Monday, April 16, 2012

Case Studies

Today, we will go over a few case studies that will foster critical thinking skills. This webpage link contains a few practice case studies. http://www.culturediversity.org/hisp.htm

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Blog Survey

Hello all, today I would like to get your feedback on the blog so far by completing the survey below.
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Hematology

Hello all, today we will review the the hematological system.

Pathophysiology/Etiology

-    Malignant disorder of the blood-forming tissues of the bone marrow, spleen, and lymph systems characterized by unregulated proliferation of WBC (Cancer of white blood cells (WBC)
-    Exact cause unknown; but factors involved in development include: radiation, certain chemicals and drugs (such as chemotherapy agents), genetic and immunologic factors
-    Two main types: acute lymphocytic leukemia (peak age incidence 2 – 4 years); Acute myelogenous leukemia (most common leukemia among adults and peaks at age 60)
-    Acute leukemia has a rapid onset, progresses rapidly; left untreated, death will result in days or months
Assessment
-    Immune function and bone marrow function assessments
-    Pay close attention to client’s skin: bruising, bleeding, painful lymph nodes); oral cavity; gastrointestinal status (rectal bleeding, pain, diarrhea); genitourinary system (dysuria, hematuria)

Signs and Symptoms

Associated with depressed bone marrow and infiltration of leukemic cells into other organ systems:
-    Bone pain
-    Joint swelling
-    Enlarged liver and spleen
-    Weight loss
-    Fever
-    Swollen lymph nodes
-    Signs of anemia (fatigue, pallor, tachycardia, dyspnea on exertion)
-    Signs of bleeding (ecchymoses, hematuria, bleeding gums)

Diagnostic

-    WBC count often elevated
-    Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets decreased
-    Bleeding times increased
-    Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy – most definitive

Treatment

-    Chemotherapy standard treatment for leukemia
-    Other drugs used to control /prevent infection and nausea/vomiting
-    Chemotherapy drugs (vincristine, predisone, cyclophosphamide)
-    Side effects: bone marrow depression (causing increased risk of infection); stomatitis; alopecia; fatigue; GI effects (nausea, vomiting); monitor for extravasation
Immune globulin (to minimize infection)
-    Antiemetics: (zofran, compazine, raglan) given 30 minutes prior to therapy
-    Interferon alfa (minimize infection, slow growth of cancer cells)

Nursing Interventions

-    Skin and mouth care
-    Monitor lab results – CBC, bleeding times
-    Nutritional support
-    Pain management
-    IV site care
-    Infection control / Isolation requirements

The link below provides an array of nursing care plans.

http://www.rncentral.com/nursing-library/careplans

Reference

Brunner, L.S., Suddarth, D.S., & Smeltzer, S. C. O. (2008). Medical-Surgical Nursing (11th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Respiratory structure

The image below provides a detailed view of the respiratory system.
Reference Medical Exam Essentials.(2012). Respiratory system diagram. Retrieved from http://www.medical-exam-essentials.com/respiratory-system-diagram.html

Monday, April 9, 2012

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Respiratory system

Welcome back everyone, this week will be reviewing the respiratory system and several respiratory disorders.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Cardiogenic Shock

There has been a change, today we will be reviewing cardiogenic shock instead of cardiac arrythmias. The power point below contains definition, causes, risk factors, signs and syptoms and nursing management.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Myocardial Infarct

The voki will be used for this lesson to define myocardial Infarct along with the signs and symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic tests and treatment options. Reference MayoClinic (2011)Heart Attack retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-attack/DS00094/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs