Podcast
Questions and Answers
A patient with a history of heart failure is admitted with shortness of breath and edema. Which nursing intervention is the most appropriate initial action?
A patient with a history of heart failure is admitted with shortness of breath and edema. Which nursing intervention is the most appropriate initial action?
- Obtaining a detailed dietary history.
- Elevating the patient's legs and feet.
- Administering a prescribed diuretic.
- Initiating oxygen therapy and assessing oxygen saturation. (correct)
A nurse is caring for a patient with COPD who is receiving oxygen. Which of the following assessment findings would indicate a potential complication related to oxygen therapy?
A nurse is caring for a patient with COPD who is receiving oxygen. Which of the following assessment findings would indicate a potential complication related to oxygen therapy?
- Increased alertness and orientation.
- Increased appetite and fluid intake.
- Improved skin color and temperature.
- Decreased respiratory rate and depth. (correct)
A nurse is educating a patient with hypertension about lifestyle modifications. Which of the following recommendations is most appropriate to include?
A nurse is educating a patient with hypertension about lifestyle modifications. Which of the following recommendations is most appropriate to include?
- Increase sodium intake to maintain fluid balance.
- Consume a diet high in saturated fats to increase energy levels.
- Engage in regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking. (correct)
- Limit fluid intake to prevent edema.
A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a patient. What is the most important step to ensure patient safety?
A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a patient. What is the most important step to ensure patient safety?
A nurse is caring for a patient who is at risk for developing a pressure ulcer. Which intervention is most appropriate for preventing skin breakdown?
A nurse is caring for a patient who is at risk for developing a pressure ulcer. Which intervention is most appropriate for preventing skin breakdown?
A patient reports experiencing pain at the IV insertion site. Upon assessment, the nurse observes redness, swelling, and warmth. Which of the following complications is most likely?
A patient reports experiencing pain at the IV insertion site. Upon assessment, the nurse observes redness, swelling, and warmth. Which of the following complications is most likely?
A nurse is caring for a patient with a wound that requires frequent dressing changes. Which intervention is most important to minimize pain during dressing changes?
A nurse is caring for a patient with a wound that requires frequent dressing changes. Which intervention is most important to minimize pain during dressing changes?
Which action demonstrates a nurse upholding patient advocacy?
Which action demonstrates a nurse upholding patient advocacy?
A patient with chronic kidney disease is being educated on dietary restrictions. Which of the following instructions is most appropriate for the nurse to include?
A patient with chronic kidney disease is being educated on dietary restrictions. Which of the following instructions is most appropriate for the nurse to include?
Following a surgical procedure, a patient reports feeling nauseous. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate as an initial response?
Following a surgical procedure, a patient reports feeling nauseous. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate as an initial response?
A nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous (IV) medication. What is the most critical step to ensure the 'right medication' principle of safe medication administration?
A nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous (IV) medication. What is the most critical step to ensure the 'right medication' principle of safe medication administration?
A patient with impaired skin integrity due to immobility is at risk for pressure ulcers. Which nursing intervention is most effective in preventing further skin breakdown?
A patient with impaired skin integrity due to immobility is at risk for pressure ulcers. Which nursing intervention is most effective in preventing further skin breakdown?
A nurse is caring for a patient with a urinary tract infection (UTI). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
A nurse is caring for a patient with a urinary tract infection (UTI). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
A nurse is providing preoperative teaching to a patient scheduled for a total knee replacement. Which statement by the patient indicates a good understanding of the teaching?
A nurse is providing preoperative teaching to a patient scheduled for a total knee replacement. Which statement by the patient indicates a good understanding of the teaching?
A patient with Parkinson's disease is admitted to the hospital. What nursing intervention is most important to include in the plan of care?
A patient with Parkinson's disease is admitted to the hospital. What nursing intervention is most important to include in the plan of care?
A nurse is caring for a patient who is on contact precautions. Which action demonstrates appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE)?
A nurse is caring for a patient who is on contact precautions. Which action demonstrates appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE)?
A patient is diagnosed with ineffective airway clearance. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to implement?
A patient is diagnosed with ineffective airway clearance. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to implement?
A nurse is documenting patient care in the electronic health record (EHR). Which documentation entry is most appropriate?
A nurse is documenting patient care in the electronic health record (EHR). Which documentation entry is most appropriate?
A nurse is caring for a patient with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which intervention is most important to prevent a pulmonary embolism?
A nurse is caring for a patient with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which intervention is most important to prevent a pulmonary embolism?
A nurse receives an order to administer a medication via the intramuscular (IM) route. Which action ensures the 'right route' of medication administration?
