Nursing Tips

Lithium

Lithium

Cathy Parkes

Lithium is a mood stabilizer, used for Bipolar Disorder. Patients on lithium need adequate fluid and sodium intake! Diuretics, anticholinergics, NSAIDs are not recommended.

Lithium

Cathy Parkes

Lithium is a mood stabilizer, used for Bipolar Disorder. Patients on lithium need adequate fluid and sodium intake! Diuretics, anticholinergics, NSAIDs are not recommended.

MAOIS for Depression

MAOIS for Depression

Cathy Parkes

MAOIs are used to treat depression. Important points about MAOIs: They interact with MANY other medications. Eating foods rich in tyramine can cause a hypertensive crisis. Foods rich in tyramine include...

MAOIS for Depression

Cathy Parkes

MAOIs are used to treat depression. Important points about MAOIs: They interact with MANY other medications. Eating foods rich in tyramine can cause a hypertensive crisis. Foods rich in tyramine include...

Doxorubicin

Doxorubicin

Cathy Parkes

Doxorubicin is an antitumor antibiotic used to treat cancer. Think "ruby" RED. This medication can cause RED discoloration of sweat, urine, and tears.

Doxorubicin

Cathy Parkes

Doxorubicin is an antitumor antibiotic used to treat cancer. Think "ruby" RED. This medication can cause RED discoloration of sweat, urine, and tears.

Vitamin C and Iron

Vitamin C and Iron

Cathy Parkes

Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron. If your patient is taking an iron supplement, be sure they eat foods rich in Vitamin C! Examples: citrus fruit or juices, tomatoes,...

Vitamin C and Iron

Cathy Parkes

Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron. If your patient is taking an iron supplement, be sure they eat foods rich in Vitamin C! Examples: citrus fruit or juices, tomatoes,...

Leuprolide

Leuprolide

Cathy Parkes

Leuprolide is a medication used to treat prostate cancer. HINT: Dr. Lou lied to me about the side effects of this medication, which include: hot flashes, gynecomastia, decreased libido.

Leuprolide

Cathy Parkes

Leuprolide is a medication used to treat prostate cancer. HINT: Dr. Lou lied to me about the side effects of this medication, which include: hot flashes, gynecomastia, decreased libido.

Cholesterol Intake

Cholesterol Intake

Cathy Parkes

Cholesterol intake should be limited to 200-300 grams/day to prevent heart disease.

Cholesterol Intake

Cathy Parkes

Cholesterol intake should be limited to 200-300 grams/day to prevent heart disease.

Vincristine

Vincristine

Cathy Parkes

Vincristine is an antimitotic medication used to treat cancer. A key side effect with this medication is peripheral neuropathy. HINT: Vin = wine in French. If you drink too much...

Vincristine

Cathy Parkes

Vincristine is an antimitotic medication used to treat cancer. A key side effect with this medication is peripheral neuropathy. HINT: Vin = wine in French. If you drink too much...

B-Complex Vitamin Deficiencies

B-Complex Vitamin Deficiencies

Cathy Parkes

Important conditions caused by B-complex vitamin deficiencies: Deficiency of Thiamin (B1) = Beriberi Deficiency of Riboflavin (B2) = Cheilosis, Glossitis Deficiency of Folate (B9) = Neural tube defects (in utero)...

B-Complex Vitamin Deficiencies

Cathy Parkes

Important conditions caused by B-complex vitamin deficiencies: Deficiency of Thiamin (B1) = Beriberi Deficiency of Riboflavin (B2) = Cheilosis, Glossitis Deficiency of Folate (B9) = Neural tube defects (in utero)...

Phenazopyridine

Phenazopyridine

Cathy Parkes

Phenazopyridine is a urinary tract analgesic. It is used to treat the symptoms of a UTI (burning, pain, frequency, urgency). It is not an antibiotic! HINT: Pyro = Fire, and...

