

Treatment for infertility is unique to the individual, but some treatments include: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Embryo Transfer (ET), the use of donor eggs/sperm/embryo, and the use...

Toxoplasmosis is a teratogenic parasitic infection acquired by consumption of raw or undercooked meat, or by handling cat feces.

Toxoplasmosis

Cathy Parkes

Toxoplasmosis is a teratogenic parasitic infection acquired by consumption of raw or undercooked meat, or by handling cat feces.

Toxoplasmosis

Cathy Parkes

Toxoplasmosis is a teratogenic parasitic infection acquired by consumption of raw or undercooked meat, or by handling cat feces.

The fetal heart tones cannot be assessed using a doppler until around 12 weeks gestational age. Prior to this time, heart tones can only be identified using ultrasound.

Assessing Fetal Heart Tones

Cathy Parkes

The fetal heart tones cannot be assessed using a doppler until around 12 weeks gestational age. Prior to this time, heart tones can only be identified using ultrasound.

Assessing Fetal Heart Tones

Cathy Parkes

The fetal heart tones cannot be assessed using a doppler until around 12 weeks gestational age. Prior to this time, heart tones can only be identified using ultrasound.

A child with scabies is likely to exhibit white lines in between fingers, toes, or skin folds. The whole family should be examined and treated!

Scabies in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with scabies is likely to exhibit white lines in between fingers, toes, or skin folds. The whole family should be examined and treated!

Scabies in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with scabies is likely to exhibit white lines in between fingers, toes, or skin folds. The whole family should be examined and treated!

Probable signs of pregnancy include Chadwick's Sign, Goodell's Sign, Hegar's Sign, ballottement, and a positive pregnancy test. These findings are probably related to pregnancy, but could have other explanations.

Probable Signs of Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes

Probable signs of pregnancy include Chadwick's Sign, Goodell's Sign, Hegar's Sign, ballottement, and a positive pregnancy test. These findings are probably related to pregnancy, but could have other explanations.

Probable Signs of Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes

Probable signs of pregnancy include Chadwick's Sign, Goodell's Sign, Hegar's Sign, ballottement, and a positive pregnancy test. These findings are probably related to pregnancy, but could have other explanations.

If pH, PaCO2, and HCO3 are all in normal range, it is homeostasis.

Homeostasis

Cathy Parkes

If pH, PaCO2, and HCO3 are all in normal range, it is homeostasis.

Homeostasis

Cathy Parkes

If pH, PaCO2, and HCO3 are all in normal range, it is homeostasis.

A child with Osteogenesis Imperfecta may exhibit a blue color of the sclera. Be sure to report this finding to the provider for further evaluation.

Osteogenesis in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with Osteogenesis Imperfecta may exhibit a blue color of the sclera. Be sure to report this finding to the provider for further evaluation.

Osteogenesis in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with Osteogenesis Imperfecta may exhibit a blue color of the sclera. Be sure to report this finding to the provider for further evaluation.

An Allen test is performed prior to obtaining an ABG by puncture.

Allen Test

Cathy Parkes

An Allen test is performed prior to obtaining an ABG by puncture.

Allen Test

Cathy Parkes

An Allen test is performed prior to obtaining an ABG by puncture.

A patient's estimated date of delivery can be determined using Naegele's Rule. After determining the first day of the patient's last period, subtract 3 months, then add 1 week and 1 year.

Naegele's Rule

Cathy Parkes

A patient's estimated date of delivery can be determined using Naegele's Rule. After determining the first day of the patient's last period, subtract 3 months, then add 1 week and...

Naegele's Rule

Cathy Parkes

A patient's estimated date of delivery can be determined using Naegele's Rule. After determining the first day of the patient's last period, subtract 3 months, then add 1 week and...

A child with meningocele or myelomeningocele is at risk for injury due to the exposed spinal cord. Cover the sac with sterile, saline-moistened, non-adherent dressing. Place infant prone with the hips flexed.

Meningocele and Myelomeningocele in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with meningocele or myelomeningocele is at risk for injury due to the exposed spinal cord. Cover the sac with sterile, saline-moistened, non-adherent dressing. Place infant prone with the...

Meningocele and Myelomeningocele in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with meningocele or myelomeningocele is at risk for injury due to the exposed spinal cord. Cover the sac with sterile, saline-moistened, non-adherent dressing. Place infant prone with the...

An asynchronous pacemaker fires at a constant rate regardless of the heart's electrical activity.

Asynchronous Pacemaker

Cathy Parkes

An asynchronous pacemaker fires at a constant rate regardless of the heart's electrical activity.

Asynchronous Pacemaker

Cathy Parkes

An asynchronous pacemaker fires at a constant rate regardless of the heart's electrical activity.

Supine hypotensive syndrome is caused by a pregnant patient's heavy uterus compressing the inferior vena cava when lying supine.

Supine Hypotensive Syndrome

Cathy Parkes

Supine hypotensive syndrome is caused by a pregnant patient's heavy uterus compressing the inferior vena cava when lying supine. Educate patients to rest either in a side-lying position, or with...

Supine Hypotensive Syndrome

Cathy Parkes

Supine hypotensive syndrome is caused by a pregnant patient's heavy uterus compressing the inferior vena cava when lying supine. Educate patients to rest either in a side-lying position, or with...

The respiratory system is the second line of defense in maintaining acid/base balance.

The Respiratory System and Acid/Base Balance

Cathy Parkes

The respiratory system is the second line of defense in maintaining acid/base balance.

The Respiratory System and Acid/Base Balance

Cathy Parkes

The respiratory system is the second line of defense in maintaining acid/base balance.

