GOLD STANDARD FOR NCLEX

GOLD 1

Nothing is impossible- the word itself says “I’m Possible”

NCLEX TIPS

Do not read into the question– never assume anything that has not been specifically mentioned (in the question) and do not add extra meaning or history to the question—do not make up a story to validate choosing an answer
NCLEX land is set at Utopia General Hospital- you have all the time, all the resources, and all the staff you need!
Least invasive to most invasive – least restrictive to most restrictive (restraints are rarely a good choice)
Avoid using absolutes– always, never, must, etc.
Assess the client first before implementing a treatment or action—if there’s a choice that pertains to assessment of the patient—it is usually the answer – assess unless in distress
Priority goes to assessments and answers that deal with the patient (patient-focused) directly and not with machines/monitors/equipment (unless the question is specifically asking about them)
1. Ex: Auscultate fetal heart rate before checking the monitor
If it is the FIRST time doing something for or with the patient (such as vital signs upon admission to the floor/unit, or when a transfer is involved), the NURSE must complete the assessment- including vital signs
If patient is an adult, answers with family options can be ruled out (unless patient is not competent to make own decisions)
In emergency situations (mass casualty), patients with greater chance to live are treated first
If you are asked about the FIRST action you would take in a prioritization/discrimination question think: “If I can only do one action, and then I must go home, what will the outcome be?”
Therapeutic communication- reflect feelings and provide correct information
Do not ask “why” questions (or yes/no) and do not say “I understand”
An answer that delays care or treatment is usually wrong (Ex: reassess in 15 minutes, monitor the patient for a continuation of symptoms)
When determining interventions to enhance a client’s wellness, consider options that promote healthy nutrition, regular exercise, proper weight maintenance, proper rest, and avoidance of harmful chemicals (nicotine) and risk-taking behaviors (not wearing a seat belt)
If two of the answer choices are the exact opposite, one is probably the answer (ie. bradycardia, tachycardia)
If two or three answers are similar, none are correct (*be careful—sometimes answers may seem similar but in fact are saying something different)
Always look for the UMBRELLA option—one that is a broad universal statement and usually contains the concepts of the other options with it—often the correct answer
If you have never heard of an answer—do not eliminate it—work around it…if you can safely eliminate all other answers, that is your answer—if you are down to two answers and you know one answer is right, go with what you know
Prioritize actual problems over potential problems
DO NOT leave the patient – think safety
DO NOT “do nothing”- you always have to do something
If the question is about endorsement—always report anything new or different to the next shift
Only select “document” if the assessment is normal
Put patients with the same or similar diagnoses in the same room-clean vs. dirty patients
Never increase a patient’s fluids to “catch up”
Answer SATA questions as true or false for each answer option
Rephrase the question in your own words—this ensures you understand what the question is asking—if you cannot rephrase the question, you do not know what the topic is
If you cannot determine the topic of the question, read all answer choices to help you understand the problem (look for patterns)
Try not to determine the answer before reading the answer choices—NCLEX uses traps and answers that scream “pick me” but are wrong
More often than not, pain will not be your answer — pain is considered psychosocial—exception to this rule are signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome
Try to focus on the here and now as much as possible
With positioning questions- you are trying to prevent or promote something—evaluate the outcome of each option
When the question asks what is ESSENTIAL—think SAFETY
If you do not know what a word means, try to break it down using medical terminology
1. Ex: Rhabdomyosarcoma – muscle (myo), tumor (sarcoma) →

tumor of the muscle tissue

1. Same idea applies to medications- use suffixes and prefixes to recognize classifications

Make an educated guess—if you can’t make the best answer for a question after carefully reading it, choose the answer with the most information
When in doubt, SAFETY

“Keep them breathing, keep them safe”

Prioritization Techniques

Prioritize systemic vs. local (life before limb)
Prioritize acute before chronic
Prioritize actual before potential future problems
Prioritize according to Maslow’s- physiological needs before psychosocial (acute safety can take priority- ATI)
Recognize and respond to trends vs. transient findings (recognizing a gradual deterioration)
Recognize signs of emergencies and complications vs. “expected client findings”
Apply clinical knowledge to procedural standards to determine the priority action- recognizing that the timing of administration of antidiabetic and antimicrobial medications is more important than administration of some other medications

How to tackle- WHO DO YOU SEE FIRST- questions:

Who is your most stable patient? ELIMINATE ANSWER
Who is your most stable patient (of the 3 remaining)? ELIMINATE ANSWER
Who is your most unstable patient (of the 2 remaining)? Airway? Breathing? Circulation? SELECT ANSWER

Transmission-Based Precautions AIRBORNE

MTV

M- measles T- TB

V- Varicella (chicken pox), varicella zoster (disseminated shingles)

*Private room– negative pressure with 6-12 air exchanges/hr, mask, N95

Chicken pox can be rapidly transmitted to other clients—should be isolated quickly and placed in negative pressure room

CONTACT

MRS. WEE

M- multidrug resistant organism (MRSA) R- respiratory infection

S- skin infections (localized herpes zoster) W- wound infections

E- enteric infection → clostridium difficile E- eye infection → conjunctivitis

(Also, Hep A)

*A nurse with localized herpes zoster CAN care for patients as long as the patients are NOT immunocompromised and the lesions are covered!

DROPLET

SPIDERMAN

S- sepsis

S- scarlet fever

S- streptococcal pharyngitis P- parvovirus B19

P- pneumonia (pneumonic plague) P- pertussis

I- influenza

D- diphtheria (pharyngeal)

E- epiglottitis R- rubella

R- respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) M- mumps

M- meningococcal (infectious meningitis) M- mycoplasma or meningeal pneumonia An- adenovirus

*Private room or cohort, mask (door open, 3ft distance)

Current CDC evidence-based guidelines indicate that droplet precautions for clients with meningococcal meningitis can be discontinued when the client has received antibiotic therapy for 24 hours!

Current CDC guidelines indicate that rapid implementation of standard, contact, and airborne precautions are needed for any client suspected of having SARS—in order to protect other clients and healthcare workers

Skin Infections

VCHIPS

V- varicella zoster

C- cutaneous diphtheria H- herpes simplex

impetigo

P- pediculosis S- scabies

Impetigo– caused by Staph and Strep, untreated can cause acute glomerulonephritis (periorbital edema—indicates poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis)

Order of PPE Application

- Gown
- Mask
- Goggles/face shield
- Gloves

Order of PPE Removal

- Gloves
- Goggles/face shield
- Gown
- Mask

Because the hands of health care workers are the most common means of transmission of infection from one client to another, the most effective method of preventing the spread of infection is to make supplies for hand hygiene readily available for staff to use.

Because the respiratory manifestations associated with the avian influenza are potentially life threatening, the nurse’s initial action should be to start oxygen therapy!

S/S: SOB, diarrhea, abdominal pain, epistaxis
Institute airborne and contact precautions

According to the CDC, catheter associated UTIs are the most common health care-acquired infection in the US—primary CDC recommendations include avoiding the use of indwelling catheters and the removal of catheters as soon as possible!

Individuals who have contact with infants should be immunized against pertussis in order to avoid infection and to prevent transmission to the infant!

The ventilator bundle developed by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement includes recommendations for continuous elevation of the head of the bed (30 to 45 degrees), daily assessment for extubation readiness, and daily oral care with chlorhexidine solution.

Chlorhexidine is more effective than the other options at reducing the risk for central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs)

No pee, no K (do not give potassium without adequate urine output)

ElVate Veins, dAngle Arteries for better perfusion

*IV push should be given over 2 minutes*

CONVERSIONS

1 oz	30 mL
1 cup	8 oz
1 kg	2.2 lbs
1 lb	16 oz
1 gr (grain)	60 mg
Convert C to F: C + 40 multiply by 9/5 and subtract 40 Convert F to C: F + 40 multiply by 5/9 and subtract 40

Positioning _

Asthma

Orthopneic position where patient is sitting up and bent forward with arms support on a table or chair arms

Air Embolism- (S/S: chest pain, difficulty breathing, tachycardia, pale/cyanotic, sense of impending doom)

Turn patient to LEFT side and LOWER head of bed

Pulmonary Embolism- (S/S: chest pain, difficulty breathing, tachycardia, pale/cyanotic, sense of impending doom)

Elevate HOB

Women in Labor with non-reassuring FHR- (S/S: late decels, decreased variability, fetal bradycardia, etc.)

Turn mother on LEFT side (and give O2, stop Pitocin, increase IV fluids)

Tube Feeding w/ Decreased LOC

Head of bead ELEVATED (to prevent aspiration) and position patient on

RIGHT side (promotes gastric emptying)

Postural Drainage

Lung segment to be drained should be in the uppermost position to allow gravity to work

During Epidural/Lumbar Puncture

Side-lying (“C” curved spine)- lateral recumbent/fetal position

Post Lumbar Puncture (LP) – (and also oil-based myelogram)

Patient lies in flat supine (to prevent CSF leak and headache) for 2-3 hours
Sterile dressing applied
Frequent neuro checks

Thoracentesis

Position patient with arms on pillow over bed table or lying on side

NO MORE THAN 1000cc at one time

Post- check blood pressure, auscultate bilateral breath sounds, check for leakage, sterile dressing

Patient with Heat Stroke

Lie flat with legs elevated

Hemorrhagic Stroke

HOB elevated 30 degrees to reduce ICP and facilitate venous drainage

Ischemic Stroke

HOB flat (supine)

During Continuous Bladder Irrigation (CBI)– catheter is taped to thigh

Leg should remain straight to prevent pulling on catheter

Post Myringotomy– surgical incision in eardrum to relieve pressure and drain fluid (tubes)

Position on side of affected ear after surgery (allows drainage of secretions)

Post Cataract Surgery

Patient will sleep on unaffected side with night shield for 1-4 weeks (adequate vision may not return for 24 hours)
Pain that is not relieved by prescription pain medication may signal hemorrhage, infection or increased ocular pressure

Infant with Spina Bifida

Position prone (on abdomen) to prevent sac from rupturing

Buck’s Traction (skin traction)

Elevate foot of bed for counter-traction

Post Total Hip Replacement

DON’T sleep on affected/operative side
DON’T flex hip more than 45-60 degrees
DON’T elevate HOB more than 45 degrees
Maintain hip abduction by separating thighs with a pillow

NO adduction or internal rotation

Prolapsed Cord

Knee-chest or Trendelenburg (goal is to prevent pressure on cord)

Vena Cava Syndrome (pregnant women)

Position woman on her left side (relieves pressure off vena cava from fetus)—knees flexed (blood return)

o Mother may present with hypotension

Infant with Cleft Lip

Position on back or in an infant seat to prevent trauma to suture line
While feeding, hold in upright position

Infant with Cleft Palate

Prone

Pancreatitis

Patients should lie in fetal position
Maintain NPO status (to rest the gut)—patient may also have PICC line inserted for TPN/lipids

To Prevent Dumping Syndrome

Eat in reclining position
Lie down after meals for 20-30min
Restrict fluids during meals, low carbohydrate, low fiber, high fat and protein
*GOAL: decrease gastric motility

Enema Administration

Position patient in left-side lying (Sim’s position) with knees flexed

Above Knee Amputation

Elevate for first 24 hours on pillow
Position prone daily to provide for hip extension
Do not keep leg elevated beyond 24 hours—causes hip flexion which can lead to contractures
Rewrap 3x day (elastic bandages)

Below Knee Amputation

Foot of bed elevated for first 24 hours
Position prone daily to provide for hip extension
Do not keep leg elevated beyond 24 hours—causes hip flexion which can lead to contractures

*Activity helps reduce the frequency and degree of phantom pain Detached Retina

Area of detachment should be in the dependent position (head in

downward direction, lying on unaffected side)

After Supratentorial Surgery (suture behind hairline)

Elevate HOB 30-45 degrees

After Intratentorial Surgery (incision at nape of neck)

Position patient flat and lateral on either side

During Internal Radiation

On bed rest while implant is in place

*(Common NCLEX TOPIC)

Autonomic Dysreflexia/Hyperreflexia (S/S: pounding H/A, profuse sweating, nasal congestion, goose flesh, bradycardia, HTN)

Place patient in sitting position- HIGH FOWLER’S (elevate HOB- FIRST ACTION)—decreases venous return
Check for kinks in foley catheter tubing

Spinal Cord Injury

Immobilize on spine board
Head in neutral position
Immobilize with padded C-collar
Maintain traction and alignment of head manually
Log roll client and do not allow to twist or bend

Shock

Bed rest with extremities elevated 20 degrees, knees straight, head slightly elevated (modified Trendelenburg)

Head Injury

Elevate HOB 30 degrees to decrease ICP

Peritoneal Dialysis when Outflow is Inadequate

Turn patient from side to side BEFORE checking for kinks in tubing (according to Kaplan)

Nasogastric Tube

Elevate HOB 30 degrees to prevent aspiration
Maintain elevation for continuous feeding or 1 hour after intermittent feedings

Cardiac Catheterization

Keep site extended (usually involves femoral artery)

Post-thyroidectomy

Semi-Fowler’s position, prevent neck flexion/hyperextension (support head, neck and shoulders)
Trach at bedside
Monitor respiratory status every hour

Post-Bronchoscopy

Semi Fowler’s
Check V/S q15 min until stable
Assess for respiratory difficulty (stridor, dyspnea resulting from laryngeal edema or laryngospasm)

Epistaxis

Upright and lean forward (prevent blood from entering the stomach and to avoid aspiration)

Pelvic Exam

Lithotomy position

Rectal Exam

Knee-chest position, Sim’s, or dorsal recumbent

Post-Liver Biopsy

Place patient on right side over a pillow to prevent bleeding (liver is very vascular)
No heavy lifting for 1 week’

Paracentesis

Semi-Fowler’s or upright on edge of bed
Void prior- prevent puncture of bladder
Post- V/S (BP), report elevated temp, observe for signs of hypovolemia

Pneumonia

Lay on affected side to splint and reduce pain
Trying to reduce congestion: the sick lung goes up

Post-Appendectomy

Position on right side with legs flexed

GERD

Lay on left side with HOB elevated 30 degrees (increases sphincter pressure)

Postural Drainage

Head in dependent position

Post-Radical Mastectomy

Position in Semi-Fowler’s with arm (affected side) elevated – if left mastectomy, elevate left arm, if right mastectomy, elevate right arm!

o This facilitates removal of fluid through gravity and enhances circulation

Think positively and you can achieve great things!

Prior to liver biopsy it is important to check lab results for PT time (vascular organ)

Liver biopsy– (prior) administer Vitamin K, NPO at midnight, teach patient that he will be asked to hold breath for 5-10 sec, supine position with upper arms elevated

Morphine is contraindicated in pancreatitis—it causes spasm of the Sphincter of Oddi—Demerol is the pain medication of choice!

*After pain relief, it is important to cough and deep breathe in pancreatitis—because fluid is pushing up in the diaphragm

*With chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic enzymes are given with meals

Diabetes Mellitus- pancreatic disorder resulting in insufficient or lack of insulin production leading to elevated blood sugar

Type I (insulin dependent)- immune disorder, body attacks insulin producing beta cells with resulting Ketosis (result of ketones in blood due to gluconeogenesis from fat)
- Excessive thirst and weight loss are characteristic of T1DM
Type II (insulin resistant)- beta cells do not produce enough insulin or body becomes resistant

NCLEX Points

- Assessment
  - 3 P’s
    - Polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (extreme thirst), polyphagia (excessive hunger)
  - Elevated blood sugar
  - Blurred vision
  - Elevated HbA1C
  - Poor wound healing
  - Neuropathy
  - Inadequate circulation
  - End organ damage is a major concern due to damage to vessels
    - Coronary artery disease
      - HTN, cerebrovascular disease
    - Retinopathy

Therapeutic Management

- - Insulin
    - Required for Type I and for Type II when diet and exercise do not control blood sugar
    - Assess for and teach the patient regarding peak action time for various insulins
      - Only administer short acting insulins IV
    - Do not use vial that appears cloudy (NPH is the exception)
  - Patient should monitor blood sugar before, during, and after exercise
  - Patient should use protective footwear to prevent injury
  - Infections and wounds should receive meticulous care
  - Foot Care (inspect daily)
    - Feet should be kept dry
    - Footwear should always be worn (cotton socks are recommended as well as properly fitted shoes)
    - Should not wear tight fitting socks
  - Sick Day – when patients with DM become ill, glucose levels become elevated
    - Continue to check blood sugars and do not withhold insulin
    - Monitor for ketones in urine
  - 15 Rule
    - If blood sugar is low, administer 15g carbohydrates (5 lifesavers, 6 oz juice)- recheck in 15 minutes
  - Complications
    - Lipoatrophy
      - Loss of subq fat at injection site (alternate injection sites)
    - Lipohypertrophy
      - Fatty mass at injection site
    - Dawn phenomenon
      - Reduced insulin sensitivity between 5-8AM
      - Evening administration may help
      - Adjust evening diet, bedtime snack, insulin dose, and exercise to prevent early morning hyperglycemia – adjust do not eliminate (usually intermediate acting insulin is used)
    - Somogyi phenomenon
      - Night time hypoglycemia results in rebound hyperglycemia in the morning hours

Rapid-acting insulin should only be given if food is available and patient is ready to eat

Repaglinide is a meglitinide analog drug—short-acting agents used to prevent postmeal blood glucose elevation—should be given within 1 to 30 minutes before meals and cause hypoglycemia shortly after dosing when a meal is denied or omitted

Drawing up regular insulin and NPH together

Cloudy (air into NPH) Clear (air into regular) Clear (draw up regular) Cloudy (draw up NPH) Or

RN- regular before NPH

Hypoglycemia requires urgent treatment

Signs and Symptoms
- Hunger
- Irritability
- Weakness
- Headache
- BG < 60
Consume 10 to 15g of carbohydrate (15-Rule)
Glucose should be retested in 15 min
Patient should eat a small snack of carbohydrate and protein if the next meal is more than an hour away
Repeat carbohydrate treatment if symptoms do not resolve

Alcohol has the potential for causing alcohol-induced hypoglycemia—it is important to know when the patient drinks alcohol and to teach the patient to ingest it shortly after meals to prevent this complication

Guidelines for exercise are based on blood glucose and urine ketone level—patients should test blood glucose before, during, and after exercise to be sure that it is safe.

