Nursing Tips (659)

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

Synchronous Pacemaker

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Synchronous Pacemaker

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Macrosomic Infants

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Sinus Node (SA node)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Chemical Buffers

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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%.

A child with infective endocarditis will require IV antibiotics via PICC line for 2 - 6 weeks, and may require a valve repair or replacement.

Infective Endocarditis in Children

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child with infective endocarditis will require IV antibiotics via PICC line for 2 - 6 weeks, and may require a valve repair or replacement.

Infective Endocarditis in Children

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child with infective endocarditis will require IV antibiotics via PICC line for 2 - 6 weeks, and may require a valve repair or replacement.

A negative feedback loop governs most endocrine hormones.

Negative Feedback Loop

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A negative feedback loop governs most endocrine hormones. In this type of feedback, when the body senses there is not enough of a hormone circulating in the blood, changes are...

Negative Feedback Loop

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A negative feedback loop governs most endocrine hormones. In this type of feedback, when the body senses there is not enough of a hormone circulating in the blood, changes are...

One test that can be performed for infertility is a hysterosalpingogram (HSG).

Infertility Test: Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

One test that can be performed for infertility is a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). Because this test uses contrast dye to assess the patency of the fallopian tubes, be sure to assess...

Infertility Test: Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

One test that can be performed for infertility is a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). Because this test uses contrast dye to assess the patency of the fallopian tubes, be sure to assess...

The timing of nursing interventions for the restrained patient is crucial! Be sure to assess the patient's status every 15 minutes.

Nursing Interventions for the Restrained Patient

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The timing of nursing interventions for the restrained patient is crucial! 1) Assess the patient's status every 15 minutes. 2) Offer fluids, ROM exercises, and toileting every 2 hours. 3)...

1 comment

Nursing Interventions for the Restrained Patient

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The timing of nursing interventions for the restrained patient is crucial! 1) Assess the patient's status every 15 minutes. 2) Offer fluids, ROM exercises, and toileting every 2 hours. 3)...

1 comment
A child with Hemophilia A is deficient in Factor VIII. In Hemophilia B the deficiency is with Factor IX. Treatment of these conditions will include replacement of the missing factor, desmopressin, and aminocaproic acid.

Hemophilia in Children: Signs and Treatment

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child with Hemophilia A is deficient in Factor VIII. In Hemophilia B the deficiency is with Factor IX. Treatment of these conditions will include replacement of the missing factor,...

Hemophilia in Children: Signs and Treatment

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child with Hemophilia A is deficient in Factor VIII. In Hemophilia B the deficiency is with Factor IX. Treatment of these conditions will include replacement of the missing factor,...

A major complication of peptic ulcer disease is perforation of an ulcer. Assess for symptoms of perforation such as severe pain, fever, or a rigid/boardlike abdomen.

Peptic Ulcer Disease: Signs and Symptoms

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A major complication of peptic ulcer disease is perforation of an ulcer. Assess for symptoms of perforation such as severe pain, fever, or a rigid/boardlike abdomen.

Peptic Ulcer Disease: Signs and Symptoms

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A major complication of peptic ulcer disease is perforation of an ulcer. Assess for symptoms of perforation such as severe pain, fever, or a rigid/boardlike abdomen.

Natural family planning methods involve avoiding intercourse during fertile periods by tracking the patient's menstrual cycle, or assessing the basal body temperature or cervical mucus consistency daily.

Natural Family Planning

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Natural family planning methods involve avoiding intercourse during fertile periods by tracking the patient's menstrual cycle, or assessing the basal body temperature or cervical mucus consistency daily.

Natural Family Planning

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Natural family planning methods involve avoiding intercourse during fertile periods by tracking the patient's menstrual cycle, or assessing the basal body temperature or cervical mucus consistency daily.

Sublimation is marked by an individual transforming unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable behaviors.

Sublimation

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Sublimation is marked by an individual transforming unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable behaviors. 

Sublimation

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Sublimation is marked by an individual transforming unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable behaviors. 

A child with Growth Hormone Deficiency would have an average birth weight/length, but show delayed growth through childhood.

Growth Hormone Deficiency

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child with Growth Hormone Deficiency would have an average birth weight/length, but show delayed growth through childhood.

Growth Hormone Deficiency

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child with Growth Hormone Deficiency would have an average birth weight/length, but show delayed growth through childhood.