Phenazopyridine

Cathy Parkes

Phenazopyridine is a urinary tract analgesic. It is used to treat the symptoms of a UTI (burning, pain, frequency, urgency). It is not an antibiotic! HINT: Pyro = Fire, and...

Phosphorus and Calcium Nutrition

Phosphorus and Calcium Nutrition

Cathy Parkes

There is an INVERSE relationship between Phosphorus and Calcium. If calcium is high, phosphorus is low. If calcium is low, phosphorus is high.

Phosphorus and Calcium Nutrition

Cathy Parkes

There is an INVERSE relationship between Phosphorus and Calcium. If calcium is high, phosphorus is low. If calcium is low, phosphorus is high.

Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen

Cathy Parkes

Tamoxifen is a medication used to treat breast cancer. It works by competing with estrogen for binding sites in breasts. HINT: Tammy is a foxy lady with breast cancer.

Tamoxifen

Cathy Parkes

Tamoxifen is a medication used to treat breast cancer. It works by competing with estrogen for binding sites in breasts. HINT: Tammy is a foxy lady with breast cancer.

NPH- Intermediate-Acting Insulin

NPH- Intermediate-Acting Insulin

Cathy Parkes

NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin. Onset is 1-2 hours, peak is 4-12 hours, and duration is 18-24 hours. HINT: Neil Patrick Harris (NPH) is a hard-working actor of intermediate height....

NPH- Intermediate-Acting Insulin

Cathy Parkes

NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin. Onset is 1-2 hours, peak is 4-12 hours, and duration is 18-24 hours. HINT: Neil Patrick Harris (NPH) is a hard-working actor of intermediate height....

Unavailable Parenteral Nutrition

Unavailable Parenteral Nutrition

Cathy Parkes

If your patient's next parenteral nutrition (i.e. TPN) line is unavailable, administer 10-20% dextrose in water until it arrives!

Unavailable Parenteral Nutrition

Cathy Parkes

If your patient's next parenteral nutrition (i.e. TPN) line is unavailable, administer 10-20% dextrose in water until it arrives!

Acarbose

Acarbose

Cathy Parkes

Acarbose is an alpha glucosidase inhibitor used to treat type 2 Diabetes. It works by inhibiting glucose absorption in the GI tract. HINT: A = "NO" + CARBS. So "No...

Acarbose

Cathy Parkes

Acarbose is an alpha glucosidase inhibitor used to treat type 2 Diabetes. It works by inhibiting glucose absorption in the GI tract. HINT: A = "NO" + CARBS. So "No...

Dumping Syndrome Nutrition

Dumping Syndrome Nutrition

Cathy Parkes

Nutrition recommendations to prevent DUMPING syndrome: Consume small frequent meals. Do not drink liquids with meals. Include protein and fat at each meal. Avoid dairy products and concentrated sugar.

Dumping Syndrome Nutrition

Cathy Parkes

Nutrition recommendations to prevent DUMPING syndrome: Consume small frequent meals. Do not drink liquids with meals. Include protein and fat at each meal. Avoid dairy products and concentrated sugar.

Diverticulitis Nutrition

Diverticulitis Nutrition

Cathy Parkes

Patients with Diverticulitis should avoid seeds and husks. Avoid: popcorn, tomatoes, berries.

Diverticulitis Nutrition

Cathy Parkes

Patients with Diverticulitis should avoid seeds and husks. Avoid: popcorn, tomatoes, berries.

Propylthioruracil (PTU)

Propylthiouracil (PTU)

Cathy Parkes

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is used for Grave's disease (and in preparation for a thyroidectomy). HINT: PTU will Prevent Thyroid from being Up too high.

Propylthiouracil (PTU)

Cathy Parkes

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is used for Grave's disease (and in preparation for a thyroidectomy). HINT: PTU will Prevent Thyroid from being Up too high.

Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism

Cathy Parkes

Ethnocentrism: The belief that one's own culture is superior to all others. View world from their own cultural viewpoint. Nurses should NOT practice ethnocentrism.