When ketones are present the patient should not exercise because they indicate that current insulin levels are not adequate

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)– body is breaking down fat instead of sugar for energy—fats leave ketones (acids) that cause pH to decrease

*DKA is rare in DM Type 2 because there is enough insulin to prevent breakdown of fats

Serum acetone and serum ketones increase in DKA
As you treat the acidosis and dehydration expect the potassium to drop rapidly → be ready with potassium replacement
Fluids are the most important intervention for DKA and HHNS
- NS or LR
Second voided urine is the most accurate when testing for ketones and

glucose

Bringing the glucose down too much too quickly can result in increased ICP due to water being pulled into the CSF
Urine ketone testing should be done whenever the patient’s blood glucose is greater than 240

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)

Potassium is low due to diuresis
Fluids are the most important intervention
No acidosis and no ketosis
Weight loss is a symptom
Often occurs in older adults with T2 Diabetes
Risk Factors
- Diuretics
- Inadequate fluid intake (dehydration)

HbA1c- assesses how well blood sugar has been managed over 3 month period- 4 to 6% is good; 8% or greater indicates poor control

7% is ideal for a diabetic

Usually hold insulin prior to surgery and monitor blood glucose

To Remember Blood Sugar

Hot and dry, sugar high (hyperglycemia)

Cold and clammy, need some candy (hypoglycemia)

Laparoscopy- CO2 is used to enhance visual—general anesthesia, foley catheter

Post-op: EARLY AMBULATION to mobilize CO2

Myasthenia Gravis- decrease in receptor sites for acetylcholine- because the smallest concentration of ACTH receptors are cranial nerves, expect fatigue and weakness in eye, mastication/chewing, and pharyngeal muscles

Sometimes the first sign is that the patient can’t brush their hair

*Not enough receptor sites for Acetylcholine to bind to for activation—leading to muscle weakness

*Worsens with exercise and improves with rest

Diagnosis is made via Tensilon test- improvement in muscle weakness (short period of time) indicates a positive reaction
Avoid alcohol, crowded places, try to reduce stress, avoid heat (sauna, hot tub, sunbathing), spread activities throughout the day, thicken liquids

Myasthenic Crisis: often follows some type of infection—client is at risk for inadequate respiratory function

S/S: elevated temperature, tachycardia, HTN, incontinent of urine and stool

Cholinergic Crisis: caused by excessive medication, stop med→ Tensilon will make it worse

Head injury Medication

Manntiol (osmotic diuretic)—crystallizes at room temperature so

ALWAYS use a filter needle!

Endocrine System

Hormone	Gland
Growth Hormone (GH)	Anterior Pituitary
ADH	Posterior Pituitary
T3, T4	Thyroid
PTH	Parathyroid
Glucocorticoids: cortisol	Adrenal gland
Insulin	Pancreas

*Parathyroid gland relies on the presence of Vitamin D to work

Palpate the thyroid gently- can cause thyroid storm in a patient with hyperthyroidism

After removal of pituitary gland- watch for hypocortisolism and temporary Diabetes Insipidus

Myxedema/Hypothyroidism- hyposecretion of thyroid hormone (TH) resulting in decreased metabolic rate (slowed physical and mental function)

Myxedema coma- life threatening state of decreased thyroid production—coma result of acute illness, rapid cessation of medication, hypothermia

NCLEX Points

- Assessment
  - Think HYPOmetabolic state
  - Cardiovascular– bradycardia, anemia, hypotension
  - Gastrointestinal– constipation (GI motility slows)
  - Neurological– lethargy, fatigue (due to decreased metabolic rate—“body is slow and sleepy”), weakness, muscle aches, paresthesias

Integumentary- goiter, dry skin, dry hair, loss of body hair

- - Metabolic– cold intolerance, anorexia, weight gain (due to decreased metabolic state), edema, hypoglycemia

Therapeutic Management

- - Cardiac monitoring
  - Maintain open airway
  - Monitor medication therapy (overdose with thyroid medications possible)
  - Medication therapy- levothyroxine (Synthroid)

Take in morning before breakfast to prevent insomnia (on empty stomach)

- - Assess thyroid hormone levels
  - IV fluids
  - Monitor and administer glucose as needed

*Myxedema is COLD (hypothermia)

Hyperthyroidism- excess secretion of thyroid hormone (TH) from thyroid gland resulting in increased metabolic rate (accelerated physical and mental function)

Causes
- Graves disease (autoimmune reaction)
- Excess secretion of TSH, tumor, medication reaction

Thyroid Storm (Thyroid Crisis)

- Extreme hyperthyroidism (life threatening) due to infection, stress, trauma
  - Febrile state, tachycardia, HTN, tremors, seizures

NCLEX Points

- Assessment
  - Elevated T3, T4, free T4, decreased TSH, positive radioactive uptake scan
  - Goiter
  - Bulging eyes
  - Cardiac- tachycardia, HTN (increased systolic, decreased diastolic), palpitations
  - Neurological- hyperactive reflexes, emotional instability, agitation, hand tremor
  - Sensory- exophthalmos (Graves disease), blurred vision, heat intolerance
  - Integumentary- fine, thin hair
  - Reproductive- amenorrhea, decreased libido
  - Metabolic- increased metabolic rate, weight loss

Therapeutic Management

- - Provide rest in a cool quiet environment
  - Anti-thyroid medications (PTU, propylthiouracil)
  - Cardiac monitoring
  - Maintain patent airway
  - Avoid drinks that are stimulants (increases metabolic rate)
    - Caffeine- coffee, tea, soda

Provide eye protection

- - - Regular eye exams
    - Moisturize eyes
  - Radioactive Iodine 131
    - Taken up by thyroid gland and destroys some thyroid cells over 6-8 weeks
      - Avoid with pregnancy
      - Monitor lab values for hypothyroidism
  - Surgical removal

Monitor airway

- - - Maintain in semi-Fowlers position
    - Assess surgical site for bleeding
    - Monitor for hypocalcemia
      - Have calcium gluconate available
    - Minimal talking during immediate post-op period
    - (Partial-thyroidectomy) Monitor temperature post-op→ elevated temp by even 1 degree may indicate impending thyroid crisis→ report to MD immediately

*Think of MICHAEL JACKSON IN THRILLER

-Skinny, nervous, bulging eyes, up all night, heart beating fast

(Insomnia is aside effect of excess thyroid hormones—due to increased metabolic rate—body is “too busy to sleep”)

Hypo-parathyroid: decreased calcium (implement high calcium, low phosphorous diet; provide Vitamin D which aids in calcium absorption)

*Trousseau’s and Chvostek’s signs CATS (S/S):

C- convulsions A- arrhythmias T- tetany

S- spasms S- stridor

Hyper-parathyroid: increased calcium (implement low calcium, high phosphorous diet)

S/S: Fatigue, polyuria, muscle weakness, renal calculi (55% have urinary tract calculi), back and joint pain, monitor for bone deformities

Pre-parathyroidectomy- low calcium, high phosphorous diet

*For patients who are not candidates for para-thyroidectomy, diuretics (furosemide) and hydration (IV NS) in combo help reduce serum calcium → furosemide increases kidney excretion of calcium when combined with IV saline in large volumes

*BEST WAY TO EVALUATE FLUID STATUS (fluid volume deficit)- daily weight

Hypovolemia: (dehydration) increased temperature, rapid/weak pulse (tachycardia), increased respirations, hypotension, anxiety, urine SG > 1.030 (dark urine), confusion (early sign)

Increased sodium with dehydration
Increased BUN with dehydration
Increased hematocrit with dehydration

Hypovolemic Shock

Isotonic fluids – increase intravascular volume (NS or LR)
Albumin can be given too (expander)

Hypervolemia: (fluid volume excess/overload) bounding pulse, SOB, dyspnea, crackles, peripheral edema, HTN, urine SG <1.010 (dilute urine); Semi-Fowler’s

*D5W-body rapidly metabolizes the dextrose and the solution becomes hypotonic

Low phosphorous—patient will exhibit generalized muscle weakness→ may lead to acute muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)

Phosphate is necessary for energy production in the form of ATP—when not produced, leads to generalized weakness

Diabetes Insipidus (DI): hyposecretion or failure to respond to ADH from posterior pituitary—leading to excess water loss

NCLEX Points

- Assessment (S/S)
  - Excessive urine output
    - Dilute urine (USG <1.006)
  - Hypotension leading to cardiovascular collapse
  - Tachycardia
  - Polydipsia (extreme thirst)

Hypernatremia

- - Neurological changes

Therapeutic Management

- - Water replacement

D5W if IV replacement is required

- - Hormone replacement
    - Desmopressin
    - Vasopressin
  - Monitor urine output hourly and urine SG
    - Report urine output > 200mL/hour
  - Daily weight monitoring

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH): excessive secretion of ADH (from posterior pituitary) leading to hyponatremia and water intoxication (excessive water retention)

Caused by trauma, tumors, infection, medications

NCLEX Points

- Assessment (S/S)
  - Fluid volume excess (HTN, crackles, JVD)
  - Altered LOC
  - Seizures
  - Coma
  - Urine specific gravity > 1.032
  - Decreased BUN, hematocrit, Na (hyponatremia)

Therapeutic Management

- - Cardiac monitoring
  - Frequent neuro exams
  - Monitor I&O
  - Fluid restriction
  - Sodium supplement
  - Daily weight (loss of 2.2 lbs or 1 kg = 1 L)
  - Medication
    - Hypertonic saline (D5 w/ NS)
    - Diuretics (furosemide)
    - Electrolyte replacement

*Water intoxication – drowsiness and altered mental status Specific Gravity

1.010-1.030
High- (concentrated/dark urine)
- Dehydration
- SIADH
- Heart failure
Low- (dilute/water-like urine)
- CKD
- Diabetes Insipidus
- Fluid volume overload

Hypomagnesemia (low Mg): tremors, tetany, seizures, dysrhythmias (life threatening ventricular arrhythmias), depression, confusion, dysphagia

*Low Mg may lead to digoxin toxicity

Hypermagnesemia (high Mg): depresses the CNS, hypotension, facial flushing, muscle weakness, absent deep tendon reflexes, shallow respirations

*Emergency

Addison’s Disease– hyposecretion of adrenal cortex hormones; decreased levels of glucocorticoids and mineralcorticoids leads to hyponatreamia, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, decreased vascular volume—fatal if not treated

NCLEX Points

- Assessment
  - Hyponatremia (down)
  - Hyperkalemia (up)
  - Hypoglycemia (down)
  - Decreased blood volume (down)- anemia
  - Hypotension (down) – most important assessment parameter
  - Weight loss
  - Hyperpigmentation (tanned skin)
  - Decreased resistance to stress
- Therapeutic Management – with Addison’s you must add

hormone (teaching about steroid replacement is important)

- - Monitor vital signs
  - Monitor electrolytes
  - Monitor glucose
    - Treat low blood sugar
  - Administer replacement adrenal hormones as needed
  - Lifelong medication therapy needed
  - Managing stress in a patient with adrenal insufficiency is important—if the adrenal glands are stressed further it can result in Addisonian Crisis

Addisonian Crisis

- - Caused by acute exacerbation of Addison’s Disease
  - Causes severe electrolyte disturbances
  - Monitor electrolytes and cardiovascular status closely
  - Administer adrenal hormones as needed
  - S/S: N/V, confusion, abdominal pain, extreme weakness, hypoglycemia, dehydration, decreased blood pressure
  - During times of stress- increase sodium intake → a decrease in aldosterone leads to increase in excretion of sodium)

Cushing’s Disease– hypersecretion of glucocorticoids leading to elevated cortisol levels; greater incidence in women; life threatening if untreated

NCLEX Points

- Assessment
  - Hypernatremia (up)
  - Hypokalemia (down)
  - Hyperglycemia (up)
  - Increased blood volume (up)
  - Hypertension (up)
  - Prone to infection
  - Moon face
  - Buffalo hump
  - Muscle wasting
  - Edema (signs of CHF)
  - Risk to bruising
Therapeutic Management – you have excess “cushion” of hormones
- Monitor electrolytes and cardiovascular status
  - Prevent fluid overload – respirations are the first priority
  - Cardiovascular feature- capillary fragility→ results in bruising and petechiae
- Provide skin care and meticulous wound care (paper thin skin that is easily injured)
- Provide for client safety
- Adrenalectomy (surgical removal of adrenal gland)
- Protect client from infection
- Often caused by tumor on adrenal or pituitary gland

Pheochromocytoma- vascular tumor of adrenal medulla (adrenal glands) leading to a hypersecretion of epinephrine/norepinephrine

S/S: persistent HTN, increased HR, hyperglycemia, diaphoresis, tremor, pounding headache
Management: avoid stress and frequent bathing, and take rest breaks (limit activity), avoid stimulating foods, avoid foods high in tyramine
Avoid palpating the abdomen as it can cause a sudden release of catelcholamines and severe HTN
Tx: surgery to remove tumor

Priority situation

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

NMS is like S&M

-You get hot (increased temp/hyperpyrexia)

-Stiff (increased muscle tone)

-Sweaty (diaphoresis)

-BP, pulse, and respirations go up

-You start to drool

*Flu like symptoms

*Never get pregnant with a German (German measles/rubella is the dangerous one for pregnant women)

Exposure to rubella for a pregnant woman—incubation is 14 to 21 days (communicable 7 days before)

Pulmonary Embolism

First sign- sudden chest pain, followed by dyspnea and tachypnea
O2 deprived—first intervention is usually oxygen (check ABGs)

o Patient may be hyperventilating as a compensatory mechanism Risk Factors

Obesity
Immobility
Pooling of blood in extremities
Trauma (MVA)

Tetralogy of Fallot

*Think DROP (child drops to floor or squats) D- defect, septal

R- right ventricular hypertrophy O- overriding aorta

P- pulmonary stenosis

For neonates with Tetralogy of Fallot- prostaglandin E1 infusion

*Give O2 and morphine, IVF for volume expansion

MAOIs

*Pirates say “arrrr”—when pirates are depressed they take MAOIs

-MAOIs used for depression have an “ar” sound in the middle (parnate, marplan, nardil)

..or.. PANAMA

PArnate- tranylcypromine NArdil- phenelzine MArplan- isocarboxazid

*Avoid tyramine when taking MAOIs—aged cheese, chicken liver, avocados, bananas, meat tenderizer, salami, bologna, wine, beer—may cause HTN crisis

Systemic Lupus Erythematous- progressive systemic inflammatory disease resulting in major organ system failure; immune system “hyperactive” attacks healthy tissue; no known cure

NCLEX Points

- Assessment
  - Assess for precipitating factors
    - UV light
    - Infection
    - Stress
  - Arthritis
  - Weakness
  - Photosensitivity
  - Butterfly rash
  - Elevated ESR and C Reactive Protein

Therapeutic Management

- - Assess respiratory status
  - Assess end organ function
  - Plan rest periods
  - Identify triggers
  - Refer to dietitian for dietary assistance
  - Medications
    - Glucocorticoids
    - NSAIDs
    - Cyclophosamide (immunosuppressive agent)

**Should be in remission (SLE) at least 5 months prior to conceiving

*A high number of patients with SLE develop nephropathy, so an increase in blood urea may indicate a need for a change in therapy or for further diagnostic testing (such as creatinine clearance)

Albumin levels are the best indicator of long-term nutritional status (normal 3.5-5.0)

(Same range as potassium)

One of the goals for a client with anorexia is to achieve a sense of self-worth and self-acceptance that is not based on appearance → encourage activities that will promote socialization and increase self-esteem

Physical S/S of anorexia

Amenorrhea
Constipation
Hypotension
Cold intolerance
Bradycardia
Fatigue
Muscle weakness
Osteoporosis

Autonomic Dysreflexia- potentially life threatening emergency (seen with patients with spinal cord injuries)

Elevate HOB to 90 degrees – FIRST

Usually T6 or above spinal cord injury
Vasoconstriction below
Vasodilation above
Sudden, acute onset of HTN
Loosen constrictive clothing
Assess for bladder distention and bowel impaction (can trigger AD)-

SECOND

Administer anti-HTN medications (may cause stroke, MI, seizure
Metallic bitter taste

Thrombolytic therapy- avoid injury→ avoid activities that could cause bleeding (NO IM injections)

*The Institute for Safe Medication Practices guidelines indicate that the use of a trailing zero is not appropriate when writing medication orders—because it is easily mistaken for a larger dose!