A key finding in Huntington's Disease is chorea, which is a type of abnormal and excessive involuntary movement. Tetrabenazine may be given to treat this symptom.

Chorea and Huntington's Disease

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A key finding in Huntington's Disease is chorea, which is a type of abnormal and excessive involuntary movement. Tetrabenazine may be given to treat this symptom.

Chorea and Huntington's Disease

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A key finding in Huntington's Disease is chorea, which is a type of abnormal and excessive involuntary movement. Tetrabenazine may be given to treat this symptom.

Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) is a test for genetic abnormalities performed between 15 and 20 weeks gestation.

Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) is a test for genetic abnormalities performed between 15 and 20 weeks gestation.

Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) is a test for genetic abnormalities performed between 15 and 20 weeks gestation.

A medication reconciliation should be done during admission, upon transfer to another floor/unit/facility, and at discharge.

When to Perform a Medication Reconciliation

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A medication reconciliation should be done during admission, upon transfer to another floor/unit/facility, and at discharge.

When to Perform a Medication Reconciliation

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A medication reconciliation should be done during admission, upon transfer to another floor/unit/facility, and at discharge.

Progressive Relaxation involves tightening and relaxing muscle groups. Guided Imagery helps a patient relax by visualizing detailed images. Meditation can improve health and well-being by helping an individual focus on a word or sensation.

Therapeutic Relaxation Techniques

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Progressive Relaxation involves tightening and relaxing muscle groups. Guided Imagery helps a patient relax by visualizing detailed images. Meditation can improve health and well-being by helping an individual focus on...

Therapeutic Relaxation Techniques

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Progressive Relaxation involves tightening and relaxing muscle groups. Guided Imagery helps a patient relax by visualizing detailed images. Meditation can improve health and well-being by helping an individual focus on...

A key side effect of phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication) is gingival hyperplasia. Educate patients to maintain regular dental checkups.

Phenytoin and Gingival Hyperplasia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A key side effect of phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication) is gingival hyperplasia. Educate patients to maintain regular dental checkups.

1 comment

Phenytoin and Gingival Hyperplasia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A key side effect of phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication) is gingival hyperplasia. Educate patients to maintain regular dental checkups.

1 comment
A child with a head injury is at risk for elevated intracranial pressure (ICP).

Intracranial Pressure (ICP); Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child with a head injury is at risk for elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Nursing care to decrease ICP includes reducing hypercapnia by hyperventilating the patient, avoiding oral suctioning, keeping...

Intracranial Pressure (ICP); Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child with a head injury is at risk for elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Nursing care to decrease ICP includes reducing hypercapnia by hyperventilating the patient, avoiding oral suctioning, keeping...

A high pressure alarm from a ventilator could indicate Pulmonary edema, Pneumothorax, Bronchospasm, Biting of the tube, Secretion excess, Coughing, or a Kink in the tubing.

High Pressure Alarm: Causes

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A high pressure alarm from a ventilator could indicate Pulmonary edema, Pneumothorax, Bronchospasm, Biting of the tube, Secretion excess, Coughing, or a Kink in the tubing.

1 comment

High Pressure Alarm: Causes

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A high pressure alarm from a ventilator could indicate Pulmonary edema, Pneumothorax, Bronchospasm, Biting of the tube, Secretion excess, Coughing, or a Kink in the tubing.

1 comment
First trimester lab testing should include: CBC, urinalysis, STI testing, pap test, blood typing (including Rh factor), rubella titer, Hepatitis B, and HIV. High risk patients may also require quantitative hCG level testing.

Lab Tests for First Trimester

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

First trimester lab testing should include: CBC, urinalysis, STI testing, pap test, blood typing (including Rh factor), rubella titer, Hepatitis B, and HIV. High risk patients may also require quantitative...

Lab Tests for First Trimester

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

First trimester lab testing should include: CBC, urinalysis, STI testing, pap test, blood typing (including Rh factor), rubella titer, Hepatitis B, and HIV. High risk patients may also require quantitative...

A living will is an advance directive indicating a patient's desired or prohibited medical interventions (e.g., tube feeding, ventilation).

What is a Living Will?

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A living will is an advance directive indicating a patient's desired or prohibited medical interventions (e.g., tube feeding, ventilation).

What is a Living Will?

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A living will is an advance directive indicating a patient's desired or prohibited medical interventions (e.g., tube feeding, ventilation).

