Medical Surgical RN Flashcards

Informed Consent

• Utilize hospital language interpreters for obtaining informed consent from non-English speaking patients.

Medication Review

• Question the administration of Acetylsalicylic acid for gastric ulcer patients due to potential harm.

Lab Values in Pancreatitis

• Monitor lipase and amylase levels for patients with pancreatitis as they indicate the condition.

Postoperative Assessment

• Laryngeal stridor in parathyroidectomy patients signals an emergency requiring immediate attention.

HIPAA Violations

• Accessing a coworker’s chart without consent infringes on HIPAA regulations.

Cardiac Rhythms

• Sinus tachycardia characterized by elevated heart rate, while an abnormal rhythm indicates possible ventricular fibrillation.

Kidney Stones

• Patients should be informed appropriately about treatment options for kidney stones, considering size and potential intervention needs.

DNR Protocol

• Respect the wishes of terminally ill patients regarding Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders in the event of cardiac arrest.

Blood Gas Analysis

• Interpreting ABG results can indicate metabolic imbalances; pH levels and bicarbonate values must be assessed.

Catheter Insertion

• If discomfort occurs during urinary catheter insertion, aspirate, advance the catheter slightly, and re-inflate the balloon.

Crepitus Assessment

• Crepitus over the shoulder may suggest subcutaneous emphysema, indicating possible underlying issues.

Protonix Administration

• Use Protonix for GI prophylaxis rather than treating GERD in the absence of a history.

Pain Management

• Administer Narcan for opioid overdose signs, indicative by decreased respiratory rates and low oxygen saturation.

Postoperative Complications

• Pulmonary embolism is a risk for postoperative patients presenting with sudden chest pain and low oxygen saturation.

Diabetes Management

• Instruct patients with hypoglycemia to consume fast-acting carbohydrates such as orange juice.

Celiac Disease Diet

• Advise patients with celiac disease to avoid gluten-containing foods, including wheat bread.

Urine Collection Protocol

• Discard the initial urine sample to initiate a 24-hour urine collection for accurate results.

Cardiac Monitoring

• Continuous monitoring and correct lead placement are essential in determining rhythms and responding to alarms.

Myocardial Infarction Symptoms

• Women may experience atypical symptoms such as arm, neck, or jaw pain during a myocardial infarction.

Patient Education on Inhalers

• Proper use and maintenance of inhalers like Symbicort require patient education on dosing, priming, and cleaning.

Infection Control

• Implement stringent hand hygiene practices, particularly when dealing with infections like C. difficile.

Emergency Protocols

• Ensure rapid response intervention in acute cases of hypotension, bradycardia, or suspected thrombosis related to vascular access devices.

Ototoxicity Awareness

• Monitor for signs of ototoxicity related to medications like furosemide; use caution during administration to avoid rapid infusion rates.

Dietary Restrictions

• Patients taking anticoagulants like Warfarin should avoid foods high in vitamin K, such as spinach.

Response to Alarms

• First step when responding to cardiac monitor alarms should be checking patient status instead of initiating emergency codes.

Understanding Heart Failure

• Patients with left-sided heart failure often exhibit pulmonary edema as a significant clinical sign.

Blood Chemistry

• Immediate attention is needed for hypokalemia, particularly potassium levels at 2.5 mEq/L.

NG Tube Monitoring

• Anticipate NG tube placement and related care for postoperative patients with ongoing emesis or significant bowel complications.

Hydration and Rehydration Protocol

• Anticipate rehydration orders along with lab assessments and supportive care for patients presenting with severe dehydration.

Emergency Situations

• In cases of seizures, protect patients from harm and ensure safe surroundings; assess and monitor effectively.

Gastrointestinal Complications

• Dark tarry stools in patients indicate potential upper gastrointestinal bleeding requiring further diagnostic workup.

Medication Compliance

• Educate patients on proper ingestion and adherence to prescribed medications to manage chronic conditions effectively.

Vital Signs Assessment

• Continuous monitoring of vital signs is critical during the initial assessment and subsequent care of all patients.

Increased Intracranial Pressure Signs

• Early indicators of elevated intracranial pressure include changes in level of consciousness that warrant immediate evaluation.

Rapid Response Activation

• Recognize and activate rapid response protocols for patients displaying signs of potential serious complications, such as sudden changes in status after surgical procedures.