First action after medication administration error is to assess the client for adverse outcomes

Drug Schedules

Schedule I- no currently accepted medical use, research only (heroin, LSD, MDMA)
Schedule II- drugs with high potential for abuse and requires written prescription (Ritalin, hydromorphone/Dilaudid, meperidine/Demerol, and fentanyl)
Schedule III- requires new prescription after 6 months or five refills (codeine, testosterone, ketamine)
Schedule IV- requires new prescription after 6 months (benzodiazepines)
Schedule V- dispensed as any other prescription or without prescription (cough preparations, laxatives)

Medication Considerations

Digoxin– assess pulse for a full minute, hold if HR less than 60, check digoxin levels and potassium and magnesium levels (low K and Mg can lead to digoxin toxicity)

S/S of toxicity- yellow halo, N/V

*Digoxin is given with loading doses (normally 2- 0.5mg or higher)—maintenance dose is typically 0.25mg

**Increases ventricular irritability—can convert a rhythm to V-Fib following cardioversion

Aluminum Hydroxide (Amphojel)– (antacid) treatment of GERD and kidney stones- watch for constipation

*Take after meals

Amiodarone- treats life-threatening heart rhythm problems; watch out for diaphoresis, dyspnea, lethargy—take missed dose any time in the day or skip it entirely—DO NOT take double dose

Warfarin (Coumadin)- anticoagulant therapy; watch for signs of bleeding, diarrhea, fever or rash; stress the importance of complying with prescribed dosage and follow-up appointments

Patients taking warfarin should not make sudden dietary changes, because changing the oral intake of foods high in Vitamin K (green leafy vegetables, some fruits) will impact the effectiveness of the medication

Methylphenidate (Ritalin)- treatment of ADHD; assess for heart related side-effects and report immediately; child may need drug holiday because the drug stunts growth; poor appetite- parents should watch for weight loss

Ethambutol (TB)- negative effect on eyes (blurred vision, eye pain, red-green color blindness, any loss of vision—more common with high doses); liver problems may occur

Gemfibrozil– lowers high cholesterol and triglycerides; monitor liver functions

– increased risk of gallstones – rhabdomyolysis

Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)- used for ADHD, may alter insulin needs, avoid taking with MAOI’s, take in morning after breakfast (insomnia is a possible side effect)

Hydroxyurea– used to help treat sickle cell, can help reduce the number of acute chest syndrome episodes, pain crises, and need for blood transfusions—report GI symptoms immediately—could be sign of toxicity

Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)- tx of anxiety (can also be used to help with itching)- watch for dry mouth- commonly given pre-operatively

Haloperidol (Haldol)—preferred antipsychotic for elderly patients—high risk of EPS (dystonia, tardive dyskinesia, tightening of jaw, stiff neck, swollen tongue, swollen airway)—monitor early for signs of reaction (IM Diphenhydramine can be given)

Side Effects- galactorrhea (excessive or spontaneous flow of milk), lactation, gynecomastia, drowsiness, insomnia, weakness, headache
When given IM- should be given deep into large muscle mass—is very irritating to subcutaneous tissue

*If mixing antipsychotic medications (Haloperidol, Fluphenazine, Chlorpromazine) with fluids, incompatible with caffeine and apple juice

Risperidone (Risperdal)- antipsychotic (schizophrenia)—doses over 6mg can cause tardive dyskinesia—first line antipsychotic in children

Causes weight gain, impairs temperature regulation, photosensitivity, orthostatic hypotension

Fluoxetine (Prozac)- SSRI; doses that are greater than 20mg should be given in divided doses

Midazolam (Versed)- given for conscious sedation- watch for respiratory depression and hypotension (benzodiazepine)

Contraindicated in patients taking protease inhibitors

Protease Inhibitors– antiviral drugs used to treat HIV/AIDs and hepatitis C

*Decrease the metabolism of many drugs—including midazolam Serious toxicity can occur when protease inhibitors are given with other medications

Rifampin- (treatment of TB)- watch for red/orange tears, urine

*Decreases effectiveness of contraceptives

Propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (tapazole)- prevention of thyroid storm

*Tx: hyperthyroidisim

Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic agent—can lead to extremely dry mouth; max dose is 20 mg/day; should be taken between meals as food interferes with absorption

Neostigmine- treats Myasthenia Gravis—administer to clients 45 min before eating—helps with swallowing and chewing

*Also reverses the effects of anesthesia

Procainamide HCl- given to treat PVCs- withhold if severe hypotension—adverse signs are bradycardia and hypotension

Isoniazid (medication for TB) causes peripheral neuropathy –patients may be instructed to take Vitamin B6 to counter; hepatotoxicity (monitor LFTs); should not be taken with Phenytoin (Dilantin) as it can lead to toxicity; hypotension may occur initially but should resolve

Trimethobenzamide HCl (Tigan)- tx of post-op N/V and for nausea associated with gastroenteritis

Alendronate– used for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis

Photosensitivity- wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors
Take in the morning
If missed dose, wait until next day to take

Doxycyline- antibiotic; dairy products inhibit the absorption of this medication

Cholestyramine- lower cholesterol

S/E: constipation
Should not take with spironolactone- increases blood chloride levels
Many interactions- anticoagulants, beta blockers, diuretics, penicillins, hormonal contraceptives, phenobarbital

CBT– Can Block Tremors (meds for Parkinson’s)

Carbidopa/Levodopa (Sinemet)- sweat, saliva, urine may turn reddish brown, causes drowsiness; patients should not take with MAOIs

Levodopa- contraindicated for patients with glaucoma, avoid Vitamin B6, avoid high protein diet (interferes with the body’s response to medication)

Benztropine (Cogentin)- can be used for Parkinson’s, as well as to treat EPS – may lead to the inability to move specific muscle groups or weakness (too much of an effect)—anticholinergic (may lead to blurred vision, dry mouth)

*Increase fluid intake

Biperiden– Anti-Parkinson’s used to counteract EPS

Trihexyphenidyl HCl (Artane)- sedative effect

Timolol (Beta Blocker)- eye drops, used for treatment of glaucoma

Propranolol (Beta Blocker)- decreases effectiveness of atorvastatin

Sulfamethaxozole/Trimethoprim (Bactrim)- antibiotic- do not take if allergic to sulfa- diarrhea is a common side effect, drink plenty of fluids

Simvastatin– tx of hyperlipidemia, take on empty stomach to enhance absorption at night, report any unexplained muscle pain (could indicate rhabdomyolysis)—especially if fever is present

Bromocriptine– used to treat menstrual problems

*Take with meals to avoid GI upset

Dabigatran- anticoagulant with NO antidote- do not take with other anticoagulants

Gout

Probenecid (Benemid)- increases uric acid secretion in urine

Colchicine– prevention of gout

Allopurinol– acute

Hydralazine– Tx of HTN or CHF, report flu-like symptoms, rise slowly from sitting/lying positions to prevent orthostatic hypotension, take with meals

Dicycloverine– Tx of irritable bowel- assess for anticholinergic side effects

Verapamil– CCB- tx of HTN, angina, and dysrhythmias- assess for constipation

Sucralfate– tx of duodenal ulcers (coats ulcer)- take before meals (1 hour)– best on empty stomach

*Protects from acid

Cimetidine– H2

*Take with meals and at bedtime S/E: constipation

Theophylline– tx of asthma and COPD

*Therapeutic drug level: 10-20 (12 letters in theophylline—12 is in between 10 and 20, also the “1” in 10 and “2” in 20 = 12)

N-Acetylcysteine– antidote for Tylenol and is administered orally

Glipizide– effective for client diagnosed with Type 2 DM, who produces minimal amounts of insulin (oral hypoglycemic agent)

Acetazolamide (Diamox)- tx of glaucoma, high altitude sickness, increased ICP- DO NOT take if allergic to sulfa

*Can cause hypokalemia

Indomethacin (Indocin)- NSAID- tx of arthritis (osteo, rheumatoid, gout), bursitis, tendonitis

*Ototoxic

Levothyroxine (synthroid)- tx of hypothyroidism- may take several weeks to take effect, notify doctor if chest pain—take in AM on empty stomach, can lead to hyperthyroidism

Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)- tx of alcohol withdrawal- do not take alcohol with this (including mouth wash that contains alcohol), very bad nausea and vomiting can occur

Terbutaline—can lead to maternal tachycardia- withhold if HR is elevated prior to administration

Vincristine (oncovin)- tx of leukemia (anti-leukemic)- IV only

Ganciclovir (Cytovene)- used for retinitis caused by cytomegalovirus- patient will need regular eye exams, report dizziness, confusion, or seizures immediately

Sertraline (Zoloft)- SSRI, depression; S/E: agitation, disruption in sleep, dry mouth

Serotonin Syndrome

- Rare, life threatening
S/S: abdominal pain, fever, sweating, tachycardia, HTN, delirium, myoclonus (jerky movements), irritability, mood changes

Clozapine– schizophrenia; S/E: agranulocytosis (low WBC count), tachycardia, seizures

*Significant toxic risk associated with clozapine is blood dyscrasia Agranulocytosis- flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, lethargy)

Lindane (Kwell)- Tx of scabies (lotion) and lice (shampoo) Scabies- apply lotion once and leave on for 8-12 hours

Lice- wash hair with shampoo and leave on for 4 minutes with hair uncovered, then rinse with warm water and comb with a fine tooth comb

Dantrolene (Dantrium)- treats muscle spasms caused by MS—may take a week or more to be effective

Pentamidine– helps treat and prevent pneumocystis pneumonia

Can cause fatal hypoglycemia—monitor blood glucose (low BG may indicate need to change treatment)

Doxepin HCl– antidepressant

*Signs of overdose: excitability and tremors

Premarin (conjugated estrogen tablets)- tx after menopause- estrogen replacement

*Estrogen can cause dry eyes

Furosemide (Lasix)- loop diuretic

Ototoxic especially when given with other ototoxic drugs
Monitor BP
Monitor U/O
Monitor K+
Can lead to anorexia due to reduced potassium

Phenytoin (Dilantin)- tx of seizures

*Therapeutic drug level = 10-20

S/E: rash (stop med), gingival hyperplasia (practice good dental hygiene) Toxicity- poor gait + coordination, slurred speech, nausea, lethargy, diplopia Can cause leukopenia (low WBC)- stop medication

Thiothixene (Navane)- tx of schizophrenia- assess for EPS

Naproxen (NSAID)- used to mild to moderate pain

Can cause gastrointestinal bleeding- monitor stools for blood

Fluorouracil (5-FU)- chemotherapy agent

Sulindac (NSAID)– S/E are typically GI distress (GI bleeding, ulcers, perforation of the stomach and/or intestines)

Theophylline- used for COPD and asthma (bronchodilator)

- Causes GI upset, take with food
- Avoid use of alcohol and caffeine while taking this medication
- Watch for toxicity (10 to 20 is therapeutic range)- >20 is considered toxic (persistent nausea and vomiting are signs)
- Many drug interactions

Dopamine– treatment of hypotension, shock, low cardiac output, poor perfusion to vital organs (ex: kidneys)- monitor EKG for arrhythmias, monitor BP

Phenobarbital CAN be taken during pregnancy- phenytoin is contraindicated

*All psych meds (except Lithium) have the same side effects- SNS (exception is hypotension)

SNS- increase BP, HR, and RR, dilated pupils (blurred vision), urinary retention, constipation (decreased GI motility), constricted blood vessels, and dry mouth

Only specific medications require double verification

Epidural

- When doing epidural anesthesia, hydration beforehand is a priority
- Hypotension, bradypnea and bradycardia are major risks and emergencies
- Patients will have a foley catheter due to the inability to void

Forget your past mistakes and focus on your successes!

When caring for a pregnant woman who follows a vegetarian diet, the nurse should begin with an assessment of the diet (24 hour diet recall) because vegetarian practices vary widely—assess the diet for deficiencies before making recommendations for supplementation

Maternity Normal Values

- Fetal Heart Rate- 120 to 160 bpm
- Amniotic fluid- 500- 1200 mL
- APGAR- 7 and above = normal; 4 to 6 fairly low; 3 and below are critically low
  - Done at 1 and 5 minutes

Prenatal vitamins should be taken with something acidic (orange juice) at bedtime (Vitamin C increases absorption)

Pregnant women should increase calories by 300 for fetal growth, maternal tissues and placenta

Placenta previa requires c-section

Hyperemesis gravidarum– bed rest, NPO to rest GI tract, anti-emetics, IVF

Symptoms of onset of labor

- Gush of fluid down legs
- Some blood in vaginal discharge
- Low back pain

Fetal Heart Rate Patterns

VEAL CHOP

VC EH AO LP

V= variable decels, Cord compression E = early decels, Head compression

A = accelerations, OK

L = late decels, Placental insufficiency (baby is not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients)

*For cord compression, place the mother in TRENDELENBURG position- this removes the pressure of the presenting part from the cord (baby is no longer being pulled out of the body by gravity)

- If the cord is prolapsed- cover it with sterile saline gauze to prevent drying of the cord and to minimize infection

*For late decels, turn the mother on the left side to allow more blood to flow to the placenta- give mother O2 via face mask, stop Pitocin, open IV fluids (increase)

*Sometimes it is hard to determine who to check on first, mom or baby—it is usually easy to tell the right answer if the mother or baby involves a machine—if you are not sure who to check on first, and one of the choices is a machine, that’s the wrong answer- eliminate

If the baby is in a posterior position- the sounds are heard at the sides

If the baby is in an anterior position- the sounds are heard closer to midline, between the umbilicus and where and where you would listen to a posterior position

*If the baby is breech- sounds are high up in the fundus (usually above or around the umbilicus)

*If baby is vertex (head is down), they are a little above the symphysis pubis on the left or right side

NEVER APPLY FUNDAL PRESSURE IN THE CASE OF SHOULDER DYSTOCIA!

A newborn discharged before 72 hours of life should be seen by an RN or MD within 2 days of discharge

A newborn should feed between 8 and 12 times in 24 hours

ALWAYS protect the newborn’s eyes when undergoing phototherapy and monitor temperature carefully! Breastfeeding is encouraged to avoid dehydration and increase passage of meconium (which helps excrete bilirubin)

Normal Contraction Pattern

- Contractions every 2-5 minutes for 60 seconds (<90 seconds)
  - Longer lasting and shorter intervals is NOT normal (could be a complication of Pitocin)

Palpating uterine contractions is done with fingertips

AVA: The umbilical cord has two arteries and one vein

Amniotic fluid is alkaline- turns nitrazine paper blue

Urine and normal vaginal discharge are acidic and turn the nitrazine paper yellow/orange (some color charts vary)

If a woman’s water breaks and she is at a (-) station, you should be concerned about a potential prolapsed cord

Post-delivery

- Pitocin should only be administered after the placenta separates from the uterine wall
  - Signs: gush of blood, umbilical cord out of vagina, uterus contracting

Umbilical cord care: clean cord several times a day and expose to air frequently (to encourage drying and prevent infection)

Oxytocin should always be a secondary infusion controlled by IV pump

Pregnancy weight gain:

- 2-5 lbs. in 1^st trimester
- 0.6-1.1 lbs. weekly in 2^nd and 3^rd trimesters

Transition phase of labor- woman should pant with pursed lips→ allows client to control pain and urge to push and promotes adequate oxygenation of fetus

Other

Methotrexate is teratogenic and should not be used by patients who are pregnant

Administration of antiviral medications to the pregnant woman and the newborn, cesarean birth, and avoidance of breastfeeding have reduced the incidence of perinatal transmission of HIV from approximately 26% to 1-2%

The incidence of congenital anomalies is 3x higher in the offspring of diabetic women—good glycemic control during preconception and early pregnancy significantly reduces this risk

A multiparous patient in active labor with an urge to have a bowel movement will probably give birth imminently—it is time to push—should not be allowed up to use the bathroom at this time!

Central Lines

Jugular veins are more prone to infection
Higher risk of infection with nontunneled lines
PICC lines and midline catheters are associated with a lower incidence of infection
Implanted ports are placed under the skin and are the least likely central line to be associated with catheter infection

VENTILATOR ALARMS HOLD

High pressure alarm- Obstruction due to increased secretions (mucus plug), kink in tubing, patient coughs, gags or bites

Low pressure alarm- Disconnection or leak in ventilator or patient airway cuff, patient stops spontaneously breathing

Increased ICP and Shock- OPPOSITE V/S

Increased ICP (Cushing’s Triad)- increased BP, decreased pulse (bradycardia), decreased respirations

Shock- decreased BP, increased pulse, increased respirations

Heroin withdrawal for a neonate

-Irritable

-Poor sucking

-High pitched cry

*Withdrawal seen 12-24 hours later

Heroin Withdrawal (Adult)

Mimics S/S of fu- runny nose, yawning, fever, muscle and joint pain, diarrhea

JEWISH- No meat and milk together

Milk products and carbonated beverages have sodium For CPR of an infant – brachial pulse

Test child for lead poisoning around 12 months of age

Fruits high in potassium- bananas, potatoes, citrus fruits

*Cultures are always taken BEFORE starting IV antibiotics

A patient with leukemia may have epistaxis due to low platelets

Best way to warm a newborn: skin to skin contact on mother’s chest with a blanket

*Below 97.7 is a CONCERN

When patient comes to hospital in active labor- nurse’s first action is to listen to fetal heart rate

Phobic disorders-

Systematic desensitization- relaxation and gradual exposure to anxiety producing stimulus

GERD

Risk Factors
- Female
- Smoking
- >45 years old
- Obesity
- Caucasian
Limit spicy foods, caffeine, lie with 2 pillows

Low residue means low fiber

Fiber adds bulk- patients who are constipated should add fiber to their diet

High fiber– oatmeal, celery, green beans

Aminoglycosides (vancomycin and gentamicin) can cause nephrotoxicity and ototoxcity if given too quickly – monitor BUN and creatinine

“Red Man” syndrome occurs when vancomycin is infused too quickly—because the client needs the medication to treat infection, the vancomycin should not be discontinued—antihistamines my help decrease the flushing, but vancomycin should be administered over atleast 60 min!

ARDS (fluid in alveoli), DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation) are always secondary to something else (another disease process)

Cardinal sign of ARDS is hypoxemia (low oxygen level in tissues)
- First sign is usually increased respirations → later comes dyspnea, retractions, air hunger, cyanosis

Edema is in the interstitial space NOT in the cardiovascular space Weight is the best indicator of hydration status (dehydration) Wherever there is sugar (glucose), water follows

NO ASPIRIN TO CHILDREN– can cause Reye’s Syndrome (encephalopathy)

S/S of Reye’s: vomiting, lethargy, unusual sleepiness, increased RR, diarrhea, confusion, loss of consciousness

ASPIRIN OVERDOSE SIGNS

Tinnitus
Gastric distress

COLD for acute pain (sprain, fracture), HOT for chronic pain (rheumatoid arthritis)

Pain is usually the highest priority for rheumatoid arthritis

Cultures taken before first dose of antibiotics Stool (+) – Salmonella → contact precautions

Detached retina- photophobia, loss of a portion of visual field

COPD is chronic, pneumonia is acute—emphysema and bronchitis are both COPD

In COPD patients, baroreceptors that detect the CO2 level are destroyed—therefore, O2 level must be low because high O2 concentration blows the patient’s stimulus for breathing
- Ex: Patient is on O2 at 6L/min- this is too high→ causing high serum oxygen levels, which results in decreased respiratory rate
Encourage pursed-lip breathing (promotes CO2 elimination)
Encourage fluids
High Fowler’s and leaning forward (tripod position)

Exacerbation- acute, distress

Gout- (acute attack)—encourage partial weight bearing

Epinephrine is always given in TB syringe

Prednisone toxicity→ Cushing’s syndrome – buffalo hump, moon face, hyperglycemia, HTN (too much steroid)

Prednisone Adverse Effects

Osteoporosis
Hyperglycemia (patient may require more insulin)
Hypokalemia
Hypernatremia
Fluid retention and edema
Decreased immune response (greater risk of infection—BUT do not see changes in bone marrow)
Gastrointestinal bleeding—monitor stool for bleeding

*Rapid weight gain and edema are signs of excessive drug therapy and the dosage of the drug needs to be adjusted (contact physician to report)

Four options for cancer management: chemo, radiation, surgery, palliative/hospice (treatment/management can be a combination of these four)

Chest tubes are placed in the pleural space

Placed to remove air/fluid from pleural cavity
Creates a vacuum- NEGATIVE PRESSURE
Air in the pleural space – pneumothorax
Blood in the pleural space – hemothorax
Should be below chest level
Cough and deep breathing is encouraged
3 chambers
- Collection chamber
  - Collects drainage- should be serosanguinous
    - Assess drainage q4h (if new chest tube, assess more frequently)
    - Notify MD if drainage is bright red (could indicate possible hemorrhage)
    - Should not be more than 100mL/hour
- Water seal chamber
  - 2 cm of water
  - Creates a one way valve that allows air to come out but nothing to go in
  - Continuous bubbling is a bad sign→ air leak
  - Should see gentle tidals (fluctuates with respirations)
- Suction control chamber
  - Tells you how much suction is applied to the client
  - MD sets the suction parameters
  - Should see bubbling in suction chamber—means it is functioning properly

What NOT to do with Chest Tubes:

Milk the catheter
Never try to reinsert the tube if it is pulled out

The immediate intervention after a sucking stab wound (open) is to dress the wound and tape it on 3 sides—allows air to escape but not reenter→ occlusive dressing would convert the wound from open to closed→ could lead to tension pneumothorax…which is worse!

