Podcast
Questions and Answers
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted for an elective hip replacement. Which preoperative teaching intervention is most important to prevent postoperative respiratory complications?
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted for an elective hip replacement. Which preoperative teaching intervention is most important to prevent postoperative respiratory complications?
- Explaining the importance of remaining in bed for the first 48 hours after surgery.
- Instructing the patient on proper use of incentive spirometry. (correct)
- Demonstrating range-of-motion exercises for the affected hip.
- Educating the patient about pain management using only opioid medications.
A nurse is caring for a patient who is 2 days post-operative following abdominal surgery. The patient reports increased pain, redness, and purulent drainage from the surgical site. What is the priority nursing intervention?
A nurse is caring for a patient who is 2 days post-operative following abdominal surgery. The patient reports increased pain, redness, and purulent drainage from the surgical site. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- Apply a clean, dry dressing and schedule a wound care consult for the next day.
- Document the findings and continue to monitor the surgical site.
- Notify the healthcare provider of potential signs of infection. (correct)
- Administer the prescribed pain medication and reassess in one hour.
A patient with heart failure is receiving intravenous (IV) fluids at a rate of 125 mL/hr. Which assessment finding would indicate the greatest need to slow the infusion rate?
A patient with heart failure is receiving intravenous (IV) fluids at a rate of 125 mL/hr. Which assessment finding would indicate the greatest need to slow the infusion rate?
- A blood pressure reading of 110/70 mm Hg.
- Crackles auscultated in the lung bases. (correct)
- Complaints of pain at the IV insertion site.
- A urine output of 50 mL in the past 2 hours.
A nurse is caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube. Before administering medication through the NG tube, what is the most important action to take?
A nurse is caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube. Before administering medication through the NG tube, what is the most important action to take?
A patient is prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) for atrial fibrillation. Which statement indicates the patient understands the medication teaching?
A patient is prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) for atrial fibrillation. Which statement indicates the patient understands the medication teaching?
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative and has a prescription for morphine for pain management. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative and has a prescription for morphine for pain management. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A patient with a history of diabetes mellitus is admitted with a foot ulcer. Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor to assess glycemic control over the past few months?
A patient with a history of diabetes mellitus is admitted with a foot ulcer. Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor to assess glycemic control over the past few months?
A nurse is developing a plan of care for a patient at risk for falls. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to include in the plan?
A nurse is developing a plan of care for a patient at risk for falls. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to include in the plan?
A patient is scheduled for surgery. Prior to obtaining informed consent, what is the nurse's responsibility?
A patient is scheduled for surgery. Prior to obtaining informed consent, what is the nurse's responsibility?
Which nursing intervention is the most effective in preventing the spread of infection in a hospital setting?
Which nursing intervention is the most effective in preventing the spread of infection in a hospital setting?
Flashcards
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Medical-Surgical Nursing
A field focused on the care of adult patients with various medical conditions or those recovering from surgery.
Patient-Centered Care
Patient-Centered Care
Focusing on individual patient needs and preferences in care delivery.
Assessment Skills
Assessment Skills
Gathering patient history, physical exams, diagnostic test interpretation, vital signs monitoring, and pain assessment.
Preoperative Nursing Care
Preoperative Nursing Care
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Postoperative Nursing Care
Postoperative Nursing Care
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Medication Administration
Medication Administration
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Wound Care
Wound Care
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Pain Management
Pain Management
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Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
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Patient Education
Patient Education
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Study Notes
- Medical-surgical nursing refers to a specialized field focusing on the care of adult patients with a wide array of medical conditions or those recovering from surgical procedures
- It necessitates a broad knowledge and adept assessment capabilities
Core Concepts
- Patient-centered care emphasizes individual needs and preferences
- Safety requires vigilant monitoring and preventive actions
- Effective communication is crucial among healthcare teams, patients, and families
- Evidence-based practices inform clinical decisions
Assessment Skills
- A comprehensive patient history includes past conditions, medications, and allergies
- Physical examinations should focus on systems related to the patient's problems
- Interpretation of blood work, biopsies, and imaging is essential
- Constant observation of vital signs and patient conditions is critical
- Pain evaluations use standardized scales
Common Medical Conditions
- Cardiovascular disorders include heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension
- Respiratory diseases include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and asthma
- Endocrine disorders include diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders
- Gastrointestinal disorders include peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and cirrhosis
- Neurological disorders include strokes, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis
- Renal disorders include acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease
- Musculoskeletal disorders include arthritis, fractures, and osteoporosis
Preoperative Nursing Care
- Patient education details the surgical procedure, outcomes, and complications
- Preoperative assessments cover medical history, allergies, and medication reconciliation
- Informed consent has to be secured
- Bowel and skin preparation are performed as required
- Psychological support is offered to decrease anxiety and fear
Postoperative Nursing Care
- Vital signs, consciousness, and pain require regular monitoring
- Surgical sites must be managed and wounds assessed
- Preventative actions are taken against infection, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pneumonia
- Early ambulation is encouraged to improve circulation and respiratory function
- Pain is managed with pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods
- Patients are educated on medication, restrictions, and follow-up appointments
Medication Administration
- Awareness of drug classifications, mechanisms, and side effects is important
- Accurate dosage calculations are vital
- Medications are given through oral, IV, subcutaneous, and intramuscular routes
- Monitoring adverse reactions and interactions is critical
- Patients are educated on medication purpose, dosage, and effects
Wound Care
- Assessment involves wound size, depth, and drainage
- Cleansing requires appropriate solutions
- Dressings selections depend on wound type and location
- Infections are monitored by observing pain, redness, swelling, and drainage
- Patients and caregivers learn proper wound care
Pain Management
- Assessment is conducted via standardized pain scales
- Pharmacological interventions include analgesics (opioids, non-opioids, adjuvants)
- Non-pharmacological interventions include heat/cold, massage, and relaxation.
- Medication side effects require monitoring
- Patients learn pain management strategies
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
- Monitoring includes fluid intake and output
- Assessments watch for dehydration or fluid overload
- Electrolyte levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are monitored
- IV fluids and electrolytes are administered as needed
- Patients learn to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance
Respiratory Care
- Respiratory status is assessed through breath sounds, rate, and oxygen saturation
- Oxygen therapy is given via various devices
- Breathing exercises and coughing are promoted
- Respiratory distress needs monitoring
- Management includes artificial airways such as endotracheal tubes and tracheostomies
Cardiovascular Care
- Monitoring focuses on blood pressure, heart rate, and electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Assessments check for heart failure, edema, dyspnea, and fatigue
- Cardiovascular medications are administered as needed
- Patients receive education on heart-healthy lifestyle changes
- Management includes patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)
Neurological Care
- Assessments include consciousness, motor, and sensory functions
- Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) requires monitoring
- Neurological medications are administered as needed
- Supportive care is given for seizures, stroke, and other neurological disorders
- Neurological assessments use tools like the Glasgow Coma Scale
Ethical Considerations
- Patient confidentiality must always be maintained
- Patient autonomy and decision-making should be respected
- Patient rights should be promoted
- Healthcare teams should address ethical dilemmas together
- Culturally sensitive care is important
Safety Measures
- Fall prevention strategies should be in place
- Infection control includes hand hygiene and isolation protocols
- Medication safety practices are essential
- Proper use of equipment and technology is vital
- Emergency preparedness is a must
Patient Education
- Assessing learning needs and readiness is the first step
- Clear and concise instructions must be given
- Teaching methods should accommodate different learning styles
- The effectiveness of education should be evaluated
- Family member involvement is useful
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