Sensory
This eye disorder involves the progressive loss of peripheral vision due to increased pressure within the eye.
Glaucoma
Name an important aspect to teach a patient about prior to cataract surgery.
-Compliance with eyedrops and ability to perform
-Not able to drive home after the procedure
When would a chest tube be indicated? When caring for a chest tube what position should the drainage system be in?
Indicated when there is air or fluid within the pleural space - such as in a pneumothorax. Below the level of the chest.
In this respiratory condition the mucous producing glands in the airways become hypertrophied- producing thick mucus that traps air.
Chronic bronchitis
Name 2 signs/symptoms you may see in a person experiencing pneumothorax.
This type of glaucoma is considered a medical emergency as it has an acute onset.
Angle closure glaucoma
A patient with macular degeneration will experience what sort of vision changes?
Loss of central vision and impaired color vision.
What does bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube drainage system indicate? What should be done?
Air leak. Clamp tubing for less than 10 seconds moving down the tube in increments starting at the patient, watching for when the bubbling begins - secure any leaks with tape. If unable may need to change out entire system.
Name 3 ways a person can lower their risk for COPD.
Smoking cessation, stop vaping, avoid all tobacco products and secondhand smoke, wear proper PPE when hazards are present (dust particles, etc).
How would a pulmonary embolism present? How would you educate a patient to prevent a PE in the future?
An eye disorder in which patient's often describe seeing flashing lights or floaters through their field of vision - eventually leading to what seems like a curtain being lowered over their vision.
Retinal Detachment
Name at least 2 important things to educate your patient about regarding postoperative care after cataract surgery.
-Compliance with eye drops
-Avoid activities that increase IOP - straining, coughing, sneezing, lifting
-Monitor dressing for drainage and monitor for increased pain
-Do not rub the affected eye
Bacteria, fungi, viruses.
Dust/Foreign substances - such as in aspiration
Should antitussive medication be recommended for patients with COPD? Why or why not?
No, these people need to cough their mucus up and out because it blocks airways trappoing air.
Name 3 things that puts a patient at higher risk for a PE.
Immobilization or lack of moving
Surgery
Fractures, esp long bones Diabetes or underlying heart disease like atherosclerosis
Noncompliance with anticoags
Afib
This eye disorder is characterized by blurred vision that is caused by a cloudiness of the lens. It is commonly diagnosed in old age.
Cataracts
A patient is going for a retinopexy after retinal detachment - what is the most important postoperative instruction the patient needs to follow?
In this respiratory condition lung alveoli lose their elasticity - causing airways to collapse and trap air.
Emphysema
You are the nurse assigned to educate a patient about their new diagnosis of asthma. The patient asks what they can do to avoid and asthma attack. What do you tell them?
Keep a diary to identify triggers
Avoid identified triggers
Be compliant with their inhaler medication
Keep their rescue inhaler on them at all times
What are potential triggers? Dust, cigarette smoke, allergens, pet dander, exercise, etc.
A disorder of the ears that is characterized by dizziness, tinnitus & hearing loss.
Meniere's disease
A patient diagnosed with glaucoma tells you they have stopped taking they eye drops/medications because their "eyes feel fine". Your response?
- They need to continue taking their medications because often there are no symptoms even though damage is occurring. Medications will be needed for the rest of their lives.
What sort of precautions should patients with active tuberculosis be placed on? When can they be taken off precautions?
Airborne with negative pressure room with N95.
Off when they have negative sputum cultures.
Name 3 ways you can prevent aspiration pneumonia.
Have patient sitting up when eating - 90 degrees. Remain upright for 30 mins post meal.
Give only approved diet - soft, minced, thickened fluids, etc.
Only give things by mouth is patient is alert/awake.
Ensure NG's are properly placed - chest xray for initial placement and ph strip testing thereafter.
When administering tube feedings HOB elevated at least 30 degrees & for at least 30 mins after meal.
Ensure suction is set up and ready in room
Unconscious patients should be positioned on their side with the HOB slightly elevated.
Never allow a patient with an impaired gag reflex to eat or drink.
Monitor for coughing during feeding and stop/report - advocate for swallowing assessment