Special Populations Flashcards
What is hemodialysis?
A process that uses a man-made membrane (dialyzer) to remove wastes, such as urea, from the blood. It also restores the proper balance of electrolytes in the blood and eliminates extra fluid from the body.
What is peritoneal dialysis?
The peritoneal cavity is filled with a special dialysis fluid that looks like water.
Excess water and waste passes from the blood through the peritoneum into the dialysis fluid, which is then drained from the body and discarded. The process is repeated four to six times in every 24- hour period.
How is a fistula created?
A vascular surgeon attaches an artery to a vein – called an AV Fistula.
Often located in the forearm or upper arm.
What is the purpose of a fistula?
Dialysis machines need a vessel that is “strong”, can take pressure, circulates back to the heart, and can be punctured easily.
A fistula combines the strength & blood volume of the artery with the directional & easy accessibility of the vein.
What is a central venous catheter used for?
A flexible synthetic tube that is usually placed in the vena cava, it’s used when a pt. is waiting for a Fistula or when a Fistula is not possible.
Can also be placed in the groin – femoral vein.
What order do we clamp to disconnect pt’s from dialysis machines?
Clamp the pt’s side, then clamp the machine, then disconnect the tubes. Clean the ends of the tubing with alcohol swabs, then cap the ends. Transport pt.
How long can we suction for?
10 seconds at a time, once a minute.
Why are trach pts more prone to obstructions from secretions?
When a person coughs there is a build up of pressure against the closed glottis/vocal cords to allow for the build up in pressure; this is lost in trach patients, and therefore they are prone to obstruction from secretions.
What is a?
Outer cannula
What is b?
Cuff Inflation Line
What is c?
Pilot balloon
What is d?
Inner cannula
What is e?
Obturator
What is f?
Plug
What is g?
Cuff
What is a fenestrated ET Tube?
Inner cannulas that are fenestrated, have a small hole in the cannula which allows increased airflow to the upper airway allowing the patient to talk. In non-fenestrated tubes there is little to no voicing.
Can we suction a pt through a fenestrated ET Tube?
No, suctioning a fenestrated tube can end with getting the suction tubing stuck or causing trauma.
What is an LVAD?
Left Ventricular Assist Device - implantable pump that assists ventricles with patients that have advanced heart failure. Can assist left/right or both ventricles.
Most common type doesn’t generate a pulse or BP.
