Med Surge Flashcards
What lab finding do you expect in the initial 24 hours of a burn client?
- HCT & HGB elevated due to loss of fluid volume
- Na decreased due to third spacing
- K increased due to cell destruction
- Blood glucose increased due to stress
- WBC increase
- ABG metabolic acidosis
What lab findings do you expect within 48-72 hrs of a burn client?
- Hgb & Hct decreased due to fluid shift
- Na decreased due to renal loss
- K decreased due to renal loss movement back to into cells
- WBC decreased
Pt exhibit ventricular fibrillation what is the priority nursing intervention?
Defibrillation followed by CPR
Why is an arterial line insertion used?
Needed for continuous blood pressure monitoring and access to withdraw ABG sample and CBC.
What is a pulmonary artery catheter insertion is used for?
Inserted to measure cerebrovascular pressure, pulmonary artery pressure and CO. Used for the management of fluids and inotropic medications
What is the diagnostic procedure best to asses for ECG changes associated with MI and dysrhythmias?
ECG
What is the diagnostic procedure best used for cardiomegaly, cardiomyopathy, evaluation of cardiac contractility and function, PE, and pleural effusion?
Echocardiogram
What is the diagnostic procedure to diagnose cardiomegaly, pneumothorax, and evaluation of the lungs?
CT scan
Injection of photosensitizing agent that is absorbed by all the cells in the body, one to three days later when the agent remains in only the cancer cells, tumor is exposed to a specific wavelength of the light via an endoscope.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Patient using PDT, client educaiton
- Instruct client to avoid sun exposure for 6 weeks
- Instruct the client to consume a liquid diet for several days until pain subside
Delivery of synchronized, direct countershock to heart; elective treatment for atrial dysrhythmias supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia with pulse
Cardioversion
Delivery of unsynchronized, direct countershock to the heart. stops all electrical activity in the heart allowing the SA node to take over and re-establish a perfusing rhythm; tx for ventricular fibrilation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia
Defibrillation
Pre procedure for client prior to cardioversion
Anticoagulation therapy to prevent dislodgment of thrombi in blood stream
What is the priority nursing intervention for client receiving cardioversion
Obtain consent
What should the nurse do before cardioversion takes place?
Administer sedation as prescribed before cardioversion
Nursing procedure for cardioversion
- Administer sedation
- Administer prescribed antidysrhythmic -medication
- Monitor the client in a lead that provides upright QRS wavelength
- Perform CPR for cardiac asystole or pulsless rhythm
- Monitor client for PE pr systemic emboli following cardioverison
Client education after cardioversion
Teach client and family how to assess pulse
Advise client to report palpitations or irregular heart beat
Client diagnosed with osteoporosis, client teaching on estrogen (Premarin).
Caution to clients with DVT, and encourage self breast exams
Client teaching on Raloxifene hydrochloride (Evista)
Monitor liver function tests
Client teaching on Calcium carbonate supplement
Give with food.
Monitor kidney stones
Client teaching on Alenodrate sodium (Fosamax), Ibandronate sodium (Boniva), Risedronate (Actonel)
Take with 6-8 oz of water early in am before eating
Remain upright for 30 min
Client teaching Vit D supplements
Watch for S&S of toxicity: nausea, constipation, kidney stone
Client education on Calcitonin
Can be taken IM/SC or nasally
Pt teaching with osteoporosis
- Exposure to vit D (sunlight, fortified milk)
- Encourage weight bearing exercise to improve strength
- Reinforce use of safety measures and assistant device
- Adequate amounts of protein, Mg, K and trace minerals
What are the clinical manifestations of a client with L-sided heart failure?
Dyspnea, othopnea, fatigue, S3 gallop, hypertrophy, pulmonary congestion,( dypnea, cough, bibsalar crackles), frothy sputum(blood tinged), altered mental status, oliguria
Client teaching about topical coritcoidsteroids to a client with contact dermatitis?
Topical corticosteroids triamcinolone acetonide apply but avoid face, folds, and take periodic medication vacations.
Pt teaching on coal tar
- May stain skin and hair
- May stimulate growth of skin cancer
- Apply at night with gloves
What is medication for a client with contact dermatitis is contraindicated for pregnant client?
Tazarotene (Tazorac) caused birth defects
Methotrexate (Mexate)
What to monitor for client taking Methotrexate (Mexate)?
Monitor for fever, sore throat, bleeding, bruising, and fatigue.
