Module 16: Specialized Nursing Skills

Question 1

Explain the rationale for placing a patient on a cardiac monitor

Answer 1

• cardiac monitoring enables continuous observation of the hearts electrical activity in patients with conduction disturbances and in those at risk for life-threatening arrhythmias

Question 2

Describe the assessment of the patient on a cardiac monitor

Answer 2

• prior to placing leads
  
  • Id patient
  • asses vital signs
  • insert and prepare skin for lead placement
  • palpate patient’s chest for intercostal spaces for lead placement

Question 3

Review lab value diagnostics

Answer 3

• Cardiac blood studies
  
  • creatinine kinase (CK-MB)
  • serum electrolytes
  • natriuretic peptides BNP / Nt- proBNT
  • troponin T (cTnt) and troponin I (CTnI)

Question 4

Discuss phlebotomy and the selection of an appropriate venipuncture site

Answer 4

• phlebotomy literally means to cut into a vein
• purpose is to obtain blood specimen for diagnostic testing via :
  
  • venipuncture
  • dermal puncture

Question 5

Review spinal injuries

Answer 5

• trauma
  
  • motor vehicle collisions, falls, violence, athletic injuries
  • most common in males 20-29
• disease
  
  • spinal tumors
  • neurodegenerative diseases
• complete - permanent damage
• incomplete - partial damage
  
  • may have ability to move and some sensation depending on area injured and severity

Question 6

Discuss the importance of spinal immobilization after injury

Answer 6

• to prevent further injuries, paralysis

Question 7

Discuss the method for logrolling a patient with a spinal injury

Answer 7

• method of turning a patient with known or suspected spinal injury
• coordinated well timed maneuver
• goal: to reposition patient while maintaining body alignment with minimal pain and prevention of further injury