Implementing an AED Program in the Faith Community Setting An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a computerized medical device that analyzes a person’s heart rhythm to determine if it is abnormal, life-threatening, and requires an electric shock. Through voice prompts, lights, and text...

Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP) The cranium is a rigid bony structure that contains three main components: brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and blood. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) occurs when there is an increase in the volume of one or more components which...

Informed Consent Informed consent is a process of communication between a patient and a health care provider that results in the patient’s agreement to undergo a procedure or treatment. It is both a legal and ethical obligation. The provider educates the...

Integumentary Assessment The integumentary system includes the skin, hair and nails. Make sure there is adequate lighting and have the patient change into a gown. Have a small tape measure or magnifying glass available to measure or examine lesions more closely.

Isolation Precautions Isolation precautions create barriers between microbes and patients, staff, and equipment to prevent the spread of infection in the health care setting.

IV Fluids IV fluids are utilized for resuscitation, to replace fluid losses, and for maintenance hydration in patients who are not able or not allowed to drink water. Like all prescribed medications, IV fluids have benefits and risks. Fluid therapy should...

Male Genitourinary Assessment Focused male genitourinary assessment begins with taking a detailed health history while providing as much privacy as possible. Carefully observe for signs of pain or discomfort, and nonverbal cues such as guarding. Obtain consent for the...

Management of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding Acute, overt lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is described as hematochezia (passage of fresh blood from the anus, usually mixed with stool) originating from the colon or the rectum. LGIB ranges from scant bleeding to massive hemorrhage and...

Management of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding In the U.S., acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is more common than lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). UGIB typically presents as hematemesis (vomiting of blood or coffee-ground appearing material) or melena (black, tarry stools...

Managing Acute Diabetic Complications Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that can have very serious acute and life-threatening complications. Moreover, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), an acute hyperglycemic crisis, is a common presentation for a new diagnosis of Type 1...

Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects Chemotherapy or “chemo” medications may cure cancer, decrease relapse rates, and shrink tumors that cause pain and other symptoms (National Cancer Institute [NCI], 2022). It achieves this by halting or slowing the division of fast...

Managing COVID-19 ARDS in Adults Patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia develop acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. While severely hypoxic COVID-19 patients meet the criteria for typical acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), COVID-19 ARDS has unique characteristics...