Pt exhibits, vomiting, diarrhea, and is having a tap water enema is at risk for.
Hyponatremia
What are the clinical manifestations for a client with hyponatremia?
Hypothermia, tachycardia, rapid thready pulse, hypotension, head ache, confusion, lethargy, muscle weakness and fatigue
Pt with increased gastric motility. hyperactive bowel sounds, and abdominal cramping is at risk for.
Hyponatremia
Client with mOsm of less than 270 mOsm/L
Hyponatremia
Client with CHF and is hyponatremic what would you administer?
Loop diuretics
Ace inhibitors
A pt that has acute hyponatremia, what would the nurse administer?
- Administer hypertonic oral and IV fluids
- Administer 3% NaCl slowly and monitor Na
What would you recommend a pt with hyponatremia in their diet?
Cheese, milk, and condiments
How do you restore normal ECF fluid volume?
- Administer isotonic IV (0.9% NaCl)
- Administer lactated Ringers
What should you tell patient to report to provider who is hyponatremic?
Encourage client to report weight gain of 1-2 lbs in 24 hrs
What to monitor for pt who is hyponatremic
Monitor I&O and weight daily
What are the expected findings for a pt with an eye disorder?
Frequent headaches, eye strain, Blurred vision, poor judgement of depth, diplopia
The tendency to close or favor one eye and poor hand eye coordination may be objective findings for what type of patient?
A patient with an eye disorder
What is the nursing intervention for a client with an eye disorder?
Increase amount of light in the room
What do you provide for a client with an eye disorder?
Magnifying lens and large print books and newspapers
Client education for a patient with eye disorder?
Wear protective sunglasses to protect the eyes
Client education for a patient with eye disorder?
Wash hands before and after eye medication
What foods do you want patient with eye disorder to incorporate in their diet?
Foods rich in antioxidants , such as green leafy vegetables
Client teaching to older clients to prevent eye disorders
Clients 40 years or older should have annual eye checks ups and measurements of IOP
To prevent injury for a client with eye disorder
Arrange the home to remove hazard, such as throw rugs
A pressure monitoring system comprised of catheter with infusion system, a transducer, and a monitor is used to display hemodynamic information.
Arterial Line
What are the components of a hemodynamic monitoring system?
- Pressure transducer
- Pressure tubing
- Monitor
- Pressure bag and flush device
Arterial lines are not used for
intravenous fluid infusion
Where are arterial lines placed?
Radial (most common), brachial, femoral artery
What should be assessed to verify the integrity of arterial waveform?
Blood Pressure readings
How do you monitor the circulation of limbs with arterial line?
Capillary refills, temperature, and color of the limbs
Permit of withdrawal of blood samples can be done through what?
Arterial line
Client presents with tachycardia, bounding pulse, hypertension, tachypnea, increased CVP is in what state?
Client is hypervolemic
Clinical manifestations of hypervolemia
Dyspnea, orthopnea, crackles, diminished breath sounds, edematus, and distended neck veins
Critical lab finding for pt with Hypervolemia
- Hct decreased
- Osmolarity decreased
- Na WNL
A client who is respiratory alkalosis and chest xray reveals possible pulmonary congestion
Pt is at risk for hypervolemia
Causes of hypervolemia
- Chronic stimulus to the kidney to conserver sodium and water
- CHF, cirrhosis, increased glucocorticoids
Nursing implementations for a client who is hypervolemic?
Check ABGs, SaO2, and chest x ray
What position should a pt with hypervolemia be placed in
semi Fowler’s position
What do you want to monitor for a patient with hypervolemia?
Daily weight
I&O
What would you administer for a client with hypervolemia?
-Administer diuretics (osmotic, loop) as prescribed.
A client with hypervolemia should limit
fluid and sodium
What lung sounds would you expect for a client with hypervolemia?
crackles
What do you monitor and document for a pt with hypervolemia?
Presence of edema (pretibial, sacral, periorbital)
Client education for a patient with hypervolemia
-Encourage client to weigh themselves daily,and notify PC if 1 to 2 lb gain in 24 hrs
What diet should a patient with hypervolemia have?
-consume a low sodium diet, read food labels to check for sodium contents
What are the client outcomes for a patient with hypervolemia?
- Client will maintain adequate oxygen level
- Client will be free for anxiety
- Client will be compliant with fluid restriction intake
- Client will consume a low sodium diet
What are the causes for hypovolemia?
