Whenever noticing any change in the client's condition, stop to assess the client and take vital signs. If the client is able to respond, ask how the client feels. Report the change, vital signs, and client's response to the nurse. When charting, document what you observed and did.
The left Sim's position is used for rectal examinations and administering enemas. The client lies on the left side, with the right knee and hip bent. It is also called the lateral recumbent or semiprone side position.
Changes in the brain and nervous system are normal parts of getting older. As nerve cells die, they are not replaced. They are also slower in transmitting messages, causing delays in response times. It is important to note that dementia is not a normal part of aging.
A stoma is an artificial opening in the body, done during surgery. For a client with a colostomy, the surgeon brings the end of the colon through the abdomen and creates a mouthlike opening that will drain waste into a bag. A stoma can also be done for the bladder and for the ileum (the lowest part of the small intestine).
When converting milliliters (ml) to ounces (oz.) remember that 30 ml = 1 ounce. Although an ounce is slightly more, the amounts are considered to be equal by doctors and pharmacists.
Diabetic clients have a strict schedule regarding insulin injections and eating. Eating causes blood sugar to rise, and the insulin helps move it into the cells. Without food, the blood sugar drops quickly, causing a serious situation. Immediate treatment is necessary. Quickly check the client's blood sugar and report it to the nurse. The client will need to eat 15 grams of glucose or a simple carbohydrate, such as 1/2 cup orange juice or a Tablespoon of sugar. The nurse aide should be aware of which clients are diabetic so that meals are served shortly after receiving insulin.
Learning for health care professionals does not end at graduation. Medicine is constantly changing, and it the responsibility of each person to be aware of new developments in their area of practice. Clinical standards and many states require proof of continuing education in order to renew a license or certification. During an accreditation survey, hospitals and facilities must show proof that staff members receive ongoing training and education.
The normal respiration rate for an adult at rest is between 12 to 20 breaths per minute. A rate of under 12 or over 25 breaths per minute while resting is considered abnormal. A rate of 32 is extremely high and should be reported to the nurse immediately.
Post-partum is the medical term that means "after giving birth." The prefix "post" always means after in any medical term. For example, post-operatively means "after surgery" and post-discharge means "after leaving treatment." The term "partum" refers to giving birth.
When a client has an indwelling Foley catheter, the nurse aide should check that the tubing is open so that the urine can flow from the bladder. After each position change or when the client returns to the bed or chair after being up, ensure that the tubing is not kinked or closed. The bag should be lower than the bladder to prevent backflow.
An acute event is a new or sudden situation that is expected to resolve. Examples are a broken bone, a head cold or the flu, or an asthma attack. In this question, Mrs. Hernandez has an acute condition because she will be leaving the long-term care facility after she finishes rehabilitation. A chronic condition develops slowly and continues to progress. Examples are heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
Alopecia is the loss of hair where it normally grows. Cancer patients can experience alopecia as a result of chemotherapy. Hint: any medical term that starts with an "a" means without. Example: Asystole means "without a heartbeat."
In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, humans must first feel safe and secure before they can do anything else. First are the most basic needs: food, water, warmth, and sleep. Then safety and security come next.
Congestive heart failure is a chronic disease that happens when the heart becomes weak and is unable to pump efficiently. It is important to monitor the client's weight, because sudden weight gain means that the client is retaining fluid. This puts a strain on the heart and lungs. The nurse aide should weigh the client every morning at the same time and record the weight. Notify the nurse of any sudden change.
Health care teams are based on the idea that no one has all the knowledge to do everything for a patient. By having each specialty contribute, the patient gets the best possible care.
The Director of Nursing (DON) is a registered nurse who oversees all patient care at a facility. The DON supervises all nursing staff, manages budgets, and handles patient and family issues that staff RNs can't resolve.
