EXAM ONE Flashcards
(47 cards)
clotting
complex & multi-step process by which blood forms a protein-based structure (CLOT)
what are RISK FACTORS that can cause increased or excessive clotting?
- increased IMMOBILITY
- POLYCYTHEMIA; increased # of RBCs
- smoking
what can cause DECREASED blood clotting?
- chemotherapeutic agents
- corticosteroids
- LIVER CIRRHOSIS
- rare genetic diseases (ex. hemophilia)
what diseases can occur with INCREASED and DECREASED CLOTTING?
- INCREASED clotting; venous thrombosis
- DECREASED clotting; prolonged bleeding
thromboembolism
The formation of BLOOD CLOTS within the venous system
- can develop into DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or a PE (pulmonary embolism) **clot breaks off and can travel - blocking blood flow
risk factors for THROMBOEMBOLISM
- immobility
- surgery
- cancer
- pregnancy
- certain medications
what are signs of VENOUS THROMBOSIS/THROMBOLISM?
- redness
- pain
- swelling
- warmth
how to PREVENT THROMBOSIS?
- want to assess and teach patients with decreased clotting
*drink more FLUIDS!
*AMBULATE more often & don’t cross legs!
*stop SMOKING!
*report any signs of thrombosis
- can also use ANTICOAGULANT THERAPY or compression stockings
- DIRECT THROMBIN INHIBITORS
definition of COGNITION
complex integration of MENTAL PROCESSES and intellectual functioning
- considers REASONING, MEMORY, and PERSONALITY
what are the RISK FACTORS for IMPAIRED COGNITION? (9)
- ADVANCED age
- BRAIN TRAUMA at any age
- having DISEASE or DISORDER
- TOXIN EXPOSURE
- SUBSTANCE USE
- GENETIC DISORDERS
- DEPRESSION
- use of medications/drugs **OPIOIDS, STEROIDS, anesthesia
- FLUID/ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCES
what are some CONSEQUENCES that can occur due to IMPAIRED COGNITION?
- loss of memory (either short or long term)
- impaired reasoning
- disorientation / delusions / hallucinations
- disorientation
what are the MAIN POST-OP priorities?
- Reviewing baseline preoperative assessment
- identifying potential surgical complications
respiratory sys - post-op
- assessing AIRWAY/proper gas exchange
- does the patient have OXYGEN?
- checking lungs every 4 HOURS for the first 24 HOURS
cardiovascular sys - post-op
- checking HR & BP
- checking PERIPHERAL VASCULAR ASSESSMENT
neurologic sys - post-op
- assess LOC and CEREBRAL FXN
- A & O?
- signs of DELIRIUM?
GI system - post-op
- PONV (postoperative N & V)
- constipation related to anesthesia etc…
integumentary sys - post-op
- assessing WOUND HEALING
- any DRAINAGE? *sanguineous, serosanguineous, purlent, serous
- impaired wound healing *dehiscence, evisceration
what are signs a patient is in pain?
- potential VERBAL CUES (pt. is moaning, reporting pain/describing)
- potential NONVERBAL CUES (pt. is grimacing, restlessness, crying)
- potential PHYSIOLOGICAL CUES (increased BP, HR, RR, pupils dilated)
- potential BEHAVIORAL CUES (reduced mobility/appetite/sleep)
How do we assess pain in OLDER ADULTS?
- assess for any POTENTIAL COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS or COMMUNICATION ISSUES
- usage of SELF-REPORT SCALES; making sure to educate and explain the process to the pt.
- giving adequate TIME to respond
- using various RESOURCES or METHODS; translators, pointing, writing
- observing NONVERBAL CUES
- involving FAMILY MEMBERS
how to PREVENT PAIN in patients working with PT?
- ensuring proper BODY MECHANICS; is the patient using proper form during PT?
- gradual PROGRESSION & WARM-UPS & COOL-DOWNS; is the patient taking breaks and being gradual during PT exercises?
- proper COMMUNICATION; is the patient communicating their pain levels?
- proper REST & RECOVERY: is the patient taking breaks in between?
- using ALTERNATE METHODS; is the patient open to try other factors like heat/cold therapy? massages?
tracheotomy
type of SURGICAL incision into the trachea to create an AIRWAY to maintain gas exchange
tracheoSTOMY
type of STOMA that results from the TRACHEOTOMY
what needs to be considered for a patient with a tracheostomy?
- preventing TISSUE INJURY
- ensuring proper NUTRITION
- ensuring proper WEANING and SUCTIONING
- maintaining proper COMMUNICATION; can be difficult to speak with a TRACH
providing tracheostomy care
- assessing
- securing trach tubes in place
- preventing accidental decannulation
*ensuring extra cannula is at bedside
*ensuring other RN/RT is there during care