*After dressing the wound: chest tube, labs, IV

Continuous bubbling indicates

air leak that must be identified:

With the physician’s order, you can apply a padded clamp to the drainage tubing close to the occlusive dressing—if the bubbling stops, the air leak may be at the chest tube insertion, which will require you notifying the MD
If the air leak does not stop when you apply the padded clamp, the air leak is between the clamp and the drainage system—you must now assess the system to carefully locate the leak

Angina (low oxygen to heart tissue) = no dead heart tissues

Myocardial Infarction (MI) = dead heart tissue present

MI pain tends to be in morning hours

Blood tests for MI: myoglobin, CK and Troponin

Troponin levels are elevated 3 hours after onset of MI- most specific to cardiac muscle injury or infarction

MONA- FIRST GIVE OXYGEN

*Most common complication following MI- arrhythmias (ventricular being the most serious)

Chest pain in a client undergoing a stress test indicates myocardial ischemia and is an indication to stop testing to avoid ongoing ischemia, injury, or infarction

Anti-cholesterol medications should be given with evening meal (at night)

Nitroglycerine is administered up to 3 times (every 5 minutes)—if chest pain does not stop- GO TO HOSPITAL or call 911—do not give if blood pressure is

<90/60

Preload affects amount of blood that goes to the right ventricle, afterload is the resistance the blood has to overcome to leave the heart

Calcium channel blockers affect afterload

DO NOT DRINK GRAPEFRUIT JUICE WITH CCB

DO NOT GIVE BLOCKERS (BETA BLOCKERS, CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS) to PATIENTS WITH HEART BLOCKS

For a CABG, when the great saphenous vein is taken, it is turned inside out due to the valves that are inside

Unstable angina is not relieved by nitro

Prochlorperazine maleate (Compazine)- should be considered incompatible with all other medications in syringes

Angiotensin II is a potent vasodilator (from lungs)

Aldosterone attracts sodium

The past is gone- focus on the present and future!

REVERSAL AGENTS/ANTIDOTES

Heparin = protamine sulfate
Coumadin = vitamin K
Ammonia = lactulose
Acetaminophen = n-Acetylcysteine
Magnesium sulfate= Calcium gluconate
Iron = deferoxamine
Digoxin = digibind
TPA = aminocaproic acid (amicar)
Methotrexate toxicity = leucovorin
Alcohol withdrawal = Librium (Chlordiazepoxide)
Opioids/Narcotics = Naloxone (Narcan)
Methadone is an opioid analgesic used to detox patients addicted to narcotics

Low potassium potentiates digoxin toxicity (low Mg too) Heparin prevents platelet aggregation

COMMON NCLEX TOPIC

PT- 10- 14 seconds – therapeutic is 1.5 to 2 times

INR– 0.8 to 1.2- therapeutic is 2 to 3 times

PTT – 20-45 seconds- therapeutic is 1.5 to 2.5 times

Oral anticoagulant therapy should be instituted 4-5 days before discontinuing heparin therapy

Cardiac output decreases with dysrhythmias- dopamine increases blood pressure

Med of choice for v-tach and PVCs is lidocaine

Med of choice for SVT and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia is adenosine

Med of choice for asystole is atropine

Med of choice for CHF is ACE-Inhibitor

Med of choice for burn pain management is morphine sulfate

Med of choice for candidiasis is ketoconazole

Med of choice for anaphylaxis is epinephrine

Med of choice for Status Epilepticus is benzodiazepine (valium, lorazepam) Med of choice for bipolar is lithium

Increase fluid intake with lithium (2500-3000 mL/day)
Maintain adequate salt intake (2-3 grams per day)
S/E: increased U/O and dry mouth
No ETOH with lithium
Therapeutic level- 0.4 to 1.4
Toxic level – 2 to 3: N/V/D, tremors (give mannitol and acetazolamide if signs of toxicity are present)

Amiodarone (anti-arrhythmic) is effective in both ventricular and atrial

complications

S3 (heart sound) is normal in CHF, not normal in MI

*May also hear S3 in fluid volume overload

Give sucralfate (anti-ulcer) before meals to coat stomach

Pantoprazole (Protonix) is given prophylactically to prevent stress ulcers (PPI)

Always check gag reflex following endoscopy

TPN is given via subclavian line (requires central line)

Diverticulitis (inflammation of the diverticulum in the colon)- pain in LLQ

Can cause chronic or severe bleeding, if no obvious blood in the stool, the stool may be tested for occult blood

Bipolar Disorder

*Avoid competitive games when in manic phase (leads to increase in agitation)

Schizophrenia- inappropriate affect

ETOH Dependence

Indication of need for more sedation- steadily increasing vital signs—client is approaching DTs

Appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix)- pain is in RLQ with rebound tenderness

Portal hypertension + albuinemia = ascites Beta cells of the pancreas produce insulin

Trousseau (carpal spasm with upper arm compression) and Chvostek’s sign

(facial nerve) are observed in hypocalcemia

Chvostek- twitching- tapping face just below and in front of ear—neuro manifestation

Never give K+ in IV push Blood Transfusions

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS NORMAL SALINE
Use Y-connector
Large-bore needle should be used (usually 20 gauge)
Should be infused as soon as possible after they are obtained
If patient presents with S/S of reaction- STOP the INFUSION!

Types of Reactions

Allergic- Mild facial flushing, hives/rash, increased anxiety, wheezing, dyspnea, hypotension
Febrile- Fever, chills, anxiety, headache, tachycardia, tachypnea
Hemolytic- N/V, pain in lower back, hypotension, tachycardia, decreased urinary output, hematuria, fever, chest pain

*FOR ALL REACTIONS- Stop infusion and maintain line with NS

Also supportive care (oxygen, Benadryl, airway), obtain urine specimen, blood product goes back to lab

Avoid douching before pap smear—affects appearance of cells in vaginal smear

Mineral (fludrocortisone- help manage bp) and glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone) are given in Addison’s disease

Sign of fat embolism– petechiae– treated with heparin For knee replacement- use CPM machine

Give prophylactic antibiotic therapy before invasive procedures

Glaucoma patients lose peripheral vision- treated with medications

Cataracts– cloudy, blurry vision – treated by lens removal-surgery

CO2 causes vasoconstriction

Most spinal cord injuries are at the cervical or lumbar regions

Flaccid bladder- GOAL- want to promote acidic urine
- Client should drink cranberry juice, tomato juice, bouillon

Autonomic dysreflexia (life threatening- inhibited sympathetic response of nervous system to harmful stimulus- spinal cord injuries at T7 or above)- usually triggered by a full bladder

Spinal shock occurs immediately after spinal injury

Multiple Sclerosis– chronic progressive disease with destruction of myelin sheath, disruption in nerve impulse conduction—affects white matter of the brain and spinal cord

*Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, vision changes, fatigue and spasticity are common symptoms – UTIs are common and may lead to sepsis

Motor: limb weakness, paralysis, slow speech
Sensory: numbness, tingling, tinnitus
Cerebral: nystagmus, ataxia, dysphagia, dysarthria

Huntington’s Chorea- autosomal dominant disorder (50% chance of inheriting)

S/S: chorea (jerky, involuntary movement effecting shoulders, hips, and face); gait deteriorates with no ambulation, no cure, palliative

Guillan-Barre Syndrome = ascending paralysis (feet to head)- watch for respiratory system challenges

Parkinson’s = RAT → R- rigidity, A- akinesia (loss of muscle movement), T- tremors

Tx: CBT (Can Block Tremors)- Carbidopa/Levidopa, Benzotropine, Trihexyphenidyl HCl

*Drooling in Parkinson’s is a concern—risk for aspiration (airway) Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)- mini stroke with no dead brain tissue Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) – dead brain tissue

Hodgkin’s disease = cancer of lymph- very curable in early stages

Ranitidine – if taking once daily, should take at hour of sleep (absorption not affected by food)

When pulse rate drops in a patient with a pacemaker, it is cause for concern!

Polycythemia– increase in RBCs as compensation for decrease in oxygenation- seen in right-sided heart failure

Cor Pulmonae: right sided heart failure caused by left ventricular failure (S/S- edema, JVD)

Pulmonary sarcoidosis leads to right sided HF

DO NOT PICK COUGH over TACHYCARDIA for signs of CHF in an infant!

Congestive Heart Failure

Ventricular gallop is the earliest sign of CHF

Early signs/stage of circulatory overload (seen in CHF) is change in character of respirations

Rule of Nines for Burns

1. Head & neck (front and back) = 9%
2. Torso = 18% (upper/chest and lower/abdomen are each 9%)
3. Back = 18% (upper back- 9%; lower back/buttocks – 9%)
4. Each arm is 9%
5. Each leg is 9%
6. Groin/genitalia = 1%

*Example: If an adult had burns on both legs (9% + 9%), their groin (1%), and the chest (9%) and abdomen (9%) – 55% of their body is burned!

This rule helps guide treatment and fluid replacement! Parkland Formula– 4mL x kg body weight x % of total burned surface = amount of fluid to be infused over 24 hours

**Half that amount of fluid is to be infused over the first 8 hours (minus any fluid infused pre-hospital)

(Page 159 in ATI review book)

Priorities with Burns– 1) ABCs 2) Cardiac output 3) Fluids 4) Infection

Electrical burns– EKG

Chemical burn– do not touch until decontaminated (need to know the type of chemical)

Thermal burn– breathing is the #1 concern

Smoke– look inside nose for signs of smoke inhalation

*WITH BURNS TO FACE AND CHEST- BE CONCERNED ABOUT AIRWAY EDEMA

Important to maintain aseptic technique with burns- high risk of infection

Emergency care of partial thickness burns—remove clothing and wrap in clean sheet

*No soaps or ointments should be used in an emergency burn situation

BURNS

1^st degree- red and painful
2^nd degree- blisters
3^rd degree- no pain because blocked and burned nerves

Birth weight doubles by 6 months and triples by 1 year of age

If HR is <100 in children, hold digoxin

Cystic Fibrosis- inherited by autosomal recessive trait

First sign of cystic fibrosis may be meconium ileus (bowel obstruction) at birth—baby is inconsolable, does not eat, does not pass meconium

Respiratory problems are the chief concern
- Airway clearance techniques are critical (postural drainage/chest physiotherapy)
Give aerosol bronchodilators, mucolytics and pancreatic enzymes
Cystic Fibrosis- diet
- Low fat
- High sodium
- Fat soluble vitamins- ADEK

Heart defects– Cyanotic = 3 T’s (Tetrology of Fallot, Truncus arteriosus, transposition of the great vessels)—blood does not adequately return to the heart→ if problem does not fix itself, or cannot be corrected surgically, CHF will occur→ followed by death

With right-sided cardiac catheterization– look for valve problems

With left-sided cardiac catheterization– look for coronary complications

Rheumatic fever can lead to cardiac valve malfunctions/disease

*Group-A strep precedes rheumatic fever

Patients experience chorea (grimacing, sudden jerky body movements)
Joint pain is common
Penicillin is usually given
Watch for antistreptolysin O to be elevated

Cerebral palsy = poor muscle control due to birth injuries and/or decreased oxygen to brain tissues

Phenytoin (Dilantin) therapeutic level – 10-20; can cause gingival hyperplasia

Meningitis– nuchal rigidity, headache, photosensitivity, fever- Kernig’s and Brudzinski’s sign

*CSF in meningitis- high protein, low glucose

Wilm’s tumor– usually encapsulated above the kidneys- causing flank pain- DO NOT PALPATE THE ABDOMEN

Focus on your achievements rather than your failures—look at what you managed to do well and how you can improve!

Traction

Skin Traction

Buck’s Traction- used to maintain proper alignment- hip fractures- want to maintain skin integrity and circulation
Bryant’s
Cervical halter
Pelvic

Skeletal Traction

Applied directly to a bone to reduce a fracture or maintain a surgically manipulated bone alignment
- Pins or wires inserted through skin and soft tissue into the bone
- Balanced suspension using splints, slings, weights

External Fixation Devices

Rigid metal frames with attached percutaneous pins or wires used to align and immobilize
- Halo Traction- THINK SAFETY FIRST—always have a screwdriver nearby

*Place apparatus first, then place the weights when putting a patient in traction

Nursing Considerations for Traction

Teach about movement

DO NOT ADJUST WEIGHTS (they should NEVER be on the floor—not exerting pulling force)

Report pain (look for signs of compartment syndrome)
Maintain skin integrity and circulation

*Nurse must always follow the chain of command – report to nursing supervisor or nurse manager

Compartment Syndrome- EMERGENCY SITUATION

Paresthesia and increased pain are classic symptoms—neuromuscular damage is irreversible 4-6 hours after onset

A patient with a vertical c-section will more likely have another c/s

Perform amniocentesis (14-16 weeks) to check for fetal anomalies- Down Syndrome, Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13; detect presence of AChE in neural tube defects

*When it is performed late in pregnancy it can assess fetal lung maturity and fetal well-being

**Administer Rhogam to Rh- women

Rhogam is a blood product—as such, for NCLEX purposes, ONLY RN’s can administer Rhogam IM to client (do not delegate to LPN/LVN)

Indirect Coomb’s Test- Negative (normal) result means no antibodies are found; positive (abnormal) result means antibodies were found—DO NOT ADMINISTER RHOGAM TO A WOMAN WHO IS POSITIVE!

RhoGAM must be given prior to the Rh negative women

becoming sensitized… which is why RhoGAM is given prophylactically:

During pregnancy (at 28-30 weeks) or any time the mother is exposed to fetal blood (such as after an amniocentesis, miscarriage, etc)
Then after the birth of each Rh positive newborn, if no antibodies are identified in the mother (negative indirect Coombs), within 72 hours after delivery

Nagele’s Rule: Subtract 3 months and add 7 days to first day of last menstrual period

Anterior fontanel closes by 18 months

Posterior fontanel closes by 6-8 weeks

*Posterior closes before anterior

Caput succedaneum = diffuse edema of the fetal scalp that crosses the suture lines- swelling reabsorbs within 1-3 days

Pathological jaundice– occurs before 24 hours and lasts 7 days

Physiological jaundice- occurs after 24 hours

Phototherapy considered for infant with total serum bilirubin >15 mg/dL at 72 hours of age

Placenta previa– bright red bleeding, no pain- NO VAGINAL EXAMS

Placental abruption– pain, no bleeding, rigid/board-like abdomen (monitor fluid volume stauts/I&O)

Betamethasone = surfactant- given to mothers in pre-term labor to help baby’s lungs mature before delivery – given in 2 doses (12-24 hours apart)

Magnesium sulfate– anticonvulsant for pregnant women with risk of seizures due to HTN

*Also used as a tocolytic to halt pre-term labor – contraindicated for women with myasthenia gravis, also with absent deep tendon reflexes

Magnesium sulfate- (CNS depressant) can cause slowing of respirations and hyporeflexia; oliguria is another S/E

Oral (PO) medications are not recommended in labor—decreased GI motility

When breastfeeding- only wash breasts with water→ soap should be avoided as it causes dryness

Fundal height should correlate with weeks of pregnancy

*26 weeks = 26cm

Epigastric pain in pregnancy→ usually a sign of impending convulsion (according to Kaplan)

Crisis intervention = short term

FIVE INTERVENTIONS FOR PSYCH PATIENTS

Safety
Setting limits
Establish trusting relationship
Medications
Least restrictive methods/environments to most restrictive

Most antidepressants take 3 weeks to take effect

Obsession = thought Compulsion = action

Hallucinations- redirect patient

Delusions- distract patient

Thorazine, Haldol (antipsychotics) can lead to EPS

Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative cognitive disorder that accounts for more than 60% of all dementias

Patient’s do not do well with short term memory
Reality orientation- orient to what is going on right now

Safety and reorientation

Place calendar and clock in obvious area
Remind client of room and bathroom location

Atropine can be used to decrease secretions (drops)- blocks acetylcholine

Holding pressure on the inner canthus (eye) decreases the amount of medication absorbed systemically (atropine drops)

*Atropine Overdose

Hot as a Hare – elevated temperature
Mad as a Hatter- change in LOC
Red as a Beet- flushed face
Dry as a Bone- thirsty

Decreased acetylcholine is related to senile dementia Dementia

Geriatric client should be encouraged to talk about his life and important things in the past

Jill’s Favorite Medication:

Promethazine (Phenergan): anti-histamine; can be given as an antiemetic for nausea—crosses BBB—sedative effect – monitor fluid status (anticholinergic effects- anorexia, dry mouth and eyes, constipation, orthostatic hypotension)

Iron injections should be given Z-track method so they do not leak into SQ tissues Diazepam is commonly used as tranquilizer—to reduce anxiety before surgery Open wound in chest cavity– air needs to escape but not re-enter

*Three sided dressing

Auscultation of Heart Sounds- All– Aortic

Pigs– Pulmonic

Eat—Erb’s point

Too—Tricuspid Much—Mitral

Cranial Nerves (mnemonic from “original GOLD”) Oh (Olfactory I) Some (Sensory)

Oh (Optic II) Say (Sensory) Oh (Oculomotor III) Marry (Motor) Tiny (Trochlear IV) Money (Motor) Tits (Trigeminal V) But (Both)

Are (Abducens VI) My (Motor)

Fun (Facial VII) Brother (Both) And (Auditory VIII) Says (Sensory) Give (Glossopharyngeal IX)Big (Both) Virgins (Vagus X) Bras (Both) Awkward (Accessory (XI) Matter (Motor) Hips (Hypoglassal XII) More (Motor)

HYPERNATREMIA (greater than 145)

Skin flushed

Agitation

Low grade fever

Thirst

HYPONATREMIA (less than 135) Muscle twitching

Convulsions Diarrhea Headache Apprehension Lethargy

Developmental

2-3 months– demonstrates head lag, able to turn head up (can lift off mattress), tummy time, can turn side to side, cooing or gurgling noises and can turn head to sound, palmar grasp

4-5 months– rolls from back to side (4), places objects in mouth, rolls from front to back (5)

6-7 months– rolls from back to front, holds bottle/sippy cup, sits at 6 and waves bye/bye; can recognize familiar faces and knows if someone is a stranger, moves objects from hand to hand

8-9 months– stands straight at 8; sits unsupported, begins using pincer grasp, has favorite toy, plays peek-a-boo

10-11 months– crawling, changes from a prone to a sitting position (belly to butt), grasps rattles by its handles, finger foods

12-13 months– sits down from a standing position without assistance, starts walking (uses furniture to cruise), tries to build a two-block tower without success; cries when parents leave

*Twelve and up, drink from a cup

Hepatitis

-ends in a VOWEL and comes from the BOWEL (Hep A)

-Hepatitis B– Blood and Bodily fluids

-Hepatitis C is just like B

GLASGOW COMA SCALE

-Eyes, verbal, motor

*It is similar to measuring dating skills- max 15 points, one can do it! If below 8, you are in a coma

–To start dating, you have to open your EYES first- if you are able to do that spontaneously and use them correctly to SEE whom you are dating, you earn 4 points—but if she has to scream at you to make you open them it is only 3 points. If you dare not to open your eyes, even if she kicks you, you only get 1 point!

