EXAM 3 Weeks 6-8: Elimination&Perfusion
WEEK 6 - ELIMINATION
1. Malabsorption, Diarrhea, Constipation
- Causes: Enzyme deficiencies, infections, IBS, low fiber intake.
- Nursing care:
- Monitor I&O (Intake & Output).
- Encourage fluids.
- Administer medications.
2. Appendicitis
- Inflammation of the appendix; poses a risk of rupture.
- Symptoms:
- RLQ (Right Lower Quadrant) pain.
- Rebound tenderness.
- Fever.
- Nausea.
- Treatment:
3. Peritonitis
- Infection of the peritoneum.
- Signs:
- Abdominal rigidity.
- Pain.
- Fever.
- Tachycardia.
- Emergency requiring antibiotics, possibly surgery.
4. Celiac Disease
- Autoimmune reaction to gluten.
- Symptoms:
- Diarrhea.
- Weight loss.
- Bloating.
- Treatment: Gluten-free diet.
5. Crohn's Disease
- Chronic inflammation affecting any part of the GI (Gastrointestinal) tract.
- Symptoms:
- Diarrhea.
- Weight loss.
- Abdominal pain.
- Treatment:
- Anti-inflammatory medications.
- Surgery.
- Diet changes.
6. Ulcerative Colitis
- Inflammation of the colon and rectum.
- Symptoms:
- Bloody diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Treatment:
- Anti-inflammatory medications.
- Surgery if severe.
Medications for Elimination Disorders
- Polyethylene glycol: Osmotic laxative for constipation.
- Senna: Stimulant laxative.
- Docusate sodium: Stool softener.
- Infliximab: Monoclonal antibody for Crohn's Disease/Ulcerative Colitis.
- Metronidazole: Antibiotic used for peritonitis or abscess.
WEEKS 7-8 - PERFUSION
1. Basic Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Include bradycardia, tachycardia, Atrial Fibrillation (AFib).
- Use EKG (Electrocardiogram) for diagnosis; treat with medications or a pacemaker.
2. Pacemaker
- Device to control heart rhythm.
- Nursing Considerations:
- Monitor insertion site.
- Assess for infection or malfunction.
3. Heart Failure
- Left-sided Heart Failure: Pulmonary symptoms
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath).
- Crackles (rales) in lungs.
- Right-sided Heart Failure: Systemic symptoms
- Edema (swelling).
- JVD (Jugular Vein Distention).
- Management:
- Diuretics.
- ACE inhibitors.
- Lifestyle modifications.
4. Hypertension (HTN)
- Often asymptomatic.
- Risks:
- Stroke.
- Myocardial Infarction (MI).
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
- Treatment:
- Lifestyle changes.
- Antihypertensive medications.
5. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Caused by atherosclerosis; leads to angina, Myocardial Infarction.
- Treatment:
- Statins.
- Nitrates.
- Lifestyle changes.
6. Myocardial Infarction (MI)
- Symptoms:
- Chest pain.
- Shortness of breath (SOB).
- Diaphoresis (sweating).
- Treatment:
- MONA: Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin
- Cath Lab (Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory).
7. Anemia
- Refer to previous anemia guide for details.
8. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Clot in a deep vein, often in the leg.
- Prevention:
- Mobility.
- Compression stockings.
- Anticoagulants.
9. Pulmonary Embolus (PE)
- Blockage in the pulmonary artery from a clot.
- Signs:
- Sudden dyspnea.
- Chest pain.
- Hemoptysis (coughing up blood).
10. Hemophilia
- Genetic disorder; lack of clotting factors.
- Treatment: Factor replacement therapy.
11. Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
- Clotting and bleeding disorder; often triggered by sepsis.
- Treatment:
- Manage the underlying cause.
- Blood products.
12. Venous Insufficiency
- Impaired venous return; causes edema and ulcers.
- Management:
- Compression stockings.
- Leg elevation.
13. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
- Narrowing of arteries in the limbs.
- Symptoms:
- Claudication (leg pain with exercise).
- Cool skin.
- Poor pulses.
Medications for Perfusion Disorders
- Furosemide: Loop diuretic for fluid overload.
- Spironolactone: Potassium-sparing diuretic.
- Hydrochlorothiazide: Thiazide diuretic for hypertension.
- Digoxin: Increases cardiac contractility; check apical pulse.
- Nitroglycerin: Vasodilator for angina.
- Metoprolol: Beta-blocker; reduces heart rate and blood pressure.
- Diltiazem: Calcium channel blocker for hypertension and arrhythmias.
- Lisinopril: ACE inhibitor for hypertension and heart failure.
- Atorvastatin: Statin to lower cholesterol.
- Enoxaparin: Low molecular weight heparin for DVT prevention.
- Aspirin: Antiplatelet for CAD/MI prevention.
- Clopidogrel: Antiplatelet for stroke and MI prevention.
- Apixaban: Anticoagulant used to prevent and treat blood clots (DVT, PE) and reduce stroke risk in atrial fibrillation. Monitor for bleeding.
- Cyanocobalamin: Vitamin B12 used to treat and prevent vitamin B12 deficiency, including pernicious anemia. Given IM or PO depending on severity.
- Hydroxyurea: Used in sickle cell anemia to reduce frequency of painful crises by increasing fetal hemoglobin production. Monitor CBC regularly.
- Hydromorphone: Opioid analgesic for moderate to severe pain. Monitor for respiratory depression, constipation, and sedation.