Cardiac
What is heart failure?
Inability of the heart to work effectively as a pump; results in reduced cardiac output
What is the most common cause of infectious cystitis (UTI)?
E. coli entering the bladder through the urethra
What is a TIA?
Transient Ischemic Attack
Temporary neurological dysfunction from brief interruption in blood flow to the brain
Typically no permanent damage
What is colchicine?
Used for acute gout attacks, reduces uric acid levels
What are some symptoms of right sided heart failure?
Jugular vein distention
Peripheral edema
Increased blood pressure
What are some risk factors for CKD?
Family history
Atherosclerosis
Diabetes
Hypertension
Recurrent UTIs
List interventions to prevent seizures
Adhere to medication therapy
Avoid alcohol
Avoid excessive fatigue
Do not take OTC drugs without consulting with physician
What is alendronate, and what is an important nursing considering when administering it?
Suppresses bone reabsorption, used in treatment of osteoporosis.
Should be taken on an empty stomach, and pt should remain upright for 30 minutes after taking to prevent esophageal irritation
What are some symptoms of left sided heart failure?
Pulmonary congestion
Dyspnea
Crackles in the lungs
Weakness, fatigue, dizziness
What assessment findings are common in pyelonephritis?
High grade fever
Flank/low back pain
Urinary frequency/urgency, hematuria
How do you identify symptoms of a stroke?
F.A.S.T.
F - Facial drooping
A - Arm weakness
S - Speech difficulty
T - Time to call 911
What are the warning signs of Acute Compartment Syndrome?
Six P's
Pain
Paresthesia (loss of sensation)
Poikilothermia (cool skin)
Pallor (pale skin)
Pulselessness (decreased or absent pulses distal to injury)
Paralysis
What are some teaching points related to nitroglycerin?
Patients may take up to three sublingual tablets within 15 minutes (one every 5 minutes)
Allow medication to dissolve under the tongue; this allows immediate absorption into circulation
Call 911 after the first dose if symptoms are not improved of become worse
Keep nitroglycerin tablets in its original container; a dark airtight glass bottle
What are some assessment findings you might expect in a patient with BPH?
Inability to complete empty bladder (urinary retention)
Nocturia
Difficulty initiating stream
Frequency/urgency
What is status epilepticus?
Seizure lasting more than five minutes OR two or more sequential seizures without full recovery of consciousness between seizures
What medications are commonly used in rheumatoid arthritis treatment?
NSAIDs
Acetaminophen
Corticosteroids
Immunosuppressants (methotrexate)
List some actions patients can take to manage heart failure at home
Limit daily fluid intake to 2L
Restrict sodium <3g/day
Stay active, but don't overdo it
Take medications as prescribed such as loop diuretics
Take daily weights; same scale, same time, same clothing each day
What patient teaching is important during treatment of cystitis?
Take full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if feeling better
Notify HCP of fever, flank/low back pain, N/V r/t pyelonephritis
Promote adequate hydration
Avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods
What is the major difference in treatment when comparing ischemic stroke to hemorrhagic stroke?
In ischemic stroke fibrinolytic therapy is used, in hemorrhagic stroke it is contraindicated
Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and/or hydralazine are often used in hemorrhagic stroke
Describe some dietary recommendations appropriate for a patient with gout
Avoiding triggering foods such as red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and alcohol
Low purine diet to reduce uric acid buildup