A nurse receives an order to administer a medication via the intramuscular (IM) route. Which action ensures the 'right route' of medication administration?
A nurse is caring for a patient with osteoarthritis. Which intervention is most appropriate to promote joint protection?
A nurse is caring for a patient with osteoarthritis. Which intervention is most appropriate to promote joint protection?
A patient with diabetes mellitus is being discharged home. Which statement indicates the patient understands the importance of foot care?
A patient with diabetes mellitus is being discharged home. Which statement indicates the patient understands the importance of foot care?
A nurse is preparing to insert a urinary catheter. Which action is essential to maintain aseptic technique?
A nurse is preparing to insert a urinary catheter. Which action is essential to maintain aseptic technique?
Flashcards
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Specialized nursing focusing on acutely ill adult patients with various medical conditions or those recovering from surgery.
Assessment Skills
Assessment Skills
Collecting patient history, performing physical exams, and interpreting diagnostic tests to identify problems.
Clinical Decision Making
Clinical Decision Making
Analyzing assessment data to identify problems and prioritize interventions using critical thinking.
Technical Skills
Technical Skills
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Communication
Communication
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Patient Education
Patient Education
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Collaboration
Collaboration
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Advocacy
Advocacy
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Diabetes Management
Diabetes Management
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GI Disorder Nursing
GI Disorder Nursing
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Neurological Nursing
Neurological Nursing
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Renal Nursing
Renal Nursing
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Musculoskeletal Nursing
Musculoskeletal Nursing
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Pre-op Patient Education
Pre-op Patient Education
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Pre-op Physical Prep
Pre-op Physical Prep
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Pre-op Emotional Support
Pre-op Emotional Support
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Post-op Pain Management
Post-op Pain Management
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Post-op Wound Care
Post-op Wound Care
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Post-op Respiratory Care
Post-op Respiratory Care
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Standard Precautions
Standard Precautions
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What to Document
What to Document
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Impaired Gas Exchange
Impaired Gas Exchange
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Ineffective Airway Clearance
Ineffective Airway Clearance
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Study Notes
- Medical-surgical nursing is a specialized area of nursing practice
- It focuses on the care of adult patients who are acutely ill
- These patients may have a variety of medical conditions or be recovering from surgery
- It requires a broad knowledge base and advanced clinical skills
- Medical-surgical nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities
Core Competencies
- Assessment skills: Comprehensive patient assessment is crucial for identifying problems and developing a plan of care
- Collecting patient history
- Performing physical examinations
- Interpreting diagnostic tests
- Clinical Decision Making: Nurses must analyze assessment data
- Identify patient problems
- Prioritize interventions
- Critical thinking is essential for making sound clinical judgments
- Technical Skills: Medical-surgical nurses perform a wide range of technical skills
- Medication administration
- Wound care
- Insertion and management of various catheters and tubes
- Monitoring vital signs
- Communication: Effective communication is required with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals
- Active listening
- Providing education and support
- Accurate documentation
- Patient Education: Nurses play a vital role in educating patients and families
- Provide information about their condition
- Explain treatment plans
- Teach self-care skills
- Collaboration: Collaboration with other healthcare professionals is essential
- Physicians
- Physical therapists
- Dietitians
- Pharmacists
- It ensures comprehensive and coordinated patient care
- Advocacy: Medical-surgical nurses advocate for their patients
- Protecting their rights
- Promoting their well-being
- Ethical Practice: Nurses must adhere to ethical principles and legal standards
- Maintaining patient confidentiality
- Obtaining informed consent
- Reporting suspected abuse or neglect
Common Medical Conditions
- Cardiovascular Disorders: Heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and arrhythmias are frequently encountered
- Nurses monitor cardiac function
- Administer medications
- Educate patients on lifestyle modifications
- Respiratory Disorders: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, asthma, and respiratory failure are common
- Nurses administer oxygen therapy
- Assist with breathing treatments
- Teach patients about pulmonary hygiene
- Endocrine Disorders: Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, and adrenal insufficiency are often managed
- Nurses monitor blood glucose levels
- Administer insulin or other medications
- Educate patients on diet and exercise
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver disease are frequently seen
- Nurses administer medications
- Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance
- Provide nutritional support