Patients always have the right to refuse medication, even if they have been involuntarily admitted (except in an emergency)! Support the patient's right to autonomy.

Right to Refuse Medication

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients always have the right to refuse medication, even if they have been involuntarily admitted (except in an emergency)! Support the patient's right to autonomy.

Right to Refuse Medication

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients always have the right to refuse medication, even if they have been involuntarily admitted (except in an emergency)! Support the patient's right to autonomy.

A medication reconciliation is the process of compiling a complete and up-to-date list of medications a patient has been taking at home (including over-the-counter and herbal supplements) and comparing it with the provider's orders.

Medication Reconciliation

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A medication reconciliation is the process of compiling a complete and up-to-date list of medications a patient has been taking at home (including over-the-counter and herbal supplements) and comparing it...

Medication Reconciliation

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A medication reconciliation is the process of compiling a complete and up-to-date list of medications a patient has been taking at home (including over-the-counter and herbal supplements) and comparing it...

A child with Chickenpox (Varicella) is contagious until all lesions have crusted over. Educate families to keep them at home and away from others until this time.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child with Chickenpox (Varicella) is contagious until all lesions have crusted over. Educate families to keep them at home and away from others until this time.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child with Chickenpox (Varicella) is contagious until all lesions have crusted over. Educate families to keep them at home and away from others until this time.

A home health nurse provides care in the patient's residence. Responsibilities include assessment, treatment, education, and care coordination.

Home Health Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A home health nurse provides care in the patient's residence. Responsibilities include assessment, treatment, education, and care coordination.

Home Health Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A home health nurse provides care in the patient's residence. Responsibilities include assessment, treatment, education, and care coordination.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening condition by the use or withdrawal of antipsychotic medications.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening condition by the use or withdrawal of antipsychotic medications.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening condition by the use or withdrawal of antipsychotic medications.

A dry powder inhaler (DPI) does not require the patient to shake the device or use a spacer. Instead, the patient should breathe in rapidly and deeply to move the dry powder fully into the lungs.

Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A dry powder inhaler (DPI) does not require the patient to shake the device or use a spacer. Instead, the patient should breathe in rapidly and deeply to move the...

Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A dry powder inhaler (DPI) does not require the patient to shake the device or use a spacer. Instead, the patient should breathe in rapidly and deeply to move the...

A child with ADHD may be treated with CNS stimulants such as amphetamine mixtures or methylphenidate.

ADHD in Children: Treatment and Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child with ADHD may be treated with CNS stimulants such as amphetamine mixtures or methylphenidate. 

ADHD in Children: Treatment and Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child with ADHD may be treated with CNS stimulants such as amphetamine mixtures or methylphenidate. 

Following a bronchoscopy (visualization of the structures of the airway with sedation), ensure the patient's gag reflex has returned prior to allowing the patient to eat or drink.

Bronchoscopy: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Following a bronchoscopy (visualization of the structures of the airway with sedation), ensure the patient's gag reflex has returned prior to allowing the patient to eat or drink.

Bronchoscopy: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Following a bronchoscopy (visualization of the structures of the airway with sedation), ensure the patient's gag reflex has returned prior to allowing the patient to eat or drink.

Warning signs in pregnancy include diarrhea, fever, chills, severe abdominal cramping, sever vomiting, vaginal bleeding, and decreased fetal activity. Notify your provider immediately.

Warning Signs in Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Educate patients about warning signs in pregnancy for which they should notify their provider: diarrhea, fever, chills, severe abdominal cramping or pain, severe vomiting, vaginal bleeding, and decreased fetal activity...

Warning Signs in Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Educate patients about warning signs in pregnancy for which they should notify their provider: diarrhea, fever, chills, severe abdominal cramping or pain, severe vomiting, vaginal bleeding, and decreased fetal activity...

A cultural assessment involves the identification of a patient's cultural and spiritual beliefs, practices, and preferences regarding medical interventions, illness, family, diet, pregnancy, death, and postmortem care.

Cultural Assessment

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A cultural assessment involves the identification of a patient's cultural and spiritual beliefs, practices, and preferences regarding medical interventions, illness, family, diet, pregnancy, death, and postmortem care.

Cultural Assessment

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A cultural assessment involves the identification of a patient's cultural and spiritual beliefs, practices, and preferences regarding medical interventions, illness, family, diet, pregnancy, death, and postmortem care.