-If you get good EYE contact (4 points) then move on to VERBAL—talk to her/him, if you can do that you are oriented (4 points)—if you like her try not to be CONFUSED (3 points), and of course do not use INAPPROPRIATE WORDS (3 points) because she won’t like it—try not to respond with INCOMPREHENSIBLE SOUNDS (2 points)—but if you just don’t like her—do not respond at all- NO VERBAL RESPONSE (1 point)

-Since you now have EYE and VERBAL contact you can MOVE to Motor Response- this is VERY important, because good moves give you 6 points!

You’re simply the BEST- better than all the rest!

The person who hyperventilates is likely experiencing respiratory alkalosis

Avoid salt substitutes when taking digoxin and K-supplements—because they contain high levels of potassium

Signs of hypoxia: restless, anxious, cyanotic, tachycardia, increased respirations (also monitor ABGs)

For blood types: “O” is the universal donor (remember “O” in donor) “AB” is the universal recipient

**In emergency situations where typing and cross-matching have not yet been completed, “O“ can be given!

Medications to be given with food: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, medications for Bipolar Disorder, cephalosporins, and sulfonamides

When using a bronchodilator in conjunction with a glucocorticoid inhaler, administer the bronchodilator first!

Theophylline increases the risk of digoxin toxicity and decreases the effects of lithium and phenytoin

Peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori are treated with Metronidazole (Flagyl), Omeprazole (Prilosec), and Clarithromycin (Biaxin)—this treatment kills bacteria and stops production of stomach acid- it does not heal the ulcer!

A board-like abdomen with shoulder pain is a symptom of a perforation, which is the most lethal complication of peptic ulcer disease

Projectile vomiting can be a signal of obstruction in the GI tract

Diaphragm must stay in place for 6 hours after intercourse

*Also must be re-fitted if patient loses or gains a significant amount of weight!

Best time to take medications:

Growth Hormone (PM) Steroids (AM)

Diuretics (AM) – prevent nocturia

Donepezil (Aricept) (AM)- Alzheimer’s medication Cholesterol medications (PM)

Sulcrafate (before meals)- acts as a mucosal barrier—S/E: constipation Cimetidine (with meals and/or at bedtime)- many interactions

Antacids (1 hour after eating or when experiencing heartburn)- large amounts of antacid consumption can lead to osteoporosis

Glaucoma– intraocular pressure is greater than normal—give miotics to constrict (pilocarpine) – NO ATROPINE

Tonometer is used to measure IOP and diagnose glaucoma

o Normal- 10 to 21 mmHg (according to Kaplan)

Dietary calcium- dairy products, seafood, nuts, broccoli, spinach

Non-dairy sources of calcium- RHUBARB, SARDINES, COLLARD GREENS

Daily calcium intake- 1000 to 1500mg

With low back pain/aches, bend knees for pain relief (William’s position)

When taking allopurinol, patients should increase fluids to flush uric acid out of system!

Koplik’s spots are red spots (commonly found in mouth) with a bluish/whitish center—characteristic of PRODROMAL phase of MEASLES

Tuberculosis (TB)- medications must be taken for 6 to 9 months Endemic to Asia, Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Caribbean

A positive PPD confirms infection, not just exposure—a sputum test confirms active disease

PPD is (+) if induration is:

>5mm for immunocompromised patients
>10mm for high risk populations (IV drug users, recent immigrants, lab personnel, children <4 years)
>15mm positive in any person (patients with no risk factors)

If a TB patient is unable/unwilling to adhere with treatment—may need supervision (direct observation) → TB is a public health risk

TB medications are toxic to the liver Adverse reaction is peripheral neuropathy

Most accidental eye injuries (90%) could be prevented by wearing eyewear for sports and hazardous work

Eye Drop Application

Apply eye drops to the conjunctiva sac—apply pressure to lacrimal duct/inner canthus (prevents systemic absorption)

Trendelenburg test for varicose veins—patient lies in supine position, leg is flexed at the hip and raised above the heart, the veins will empty due to gravity (or with the assistance of the examiner’s hand squeezing the blood towards the heart)—a tourniquet is then applied around the upper thigh to compress the superficial veins but not too tight as to occlude the deeper veins—the leg is then lowered and the patient is asked to stand. If the superficial veins fill more rapidly (than 30-35 seconds) with the tourniquet, there is valvular incompetence below the level of the tourniquet in the “deep” veins—after 20 seconds, if there is no rapid filling, the tourniquet is released—if there is sudden filling at this point, it indicates that the deep veins are competent but the superficial veins are incompetent!

*If superficial veins fill with tourniquet—deep veins are incompetent

*If there is sudden filling after tourniquet it removed—superficial veins are incompetent

Precautions when giving KAYEXALATE

Assess for dehydration (K+ has inverse relationship with Na—when you decrease potassium, sodium increases)
Assess patient for bowel sounds before administering—if hypoactive or absent bowl sounds—HOLD
Monitor for electrolyte imbalances
Interactions
- Caution with Digoxin (hypokalemia can lead to digoxin toxicity)
- Kayexalate may decrease the absorption of lithium
- Kayexalate may decrease the absorption of thyroxine

Yogurt has live cultures- do not give to immunocompromised patients

For itching under a cast- cool air via blow dryer, ice pack on cast for 10-15 minutes—NEVER stick anything in the cast to scratch the area

After PERITONEAL DIALYSIS– it is OKAY to have abdominal cramps, blood tinged outflow, and leaking around the site IF it was placed in the last 1-2 weeks—IT IS NEVER NORMAL to have CLOUDY OUTFLOW

Amniotic fluid- yellow with particles = meconium stained (baby is stressed)

Hyper-reflexes– upper motor neuron issue (“your reflexes are over the top”)

Hypo-reflexes (absent)- lower motor neuron issue

Order of Assessment– (IPPA) Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, and Auscultation→ EXCEPT with abdomen—you do not want to activate the bowels with your assessment so the order is: inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation (also, if patient is presenting with abdominal problem, palpation and percussion may be painful so should be left for the end)

SIGNS

Murphy’s Sign– pain with palpation of gall bladder area (seen with cholecystitis)
Cullen’s Sign– ecchymosis in umbilical area, seen with pancreatitis (bruising)
Turner’s Sign– ecchymosis (grayish blue) over flank areas- sign of pancreatitis (bad sign)
McBurney’s Point– pain in RLQ indicative of appendicitis
Rebound tenderness in RLQ—appendicitis
RLQ pain– appendicitis, watch for peritonitis
LLQ pain– diverticulitis (should maintain low reside diet, no seeds, nuts, peas)
Guthrie Test– tests for phenylketonuria in newborns—babies should eat source of protein first
Allen’s Test– occlude both ulnar and radial arteries until hand blanches, then release ulnar—if the hand returns to pink color—ulnar artery is good and you can use for ABG/radial arterial line/stick as planned—ABGs must be drawn in a heparinized tube, placed on ice and sent immediately to lab—should also inform lab of how much oxygen the patient is on (and via NC, mask, etc.)
Schilling Test– tests for pernicious anemia—how well one absorbs Vitamin B12

LATEX ALLERGY-

Assess patient for allergies to bananas, apricots, cherries, grapes, kiwis, passion fruit, avocados, chestnut, tomatoes, peaches (also see above diagram)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a condition in which there is degeneration of motor neurons in both the upper and lower motor neuron systems

Transesophageal Fistuala (TEF)– esophagus does not fully develop (this is a surgical emergency)

*The 3 C’s of TEF in newborn

Choking
Coughing
Cyanosis

The MMR vaccine is given SQ not IM

-First dose recommended between 12 months and 15 months

-Contraindicated with allergy to gelatin and neomycin (also should not be given to immunocompromised patients because it is a live vaccine)

-Should not be given to pregnant women

-Because MMR is a live vaccine, it is not uncommon to spike a fever

Triage in Disaster/Mass-Casualty Situations

*Greatest good for the greatest number

Red- IMMEDIATE/EMERGENT: unstable, injuries are life threatening but survivable; do not delay treatment—airway, breathing, and circulation Ex: Airway obstruction, shock

Yellow- URGENT: major injuries that require treatment; can delay treatment 1-2 hours

Ex: Open fracture

Green- NONURGENT: minor injuries that do not require immediate treatment, can delay 2 to 4 hours

Ex: “Walking wounded”, closed fracture, contusions

Black– EXPECTANT: expected and allowed to die, prepare for morgue, comfort measures if possible

Ex: Profound hemorrhage, cardiac arrest

DOA– Dead on Arrival

Orange- psychiatric, non-urgent

Greek heritage- use of protective charms or amulet (necklace) around baby’s neck to protect against evil

4 year old kids cannot interpret TIME—they need time to be explained in relationship to a known common event—Ex: Mom will be back after supper

Allergies and Interactions

Hep B Vaccine – should not receive if allergy to yeast
Hep A Vaccine—should not receive if pregnant
Flu shot—should not receive if allergy to eggs (also contraindicated for patient’s with a history of Guillain Barre)—OK to give to immunocompromised patients
- If a child has a cold, it is okay to give immunizations
DTaP/Tdap– contradindicated with occurrence of seizures within 3 days of vaccine (possible adverse reaction- seizures)
- High fever 48 h after DTap is a valid contraindication for vaccine
Rotavirus Vaccine- do not give if allergy to mycin drugs (aminogylcosides)
Varicella Vaccine– should not receive if allergy to gelatin and neomycin or immunocompromised
Meningococcal Vaccine– should not receive if history of Guillain Barre)
HPV Vaccine– should not receive if allergy to yeast and/or pregnancy
Penicillins and cephalosporins– crossover allergy (question orders of administering med if patient has documented/known allergy to either
Aspirin and Naproxen– crossover allergies with NSAIDs

Adult Immunizations Schedule

Tetanus booster- every 10 years
MMR- one or two doses at ages 19 to 49
Varicella- two doses if no history of disease
Pneumococcal (PPSV)- once after the age of 65; recommended for immunocompromised, COPD, and living in long-term care facility
Hepatitis A- two doses for high risk clients
Hepatitis B and HPV- three doses for high risk clients (Hep B repeated @ 1 and 6 months)
- HPV should be given ideally before the patient is sexually active
Seasonal influenza- annually; give to immunocompromised
Meningococcal vaccine- students entering college, adults older than 65 repeat every 5 years for high-risk clients
Herpes zoster- over age 60

Live Vaccines- do not give to immunocompromised and pregnant women

MMR
Varicella
Nasal spray (flu)

When on nitroprusside, monitor thiocynate (cyanide)—normal value should be 1

→ >1 is heading towards toxicity

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)—airborne and contact (just like varicella)

Hepatitis A is contact precautions

Not infectious within a week or so after onset of jaundice Tetanus, Hepatitis B, HIV are STANDARD precautions Avoid high fat diet for Hepatitis B

NO VITAMIN C with ALLOPURINOL

No longer contagious after 24 hours of antibiotics

HIV

Medications need to be taken very consistently—failure to take the medications daily can lead to mutations and the emergence of more virulent forms of the virus
Viral load testing measures the amount of HIV genetic material in the blood, so a decrease in the viral load indicates that the HAART is effective
Rapid HIV testing must be confirmed by another test, usually Western blot test
Infants born to an HIV-positive mother should receive all immunizations on schedule
A positive Western blot in a child < 18 months (presence of HIV antibodies) indicates only that the mother is infected – two or more positive P24 antigen tests will confirm HIV in children <18 months—P24 can be used at any age
Kaposi’s sarcoma lesions should be cleaned and dressed daily to prevent secondary infection
Avoid OPV (polio) and varicella vaccines in HIV + (both live)→ pneumococcal and influenza are OKAY
- MMR is only avoided if severely immunocompromised
- Parents should wear gloves for care, avoid sharing utensils and avoid kissing on the mouth (due to immunocompromised status—not for transmission purposes)

Signs of fractured hip: external rotation, shortening of affected leg, adduction

Rotavirus– spread via fecal-oral route- contact precautions for diapered and incontinent patient’s

Fat embolism– blood tinged sputum (related to inflammation), elevated ESR, respiratory alkalosis (related to tachypnea), hypocalcemia, increased serum lipids, “snow storm” effect on chest X-ray

Complications of Mechanical Ventilation– pneumothorax, ulcers, pneumonia (ventilator associated)

Paget’s Disease-abnormal bone destruction and regrowth; cause unknown (may be genetic or due to virus early in life)

*S/S: tinnitus, bone pain, enlargement of bone (though weak/soft), headache, hearing loss, reduced height, bowing of the legs, hypercalcemia

Intravenous Pyleogram (IVP)- requires bowel prep in order to better visualize the urinary tract (bladder, kidneys, ureters, urethra)

Acid Ash Diet- meat, poultry, cheese, fish, eggs, grains, cranberries, prunes, plums

Greenstick fractures are commonly seen in children (also known as buckle fractures)—bends on one side and cracks on the other

BOTOX can be used for strabismus (12 and older)—patch the GOOD eye to allow the weaker eye to get stronger

COPD patients- 2L via NC or less (hypoxic not hypercapnic drive), PaO2 in 60’s and SaO2 of 90% is normal—chronic CO2 retainers

Amphotericin B- (Amphoterrible): treats infection caused by a fungus

*Should only be given to patients with severe, life threatening fungal infection Side Effects: fever (common), hypokalemia

*Must premedicate- Tylenol and Benadryl can be used

Mebendazole (Vermox) is used to treat worm infections (pinworms, roundworms, hookworms)—increase fat in diet to increase absorption

Kidney glucose threshold is 180—when the blood glucose levels exceed

160-180 mg/dL, the proximal tubule becomes overwhelmed and begins to excrete glucose in the urine

Glucose Tolerance Test for pregnant women- results of 140 or higher needs further evaluation

Lymes is found mostly in Connecticut

For asthma and arthritis—swimming is best

Intercostal retractions and asthma—BE CONCERNED – also, if the asthma patient in the waiting room becomes silent—wheezer stops wheezing (RED FLAG)

Coughing without other S/S is suggestive of asthma

Increased pulse rate with asthma—indicating decreased oxygenation

Tardive Dyskinesia– irreversible, involuntary movements of the tongue, face, and extremities—may happen after prolonged use of antipsychotics

Akathisia– motor restlessness; treated with Anti-Parkinson medications—can sometimes be mistaken for agitation

Before Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)—bronchodilators should be withheld and they are not allowed to smoke for 4 days prior

For a lung biopsy—position patient on side of bed with arms raised up on pillows over bedside table—have patient hold breath in mid expiration, chest x-ray is done immediately to check for complications (pneumothorax)—sterile dressing is applied- patient should lie on right side following biopsy

EEG– before–hold medications 24-48 hours prior (anti-seizure medications), no caffeine or cigarettes for 24 hours prior, patient can eat, must stay awake the night before the exam—during exam patient may be asked to hyperventilate and watch a bright flashing light—after exam- assess patient for seizures, patient is at an increased risk

Decorticate– towards the cord

Decorticate positioning in response to pain = CORtex involvement

Decerebrate– away from body

Decerebrate positioning in response to pain = CEREBellar, brain stem involvement

*Definitive diagnosis for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)- CT Scan

WBC– shift to the left means there are a high number of immature white blood cells present—most commonly this means there is an infection or inflammation present and the bone marrow is producing more WBCs and releasing them into the blood before they are fully mature

Chronic Kidney Disease (Renal Failure)

Progressive, irreversible loss of renal function with associated decline in GFR
All body systems affected- dialysis is required
End stage renal disease occurs with GFR <15 mL/min
Causes:
- DM (leading cause)
- HTN (second cause)
- Unreversed acute kidney injury
- Glomerulonephritis
- Autoimmune disorders

NCLEX Points

- Assessment
  - Azotemia (elevated BUN and creatinine)
  - Cardio– HTN, hypervolemia, CHF
  - Hematologic– anemia, thrombocytopenia
  - Gastrointestinal– anorexia, N/V
  - Neurological– lethargy, confusion, coma
  - Urinary– decreased urine output, proteinuria
  - Skeletal– osteoporosis

Therapeutic Management

- - Epoetin alfa aids in countering anemia
  - Avoid administering aspirin
  - Monitor K levels
    - Elevated potassium can lead to EKG changes (peaked T waves, flat P, wide QRS, blocks, asystole)
    - Provide low potassium diet
    - Potassium lowering medications
      - Kayexalate
      - Insulin
      - Calcium gluconate
      - Continuous cardiac monitoring
  - Phosphate binders may be required to lower phosphorous levels
  - Monitor daily weights
  - Monitor for signs of heart failure
  - Monitor electrolyte levels (will see low magnesium) and BUN/Creatinine
  - Assess peripheral nerve function and monitor for peripheral neuropathy
  - Vision can be affected- monitor and provide for a safe environment
  - Instruct client on dialysis and provide end of life care as needed
Stage I- diminished kidney reserve → function is reduced but healthier kidney is able to compensate (polyuria and nocturia)
- GFR >90mL/min
Stage II
- GFR 60 to 89 mL/min
Stage III
- GFR 30 to 59 mL/min
Stage IV
- 15 to 29 mL/min
Stage V (End Stage Renal Disease)
- <15 mL/min

Hemodialysis– process of cleansing the blood of accumulated waste products and fluids—used for ESRD or for the acutely ill that require short-term treatment

