Exam 3 Patient Care

Question 1

What is vertigo?

Answer 1

Dizziness
Can lead to syncope
Have patient sit or lie down slowly
Prevent orthostatic hypotension

Question 2

What is syncope?

Answer 2

Fainting
Need increase blood flow to the head
Lie patient down, elevate feet above head (Trendelenburg position)
Loosen tight clothing
Apply moist compress

Question 3

Seizures

Answer 3

Range from mild to server, short to long duration
Pt symptoms vary- auras, convulsions, involuntary movements, LOC, semi-conscious, staring into space
Move pt to floor, turn to slide, place cushion under head
Minimize potential harm to patient
Make note of onset and duration
Monitor vital signs

Question 4

Falls

Answer 4

1) Try to minimize patient harm
2) Check vital signs and level of consciousness
3) Evaluate patient before attempting to move them

Question 5

Burns

Answer 5

Extreme care needs to be taken as patients with burns have lost their protective outer layer
Maintain sterile precautions when handling patient as much as possible
Work very gently

Question 6

Hemorrhage

Answer 6

Active bleeding outside a vessel (Vein, artery, interior, exterior)
Note condition of wound dressings ate start of exam
If clean dressing becomes matured, apply pressure
Do not remove dressing, apply secondary badge overtop. It will pull off the new clotting if removed
If wound is on extremity, elevate above level of heart
Clotting can take up to ten minutes

Question 7

Epistaxis

Answer 7

Nosebleed
Have patient lean forward and pinch nostril
Apply gentle pressure, moist compress
DO NOT tilt head back or lie pt down
Seek medical assistance if bleeding does not cease after 15 minutes. Mass amounts of blood after 1 minutes requires attention.
Orthostatic hypotension- Blood pressure drops when standing or sitting up

Question 8

Nausea and vomiting

Answer 8

Cause can be physical and psychological
Instruct patient to breathe deeply and slowly through mouth
If patient proceeds to vomit
Either sit patient up or turn onto side, lateral decubitus position
Provide emesis basin and damp cloth

Question 9

Endotracheal tubes

Answer 9

Insertion sites:Mouth, nose, tracheostomy
X ray required to confirm placement, distal end 1 to 2 inches above carina
Pt with ET tube will be accompanied by respiratory therapist
Care must be taken to keep abating connected
Do not pull on tube or adjust placement. Wrong placement only inflates one lung

Question 10

Thoracostomy Tube

Answer 10

Indications: Drain the interpleural space and mediastinum
Atelectasis (lung collapse due to blockage or pressure.)
Pneumothorax( lung collapse due to air leaking outside the lung.)
Insertion: 2nd to 3rd intercostal space for pnemouthorax
5th to 6th intercostal space for a hemothorax or pleural effusion
X-ray may be needed to confirm placement

Question 11

Central Venous Lines

Answer 11

Broviac or Hickman Catheter
broviac: Smaller, flexible catheter, usually for children or smaller patients
Hickman: Larger, more rigid catheter, typically for adults
Groshong Catheter
PICC line
Swans-Ganz Catheter
Infusa Port, Port-a-Cath, Mediport
Dialysis shunt