- Neurological Disorders: Stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and seizures are commonly encountered
- Nurses assess neurological function
- Administer medications
- Provide supportive care
- Renal Disorders: Acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and urinary tract infections are often managed
- Nurses monitor fluid and electrolyte balance
- Administer medications
- Educate patients on dietary restrictions
- Musculoskeletal Disorders: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures, and joint replacements are common
- Nurses administer pain medications
- Assist with mobility
- Educate patients on joint protection strategies
Preoperative Nursing Care
- Patient Education: Provide preoperative teaching to patients and families
- Explain the surgical procedure
- Discuss potential risks and benefits
- Outline the postoperative care plan
- Physical Preparation: Prepare the patient physically for surgery
- Ensuring they are NPO (nothing by mouth) for the required time
- Administering preoperative medications
- Assisting with hygiene
- Emotional Support: Provide emotional support to alleviate anxiety and fear
- Active listening
- Addressing concerns
Postoperative Nursing Care
- Pain Management: Assess and manage postoperative pain using various techniques
- Administering analgesics
- Utilizing non-pharmacological methods
- Monitoring pain levels
- Wound Care: Monitor the surgical site for signs of infection or complications
- Changing dressings
- Assessing wound healing
- Educating patients on wound care at home
- Respiratory Care: Prevent respiratory complications such as pneumonia and atelectasis
- Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises
- Using incentive spirometry
- Monitoring oxygen saturation
- Cardiovascular Care: Monitor cardiovascular function and prevent complications
- Assessing vital signs
- Monitoring fluid balance
- Preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Gastrointestinal Care: Manage postoperative nausea, vomiting, and constipation
- Administering antiemetics
- Encouraging early ambulation
- Monitoring bowel function
- Urinary Care: Monitor urinary output and prevent urinary retention or infection
- Assessing bladder distention
- Administering diuretics
- Monitoring urine characteristics
- Mobility: Promote early ambulation to prevent complications such as DVT and muscle weakness
- Assisting with range-of-motion exercises
- Encouraging progressive ambulation
- Nutrition: Ensure adequate nutrition to promote healing
- Providing a balanced diet
- Monitoring nutritional intake
- Providing nutritional supplements as needed
- Psychological Support: Provide psychological support to address emotional needs and promote recovery
- Addressing concerns
- Encouraging positive coping strategies
- Providing referrals to support services
Medication Administration
- Principles of Safe Medication Administration: Nurses must adhere to the "rights" of medication administration
- Right patient
- Right medication
- Right dose
- Right route
- Right time
- Right documentation
- Routes of Administration: Medications can be administered via various routes
- Oral
- Intravenous (IV)
- Intramuscular (IM)
- Subcutaneous
- Topical
- Medication Interactions: Be aware of potential drug interactions and contraindications
- Monitoring for Adverse Effects: Monitor patients for adverse effects of medications
- Allergic reactions
- Side effects
- Toxicities
Infection Control
- Standard Precautions: Use standard precautions with all patients
- Hand hygiene
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and gowns
- Safe handling of sharps
- Transmission-Based Precautions: Implement transmission-based precautions for patients with known or suspected infections
- Contact precautions
- Droplet precautions
- Airborne precautions
- Aseptic Technique: Use aseptic technique during procedures
- Inserting catheters
- Administering IV medications
- Preventing the spread of infection
Documentation
- Accurate and Timely Documentation: Document all patient care accurately and in a timely manner
- Assessment findings
- Interventions
- Patient responses
- Legal and Ethical Considerations: Documentation should adhere to legal and ethical guidelines
- Maintaining patient confidentiality
- Ensuring accuracy and objectivity
- Electronic Health Records (EHR): Electronic health records are commonly used
- Nurses must be proficient in using EHR systems
Common Nursing Diagnoses
- Impaired Gas Exchange: Related to altered oxygen supply or ventilation
- Monitor respiratory status
- Administer oxygen therapy
- Assist with breathing treatments
- Ineffective Airway Clearance: Related to excessive secretions or impaired cough
- Encourage coughing and deep breathing
- Provide suctioning
- Administer mucolytics
- Acute Pain: Related to tissue injury or inflammation
- Assess pain level
- Administer analgesics
- Implement non-pharmacological pain management techniques
- Risk for Infection: Related to invasive procedures or compromised immune system
- Monitor for signs of infection
- Practice strict asepsis
- Administer antibiotics as ordered
- Impaired Skin Integrity: Related to pressure, friction, or moisture
- Assess skin regularly
- Implement pressure-reducing measures
- Provide wound care
- Deficient Fluid Volume: Related to inadequate intake or excessive fluid loss
- Monitor fluid balance
- Administer IV fluids as ordered
- Encourage oral intake
- Activity Intolerance: Related to weakness or fatigue
- Assess activity tolerance
- Assist with activities of daily living
- Encourage progressive activity
- Anxiety: Related to illness, surgery, or hospitalization
- Provide emotional support
- Encourage expression of feelings
- Teach relaxation techniques
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Description
Explore core competencies in medical-surgical nursing. Learn about assessment, clinical decision-making, and technical skills. This is a specialized area of nursing focusing on the care of acutely ill adult patients.