Hold meds prior to hemodialysis
Monitor BP- concerned about BP
Check circulation
Weigh before and after
AV Fistula
- Auscultate for whooshing sound over fistula (bruit and thrill), palpate for warmth and tenderness
- No weight on extremity
- No BP or blood work from fistula side
- Do not lift heavy objects

Peritoneal Dialysis– alternative method using the peritoneum to remove fluids, electrolyte, and waste products from the blood

Warm dialysate
Allow to flow in by gravity
5-10 min inflow time- close clamp immediately
30 min of equilibriation (dwell time)
10-30 min of drainage (should be clear and pale yellow)
Monitor for complications: peritonitis, bleeding, respiratory difficulty, abdominal pain, bowel or bladder perforation

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

Permanent indwelling catheter inserted into peritoneum
Fluid infused by gravity (1.5 to 3L)
Dwell time- 4 to 8 hours
Dialysate drains by gravity- 20 to 40 min
Four to five exchanges daily (7 days/week)—some elect to do it at night
Full colon can create outflow problems

Uremic Fetor– urine smelling breath (seen in patients with uremia—elevated serum urea level)—seen in chronic kidney disease

Normal Creatinine– 0.6 to 1.2

Normal BUN– 10 to 20 (some sources say 9 to 20)

Normal GFR– 85 to 135 (<80 indicates decreased function)

Clients with kidney disease are susceptible to CNS effects (confusion and dizziness)—dosage my need to be reduced

Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Rejection

Diffuse pain over kidney (tenderness)

Congenital Gastrointestinal Disorders Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis- projectile vomit

Thickening of pyloric sphincter; genetic
Manifestations: vomiting that occurs 30-60 min after a meal and becomes projectile as obstruction worsens
- Constant hunger
- Olive-shaped mass in RUQ
- Peristaltic wave that moves left to right when lying supine
- Failure to gain weight and signs of dehydration

Nursing Interventions

- Place child on side with head elevated when vomiting to prevent aspiration
- Daily weight and I&O
- Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance to assess for deficits
- IV fluid replacement as needed

o NPO

o Monitor NG tube

Therapeutic Management

- Surgical incision into the pyloric sphincter (pylorotomy)

Hirschsprung’s- failure to pass meconium, ribbon-like stool

Occurs when a section of the colon is aganglionic – absence of ganglion cells (nerves that contribute to peristalsis)—problem that prevents stool from moving forward in the GI tract

Manifestations

- Newborn– failure to pass meconium within 24-48 hours, refusal to eat, episodes of bilious vomit, abdominal distention
- Infant- failure to thrive, constipation, abdominal distention, episodes of vomiting and diarrhea
- Older child- constipation, abdominal distention, ribbon-like stool, palpable fecal mass, malnourished

Nursing Interventions

- Position child on side or with head elevated when vomiting to prevent aspiration
- Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance to assess for deficits
- Provide oral care after vomiting

Therapeutic Management

- Surgical removal of the aganglionic section (colostomy may be temporary)
- Serial rectal irrigation may be used to decompress bowel prior to surgery

Intussusception- bloody stool (red currant jelly)

Telescoping of the intestine upon itself; not a congenital condition but often occurs with congenital conditions such as cystic fibrosis

Manifestations

- Normal comfort interrupted by periods of sudden and acute pain
- Palpable, sausage-shaped mass in RUQ of abdomen and/or tender, distended abdomen
- Stools that are mixed with blood and mucus (red currant jelly)

Nursing Interventions

- Position child on side or with head elevated when vomiting to prevent aspiration
- Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance to assess for deficits
- Assess for currant jelly stools

Therapeutic Management

- Surgical reduction if inflating the bowel with air or administering barium enema is not successful
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (Omeprazole)
- H2 Receptor Antagonists (Ranitidine)

Cleft Lip (CL) and Cleft Palate (CP)- aspiration

Multifactorial, but there are strong indicators of genetic or environmental factors
Cleft palate is more common in males
Cleft lip is more common in females (THINK: you are able to better visualize cleft lip externally—females generally care more about their appearance—therefore, cleft lip is more commonly seen in females)

Manifestations

- Cleft lip is visible
- Cleft palate alone may only be visible when examining the mouth
- Individuals are prone to ear, nose, and throat infection
- Long-term problems include speech, hearing, and dentition problems

Nursing Interventions

- Assess respiratory status and ease of respiratory effort
- Keep suction equipment and bulb syringe at bedside
- Assess ability to suck and swallow
- Modify feeding techniques utilizing obturators, special nipples, feeders
- Feed in upright position in frequent, small amounts, burp frequently
- Daily weight and monitor I&O

Therapeutic Management

- Repair usually completed by 12 to 18 months of age to prevent speech problems
- Surgery may be performed in stages

Avoid Vitamin C prior to occult stool test- can lead to false +

All activities that the client participated in before a colostomy may be resumed after appropriate healing of the stoma and incisions

Hypospadias- abnormality in which the urethral meatus is located on the ventral aspect of the penis (below)

Epispadias- abnormality in which the urethral meatus is located on the dorsal side of the penis (top)

Priapism– painful erection lasting longer than 6 hours

Mastectomy- complaints of “wet sheets” – could indicate hemorrhage from operative site

Thank You Mary- Anticholinergic Effects Can’t Spit- dry mouth Can’t Shit- constipation

Can’t Pee- urinary retention Can’t See- blurry vision

When you see coffee-brown emesis—think peptic ulcer Fluid retention- think heart problems first!

Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development

Infants- 0 to 1 year
- Trust vs. Mistrust- trust develops as needs are met
Toddlers- 1 to 3 years
- Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt- toddlers want to make choices
Preschooler- 3 to 6 years
- Initiative vs. Guilt- guilt may occur if unable to successfully complete a task or if they are “punished” for an unsuccessful try
School-Age Child- 6 to 12 years
- Industry vs. Inferiority- a sense of industry is achieved through advancements in learning; fears of ridicule are common
Adolescent- 12 to 20 years
- Identity vs. Role Confusion- families strongly influence personal identity, peer groups greatly influence behavior, interest in opposite sex, career planning, may see themselves as invincible
Young Adult- 20 to 35 years
- Intimacy vs. Isolation- ability to love deeply and commit oneself in relationships vs. remaining uncommitted and alone
Middle Adult- 35 to 65 years
- Generativity vs. Stagnation- ability to give and care for others vs. self-absorption and inability to grow as a person
Older Adult- 65 years and older
- Integrity vs. Despair- sense of accomplishment in life vs. feeling dissatisfied with life

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

IM administration for 6 month old infants- vastus lateralis

IM administration for toddlers (>18 months)- ventrogluteal

IM administration for children- deltoid and gluteus maximus

Eye Abbreviations OU-both eyes

OS– left eye

OD– right eye (dominant side is usually right side- right eye)

Ear Abbreviations AU- both ears

AS- left ear

AD- right ear( dominant side is usually right side- right ear)

COAL

Cane Opposite Affected Leg

Walker

Wandering- Walker Wilma- With Always- Affected Late- Leg

Stand slightly behind the patient using a cane (on strong side)

For CT scan- assess for allergies to contrast (allergy to shellfish) MRI- claustrophobia, NO METAL

Contraindicated for patients with pacemaker, stents, cochlear implants, surgical implants
Titanium joint replacements CAN have MRI
Remove transdermal patches prior to MRI

Cardiac Catheterization

NPO 8-12 hours prior
Empty bladder
Check pulses and mark
Tell patient he may feel palpitations or desire to cough with dye
Post- V/S, keep leg straight (insertion site is typically in groin), maintain bed rest 6-8 hours

Early Signs of Increased ICP

Pupil changes
Change in LOC/mental status changes

Increased ICP in Infants/Neonates

High pitched cry

Intracranial Pressure (ICP) should be < 20 mmHg –measure head circumference—Normal ICP is usually between 10-15 mmHg (opening pressure)

Early Signs of Subdural Hematoma and Cerebral Edema

Decreased level of consciousness
Ipsilateral pupils (same side as hematoma)
Headache – usually the first symptom

NO MORPHINE WITH HEAD INJURY- MASKS SIGNS OF INCREASING ICP

Fixed and dilated pupils represents a neuro emergency

Clear fluid draining out of ear indicates rupture of meninges and presents a possible complication of meningitis

Self-catheterization (urine)- clean procedure (not sterile)

Strabismus– sign: child closes one eye to see a poster on the wall—visual axes are not parallel so the brain receives two images

Cholecystectomy

Do not need to restrict fat post-op

T-Tube

Post-cholecystectomy
- Used to drain bile—if change in urine color, bile is draining into the liver
- Should not be irrigated, aspirated or clamped without a specific order from the physician

Hemovac– closed system (requires negative pressure)

Used often after mastectomy
Empty when full or q8h
Remove plug, empty contents, place on flat surface, cleanse opening and plug with alcohol sponge, compress evacuator completely to remove air, release plug, check system for operation

Anthrax-not spread person to person (can be spread from contaminated clothing—so patients should undergo decontamination—removal and disposal of clothing and showering is the initial action in possible anthrax exposure)

According to the CDC, antibiotics should be administered only if there are signs of infection or the contaminating substance tests positive for anthrax (LaCharity)
- Ciprofloxacin is the antibiotic used to combat anthrax
  - Teaching for Ciprofloxacin
    - Drink plenty of fluids
    - Avoid taking a multivitamin within 6 hours of taking this medication
    - Avoid exposure to sun
    - Avoid caffeine
    - May take with meals

Generally speaking, exposure does not mean active disease

Lactose Intolerant-

Foods high in calcium but no dairy/milk products

Tracheostomy

Fenestrated (cuffed) tracheostomy
- When capping a fenestrated cuff—deflate the cuff first
- 80-120 mmHg wall suction pressure

Vasectomy

No permanent effect on sexual function
Should use condom for first 6 weeks post-op V-fib, defibrillate

You are at risk for developing cervical cancer if you have/had multiple sex partners

Women who begin menstruating at an early age (such as 9 years old), are at risk for breast cancer

Absence of menstruation leads to osteoporosis in the patient with anorexia

24 hour urine specimen collection

If a woman starts menstruating during the collection—contact physician

It is not unusual for an adolescent who just started menstruating to not have a period every month (usually expect to have around 4 in the first year)

Breast buds usually appear between 9-13 years of age—should be investigated if they appear later

Glucagon (1mg SQ) is given when patient is unconscious with severe

hypoglycemia or those who cannot take PO fluids

*Increases the effects of anticoagulants

Crohn’s Disease

Low fat
Low residue (fiber)
High protein

Priority assessment- respiratory distress

Listen to patient’s breath sounds (most clear assessment)

Femoral angiogram– locate and note the presence of peripheral pulses (easier to find after the procedure)

Keep leg straight
Check dressing
Increase hydration to excrete dye

Breath Sounds

Asthma
- High-pitched, musical sounds on expiration (wheezing)
Pneumonia
- Soft, high-pitched sounds on inspiration (crackles)
Bronchitis
- Deep, low-pitched rumbling on expiration (rhonchi)

Ileostomy- seen with spinal cord injuries, Crohn’s disease, and to rest the colon

Clean with warm water, dry thoroughly
Appliance should fit snugly around the opening
Should not take laxatives
Can take multi-vitamins
No enteric coated meds or capsules—breakdown in large intestines
Stoma site should be assessed at least once a day
Bags can be changed as needed
Liquid stool

DO NOT CONFUSE ILEOSTOMY WITH COLOSTOMY

Maintain bathroom schedule for incontinent patients- every 2 hours

When transferring a patient to another unit—you do not want to bring a “threat” to the floor—clean vs. dirty patient—risk of infection to a “clean” unit is not a good choice

For the initial dose of an ACE-Inhibitor—should not give with diuretics and other medications that can decrease blood pressure (with the initial dose, hypotension is concern)

Oral fluid intake—1500 mL in 24 hours

Patient who is agitated- reorient to place and time, assign LPN to stay with patient

In pH regulation, two organs of concern are lungs and kidneys (lungs- respiratory, kidneys- metabolic)

ARTERIAL BLOOD GASES

*Risk factors for acid-base imbalances include chronic kidney disease and pulmonary disease

Metabolic Acidosis

Low pH, Low HCO3

Risk Factors

- Type 1 Diabetes (at risk for DKA)
- Salicylate toxicity
- Acute renal failure (decreased production of HCO3)
- Severe diarrhea
- Hyperkalemia

Metabolic Alkalosis

High pH, High HCO3

Risk Factors

- GI losses- vomiting or gastric suctioning or drainage
  - Nasogastric suctioning can result in a decrease in acid components leading to metabolic alkalosis—clients decrease in rate and depth of ventilation in an attempt to compensate by retaining carbon dioxide
- Diuretic therapy that leads to sodium and chlorine losses
- Mineralcorticoid excess
- Hypokalemia

Respiratory Acidosis

Low pH, High PaCO2

Risk Factors

- Respiratory depression (decreased respiratory rate)
- COPD and/or asthma
- Inability to ventilate properly (seen in myasthenia gravis, ALS, muscular dystrophy, and Guillain Barre)

Respiratory Alkalosis

High pH, Low PaCO2

Risk Factors

- Hyperventilation (blowing of CO2)
- Mechanical ventilation
- Any condition that causes shortness of breath

From the a** (diarrhea) = metabolic acidosis From the mouth (vomitus) = metabolic alkalosis

With hyperkalemia– pulse is the first vital sign you check (due to dysrhythmias)

Diet for Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Oysters, clams, scallops are top-10 sources of iron

Organ meats (red meats), fortified cereals, dark leafy vegetables, egg yolks are also good sources of dietary iron

Iron supplements should be taken with orange juice (Vitamin C) as it facilitates absorption

Documentation should be specific and factual—“Vital Signs Stable” is NOT

acceptable—what are the vital signs?

Herbal Medications

Potency varies between medications
Considered dietary supplements
Not regulated by FDA
Ma Huang should not be used by patient’s with HTN
Ginkgo – improves cerebral circulation to treat dementia and memory loss–increases risk of bleeding, increases effects of MAOIs, may reduce effectiveness of insulin—discontinue 2 weeks prior to surgery, may cause seizure with overdose
Garlic acts as blood thinner
Black cohosh– used to treat menopause – large doses have been known to cause seizures, visual disturbances, increased sweating, bradycardia
Feverfew– prevention and treatment of migraines, arthritis, and fever–should not be taken with coumadin, aspirin, NSAIDS, thrombolytics or antiplatelet meds—prolongs bleeding
Ginseng– improves strength and stamina—prevents and treats cancer and DM–it decreases the effects of anitcoagulants and NSAIDS—contraindicated for women who are pregnant—may increase effectiveness of antidiabetic agents and insulin
Echinacea– prevents and treats the common cold, stimulates the immune system, promotes wound healing—may reduce the effects of immunosuppressants, may increase serum levels of alprazolam, CCB, and protease inhibitors
St. John’s Wort– depression and anxiety—may reduce the effects of many medications—theophylline, HIV protease inhibitors, cyclosporine, diltiazem, and nifedipine – should not be taken with other medications

Patients with hearing loss may exhibit suspiciousness of strangers—results from interference with communication

Nausea is a concern/priority following eye surgery—risk of increased IOP

*Patient’s undergoing eye surgery should receive flu shot before—can cause client to sneeze, cough, or blow nose (increasing IOP)

Esophageal speech- (following a total laryngectomy)- swallows air & eructates while forming words

(Organ) Transplant patients- require protective isolation following surgery Most at risk for developing herpes zoster—immunocompromised Cytomegalovirus– common virus –once infected, virus remains in body for life

*Standard precautions are used—eyewear worn with risk of splash

Decreased RBCs/Erythrocytopenia

S/S: fatigue and dyspnea on exertion, pallor, dizziness, malaise, tachycardia

Tetracycline– antibiotic

Causes photosensitivity – wear sunscreen and hat outdoors
Should be taken on an empty stomach
Contraindicated for pregnant women

Sickle Cell Crisis

*Adequate hydration

Dehydration perpetuates cell sickling—should be at least 200cc/hr
Do not give cold packs—further decreases blood flow to area and increases sickling

DO NOT GIVE DEMEROL (meperidine) TO PATIENTS WITH SICKLE CELL CRISIS

Phlebitis– reddened area or red streaks at site of catheter

Blanching sign– pressing nail of big toe—indicates circulatory function

Blanching or hyperemia that does not disappear in a short time is a warning sign of pressure ulcers

Severe to panic level of anxiety– patient is unable to process thoughts and feelings for problem solving

Priority when managing a physically assaultive client—restore the client’s self-control and prevent further loss of control

Reward non-attention seeking behaviors by giving client unsolicited attention

Nasogastric Tube

Patient is nauseated and decreased flow of gastric contents—aspirate and check pH to confirm placement (should be between 0 and 4)
If irrigation is necessary, use normal saline
Intermittent feeding
- Check pH of aspirated contents (normal is pH 0-4)
- Use large barreled syringe to aspirate
- Flush with 30 mL of air before aspiration

History of psych patient should include biopsychosocial data; psychosocial and physical status are evaluated along with an assessment of the family system and social support network; evaluation of cognitive ability is important during physiological status assessment

Patients in seclusion should eat at regular time but remain in seclusion for client’s safety

Joint legal custody with divorced parents– consent from either parent is sufficient

Battery is harmful or offensive touching of another person unless court ordered

*For example: Patient refuses medication due to fear that it will poison him—nurse administers medication IM

Clients have the right to refuse medication even if psychotic

Myelogram

NPO 4-6 hours
History of allergies
Phenothiazines, CNS depressants, and stimulants withheld 48 hours prior
Table will be moved in various positions during test
Post- neuro checks q2-4h, oral analgesics for H/A, encourage PO fluids, assess for distended bladder, inspect insertion site
Water soluble- HOB raised
Oil soluble- HOB down