-Abnormal GI losses (vomiting, nasogastric sunctioning, diarrhea,) diaphoresis, diuretic therapy, DI, renal disease, adrenal insufficiency
Pt is hyperthermic, tachycardia, thready pulse, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, decreased CVP is in what state?
Hypovolemic
Pt is dizzy, syncope, confused, and weak, and fatigued, what is the priority nursing intervention?
Administer supplemental oxygen
Pt exhibits increased osm greater than 300 mOsm/L, increased protein, BUN, electrolytes, and glucose. This patient is in what state?
Hypovolemic shock
What fluid replacements would you administer for a patient with hypovelmia?
- Colloids (whole blood, packed RBCs, plasma, synthetic plasma expanders)
- Crystalloids (Ringer’s lactate, normal saline)
What vasconstrictors would you administer to a pt with hypovolemia?
dopamine (Intropin)
norepinephrine (Levophed)
A patient with respiratory acidosis nursing priority intervention.
Oxygen therapy
A patient with respiratory alkalosis nursing priority intervention.
Oxygen therapy
A patient with metabolic acidosis and has DKA nursing priority intervention.
Administer insulin
A patient with metabolic acidosis and has GI disruption what is nursing priority intervention?
Administer antidiarrheal and provide rehydration
A patient with metabolic alkalosis and has GI loses what is nursing priority intervention?
Administer antiemetics and electrolyte replacements
Respiratory acidosis nursing care:
- Oxygen therapy
- Maintain patent airway
- Positioning (enhance gas exchange)
- Breathing techniques
- Ventilatory support
- Bronchodilators
- Mucolytics
Respiratory alkalosis nursing care:
- Oxygen therapy
- anxiety reduction
- rebreathing techniques
Pt exhibits tachycardia, tachypnea, shallow, rapid breathing, pale and is cyanotic is experiencing what acid base imbalance?
Respiratory Acidosis
Pt exhibits tachypnea, anxiety, tetany, tingling, and numbness has rapid deep respirations is experiencing what acid base imbalance?
Respiratory Alkalosis
What clinical manifestations does a client with metabolic acidosis exhibit?
Bradycardia, weak peripheral pulses, hypotension, tachypnea, muscle weakness, flaccid paralysis, fatigue, confusion, Kussmaul respirations.
A client with depressed skeletal muscles resulting in ineffective breathing is in what acid base imbalance state?
Metabolic alkalosis
pH 7.30 PaCO2 50 HCO3 24
Respiratory acidosis
pH 7.47 PaCO2 37 HCO3 21
Metabolic alkalosis
A patient with acid base imbalance is at risk for convulsion, coma, respiratory arrest. What is the priority nursing intervention?
Implement seizure precautions and perform management interventions in necessary .
Clinical manifestations for a client with hyponatremia
headache, tachycardia, confusion, muscle weakness, fatigue, decreased deep tendon reflexes, seizures
What should the nurse administer for a patient with hypernateremia?
hypotonic IV fluids (0.45 NaCl) isotonic IV (0.9% NaCl)
Client education for a client with hypernatremia?
Encourage water intake and discourage sodium intake
Monitor the client’s level of consciousness and ensure safety.
Seizure Precautions
What nursing intervention can decrease thirst?
Provide oral hygiene
What to report to PCP for a client with hypernatremia?
Inadequate renal output less than 30 ml/hr
For a client with acute hypernatremia complications include seizures, convulsions if not treated immediately. What is the priority nursing intervention?
Maintain open airway and monitor clients vital signs
What does the volume (low pressure) alarm indicate in a ventilator?
Low exhale volume due to disconnection, cuff leak, and or tube displacement.
What does pressure (High pressure) alarms indicate in a ventilator?
Excess secretion, client biting the tubing, kinks in the tubing, client coughing, pulmonary edema, bronchospasms, and pneumothorax
What does apnea alarms indicated in a ventilator?
Ventilator does not detect spontaneous respiration in preset time.
What pressure should the cuff pressure be kept to reduce the risk of tracheal necrosis?
20 mm Hg
A client speaking, air hissing, or decreasing Sa O2 may indicate what?
Air leak around the cuff. Inadequate cuff pressure can result in inadequate oxygenation and or accidental extubation.
Clients receiving mechanical ventilation may require sedation or paralytic agents to prevent competition between extrinsic and intrinsic breathing. What are types of sedatives to use?
propofol( Diprivan), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), midazolam (versed_ and haloperidol (Haldol)
How often do you reposition the oral endotracheal tube?
