Nursing Tips

Rest is a productive activity.

A patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has some classic findings including fatigue, joint pain, fever, butterfly rash on the face, Raynaud's phenomenon, and a positive ANA titer.

Orthodox jewish individuals do not eat meat WITH dairy, pork products, or shellfish. A hamburger is OK, but not a cheeseburger!

Hydatiform mole is a type of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease. Key S&S include: "Prune juice" discharge; Hyperemesis (severe n/v); Elevated hCG levels

During auscultation of the vessels of the neck, use the bell of the stethoscope, and ask the patient to hold their breath while you listen.

Good way to remember anticholinergic side effects: Can't see, can't pee, can't spit, can't s**t.

If a child is born with Hypospadias or Epispadias (abnormal placement of the urethral meatus on the penis), circumcision should be delayed, as the foreskin may be needed for reconstructive surgery.

The motor function of Cranial Nerve VII (Facial) can be assessed by asking the patient to smile, frown, puff out their cheeks, and raise their eyebrows.

Mix up how you consume your content.

How to calculate a pregnant patient's due date: Add 9 months PLUS 1 week from the first day of their last menstrual period.

Phases of a helping (therapeutic) relationship with a patient include Orientation, Working, and Termination.

Between 18 and 32 weeks gestation, the fundal height = gestational age.

A patient with Addison's Disease (a form of adrenocortical insufficiency) will have increased potassium, calcium, and BUN, but decreased cortisol, sodium, and glucose. 

KEY points about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

Glipizide and glyburide are Sulfonylureas used to treat type 2 Diabetes.

HINT: Think of riding down a slide, as your blood sugar comes down with this medication. Key side effect = hypoglycemia.

Closed-ended questions (i.e., yes/no questions) should be avoided because they do not encourage the patient to elaborate on their feelings.

If there are three answers that have a lot in common, but one answer is unique, it may be the correct answer!

If the nurse should make an error while documenting on a written error, cross out the error with one line and add initials, date, and time. Do not use correction tape/fluid.

Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory) controls the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.

Don't let the test be the first time you're exposed to test material!

A patient with sodium disturbances may experience changes in their CNS.

A patient with a spinal cord injury is at risk for experiencing life-threatening hypertension known as autonomic dysreflexia. 

Family systems theory states that the family is an interdependent unit. Any change or stressor experienced by one family member affects the entire family.

Cramming the night before an exam? STOP!

The gag reflex is controlled by Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal) and X (Vagus). It can be assessed by briefly touching the posterior pharyngeal wall with a tongue blade.

For Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome a surgery in three stages is required: First the Norwood procedure, then the Glenn Shunt, and finally the Fontan procedure.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has 3 phases: Acute, Continuation, Maintenance. Patient is at greatest risk for suicide during the Acute phase of MDD.

Fundal assessment is part of the routine postpartum assessment. If the fundus is displaced laterally, have the patient empty their bladder!

An Occupational Therapist (OT) is a key member of the interprofessional team. They help patients regain their ability to perform their ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). Examples of ADLs: brushing teeth, getting dressed, using the bathroom.

If you see two answers that are the exact opposite of one another, it is likely that one of those is the correct answer.

Blood pressure may be taken in either arm except when the patient has an IV infusion running, or has had a mastectomy, PICC line, or AV fistula.

Educate patients taking proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, pantoprazole) to report watery diarrhea, as these medications can cause C. diff by decreasing stomach acid production.

As a patient ages, their thirst mechanism decreases. This puts the older adult at increased risk for dehydration.

Cranial Nerve III (Oculomotor), IV (Trochlear), and VI (Abducens) can be assessed using the corneal light reflex, the cover test, and/or the six cardinal positions of gaze.

To understand the cause of different fetal heart rate patterns, remember VEAL CHOP.

Variable decelerations -> Cord compression.

Early deceleration -> Head compression.

Accelerations -> OK.

Late decelerations -> Placental Insufficiency. 

Failure to Thrive (FTT) is indicated by a child's weight being less than the fifth percentile. Assess for both organic causes and parental bonding/care of the child.

A patient with a Central Venous Catheter (CVC) should have the dressing changed 24 hours after insertion and weekly thereafter (or per facility policy) using sterile technique.

When caring for a restrained patient, a new order is required every 24 hours.

Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAPs) may perform hygiene, bathing, CPR, patient ambulation, routine vital signs, and charting of I&Os. 

Some important nationally notifiable diseases include anthrax, botulism, chlamydia, gonorrhea, Lyme disease, meningococcal disease, pertussis, syphilis, and tuberculosis.

An ethics committee is an interdisciplinary team that may be used to provide guidance in the face of an ethical dilemma. 

Vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy, and it causes swollen/bleeding gums, tooth loss, and poor wound healing. 

An occupational health nurse provides screening, surveillance, and education to prevent workplace illness and injury.

The oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI) is marked by urine output less than 400 mL/day. In the diuresis phase of AKI, urine output can reach 4 - 5 L/day.

After a tonic-clonic seizure, a patient enters the "postictal phase," and may exhibit confusion, sleepiness, or agitation.

If a patient is on seizure precautions, pad the bed side rails, and ensure oxygen, suction, and vital signs equipment is in the patient's room.

Key nursing interventions for Alzheimer's Disease: Provide frequent reorientation, consistency with caretakers; Keep communication short, simple, and clear.