Emergency
Signs and symptoms of a heart attack in men vs. women
Men- What is- Chest pain/pressure (elephant on my chest), Pain radiating down left arm, SOB, Sweating/nausea
Women- What is- Fatigue, SOB with no chest pain, upper back pain, neck/jaw/shoulder pain, indigestion/nausea, dizziness/lightheadednes.
women have a 59% of being initially misdiagnosed
What information to ask when a patient has a medical complaint.
Where on body if an injury.
How long?
What medications help with side effects?
What is Benadryl & Cogentin
When can someone request double portions?
Patient can request double portions at any time however, unless a MD from the clinic approves it based on medical necessity, unlikely it will be approved.
What to do if you note a patient is hoarding/diverting meds?
Bring to custody's attention immediately.
Notify medical right away
Sudden facial droop and slurred speech may indicate this emergency.
What is a stroke.
FACE- facial droop, uneven smile, slurred speech, numbness/weakness (brain is time)
Emergent vs non emergent
Emergent- What is chest pain, dizziness, lethargy, sob, any obvious facial droop, unsteady gait.
Non-emergent- What is upset stomach, cold flu s/s (not including sob), chronic pain
What oral medication is used when patients refuse Lice or scabies treatment?
Ivermectin 12-15mg (Per md order) weekly x3.
Can a patient request to change diet choice?
Yes, patients can request to change them to their preference of kosher, Halal, vegetarian or vegan.
If a patient is noted to be hoarding their medications, what questions to ask?
Intention?
Assess for SI
Shakiness, sweating, and confusion may indicate this type off emergency.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Can happen to those on insulin, can be caused by missed meals, over exertion or recent illness.
How soon is a patient seen when a sick call placed
Typically, 24 hours unless it is an emergent complaint patient will be seen same day.
What is commonly given for nausea and vomiting?
Zofran
Can a patient have an extra blanket based just off of request?
No, patients are only approved to have 2 blankets on unit 2 however, if a patient has a medical condition and a clinic MD approves based on medical necessity, a chrono is created and they can.
What not to do if a patient is hoarding medications
Do not touch any medication ungloved
If patient is willing to give up medications, please have custody take them away.
Steps to take if someone is actively having a seizure in front of you.
Ensure safety, someone should stay with the patient, move objects away from them, protect their head,
DO NOT: hold them down, put anything in their mouth, recovery position is left lateral only if patient is still not fully at baseline but is breathing.
If no one is available in the office and you feel the patient is having an emergent complaint.
Unit 2 nurse can be contacted directly; they often sit in the unit 2 nurses station ext. 47040 or in the clinic ext. 35806. If unsuccessful, please call the clinic charge nurse directly ext. 35086
What are common side effects of Diotame/Pepto bismol (anti diarrheal medications)?
Can the ADA department approve extra blankets/sweaters?
No, the ADA department only approves wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, braces and any other device that would support and promote independence in completing activities of daily living.
Possible overdose
Sharing/Giving meds to other inmates for commissary
Adverse medication reaction.
What is- rash, swelling, trouble breathing, lethargy.
What happens if patient is refusing to come out for their sick call
We also work closely with some unit 2 nurses and go with them to assist getting the patient to be seen or comply with treatment/assessment.
What does an initial IM medication administration observation entail?
Inmate placed in G room for observation of potential s/e
Initial vital signs, IM administered followed up by 2 q 15 v/s and a final v/s 30minutes.
How long is the wait for an optometry appointment once a request is submitted?
It can take a few months for patient to be seen and an additional few months for them to receive their prescription lgass.es
Signs of overdose
Slow/shallow breathing
unresponsive
confusion/extreme drowsiness