A client experiencing shock is at risk for Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy (DIC). Monitor for signs of clotting/bleeding and report any of these findings promptly.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy (DIC)

Cathy Parkes

A client experiencing shock is at risk for Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy (DIC). Monitor for signs of clotting/bleeding and report any of these findings promptly.

1 comment

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy (DIC)

Cathy Parkes

A client experiencing shock is at risk for Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy (DIC). Monitor for signs of clotting/bleeding and report any of these findings promptly.

1 comment
A patient who was rubella non-immune during pregnancy should receive the MMR vaccine after delivery (this vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy).  Educate the patient that pregnancy must be avoided for at least 28 days after immunization.

MMR Vaccine and Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes

A patient who was rubella non-immune during pregnancy should receive the MMR vaccine after delivery (this vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy). Educate the patient that pregnancy must be avoided for at...

MMR Vaccine and Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes

A patient who was rubella non-immune during pregnancy should receive the MMR vaccine after delivery (this vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy). Educate the patient that pregnancy must be avoided for at...

A child with meningitis is likely to have a fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, irritability, nuchal (neck) rigidity, photophobia, and positive Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs.

Meningitis in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with meningitis is likely to have a fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, irritability, nuchal (neck) rigidity, photophobia, and + Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs. 

Meningitis in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with meningitis is likely to have a fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, irritability, nuchal (neck) rigidity, photophobia, and + Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs. 

A synchronous pacemaker only fires when the heart's intrinsic rate falls below a certain rate.

Synchronous Pacemaker

Cathy Parkes

A synchronous pacemaker only fires when the heart's intrinsic rate falls below a certain rate.

Synchronous Pacemaker

Cathy Parkes

A synchronous pacemaker only fires when the heart's intrinsic rate falls below a certain rate.

A macrosomic infant (large for gestational age) is one who is over 4,000 g (or 8 lbs., 13 oz.). These infants are at risk for hypoglycemia. Assess for this complication by performing early and frequent blood glucose testing.

Macrosomic Infants

Cathy Parkes

A macrosomic infant (large for gestational age) is one who is over 4,000 g (or 8 lbs., 13 oz.). 

Macrosomic Infants

Cathy Parkes

A macrosomic infant (large for gestational age) is one who is over 4,000 g (or 8 lbs., 13 oz.). 

The sinus node (SA node) is the heart's normal pacemaker.

Sinus Node (SA node)

Cathy Parkes

The sinus node (SA node) is the heart's normal pacemaker.

Sinus Node (SA node)

Cathy Parkes

The sinus node (SA node) is the heart's normal pacemaker.

Chemical buffers are the first line of defense in maintaining acid/base balance.

Chemical Buffers

Cathy Parkes

Chemical buffers are the first line of defense in maintaining acid/base balance.

Chemical Buffers

Cathy Parkes

Chemical buffers are the first line of defense in maintaining acid/base balance.

A child with Sickle Cell Anemia experiencing vaso-occlusive crisis should be treated with scheduled opioid analgesia (non-opioid analgesia will not be sufficient!).

Sick Cell Anemia and Vaso-occlusive Crisis

Cathy Parkes

A child with Sickle Cell Anemia experiencing vaso-occlusive crisis should be treated with scheduled opioid analgesia (non-opioid analgesia will not be sufficient!).

Sick Cell Anemia and Vaso-occlusive Crisis

Cathy Parkes

A child with Sickle Cell Anemia experiencing vaso-occlusive crisis should be treated with scheduled opioid analgesia (non-opioid analgesia will not be sufficient!).

Nursing Tips - Ostomy Patient Teaching

Ostomy Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Ostomy patient teaching:  Cut opening in skin barrier ≤ 1/8" bigger than the measured stoma size to prevent skin damage from contact with ostomy output. Assess stoma regularly - should...

Ostomy Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Ostomy patient teaching:  Cut opening in skin barrier ≤ 1/8" bigger than the measured stoma size to prevent skin damage from contact with ostomy output. Assess stoma regularly - should...

A child with Meckel's Diverticulum is likely to exhibit painless rectal bleeding and stool with the consistency and appearance of "currant jelly."

Meckel's Diverticulum

Cathy Parkes

A child with Meckel's Diverticulum is likely to exhibit painless rectal bleeding and stool with the consistency and appearance of "currant jelly."

Meckel's Diverticulum

Cathy Parkes

A child with Meckel's Diverticulum is likely to exhibit painless rectal bleeding and stool with the consistency and appearance of "currant jelly."

A pap test to screen for cervical cancer should be performed every three years starting three years after a patient's first instance of sexual intercourse, or by age 21.

Pap Tests

Cathy Parkes

A pap test to screen for cervical cancer should be performed every three years starting three years after a patient's first instance of sexual intercourse, or by age 21. 

Pap Tests

Cathy Parkes

A pap test to screen for cervical cancer should be performed every three years starting three years after a patient's first instance of sexual intercourse, or by age 21. 

Positive signs of pregnancy include identification of fetal heart sounds, fetal movement felt by a healthcare provider, and ultrasound visualization of the fetus. There is no other explanation for these findings than pregnancy.

Positive Signs of Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes

Positive signs of pregnancy include identification of fetal heart sounds, fetal movement felt by a healthcare provider, and ultrasound visualization of the fetus. There is no other explanation for these...

1 comment

Positive Signs of Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes

Positive signs of pregnancy include identification of fetal heart sounds, fetal movement felt by a healthcare provider, and ultrasound visualization of the fetus. There is no other explanation for these...

1 comment
A medication's half-life is the amount of time it takes for the amount of medication in the body to be reduced by 50%.

Medication Half-life

Cathy Parkes

A medication's half-life is the amount of time it takes for the amount of medication in the body to be reduced by 50%.

Medication Half-life

Cathy Parkes

A medication's half-life is the amount of time it takes for the amount of medication in the body to be reduced by 50%.