Ethnocentrism

Cathy Parkes

Ethnocentrism: The belief that one's own culture is superior to all others. View world from their own cultural viewpoint. Nurses should NOT practice ethnocentrism.

Cholecystitis Nutrition

Cholecystitis Nutrition

Cathy Parkes

Patients with cholecystitis should consume a LOW FAT diet.

Cholecystitis Nutrition

Cathy Parkes

Patients with cholecystitis should consume a LOW FAT diet.

Valproic Acid

Valproic Acid

Cathy Parkes

Valproic acid is an antiepileptic drug. Key side effect is hepatotoxicity! Carefully monitor liver lab values (ex: AST, ALT).

Valproic Acid

Cathy Parkes

Valproic acid is an antiepileptic drug. Key side effect is hepatotoxicity! Carefully monitor liver lab values (ex: AST, ALT).

Interpreters

Interpreters

Cathy Parkes

Interpreters: Using a family member is NOT recommended. Interpreters need to have knowledge of health terminology.

Interpreters

Cathy Parkes

Interpreters: Using a family member is NOT recommended. Interpreters need to have knowledge of health terminology.

Potassium Ranges

Potassium Ranges

Cathy Parkes

Potassium (K) expected range: 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L HINT #1: There are ~3.1 miles in a 5K HINT #2: Bananas (high in Potassium!) come in bunches of 3-5.

Potassium Ranges

Cathy Parkes

Potassium (K) expected range: 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L HINT #1: There are ~3.1 miles in a 5K HINT #2: Bananas (high in Potassium!) come in bunches of 3-5.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease

Cathy Parkes

Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) should LIMIT intake of phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Cathy Parkes

Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) should LIMIT intake of phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.

Magnesium Ranges

Magnesium Ranges

Cathy Parkes

Magnesium (Mg) expected range: 1.3 - 2.1 mEq/L HINT: MGs are very small British cars - you can only fit 1-2 people in them.

Magnesium Ranges

Cathy Parkes

Magnesium (Mg) expected range: 1.3 - 2.1 mEq/L HINT: MGs are very small British cars - you can only fit 1-2 people in them.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia

Cathy Parkes

If your patient has hypoglycemia (blood glucose level under 70 mg/dL), provide a 10-20g carbohydrate. This could be a 4 oz juice or regular soda.

Hypoglycemia

Cathy Parkes

If your patient has hypoglycemia (blood glucose level under 70 mg/dL), provide a 10-20g carbohydrate. This could be a 4 oz juice or regular soda.

Hyperkolemia & Hypokolemia

Hyperkolemia & Hypokolemia

Cathy Parkes

The MOST important side effect to know for BOTH hyperkalemia and hypokalemia is DYSRHYTHMIAS.

Hyperkolemia & Hypokolemia

Cathy Parkes

The MOST important side effect to know for BOTH hyperkalemia and hypokalemia is DYSRHYTHMIAS.

Family Transitions

Family Transitions

Cathy Parkes

Examples of Transitions in families: birth of child, death in family, divorce, major illness, loss of income. Transitions = time of risk for family.

Family Transitions

Cathy Parkes

Examples of Transitions in families: birth of child, death in family, divorce, major illness, loss of income. Transitions = time of risk for family.

Chloride Range

Chloride: Expected Range

Cathy Parkes

Chloride (Cl) expected range: 98 - 106 mEq/L HINT: I like my hot tub chlorinated, with a temperature between 98-106 degrees.

Chloride: Expected Range

Cathy Parkes

Chloride (Cl) expected range: 98 - 106 mEq/L HINT: I like my hot tub chlorinated, with a temperature between 98-106 degrees.

Somogyi Phenomenon

Somogyi Phenomenon

Cathy Parkes

Somogyi phenomenon is MORNING hyperglycemia due to untreated OVERNIGHT hypoglycemia. To prevent Somogyi's phenomenon, provide a bedtime snack and insulin.

