Exam 3

Hypovolemia (Dehydration)

Signs:

• Dry skin, dry mouth

• Low BP, fast HR

• Low urine output

• Weight loss

Hypervolemia (Fluid Overload)

Signs:

• Edema (swelling)

• High BP

• Crackles in lungs

• Weight gain

Hyponatremia (low sodium)

• Confusion, seizures

• Headache

Hypokalemia (low potassium)

• Weak muscles

• Irregular heart rhythm

Hypocalcemia (low calcium)

• Muscle cramps

• Tingling in fingers

Types of Diets

• Clear liquid: water, broth

• Full liquid: milk, pudding

• Soft: easy to chew foods

• Cardiac: low fat, low salt

Malnutrition Labs

• Low iron

• Low albumin

NG TUBE (Nasogastric Tube)

• Subtract irrigation fluid when measuring output

• Do NOT give:

  • Sublingual meds

  • Buccal meds

  • Some PO meds

NG Tube Feeding Complications

• Aspiration

• Diarrhea

• Infection

Urinary Catheter

Insertion:

• Use sterile technique

Prevent infection:

• Keep bag below bladder

• Keep system closed

UTI (Bladder Infection) Signs

• Burning with urination

• Fever

• Cloudy urine

After Catheter Removal

• Watch for urinary retention

• Make sure patient can void

Urine Sample Collection

• Use clean technique

• Midstream sample

BOWEL CARE

Prevent Constipation

• Fluids

• Fiber

• Activity

Stool Sample

• Use clean container

• Avoid contamination

 IV THERAPY

Check IV Site

• Redness = infection

• Swelling = infiltration

• Pain

Oxygen Delivery

• Low flow: nasal cannula

• High flow: masks

Tracheostomy Care

• Keep clean

• Suction properly

• Maintain airway

Post-Op Care

• Use anti-embolism stockings → prevent clots

• Improve oxygen:

  • Deep breathing

  • Incentive spirometer

  • Positioning

Informed Consent

• Patient must understand:

  • Procedure

  • Risks

  • Benefits

Home Oxygen Safety

• No smoking

• Keep away from flames

CALCULATIONS

Intake & Output

• 1 oz = 30 mL

• Calculate for 8-hour shifts

QUICK MEMORY TIPS

• Low = slow/weak (K+, Ca++)

• Fluid overload = swelling + lungs

• Dehydration = dry + low BP

• Sterile = catheter insertion

• Closed system = prevent infection