Common Signs and Symptoms

Pulmonary TB– low grade afternoon fever
Pneumonia– rusty sputum
Asthma– wheezing on expiration
Emphysema– barrel chest
Kawasaki Syndrome– strawberry tongue. Peeling skin on fingers and toes
Pernicious Anemia– red beefy tongue, pallor, tachycardia
Down Syndrome– protruding tongue
Cholera– rice watery stool
Malaria– stepladder-like fever with chills
Typhoid– rose spots on abdomen
Diphtheria– pseudo membrane formation
Measles– koplik’s spots (clustered white lesions on buccal mucosa)
Systemic Lupus Erythematous– butterfly rash
Liver cirrhosis– spider-like varices
Leprosy– leonine facies (thickened folded facial skin)
Bulimia– chipmunk face (parotid gland swelling), poor dental status
Appendicitis– rebound tenderness, psoas sign (pain from flexing the high to the hip); Rovsing’s sign (palpation of LLQ elicits pain in RLQ)
Meningitis– Kernig’s sign (knee flex and pain on extension), Brudzinski sign (neck flex = lower leg flex/bend), nuchal rigidity, photosensitivity
Tetany– hypocalcemia (+) Trousseau’s sign/carpopedal spasm, Chvostek sign (facial spasm)
Tetanus– risus sardonicus
Pancreatitis– Cullen’s sign (ecchymosis of umbilicus); (+) Grey Turner’s spots
Pyloric Stenosis– olive-like mass, projectile vomiting
Patent Ductus Arteriosus– washing machine-like murmur
Addison’s– bronze-like skin pigmentation (tanned)
Cushing’s– moon face and buffalo hump
Grave’s/Hyperthyroidism– exophthalmos (bulging of the eyes)
Intussusception– sausage shaped mass, Dance sign (empty portion of RLQ), red currant jelly stools
Multiple Sclerosis– Charcot’s Triad (nystagmus, intention tremor, scanning speech)
Myasthenia Gravis– descending muscle weakness, ptosis (drooping eyelid)
Guillain Barre- ascending muscle weakness/paralysis
DVT– Homan’s sign
Chicken Pox– vesicular rash (central to distal), dew drop on rose petal
Angina– crushing stabbing pain, relieved by NTG
Myocardial Infarction– crushing stabbing pain- radiates to left shoulder, neck, arms, unrelieved by NTG
Laryngotrachebronchitis– inspiratory stridor
Transesophageal Fistula– 4 C’s- Coughing, choking, cyanosis, continuous drooling
Epiglottitis– 3 D’s- drooling, dysphonia, dysphagia (acute emergency)
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma– painless, progressive enlargement of spleen and lymph tissues, Reedstenberg cells
Infectious Mono– sore throat, cervical lymph adenopathy, fever, fatigue
Parkinson’s– pill-rolling tremors
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection– Owl’s eye appearance of cells (huge nucleus in cells)
Cystic Fibrosis– salty skin, intussuception
Diabetes Mellitus- polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia
DKA- Kussmaul respirations (deep, rapid RR), acetone breath
Bladder cancer- painless hematuria
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia- reduced size and force of urine
Retinal Detachment- visual floaters, flashes of light, curtain-like shadow vision (emergency situation)
Glaucoma- painful vision loss, tunnel/gun barrel/halo vision

(peripheral vision loss)

Cataract- painless vision loss, opacity of the lens, blurring of the vision, change in color vision
Retinoblastoma- Cat’s eye reflex (grayish discoloration of pupils)—seen in photos
Pregnancy Induced Hypertension- proteinuria, HTN, edema
Acromegaly- coarse facial feature
Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy- Gower’s sign (use of hands to push one’s self from the floor)
GERD- heartburn, Barrett’s esophagus (erosion of the lower portion of the esophageal mucosa)
Hepatic encephalopathy- flapping tremors (asterixis)
Hydrocephalus- Bossing sign (prominent forehead)
Increased ICP- HTN, Bradypnea, Bradycardia (Cushing’s Triad)
Shock- Hypotension, Tachypnea, Tachycardia
Meniere’s Disease- vertigo, tinnitus
Cystitis- burning on urination
Hypocalcemia- (+) Chvostek and Trousseau’s
Ulcerative Colitis- recurrent bloody diarrhea
Lyme’s Disease- Bull’s eye rash
Buerger’s Disease- intermittent claudication (pain at buttocks or legs from poor circulation resulting in impaired walking)
Hirschsprung’s Disease (Toxic Megacolon)- ribbon-like stool

STIs

Herpes Simplex Type II- painful vesicles on genitalia
Genital Warts- warts 1-2 mm in diameter
Syphillis- painless chancres
Chancroid- painful chancres
Gonorrhea- green, creamy discharges and painful urination
Chlamydia- milky discharge and painful urination
Candidiasis- white, cheesy, odorless vaginal discharges
Trichomoniasis- yellow, itchy, frothy, and foul-smelling vaginal discharges

CSF Ottorhea- sign of basilar fracture

Battle’s sign and raccoon eyes

NO Nasotracheal suctioning with head injury or skull fracture (increases ICP)

Take iron elixir with juice or water- never with milk!

Therapeutic Drug Levels

Dilantin- 10 to 20

Theophylline- 10 to 20

Acetaminophen – 10 to 20 (do not excess 4000mg in one day) Lithium- 0.4 to 1.4

Digoxin- 0.5 to 2.0

Osteomyelitis is an infectious bone disease- blood cultures and antibiotics—if necessary, surgery to drain abscess

Nephrotic Syndrome– S/S edema (periorbital and generalized), dark, foamy urine (indicating proteinuria), and weight gain due to excessive fluid retention; also HTN

Characterized by massive proteinuria

Decreased serum albumin
Patient will receive corticosteroids

*Risk for impaired skin integrity

Glomerulonephritis– cola colored urine, HTN, edema, proteinuria

V/S q4h
Daily weights

Common Diets

Acute Renal Disease– protein-restricted, high-calorie, fluid-controlled, sodium and potassium controlled
Addison’s Disease– increased sodium, low potassium diet
ADHD and Bipolar– high-calorie and provide finger foods
Burns– high protein, high calorie, increase in Vitamin C
Bowel Surgery– low residue
Cancer- high-calorie, high-protein
Celiac Disease- gluten-free diet (No BROW- barley, rye, oat, and wheat)
Chronic Renal Disease- protein-restricted, low-sodium, fluid-restricted, potassium-restricted, phosphorous-restricted
Cirrhosis (stable)- normal protein
Cirrhosis with hepatic insufficiency – restrict protein, fluids, and sodium
Constipation- high-fiber, increased fluids
COPD- soft, high-calorie, low-carbohydrate, high-fat, small frequent feedings
Cystic Fibrosis- increase in fluids, high-sodium
Diarrhea- liquid, low-fiber, regular, fluid and electrolyte replacement
Gallbladder disease- low-fat, calorie-restricted, regular
Gastritis- low fiber, bland diet
Hepatitis- regular, high-calorie, high-protein
Hyperlipidemias- fat controlled, calorie-restricted
HTN, HF, CAD- low-sodium, calorie restricted, fat-controlled
Kidney Stones- increased fluid intake, calcium-controlled, low oxalate
Nephrotic Syndrome- sodium-restricted, high-calorie, potassium-restricted
Obesity, overweight- calorie restricted, high fiber
Pancreatitis- low fat, regular, small frequent feedings, tube feeding or TPN
Peptic ulcer- bland diet
Pernicious Anemia (B12)- increase B12, found in high amounts in shellfish, beef, liver and fish
Sickle Cell Anemia- increase fluids to maintain hydration since sickling increases when patients become dehydrated
Spinal Cord Injury- high fiber, low fat (prevent constipation and straining)
Stoke- mechanical, soft, regular, or tube-feeding
Underweight- high-calorie, high protein
Vomiting- fluid and electrolyte replacement An ill child regresses in behavior

Assessing extraocular eye movements– check cranial nerves 3, 4, & 6

DVT

Goal: promote venous return and decrease in venous pressure
Bed rest with elevated extremity

Stomas

Dusky- poor blood supply
Protruding – prolapsed
Sharp pain + rigidity- peritonitis
Mucus in ileal conduit is expected

Tension pneumothorax – trachea shifts to opposite side

Change in color is always a LATE sign

Incentive Spirometer– steps: 1) sit upright 2) exhale 3) insert mouthpiece 4) inhale for 3 seconds and then hold for 10 seconds

MRSA– contact only

VRSA– contact AND airborne (private room, door closed, negative pressure)

Thrombocytopenia- bleeding preacautions

Soft bristled toothbrush
No insertion of anything (suppositories, etc.)
No IM meds as much as possible

Risk of MRSA

Indwelling foley catheter
Receiving medication through port, vascular access device, ET tube
Immunocompromised

Iron deficiency anemia-

Fe PO- give with vitamin C or on an empty stomach
Fe via IM- inferon via Ztrak

Pernicious anemia (B12)- red beefy tongue, will take B12 for life

Meniere’s Disease– restrict sodium, lay on affected ear when in bed, diuretics to decrease endolymph in cochlea

Triad: vertigo, tinnitus, N/V

Dehiscence of abdominal wound with organ evisceration—elevate HOB to 15 degrees → reduces stress on suture line

*May also be placed supine with hips/knees bent

Gastric ulcer pain– occurs 30 min to 90 min after eating, not at night and does not go away with food

Pediatric Tips

Intraosseous infusion– in pediatric life-threatening emergencies, when IV access cannot be obtained, an osseous (bone) needle is hand-drilled into a bone (usually tibia), where crystalloids, colloids, blood products and drugs can be administered into the marrow—it is temporary- when venous access is achieved it is d/c’d
- Only medication that CANNOT be administered IO is isoproterenol (a beta agonist)
With glomerulonephritis– consider blood pressure to be the most important assessment paremeter
- Dietary restrictions you can expect- fluids, protein, sodium, and potassium
In congenital cardiac defects that result in hypoxia– body attempts to compensate for with an influx in immature RBCs—labs that support this: increase Hct, Hgb, and RBC count
There is an association between low-set ears and renal anomalies- develop around the same time (they are also similar in shape)—if a newborn has low-set ears, this warrants renal function tests
School-age kids (5 and up) are old enough and should have an explanation of what will happen a week before surgery (such as tonsillectomy)
First sign of pyloric stenosis in a baby is mild vomiting that progresses to projectile vomiting – later you may be able to palpate a mass, the baby will seem hungry often, and may spit up after feedings
Kawasaki’s Disease– causes heart problems—coronary artery aneurysms due to inflammation of blood vessels
A child with a VP shunt will have a small upper-abdominal incision—this is where the shunt is guided into abdominal cavity-watch for: abdominal distention → fluid from the ventricles (in brain) will be redirected to abdomen; watch for signs of increasing ICP→ irritability, bulging fontanels, high-pitched cry in an infant; lack of appetite and headache in a toddler
- Bed position after shunt placement- FLAT→ do not want the fluid to shift too rapidly (if signs of increasing ICP are present—elevated HOB 15-30 degrees)
Mechanical ventilation can cause bronchopulmonary dysplasia—other causes: infection, pneumonia, or conditions that result in inflammation and scarring

It is essential to maintain nasal patency in a child < 1 year because they are nose breathers

A child should not be drinking too much milk- it reduces the intake of other essential nutrients—especially iron (could lead to anemia)

If you can remove the white patches from the mouth of a baby it is formula- if you can’t it is candidiasis \

MMR and Varicella immunizations come later (15 months)- letters are later in alphabet
Undescended testis or cryptorchidism is a known risk factor for testicular cancer- start teaching boys about self testicular exams around 12

– most cases of testicular cancer occur in adolescence

Stranger anxiety is greatest between 7-9 months
Separation anxiety starts around 4-8 months, peaks in toddlerhood (1-3 years)
For a child exhibiting separation anxiety—offer favorite blanket or toy, talk to infant when leaving room, allow to hear parent’s voice on telephone
Children frequently set their own pace for development
Mock run through surgery is a great way to prepare a 5 year old

Always report suspected cases of child abuse

Eardrop administration for kids <3 years- pinna down and back
With omphalocele and gastroschisis (herniation of abdominal contents) dress with loose saline dressing with plastic wrap (non-adherent)—monitor temperature (lose heat quickly)
After hydrocele repair, provide cold therapy (ice) and scrotal support
NO phenylalanine with positive PKU (no meat, no dairy, no aspartame/artificial sweetener)
- Lofenalac formula
The biggest concern with cold stress and the newborn is respiratory distress

Normal RR for newborn: 30- 60

Toddlers need to express autonomy (independence)
Theories about bed-wetting relate it to immature bladder and deep sleep patterns—most children stop bed-wetting by the time they start school
Average circumference of the head ranges from 32-36 cm (increase in size may indicate hydrocephalus or increased ICP)
Between ages 6 and 12, children grow about 2 inches per year and gain 4.5-6.5 lbs/year
The incidence of once-common infectious disease such as measles, chickenpox, and mumps has been most effectively reduced by the immunization of all school-age children
Exposure to chemicals in the eyes→ irrigate for 20 minutes → another adult, if present, should call the Poison Control Center and 911
Children have proportionately larger heads that predispose them to head injuries
Hypoxemia is more likely in children because of their higher oxygen demand
Liver and spleen injuries are more likely because the thoracic cage of children offers less protection
Hypothermia is more likely because of children’s thinner skin and proportionately larger body surface area
Kawasaki disease is the only exception for children taking aspirin
- Important for children’s to receive immunizations
National guidelines indicate that medication dosing for pediatric patients should be based on the child’s weight (kg)
- Some sources say that BSA is the most accurate method for dosing in children

Safety- Pediatrics Infant

Aspiration and suffocation– chop food in fine pieces, appropriate toys, no plastic bags and balloons (latex balloons are the leading cause of pediatric choking deaths)
Bodily harm – keep sharp objects out of reach, keep infants away from heavy objects they can pull down on themselves, do not leave unattended with animals, monitor for shaken baby syndrome
Burns– check temperature of water, working smoke detectors in home, handles of pots and pans should be turned to back of stoves, sunscreen should be used, electrical outlets should be covered, clothing should be flame retardant

o Water heater should be set to no greater than 120 degrees

Drowning– never leave infant unattended near water such as tubs, toilets, and swimming areas
Falls- never leave unattended, place safety gates on stairs
Poisoning– lock or remove all toxic substances, mediations should be stored in safety bottles and locked in cupboard, never refer to medication as candy, poison control number handy
Motor Vehicle Injuries– placed in approved rear-facing car seats in the backseat- preferably in the middle (away from airbags and side impact)—rear facing car seats until 2 years of age and they exceed the manufacturer’s recommended weight (usually 20lbs)

Toddler

Aspiration and suffocation- avoid common causes of choking- hot dogs, nuts, grapes, peanut butter, raw carrots, tough meat, popcorn, no balloons or plastic bags, no pillows in cribs, no drawstrings on clothing
Bodily harm- firearms kept in locked boxes, stranger safety
Burns- (same as above)
Drowning– (same as above), taught to swim
Falls– (same as above)
Motor Vehicle Injuries– airbags near the child should be inactivated, forward-facing until they exceed manufacturer’s weight limit, backseat, booster seat after they have exceeded weight for forward-facing carseat
Poisoning– avoid exposure to lead paint, safety locks

Preschooler (3 to 6)

Same as above
*Encourage safety equipment (helmet)

School-Age Child (6 to 12)

Bodily harm– firearms should be kept in locked boxes, no trampolines, safe areas for play, stranger safety, wear helmets
Burns– teach fire safety and potential burn hazards
Drowning- teach to swim
Motor vehicle injuries– younger than 13 should be in back seat, airbags inactivated
Substance abuse-community resources, family involvement

Adolescent (12 to 20)

Three leading causes of death in adolescents are homicide, suicide, and

motor vehicle accidents

Potassium is lost when a client is taking a thiazide diuretic – monitor K, increase dietary K

Should not be taken at night- prevent nocturia

Hypokalemia

ECG changes- ST segment depression, inverted T waves, prominent U waves—may also experience heart block
Lethargy and muscle weakness

Neck veins are normally distended when patient is supine—veins flatten when sitting

*Decreased plasma volume→ flattened neck veins when supine Nurse is not required to explain delegated assignments

Migraines

Fatigue is a trigger

Validation of a nurse having a substance abuse problem does not override quality client care! Take care of the patient first!

Hemorrhagic shock– PRIORITY→ identify source of bleeding and apply direct pressure

ECT

NPO after midnight
General anesthesia
Memory loss is an expected outcome

Patients with severe immunodeficiency may be unable to produce an immune response—as a result, a negative TB skin result does not completely rule out a TB diagnosis for this patient → chest x-ray and sputum culture will be ordered.

Patients taking immunosuppressive medications are at an increased risk for development of cancer!

Cultural Considerations

African Americans– many believe that illness is caused by supernatural causes and seek advice and remedies from faith healers; family oriented; higher incidence of HTN and obesity; high incidence of lactose intolerance
Arab Americans– may remain silent about health problems such as STIs, substance abuse and mental illness; if Muslim- many avoid pork and alcohol
Asian Americans– may value ability to endure pain and grief with silent stoicism; hot/cold, yin/yang, sodium intake is generally high; may prefer to maintain a comfortable distance; may believe prolonged eye contact is rude and invasion of privacy
Latino Americans– may view illness as sign of weakness, punishment for evil doing; family members are typically involved in all aspects of decision making such as terminal illness
Native Americans– may turn to a medicine man to determine the true cause of an illness, may value the ability to endure pain or grief with silent stoicism, diet may be deficient in Vitamin D and calcium due to lactose intolerance, obesity and diabetes are major concerns
Western Culture– may value technology almost exclusively in the struggle to conquer diseases; health is understood to be the absence, minimization or control of disease process

Delegation Tips

DO NOT delegate what you can EAT E- evaluate (nursing judgment)

A-assess (nursing judgment)

T- teach

Delegate sterile skills to RN or LPN
Where non-skilled care is required, delegate stable client to nursing assistant
Assign the most critical client to the RN
Clients who are being discharged should have the final assessments and teaching done by the RN
A new nurse should receive stable patients who require routine care (same applies to nurses that are transferred to different units for the day)
The LPN can monitor clients with IV therapy, insert urinary catheters, feeding tubes, and apply restraints
LPN/LVN cannot handle blood
LPN/LVN are given stable patients – can perform sterile procedures on stable patients
Experienced LPNs can use observation of patients to gather data regarding how well they perform interventions that have already been taught (including checking for therapeutic response/adverse effects of medications)
Assisting with ADLs is appropriate for assistive personnel (record I/O too) Always check for allergies before administering antibiotics (especially penicillin) – or any medication for that matter!

Neutropenic precautions- no live vaccines, no fresh fruits, no flowers, no sick visitors, no milk

Any temperature elevation in a neutropenic patient may indicate the presence of a life-threatening infection
Patients who are neutropenic should be place in a positive-airflow room

In the event of a fire- RACE→ (R) Remove the patient (A) Activate the alarm (C) Contain the fire by closing the door (E) Extinguish the fire if it can be done safely

Informed consent– patient should know whether other treatment options are available and should understand what will occur during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases; the risks involved, possible complications—always allow patient to ask questions!