Somogyi Phenomenon

Cathy Parkes

Somogyi phenomenon is MORNING hyperglycemia due to untreated OVERNIGHT hypoglycemia. To prevent Somogyi's phenomenon, provide a bedtime snack and insulin.

Sucralfate

Sucralfate

Cathy Parkes

Sucralfate is a Mucosal Protectant used to treat duodenal ulcers. It reacts with stomach acid to form a thick paste that adheres to ulcers. HINT: Sucralfate gets sucked down into ulcers.

Sucralfate

Cathy Parkes

Sucralfate is a Mucosal Protectant used to treat duodenal ulcers. It reacts with stomach acid to form a thick paste that adheres to ulcers. HINT: Sucralfate gets sucked down into ulcers.

Hospice Care

Hospice Care

Cathy Parkes

Hospice care is focused on palliative care (i.e. symptom management), NOT on curing a disease.

Hospice Care

Cathy Parkes

Hospice care is focused on palliative care (i.e. symptom management), NOT on curing a disease.

Troponin

Troponin

Cathy Parkes

Troponin T and I are key cardiac enzymes that become elevated when there is damage to the heart.

Troponin

Cathy Parkes

Troponin T and I are key cardiac enzymes that become elevated when there is damage to the heart.

IBS Medications

IBS Medications

Cathy Parkes

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications: alosetron is used for IBS w/diarrhea.HINT: You might aloe on your backside from all that diarrhea.  Lubiprostone is used for IBS w/consipation. HINT: Use lubiprostone to "lube up...

IBS Medications

Cathy Parkes

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications: alosetron is used for IBS w/diarrhea.HINT: You might aloe on your backside from all that diarrhea.  Lubiprostone is used for IBS w/consipation. HINT: Use lubiprostone to "lube up...

Diabetes HgbA1C Levels

Diabetes HgbA1C Levels

Cathy Parkes

For patients with Diabetes, the goal is to keep their HgbA1C under 7!

Diabetes HgbA1C Levels

Cathy Parkes

For patients with Diabetes, the goal is to keep their HgbA1C under 7!

Types of Abuse

Types of Abuse

Cathy Parkes

Types of abuse: Physical abuse Sexual abuse Emotional abuse (ex: humiliation, intimidation) Neglect (ex: failure to provide shelter, medical care, education) Economic abuse (ex: misuse of money, theft)

Types of Abuse

Cathy Parkes

Types of abuse: Physical abuse Sexual abuse Emotional abuse (ex: humiliation, intimidation) Neglect (ex: failure to provide shelter, medical care, education) Economic abuse (ex: misuse of money, theft)

Z-Track Method

Z-Track Method

Cathy Parkes

When administering iron dextran via IM injection, use the Z-track method!

Z-Track Method

Cathy Parkes

When administering iron dextran via IM injection, use the Z-track method!

Types of Immunity

Types of Immunity

Cathy Parkes

Types of immunity: Active natural: Body produces antibodies in response to exposure to a live pathogen. Active artificial: Body produces antibodies in response to a vaccine.  Passive natural: Antibodies are passed from the...

1 comment

Types of Immunity

Cathy Parkes

Types of immunity: Active natural: Body produces antibodies in response to exposure to a live pathogen. Active artificial: Body produces antibodies in response to a vaccine.  Passive natural: Antibodies are passed from the...

1 comment
Warfarin

Warfarin

Cathy Parkes

Warfarin is an important oral anticoagulant. The mode of action of warfarin is the antagonize vitamin K, which prevents formation of several clotting factors. HINT: Warfarin declares WAR on vitamin...

Warfarin

Cathy Parkes

Warfarin is an important oral anticoagulant. The mode of action of warfarin is the antagonize vitamin K, which prevents formation of several clotting factors. HINT: Warfarin declares WAR on vitamin...

