Nursing Tips

  1. The QRS complex in bundle branch block is 0.12 second or greater because the ventricles aren't depolarized simultaneously.
  2. If a patient is frightened or ticklish, begin palpation of the abdomen with your hand on top of his or her hand.
  3. When assessing mental status, be sure to ask questions that require more than a yes or no answer.
  4. ABG analysis...pH less than 7.35=acidosis (more Acid), pH greater than 7.45=alkalosis (more Base)...*A* before *B*
  5. When measuring pulse rate, if the rhythm is irregular or the patient has a pacemaker, count the beats for a full minute.
  6. At start of shift, tell patient what is expected to occur and what treatments & procedures are planned.
  7. Abdominal angina = abdominal pain in which perfusion to digestive tissue has been compromised; usually due to mesenteric atherosclerosis
  8. Extravasation = the infiltration of a vesicant drug from an I.V. line into surrounding tissue
  9. 5 A’s for treating tobacco use & dependence: Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange follow-up
  10. Nimodipine (Nimotop) capsules should be given only by mouth or through an NG tube and never by I.V. administration
  11. Communication technique -Clarification - For example, "I'm not sure I understood what you said."
  12. When thyroid gland is hypoactive, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level is high; when overactive, TSH level is low.
  13. Acute hemolytic transfusion reactions can occur anytime during transfusion, but usually appear within the first 5-15 min
  14. Take the lead to inspire teamwork - pitch in and help your colleagues. Perhaps others will follow your lead!
  15. A vein that's suitable for venipuncture should feel soft, elastic, and engorged—not hard, bumpy, or flat.
  16. Adduction = move limb toward body's midline. Abduction = move limb away from midline.
  17. In renal failure, the kidneys are no longer able to excrete potassium, resulting in hyperkalemia.
  18. To remember the location of the adrenal glands, think ADD RENAL. They're "added" to the renal organs, the kidneys.
  19. Don't forget common courtesy - introduce yourself to patients and identify yourself as a nurse.
  20. 5 P's for assessment of musculoskeletal injury: pain, paresthesia, paralysis, pallor, pulse
  21. The goal of pain management is to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. It is not to use as little pain medication as possible.
  22. The general goal for hemoglobin A1C levels among nonpregnant adults is less than 7%. (2010 ADA standards)
  23. The null sign (Ø) in on the ISMP’s List of Error-Prone Abbreviations, Symbols, and Dose Designations. Write ‘0’ or ‘zero’ instead.
  24. When floating to a different unit, look up unfamiliar drugs or familiar drugs in unfamiliar places - doses may differ.
  25. Believe in yourself and your instincts, but always listen to the patient.