Complicated grief is that which lasts longer than a year and interferes with the individual's daily functioning.

Complicated Grief

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Complicated grief is that which lasts longer than a year and interferes with the individual's daily functioning.

Complicated Grief

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Complicated grief is that which lasts longer than a year and interferes with the individual's daily functioning.

Combined oral contraceptive pills (contain estrogen and progestin) are contraindicated for patients who are breastfeeding, smoke, or have a history of blood clots, stroke, coronary artery disease, or hypertension.

Oral Contraceptives

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Combined oral contraceptive pills (contain estrogen and progestin) are contraindicated for patients who are breastfeeding, smoke, or have a history of blood clots, stroke, coronary artery disease, or hypertension.

Oral Contraceptives

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Combined oral contraceptive pills (contain estrogen and progestin) are contraindicated for patients who are breastfeeding, smoke, or have a history of blood clots, stroke, coronary artery disease, or hypertension.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is useful for individuals with severe and persistent schizophrenia or major depressive disorder with psychosis.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is useful for individuals with severe and persistent schizophrenia or major depressive disorder with psychosis.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is useful for individuals with severe and persistent schizophrenia or major depressive disorder with psychosis.

A High-Fowler's position involves the patient sitting with the head of the bed at 60 - 90°. This is the ideal position to help with difficulty breathing.

High-Fowler's Position

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A High-Fowler's position involves the patient sitting with the head of the bed at 60 - 90°. This is the ideal position to help with difficulty breathing.

High-Fowler's Position

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A High-Fowler's position involves the patient sitting with the head of the bed at 60 - 90°. This is the ideal position to help with difficulty breathing.

A child who presents with an abnormal tuft of hair, a dimple, or a birthmark on the spine should be evaluated for spina bifida occulta, a form of spina bifida. Report these findings to the provider.

Spina Bifida Occulta

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child who presents with an abnormal tuft of hair, a dimple, or a birthmark on the spine should be evaluated for spina bifida occulta, a form of spina bifida....

Spina Bifida Occulta

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child who presents with an abnormal tuft of hair, a dimple, or a birthmark on the spine should be evaluated for spina bifida occulta, a form of spina bifida....

Any pregnant patient complaining of unilateral stabbing pain in the lower abdomen/pelvis should be evaluated for ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Any pregnant patient complaining of unilateral stabbing pain in the lower abdomen/pelvis should be evaluated for ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Any pregnant patient complaining of unilateral stabbing pain in the lower abdomen/pelvis should be evaluated for ectopic pregnancy.

Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by episodes of severe mania and depression. Bipolar II Disorder is marked by episodes of hypomania (less severe than true mania) and depression.

Bipolar Disorders: I and II

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by episodes of severe mania and depression. Bipolar II Disorder is marked by episodes of hypomania (less severe than true mania) and depression.

Bipolar Disorders: I and II

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by episodes of severe mania and depression. Bipolar II Disorder is marked by episodes of hypomania (less severe than true mania) and depression.

A child who appears to be frequently "day dreaming" or often exhibits blank staring, eye fluttering, lip smacking, or picking at clothes should be evaluated for absence seizures.

Absence Seizures: Signs and Symptoms

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child who appears to be frequently "day dreaming" or often exhibits blank staring, eye fluttering, lip smacking, or picking at clothes should be evaluated for absence seizures.

Absence Seizures: Signs and Symptoms

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child who appears to be frequently "day dreaming" or often exhibits blank staring, eye fluttering, lip smacking, or picking at clothes should be evaluated for absence seizures.

A Durable Power of Attorney (DPoA) is a document that identifies another person responsible for medical decision-making. This person does not have to be related to the patient.

Durable Power of Attorney (DPoA)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A Durable Power of Attorney (DPoA) is a document that identifies another person responsible for medical decision-making. This person does not have to be related to the patient.

Durable Power of Attorney (DPoA)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A Durable Power of Attorney (DPoA) is a document that identifies another person responsible for medical decision-making. This person does not have to be related to the patient.

Any patient taking psychiatric medications should avoid St. John's wort, as this increases the risk for serotonin syndrome.

St. John's Wort and Serotonin Syndrome

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Any patient taking psychiatric medications should avoid St. John's wort, as this increases the risk for serotonin syndrome.

St. John's Wort and Serotonin Syndrome

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Any patient taking psychiatric medications should avoid St. John's wort, as this increases the risk for serotonin syndrome.