Veracity is truth and is an essential component to a therapeutic relationship between a healthcare provider and patient

Beneficence is the action that is done to benefit others

Nonmaleficence is the duty to do no harm

Projection is the unconscious assigning of a thought, feeling, or action to someone or something else

Sublimation is the channeling of unacceptable impulse into socially acceptable behavior

Repression is an unconscious defense mechanism whereby unacceptable or painful thoughts, impulses, memories, or feelings are pushed from the consciousness or forgotten

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder realize that their behavior is unreasonable, but are powerless to control it

Hypervigilance and déjà vu are signs of PTSD

Health Screening for Cancer

CAUTION

C- change in bowel or bladder habits

A- a sore that does not heal

U- unusual bleeding or discharge

T- thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere

I- indigestion or difficulty swallowing O- obvious change in a wart or mole N- nagging cough or hoarseness

Common sites for metastasis– liver, brain, lung, bone, lymph

When a cancer patient is receiving radiation– main concern is preventing infection because radiation causes leukopenia

Radioactive Iodine– want to flush it out of body → increase fluid intake for 2 days (3-4 liters unless otherwise contraindicated)—flush the toilet twice after using

*Limit contact with patient to 30 min/day

NO PREGNANT VISITORS/NURSES and no kids

The main hypersensitivity reaction seen with antiplatelet drugs is bronchospasm (anaphylaxis)

Ex: clopidogrel, aspirin

Do not fall for the “reestablishing a normal bowel pattern” as a priority with small bowel obstruction—the patient can’t take in oral fluids, “maintaining fluid balance” comes first!

Basophils release histamine during an allergic reaction

Other than to initially test tolerance- G tube and J tube feedings are usually given as continuous feedings

Tamoxifen (chemotherapy agent) can cause visual changes—can be irreversible—assess visual acuity throughout treatment

You should ask every new admission if he/she has an advance directive

Succinylcholine Chloride (Anectine)- used for short-term neuromuscular blocking agents for procedures like intubation and ECT

Typical adverse reactions to oral hypoglycemic– rash and photosensitivity

Hypotension may alter the accuracy of O2 sats

An antacid should be given to a mechanically ventilated patient with NG tube if the pH of the aspirate is <5.0—aspirate should be checked at least q12h

Ambient air (room air) contains 21% oxygen

Normal PCWP (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure) is 8-13 → readings of 18-20 are considered high

High potassium (hyperkalemia) is expected with carbon dioxide narcosis (hydrogen floods the cell, forcing potassium out)- carbon dioxide narcosis causes increased ICP

An NG Tube can be irrigated with cola and should be taught to the family when a client is going home with the tube

If your normally lucid patient starts seeing bugs, check respiratory status FIRST—the first sign of hypoxia is restlessness, followed by agitation (continues to decline from there) → leads to delirium and hallucinations, and eventually coma!

Check O2 stat
ABGs if possible

Status epilepticus – most important assessment is level of consciousness

Pneumonia may manifest itself as mental confusion due to hypoxia Can’t cough → ineffective airway clearance

If a patient has low Hgb/Hct—should be evaluated for signs of bleeding (dark/black stools)

A patient with liver cirrhosis and edema may ambulate, then sit with legs elevated to try to mobilize the edema

Safety over nutrition in a severely depressed patient

Depression can manifest itself in somatic ways- such as psychomotor retardation, GI complaints and pain

Prolonged hypoxemia is a likely cause of cardiac arrest in a child

Coarctation of the aorta causes increased blood flow and bounding pulses in the arms

Newly diagnosed HTN- assess BP in both arms

Place a wheelchair parallel to the bed on the strong side Gonorrhea is a reportable disease!

Stairway to Heaven (Crutches)

The good go to heaven- good leg goes up the stairs first with crutches (crutches move with the affected leg)
The bad to to hell (down)- bad leg goes down the stairs first (crutches move with the affected leg)

Vasopressin– “press in” → vasoconstriction (used when patient is hypotensive)

Burning sensation in the mouth and brassy taste are adverse reactions to Lugol Solution (iodine) – used in treatment of hyperthyroidism

Nonfat milk reduces reflux by increasing lower esophageal sphincter pressure

When the oxygen flow rate is higher than 4L/min, the mucous membranes can be dried out- the best treatment is to add humidification to the oxygen delivery system (applying water-soluble jelly to the nares can also help decrease mucosal irritation)

A nonrebreather mask can delivery nearly 100% oxygen—when the patient’s oxygenation status does not improve adequately in response to delivery of oxygen at this high concentration, refractory hypoxemia is present—usually at this stage, the patient is working very hard to breathe and may go into respiratory arrest unless healthcare providers intervene by providing intubation and mechanical ventilation

The endotracheal tube should be marked at the level where it touches the incisor tooth or nares—this mark is used to verify that the tube has not shifted

Infections are always a threat for the patient receiving mechanical ventilation—elevated temperature is cause for concern

Confusion in a patient taking enoxaparin (Lovenox) could indicate intracerebral bleeding!

Removing large quantities of fluid from the pleural space can cause fluid to shift from the circulation into the pleural space, causing hypotension and tachycardia—may need IV fluids to correct this

Low sodium diet is 2g or less

Persistent and irritating cough (dry cough caused by accumulation of bradykinin) is a possible adverse effect of ACE-inhibitors (enalapril) and is a common reason for changing to another medication category such as ARBs

The goal when treating HTN with medication is reduction of blood pressure to under 140/90

Because continuous chest pain lasting more than 12 hours indicates that reversible myocardial injury has progressed to irreversible myocardial necrosis, fibrinolytic drugs (TPA) are not recommended for clients with chest pain that has lasted for more than 12 hours

The goal in pain management for the client with an acute MI is to completely eliminate the pain. Even pain rated at a level of 1 out of 10 should be treated with additional morphine sulfate

Hyperkalemia is a common adverse effect of both ACE inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics

Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole) affect the metabolism of clopidogrel and decrease its effectiveness

The most common complication after coronary arteriography is hemorrhage—earliest indication of hemorrhage is an increase in heart rate

PVCs occurring in the setting of acute MI can lead to ventricular tachycardia and/or v-fib (cardiac arrest), so rapid treatment is necessary

Anticoagulant medications are high-alert meds and require special safeguards- such as double-checking medication by two nurses before administration

B-type natriuretic peptide levels increase in clients with poor left ventricular function and symptomatic heart failure and can be used to differentiate HF from other causes of dyspnea and fatigue (such as pneumonia)

A patient with thrombocytopenia (low PLT count) should not take aspirin routinely—aspirin decreases platelet aggregation

When a hemophiliac patient is at high risk for bleeding, the priority intervention is to maximize the availability of clotting factors (administer Factor VII)

Hemophilia is x-linked – mother passes to son

Joint pain in hemophilia indicates bleeding—treatment includes factor VII and RICE

Bence Jones proteins in the urine indicate multiple myeloma

Increased risk of infection after splenectomy—monitor for elevation of temperature

Fatal hyperkalemia may be caused by tumor lysis syndrome, a potentially serious consequence of chemotherapy in acute leukemia

A non-tender lump or swelling near lymph nodes may indicate that the patient has developed lymphoma (possible adverse effect of immunosuppressive therapy

A newly-admitted patient needs to be assessed as soon as possible—if all patients are stable, the new admission takes priority because plan of care needs to be completed

Order of a newborn bath:

Place on warm surface
Cleanse eyes
Cleanse face
Cleanse body with warm water
Wrap infant in pre-warmed blanket
Shampoo head/hair

If TPN is not ready when it is due, D10W or D20W should be administered

Always check the order before administering TPN—generally each bag is individually prepared by the pharmacist
Solution should not be cloudy or turbid
Prime the tubing and thread the pump
To prevent infection, scrub the hub and use aseptic technique when inserting the connector into the injection cap and connecting the tubing to the central line
Set the pump at the prescribed rate

Probiotic therapy- live microorganisms similar to those found in GI track—when colonized they enhance the immune response and stabilize the mucosal barrier in the digestive track

Patients who may benefit:
- Antibiotic associated diarrhea
- IBS
- Lactose intolerance

(+) nitrite in urine is indication of UTI

Other signs: elevated WBC count, elevated temp, confusion in elderly, burning with urination

minute hand scrub is particular to the newborn nursery area and included in medical asepsis

Medical asepsis = clean technique

Two identifiers must be used when administering medication

- Name on bracelet
- Photo
- Bar code system
- Asking patient to state name

“Time Out”

- Called before the initiation of any surgical procedure
- Patient can be involved

Goals

- Correctly identify the patient
- Correctly identify the site and side
- Verify that OR team agrees on procedure

Oculogyric crisis– eyes locked upward (acute dystonic reaction from antipsychotic medications)—contact physician- anticipate administration of anticholinergic medication- benztropine (cogentin)

Talipes equinovarus– club foot

The priority for migraine headache is pain management

A client with a seizure disorder should not take OTC medications without consulting with the health care provider first

First priority for the client with a spinal cord injury is assessing

respiratory patterns and ensuring an adequate airway

Priority intervention for a client with Guillain Barre Syndrome is maintaining adequate respiratory function—clients with Guillain Barre are at risk for respiratory failure, which requires urgent intervention

Clients with right cerebral hemisphere stoke often manifest neglect syndrome—lean to the left, when asked, respond that they believe they are sitting up straight—often neglect the left side of their bodies and ignore food on the left side of their food trays

Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency- antibiotics are the priority medication (cultures and specimens should be drawn before)

Priority action during a generalized tonic-clonic seizure is to protect the airway by turning the client to one side—oxygen is used in postictal phase

Exophthalmos– instill artificial tears (hyperthyroidism- Graves) Bulge test confirms presence of fluid in knee- leg should be extended Side rails should always be elevated for disoriented patients

Bismuth subsalicylate absorbs PO meds and should be administered separately

Normal CVP– 3-12 mmHg (cm of water)

Early signs of hepatic encephalopathy

Impaired thought process
Insomnia and sleep disturbances
Tremors

Sengstaken-Blakemore tube– have scissors at bedside (airway obstruction→ cut balloon with scissors)

Nurse is obligated to share client information with personnel directly involved in care

Bowel perforation requires emergency surgery (result of increased intraluminal pressure)—intestinal contents are released into peritoneum leading to peritonitis

Heat in cast is a sign of pressure, which can indication poor circulation! Requires fast assessment!

Hypotonic (0.45% NS) shifts fluid into intracellular space

Radium implant– strict bed rest (so no, they cannot use a bedside commode) Cyclophosphamide – will likely cause alopecia 4-5 weeks after starting Bell’s Palsy– use artificial tears (4x/day)

Cocaine Abuse S/S

Insomnia
Rhinorrhea
Tachycardia
Euphoria

*Cocaine is a stimulant

Low titer means risk for developing disease

Breathing slowly will enhance relaxation of abdominal muscles

Shingles– able to care for non-high risk clients—cover lesions

Should not care for pregnant women, premature infants, immunocompromised

Parenteral Nutrition (PN)- monitor serum glucose and electrolytes

Most common complication involves fluid and electrolytes No Beta-Blockers with COPD

No lidocaine with heart blocks→ diminishes existing ventricular response

Causes of tinnitus

Aspirin
Diuretics
Neurological conditions
Loud noises
Impacted earwax or foreign bodies in the ear
Ear infections

A bulging red or blue tympanic membrane is a possible sign of otitis media or perforation

Vertigo without hearing loss should be further assessed for nonvestibular causes, such as cardiovascular or metabolic problems!

Stapedectomy (surgical procedure of the middle ear; used for hearing loss related to otosclerosis)

Heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 3 weeks after the procedure
Water in the ear, and air travel should be avoided for at least 1 week
Coughing and sneezing should be performed with the mouth open to prevent increase pressure in the ear

Ear Irrigation

Use an otoscope to assess the ear first
Fill syringe with warm fluid
Angle the syringe to allow the fluid to flow along the side of the ear canal, not directly at the eardrum
Flush with continuous pressure, rather than a pumping action
You should see fluid return with cerumen
If not, wait at least 10 minutes and repeat
Tipping the head allows gravity drainage of fluid left in the ear canal

Basilar invagination (platybasia) causes brainstem manifestations- can be life threatening

4 C’s of Communication

Clear
Concise
Correct
Complete

*Ensures the staff understands what is being said

Postoperative pain and numbness occur for a longer period of time with

endoscopic carpal tunnel release than with an open procedure.

Hand movements, including heavy lifting, may be restricted for 4-6 weeks after surgery
Patients experience discomfort for weeks to months
Surgery is not always a cure
In some cases CTS may recur months to years after surgery

Fat embolism syndrome is a serious complication that often results from fractures of long bones—its earliest manifestation is altered mental status caused by a low arterial oxygen level

The goal of bowel training is to establish a pattern that mimics normal defecation, and many people have the urge to defecate after a meal

Refeeding syndrome occurs when aggressive and rapid feeding results in fluid retention and heart failure—monitor for signs of fluid volume overload

Substance abuse may exclude a person from the transplant list

The presence of glucose in the nasal drainage indicates the fluid is CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) and suggests a CSF leak

Vitiligo, or patchy areas of pigment loss with increased pigmentation at the edges, is seen with primary hypofunction of the adrenal glands and is caused by autoimmune destruction of melanocytes in the skin

Silver scaling on skin is associated with psoriasis

Wounds should be debrided before obtaining wound specimen for culturing

Isotretinoin – oral medication used for acne—has high incidence of birth defects—important to stop using medication at least a month before attempting to become pregnant

Wheals (on the skin) are frequently associated with allergic reactions—asking the patient about exposure to new medications is the most appropriate question

Chemical/toxic exposure to skin→ priority is to remove the chemical from contact with the skin to prevent ongoing damage

Prostate disease increases the risk of UTIs in men because of urinary retention A cystoscopy is needed to accurately diagnose interstitial cystitis

A patient with urge incontinence can be taught to control the bladder as long as the patient is alert, aware, and able to resist the urge to urinate by starting a schedule for voiding, then increasing intervals between voids

Women should avoid irritating substances such as bubble baths, nylon underwear, and scented toilet paper to prevent UTIs

Bruising is expected post-lithotripsy and can be quite extensive

A patient with only one kidney should avoid all contact sports and high-risk activities to protect the remaining kidney from injury and preserve kidney function

During the oliguric phase of acute kidney failure, a patient’s urine output is greatly reduced. Fluid boluses and diuretics do not work well. This phase usually lasts from 8-15 days

Patients with acute kidney failure usually go through a diuretic phase 2 to 6 weeks after the oliguric phase—the diuresis can result in an output of up to 10L/day of dilute urine→ during this time it is important to monitor for electrolyte and fluid imbalances

MAP = [ (2 x diastolic) + systolic ] divided by 3

A palpable bladder and restlessness are indicators of urinary retention, which requires action to empty the bladder (such as catheterization)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Client will have trouble starting a urinary stream
Elevated level of prostate-specific antigen

Irregularly shaped and nontender lumps are consistent with a diagnosis of

breast cancer

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

Bladder spasms may indicate that clots are obstructing the catheter, which would indicate the need for irrigation of the catheter with 30 to 50 mL of NS using a piston syringe (irrigation would be first action)
Hemorrhage is a major complication following a TURP—signs would be catheter draining deep red blood

Tamulosin– used to treat BPH — monitor for orthostatic hypotension

Improves symptoms by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck—making it easier to urinate
Force of urinary stream may increase

Testicular Torsion

Scrotal swelling and severe pain—likely not relieved or decreased by elevation of the scrotum
Emergency situation that requires immediate assessment and intervention because it can lead to testicular ischemia and necrosis within a few others

Sildenafil (Viagara)- potent vasodilator used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction

Has caused cardiac arrest in clients who were also taking nitrates such as nitroglycerin

After an A&P repair (vaginal wall repair/anterior and posterior), it is essential that the bladder be empty to avoid putting pressure on the suture lines

Abdominal firmness and tenderness indicate that the bladder is distended—requires catheterization

Rapid Response Team (RRT)

Role of RRT is the immediate assessment and stabilization of a client

First-degree relatives of patients with the BRCA gene should be screened annually with both mammography and MRI

Severe spontaneous hemorrhage is not expected until the platelet count drops below 20,000 mm³

Frequent swallowing following T&A may indicate bleeding

Tracheal deviation suggests tension pneumothorax– priority situation→ requires chest tube

Synthetic surfactant improves respiratory status and decreases the incidence of pneumothorax in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)

Crackles throughout both lungs indicate that a child has severe left ventricular failure as a complication of endocarditis

Decreased responsiveness in a patient with a clotting disorder may indicate intracerebral bleeding—priority situation

Chlamydia is the most prevalent STI in the US—screening is strongly recommended for all sexually active females 25 years or younger

Iron is a toxic substance that can lead to massive hemorrhage, coma, shock, and hepatic failure—deferoxamine is an antidote that can be used for severe cases of iron poisoning

Triage requires at least one experienced RN

Primary survey for a trauma patient arriving to ED includes a brief neurologic assessment to determine level of consciousness and pupil reaction

Secondary survey includes measuring vital signs, assessing the abdomen, and checking pulse oximetry readings

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that increases the risk for brain damage

You respond to a call for help from the ED waiting room—an elderly client is lying on the floor….

Establish responsiveness first (the client may have fallen and sustained a minor injury)
If the client is unresponsive, get help and activate the code team
Performing the chin lift or jaw thrust maneuver opens the airway
The nurse is then responsible for starting CPR

o CPR should not be interrupted until the client recovers or it is determined that all heroic efforts have been exhausted

A crash cart should be at the site when the code team arrives—however, basic CPR can be effectively performed until the team is present

Pulsating mass in abdomen indicates abdominal aneurysm—concern is rupture

A person who experienced a threat to his or her own life is at the greatest risk for psychiatric problems following a disaster incident (such as PTSD)

Appropriate in Disaster Triage

Check airway, breathing, circulation
Assess the level of consciousness
Visually inspect for gross deformities, bleeding, and obvious injuries
Note color, presence of moisture, and temperature of the skin
Check vital signs, including pulse and respirations

Patients with conversion disorders are experiencing symptoms, even though there is no identifiable organic causes→ therefore they should be assisted in learning ways to cope and live with the disability

Family history of completed suicide is a risk factor for an individual committing suicide

Before someone enters an alcohol rehabilitation program, there should be a medically-supervised detoxification

When delegating psychiatric patients to new RNs, try to avoid assigning a psychotic patient – they can be very threatening to new RNs

Restraints must be tied to a stationary portion of the bed using quick-release knots→ distal pulses should be checked

Restraints are rarely a planned event

Take time for yourself—a mind that is fried, is not a good use of time!

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Important İnformation For Nclex