Podcast
Questions and Answers
A patient with a history of heart failure is admitted with shortness of breath and edema. Which nursing intervention is most important for the medical-surgical nurse to perform first?
A patient with a history of heart failure is admitted with shortness of breath and edema. Which nursing intervention is most important for the medical-surgical nurse to perform first?
- Administering prescribed diuretics.
- Checking the patient's potassium level to assess for hypokalemia due to diuretic use.
- Elevating the patient's legs to reduce edema.
- Auscultating lung sounds to assess for pulmonary congestion. (correct)
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being discharged home. Which of the following instructions is most important for the nurse to emphasize to promote optimal respiratory function?
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being discharged home. Which of the following instructions is most important for the nurse to emphasize to promote optimal respiratory function?
- Avoiding crowds during flu season to prevent infection.
- Maintaining a regular exercise routine, including pulmonary rehabilitation. (correct)
- Using oxygen therapy only when experiencing acute shortness of breath.
- Adhering to a low-sodium diet to prevent fluid retention.
A client post-operative from a bowel resection suddenly develops a fever, abdominal distension, and absent bowel sounds. What is the priority nursing intervention?
A client post-operative from a bowel resection suddenly develops a fever, abdominal distension, and absent bowel sounds. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- Notifying the surgeon of the client's signs and symptoms. (correct)
- Administering a PRN antiemetic to relieve nausea.
- Repositioning the client to a high-Fowler's position.
- Encouraging the client to ambulate in the hallway.
A nurse is caring for a client receiving continuous tube feedings. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention to prevent aspiration?
A nurse is caring for a client receiving continuous tube feedings. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention to prevent aspiration?
A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted with hyperglycemia and suspected diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Besides administering insulin, which intervention is most critical for the nurse to implement?
A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted with hyperglycemia and suspected diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Besides administering insulin, which intervention is most critical for the nurse to implement?
A patient is scheduled for a colonoscopy. What information should the nurse emphasize when providing pre-procedure education?
A patient is scheduled for a colonoscopy. What information should the nurse emphasize when providing pre-procedure education?
A patient with a wound infection is prescribed intravenous antibiotics. Which nursing intervention is most important when administering the antibiotic?
A patient with a wound infection is prescribed intravenous antibiotics. Which nursing intervention is most important when administering the antibiotic?
A nurse is caring for a patient who is refusing a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?
A nurse is caring for a patient who is refusing a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?
A patient with a central venous catheter (CVC) suddenly develops a fever, chills, and redness at the insertion site. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
A patient with a central venous catheter (CVC) suddenly develops a fever, chills, and redness at the insertion site. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient with a new colostomy. Which statement indicates the patient understands the teaching?
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient with a new colostomy. Which statement indicates the patient understands the teaching?
Flashcards
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Medical-Surgical Nursing
A specialized area of nursing focused on the care of adult patients who are acutely ill with a variety of medical conditions or are recovering from surgery.
Comprehensive Assessment
Comprehensive Assessment
Gathering information about a patient's physical, psychological, and social status.
Individualized Nursing Care Plan
Individualized Nursing Care Plan
A detailed plan tailored to the unique needs of each patient, based on thorough assessment data.
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
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Effective Communication Skills
Effective Communication Skills
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Medication Administration Skills
Medication Administration Skills
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Wound Care Skills
Wound Care Skills
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Time Management
Time Management
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Patient Confidentiality
Patient Confidentiality
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Informed Consent
Informed Consent
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Study Notes
- Medical-surgical nursing is a specialized nursing area focused on adult patients who are acutely ill with various medical conditions or recovering from surgery.
- These nurses have a broad knowledge and advanced skills to address the complex and changing patient needs.
Core Responsibilities
- Performing comprehensive assessments to gather data about a patient’s physical, psychological, and social status.
- Analyzing assessment data to identify patient problems or potential problems.
- Developing and implementing individualized nursing care plans based on assessed needs.
- Safely administering medications and monitoring therapeutic and adverse reactions.
- Performing wound care, including dressing changes and assessment.
- Managing intravenous infusions, including monitoring infusion rates and insertion sites.
- Inserting and maintaining nasogastric tubes, urinary catheters, and other medical devices.
- Monitoring vital signs and other physiological parameters to detect changes in patient condition.
- Collaborating with physicians, other healthcare professionals, and the patient’s family to coordinate care.
- Educating patients and their families about medical conditions, treatment plans, and self-care.
- Providing emotional support to patients and their families.
- Maintaining accurate and complete documentation of patient care.
- Responding to medical emergencies and initiating appropriate interventions.
Common Medical Conditions
- Cardiovascular diseases (e.g., heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke)
- Respiratory diseases (e.g., pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma)
- Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis)
- Endocrine disorders (e.g., diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders)
- Renal diseases (e.g., acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease)
- Neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease)
- Oncological conditions (e.g., lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer)
- Infectious diseases (e.g., sepsis, HIV/AIDS, influenza)
Common Surgical Procedures
- General surgery (e.g., appendectomy, cholecystectomy, hernia repair)
- Orthopedic surgery (e.g., hip replacement, knee replacement, fracture repair)
- Cardiovascular surgery (e.g., coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacement)
- Neurological surgery (e.g., craniotomy, laminectomy)
- Urological surgery (e.g., prostatectomy, nephrectomy)
- Gynecological surgery (e.g., hysterectomy, oophorectomy)
Essential Skills and Competencies
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills analyze complex patient situations and make informed decisions.
- Strong assessment skills gather and accurately interpret patient data.
- Effective communication skills enable interaction with healthcare team members, families, and patients.
- Medication administration skills ensure safe and accurate medication delivery.
- Wound care skills promote healing and prevent infection.
- Technical skills enable operating medical equipment and performing procedures.
- Time management and organizational skills prioritize tasks and manage multiple patients.
- The ability to work effectively under pressure and in stressful situations.
- Knowledge of infection control practices prevents the spread of infection.
- Understanding ethical and legal principles related to nursing practice.
Areas of Specialization
- Cardiovascular nursing focuses on caring for patients with heart conditions.
- Oncology nursing specializes in caring for patients with cancer.
- Palliative care nursing provides comfort and support to patients with serious illnesses.
- Geriatric nursing focuses on caring for older adults.
- Critical care nursing provides intensive care to critically ill patients.
- Perioperative nursing focuses on care before, during, and after surgery.
Patient Education
- Medication teaching includes dosage, frequency, route, side effects, and interactions.
- Disease management includes pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and choices for treatment.
- Post-operative care includes wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions.
- Health promotion includes nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation.
- Rehabilitation includes physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Ethical Considerations
- Maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy.
- Obtaining informed consent for treatment.
- Respecting patient autonomy and decision-making rights.
- Advocating for patients’ best interests.
- Providing culturally sensitive care.
- Addressing ethical dilemmas thoughtfully and ethically.
Scope of Practice
- Medical-surgical nurses provide direct patient care, administer medications, monitor vital signs, and educate patients and families about health conditions and treatment plans.
- They also collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- State laws, regulations, institutional policies, and procedures define the scope of practice.
- Nurses must practice within their scope and seek guidance from experienced colleagues or supervisors in unfamiliar situations.
Professional Development
- Continuing education courses and workshops enhance knowledge and skills.
- Certification programs demonstrate expertise in medical-surgical nursing.
- Professional organizations, such as the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN), offer resources, networking, and continuing education.
- Mentorship programs provide guidance and support to new nurses.
- Participation in research studies advances nursing knowledge and improves patient care.
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