Assessment
Precise measurement and documentation of these assessment findings is critical for evaluating patient fluid volume status.
What is Intake and output
This term is used to describe the amount of blood pumped out of the left ventricle with each contraction.
What is an ejection fraction?
This concept is defined as decrease in normal frequency of defecation accompanied by difficult passage of stool.
What is constipation?
This intervention is the most important practice in the reduction of transmission of infection in healthcare settings.
What is hand hygiene?
This lab value should be assessed prior to administering insulin lispro (rapid acting insulin).
What is blood glucose?
This tool is used to assess a patient's risk for skin breakdown.
What is the Braden scale?
This condition (often occurring in patient’s undergoing anesthesia) is characterized by reversible collapse of the alveoli.
What is atelectasis?
This concept is defined as altered epidermis and/or dermis.
What is impaired skin integrity?
Although the efficacy is unclear this intervention (which requires precise measurement and documentation) is commonly used to treat patients with fluid volume excess.
What is a fluid restriction?
Prior to administering a beta blocker, these two vital signs are most critical to assess.
What is HR and BP?
This lab value is the best overall index of renal function.
What is the eGFR?
This common cardiac arrhythmia is characterized by irregular quivering of the atria and is the leading cause of stroke.
What is atrial fibrillation?
This concept is defined as insufficient physiological or psychological energy to complete daily activities.
What is activity intolerance or fatigue?
This device (which is often kept on the patient’s bedside table) is often used to help patients overcome atelectasis.
What is an incentive spirometer?
This electrolyte supplement is most often administered following diuresis with furosemide.
What is potassium?
There are two commonly used tools to assess a patient’s risk for falls. Name one.
What is the Johns Hopkins Fall Risk Assessment Tool or Morse Fall Scale?
This condition is caused by decreased or complete cessation of flow to a portion of the myocardium.
What is myocardial infarction?
This concept is defined as inadequate blood pumped by the heart to meet the metabolic demands of the body.
What is decreased cardiac output?
This patient position is best known for improving oxygenation and respiratory function by relaxing the diaphragm and allowing for greater expansion of the lungs.
What is high or semi-Fowler’s position?
Due to mechanism of action of this drug class (CNS depression), this vital sign is most important to review prior to administering an opioid analgesic.
What is the respiratory rate?
This invasive ultrasound study is used to evaluate the structure and function of the heart muscle.
What is a transesophageal echocardiogram?
This system is activated as a result of decreased cardiac output and is largely responsible for volume overload in patients with heart failure. It is key for control of blood pressure and fluid balance.
What is the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System?
This concept is defined as excess or deficit in O2 and/or CO2 elimination at the alveoli-capillary membrane.
What is impaired gas exchange?
This common intervention is used to address a variety of nursing concerns including risk for skin breakdown, risk for DVT, constipation, and activity intolerance.
What is ambulation?
This lab value indicates the length of time it takes blood to clot and is used in practice to make dosing adjustments to a heparin infusion.
What is aPTT?