Stomatitis

Stomatitis

Cathy Parkes

Stomatitis is inflammation of the mouth/lips. It is a common side effect of chemotherapy. If your patient has stomatitis, provide the following teaching: Do not use alcohol based mouthwash! Use...

Stomatitis

Cathy Parkes

Stomatitis is inflammation of the mouth/lips. It is a common side effect of chemotherapy. If your patient has stomatitis, provide the following teaching: Do not use alcohol based mouthwash! Use...

BP Cuffs

BP Cuffs

Cathy Parkes

Blood pressure cuffs: If the cuff is too large, you will get a falsely low reading. If the cuff is too small, you will get a falsely high reading.

BP Cuffs

Cathy Parkes

Blood pressure cuffs: If the cuff is too large, you will get a falsely low reading. If the cuff is too small, you will get a falsely high reading.

Thrombolytic Meds

Thrombolytic Meds

Cathy Parkes

Thrombolytic meds include: alteplase, reteplase (many end in -plase). If you are trying to break up a clot, you have come to the right PLACE!

Thrombolytic Meds

Cathy Parkes

Thrombolytic meds include: alteplase, reteplase (many end in -plase). If you are trying to break up a clot, you have come to the right PLACE!

Gentamicin

Gentamicin

Cathy Parkes

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside used to treat SERIOUS bacterial infections. Gentamicin looks like "Gentle", but it is the OPPOSITE of gentle. Key side effects include ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Gentamicin

Cathy Parkes

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside used to treat SERIOUS bacterial infections. Gentamicin looks like "Gentle", but it is the OPPOSITE of gentle. Key side effects include ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Oxygen Safety

Oxygen Safety

Cathy Parkes

Oxygen safety: Use COTTON bedding and clothes (vs. synthetic fabrics or wool).

Oxygen Safety

Cathy Parkes

Oxygen safety: Use COTTON bedding and clothes (vs. synthetic fabrics or wool).

FIRE-RACE

FIRE-RACE

Cathy Parkes

Response to a FIRE: Use the RACE sequence. R = rescue (move patients to safer location). A = alarm (activate alarm system). C = contain (close doors/windows, turn off oxygen...

FIRE-RACE

Cathy Parkes

Response to a FIRE: Use the RACE sequence. R = rescue (move patients to safer location). A = alarm (activate alarm system). C = contain (close doors/windows, turn off oxygen...

Pioglitazone

Pioglitazone

Cathy Parkes

Pioglitazone is an oral antidiabetic medication. Key side effects include fluid retention and elevated LDL levels. HINT: Pioglitazone kind of looks like "pig zone", which can help you remember these...

Pioglitazone

Cathy Parkes

Pioglitazone is an oral antidiabetic medication. Key side effects include fluid retention and elevated LDL levels. HINT: Pioglitazone kind of looks like "pig zone", which can help you remember these...

Apical Pulse

Apical Pulse

Cathy Parkes

Apical pulse is taken at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line.

Apical Pulse

Cathy Parkes

Apical pulse is taken at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line.

ABCDE Principle

ABCDE Principle

Cathy Parkes

With the ABCDE principle in Nursing, A is for "airway". Ensure the patient has a patent airway AND the cervical spine is stabilized if neck/head trauma is suspected.

ABCDE Principle

Cathy Parkes

With the ABCDE principle in Nursing, A is for "airway". Ensure the patient has a patent airway AND the cervical spine is stabilized if neck/head trauma is suspected.

Rivaroxaban

Rivaroxaban

Cathy Parkes

Rivaroxaban is an anticoagulant. HINT: If you take Rivaroxaban, your blood will flow like a river. RivaroXaban works by inhibiting factor Xa in the coagulation cascade.

Rivaroxaban

Cathy Parkes

Rivaroxaban is an anticoagulant. HINT: If you take Rivaroxaban, your blood will flow like a river. RivaroXaban works by inhibiting factor Xa in the coagulation cascade.