Q24H
How do you assess for adequate nutrition for mechanically ventilated patients?
- Bowel movement q8h
- Monitor bowel habits
- Administer enteral or parental feedings as RX
A client with RR greater than 30, BP changes more than 20% baseline, and SaO2 less than 90%, elevated ST segments, shows signs of what?
Weaning intolerance
Following extubation what should you monitor the client for?
Respiratory distress, airway obstruction such as ineffective cough. dyspnea, and stridor
Older clients have decreased respiratory muscle strength and chest wall compliance which make them susceptible to what.
Aspiration, atelectasis, and pulmonary infection
A client who is on a mechanical ventilator has a risk of increased thoracic pressure which results in what?
Increased Positive Pressure
Monitor for tachycardia, hypotension, urine output less than or equal to 30 ml/hr, cool clammy extremities, decreased peripheral pulses and decreased LOC illustrates:
Hemodynamic compromise
How do you decrease risk of aspiration?
Elevated HOB 30-45 degrees
What are medications used to prevent ulcers in mechanically ventilated patients?
sucrafalate
Histamine 2 blockers
What is the flow rates of T-pieces?
10L/min
What device can be used for clients who have tracheostomies, laryngectomies, or ET?
T-piece
What is the disadvantages of T-pieces?
High humidifications require frequent monitoring
What is the priority nursing interventions for a T-piece?
- Ensure that exhalation port is open and uncovered
- Make sure that the T piece does not pull on the tracheostomy or ET tube
- Ensure that the mist is evident during inspiration and expiration.
What are the signs and symptoms of hypoxemia?
SOB, anxiety, tachypnea, tachycardia, restlessness, pallor, cyanosis of the skin, or mucous membranes, adventitious breathe sounds, confusion
Client exhibits tachypnea, tachycardia, restlessness, pale skin, elevated BP, adventious lung sounds which is representative of early or late findings of hypoxemia?
Early findings
What are late findings of hypoxemia in a client?
Confusion and stupor, cyanotic skin and mucous membranes, bradypnea, bradycardia, hypotension, and cardiac dysrhythmias
What position should the client be to facilitate breathing and promotion of chest expansion?
semi-fowler’s position or fowler’s position
What are the S&S of hypercarbia?
Restlessness, hypertension, and headache
Which symptoms of respiratory depression should be notified to the PCP?
Decreased RR and Decreased LOC
What are the clinical manifestations for a pt experiencing oxygen toxicity?
Nonproductive cough, substernal pain, nasal stuffiness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, sore throat, and hypoventilation
What is the nursing priority with a pt exhibiting oxygen toxicity.
Use the lowest level of oxygen necessary to maintain and adequate SaO2.
What are the signs and symptoms of hypoxemia?
SOB, anxiety, tachypnea, tachycardia, restlessness, pallor, cyanosis of the skin, or mucous membranes, adventitious breathe sounds, confusion
Client exhibits tachypnea, tachycardia, restlessness, pale skin, elevated BP, adventious lung sounds which is representative of early or late findings of hypoxemia?
Early findings
Nursing actions for a client using oxygen therapy
- Signs to alert others of a fire hazard
- Know where the closest fire extinguisher is located
- Educate clients/family about smoking due to O2 use
- Have the client wear cotton gown, bc synthetic or wool fabrics can generate static electricity
- Ensure that all electric devices (razors, hearing aids, radios) are working
- Ensures electric machinery (monitors, suction machines) well grounded
- Do not use volatile, flammable materials (etOH) near clients receiving O2)
What are the advantages of Positive-pressure ventilators?
- Forced/enhanced lung expansion
- Improved gas exchange (oxygenation)
- Decreased work of breathing
How do you establish method of communication with a patient who is on a mechanical ventilation?
- Asking yes/no questions
- Providing writing materials
- Using dry erase boards
- Picture communication board, or lip reading
Which symptoms of respiratory depression should be notified to the PCP?
Decreased RR and Decreased LOC
What are the clinical manifestations for a pt experiencing oxygen toxicity?
Nonproductive cough, substernal pain, nasal stuffiness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, sore throat, and hypoventilation
What do you monitor and document in ventilators settings hourly?
- Rate, FiO2, and tidal volume
- Mode of ventilation
- Use of adjuncts (PEEP, CPAP)
- Plateau or peak inspiratory pressure
- Alarm settings
What do you monitor for a client with oxygen induced hypoventilation?
Monitor client’s RR and pattern, LOC, and SaO2