Specimens
• Obtain all specimens using gloves and sterile equipment
• Seal all specimen containers tightly
• Label all specimens with client’s name, content and date obtained Read More »
Coping Mechanisms
• People use coping mechanisms, also called ego defense mechanisms, to relieve anxiety.
• They are usually unconscious; that is, the client is not aware of their use.
• Watch for excessive use of these mechanisms. Read More »
During pregnanacy
• If the maternal pancreas is unable to increase insulin production sufficiently, gestational diabetes mellitus results Read More »
Viral Infections
• Viruses are parasites that cannot reproduce or meet own metabolic needs.
• Skin cells react to virus with swelling, “vesiculation,” or proliferation, sometimes warts.
• Most viruses are associated with rashes (characteristic of each disorder, such as chicken pox, rubella, roseola) Read More »
CPR
• Early defibrillation is the key to successful resuscitation for many adults.
• Continually reassess during CPR to see if the client regains a pulse or begins breathing. Reassess to see that the chest moves and pulses are palpable during CPR. Read More »
• Radiation has local effects; chemotherapy is more systemic. Read More »
• After hip replacements, pulmonary embolism may occur even without thrombosis in foot or leg.
• Clients should sit in a straight, high chair; use a raised toilet seat; and never cross their legs. Read More »
About Insulin
• In the pancreas’s islets of Langerhans, beta cells secrete insulin-the islet-cell hormone of major physiological importance; Read More »
• After a urinary catheter is removed, the client may have some burning on urination, frequency and dribbling. These symptoms should subside. Read More »
• Most obstructions occur in the small bowel. Read More »
Eye
• Anything that dilates the pupil obstructs the canal of Schlemm and increases intraocular pressure.
• Color blindness is caused by a deficiency in one or more types of cones and is caused by a sex-linked recessive gene.
• Destruction of either the right or left optic nerve tract results in blindness in the respective side of both eyes Read More »
• Oxygen is essential for life. So, before all else, keep airways open and ease breathing effort. Read More »
• Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among Americans.
• Take blood pressures correctly Read More »
• The dosage of medication needed for a therapeutic effect can vary with age, weight, gender, health status and environmental factors. Read More »
• Nursing practice is governed by legal restrictions and professional standards. Read More »
Before Birth
• Early and regular antepartal (before-birth) care is critical. First trimester health directly influences the development of organs in embryo and fetus.
• To identify risks, nurses need both subjective (client’s) and objective (the nurse’s own) assessment data.
• Prescribed medications, over-the-counter drugs, alcohol and tobacco may lead to problems for the fetus and woman. Read More »
• All individuals require the same nutrients, but the amounts vary according to factors such as age, weight, activity level, and health state. Read More »
THE TODDLER
This is Erikson’s stage of developing autonomy. However, the need to explore the world and be independent is in conflict with the basic dependency on the parent. This often results in frustration and negativism. The toddler may be difficult to examine; do not take this personally. Since he or she is acutely aware of the new environment, the toddler may be frightened and cling to the parent. Also, the toddler has fear of invasive procedures an dislikes being restrained. Read More »
Children are different from adults. Their difference in size is obvious. Their bodies grow in a predictable pattern that is assessed during the physical examination. However, their behavior also is different. Behavior grows and develops through predictable stages, just as the body does. Each examiner needs to know the expected emotional and cognitive features of these stages and to perform the physical examination based on developmental principles (Erikson, 1963; Wong, 1999) Read More »
1. Earache. Any earache or other pain in ears?
* Location – feel close to the surface or deep in the head?
* Does it hurt when you push on the ear?
* Characters – dull, aching, or sharp, stabbing? Constant or come and go? Is it affected by changing position of head? Ever had this kind of pain before?
Read More »
1. Vision difficulty (decreased acuity, blurring, blind spots). Any difficulty seeing or any blurring Come on suddenly, or progress slowly? In one eye or both?
* Constant, or does it come and go?
* Do objects appear out of focus, or does it feel like a clouding over objects? Does it feel like “grayness” of vision?
* Do spots move in front of your eyes? One or many? In one or both eyes?
Read More »
1. Headache. Any unusually frequent or unusually severe headaches?
* Onset. When did this kind of headache start?
* Gradual, over hours, or a day?
* Or, suddenly, over minutes, or less than 1 hour
* Ever had this kind of headache before?
Read More »
1. Discharge. Any nasal discharge or runny nose? Continuous?
* Is the discharge watery, purulent, mucoid, bloody? Read More »
1. Previous history of skin disease. Any previous skin disease or problem?
* How was this treated?
* Any family history of allergies or allergic skin problem?
* Any known allergies to drugs, plants, animals?
* Any birthmarks, tattoos? Read More »
