Registered nurses are trained in pharmacology, measurement, and the side effects of medications. They can also take orders from physicians for medications.
Intake and output measure the fluid balance in the body. To calculate input, add all liquids, plus foods that are liquid at room temperature, such as ice cream, ice pops and jello.
The Latin term for before meals is "ac" which means "ante cibum." Many medical abbreviations come from Latin or Greek. The abbreviation for after meals is "pc" which means "post cibum."
Muscle atrophy is a decrease in the size of the muscles. It is caused by not using the muscles or lack of activity. People who are injured or have a disease that restricts movement are at risk for muscle atrophy. It can often be reversed with active exercise and proper nutrition.
The RN is trained to provide patient education and answer questions regarding orders and treatment. It is beyond the scope of CNA practice to give discharge instructions to a patient.
The term "TID" means three times a day. It is an abbreviation for Latin "ter in die." It is used in medicine and pharmacy, and can also be written as t.i.d. or tid.
Activity and exercise can help prevent constipation by moving food through the large intestine more quickly. When food passes through the digestive system faster, less water is absorbed, so the stool is also softer.
The musculoskeletal system is made up of the muscles, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Together, they provide the framework for the body, muscles to move the bones, and connective tissue that links all the moving parts.
The normal range of heartbeats is 60-100 per minute. A pulse rate below 60 is called bradycardia, and should be reported to the nurse. "Brady" means slow. Bradypnea is a slow respiratory rate.
In an October 2015 warning, the FDA stated: "Secure restraints designed for use in bed to the bed springs or frame, NEVER to the mattress or the bed rails. If the bed is adjustable, secure restraints to parts of the bed that would move with the patient (not constrict the patient)" The knots used for the restraints must be quick-release.
A gait belt is used to assist in transferring patients from one position to another, such as from bed to a chair or wheelchair. It's also used to support patients that are weak or have balance problems when they ambulate.
Always see a doctor for any of the seven signs of cancer from the American Cancer Society: 1. Change in bladder or bowel habits 2. A sore that does not heal 3. Unusual bleeding or discharge 4. Thickening or a lump in the breast or elsewhere 5. Indigestion or difficulty swallowing 6. Obvious change in a wart or mole 7. Nagging cough or hoarseness.
Research with brain waves, using EEGs, shows that hearing may be the last sense to shut down during the death process. Never assume that the patient can't hear, even if are unconscious or not responsive. Continue to speak to the patient, as if they can hear. Tell them who else is present and encourage others to tell the patient why they are there and to say good-bye.
All items used for a patient in isolation must remain in the room. This includes personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gowns, gloves, and masks. Every facility has strict isolation protocols to prevent spread of infection and disease.
Admitting new patients usually involves a standard procedure. By gathering everything needed, you can avoid leaving the new patient to get an item. You also make a good impression because you are organized and efficient.
A clear liquid diet means the patient can have liquids that you can see through and foods that turn to liquid at room temperature. Examples: grape juice, apple juice and cranberry juice are okay, but orange juice is not. Broth, Jell-O, and popsicles are also acceptable. Tea and coffee without cream are fine, too.
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