How to perform chest auscultation and interpret the findings
WEBJan 6, 2020 · Ask the patient to move their right arm to the side so the right lateral chest can be assessed (Fig 4c). Starting with the upper lobe move to the middle lobe, and finally the lower lobe at the bottom (Ferns and West, 2008). Repeat on the left side where the lung is made up of an upper lobe and lower lobe.
How to calculate drug doses and infusion rates accurately
WEBOct 16, 2017 · To find the number of milligrams in a millilitre you need to divide by 100; 1ml of 1% lidocaine contains 10mg per ml. You can apply the same calculation to 0.5% lidocaine: 0.5% lidocaine contains 500mg of lidocaine in 100ml; To find the number of milligrams in a millilitre you need to divide 500mg by 100;
Why do we test for urea and electrolytes? - Nursing Times
WEBJan 24, 2014 · Urea and electrolytes are the most commonly requested biochemistry test. Low sodium levels can cause oedema, which may lead to heart failure. High potassium levels can lead to cardiac arrest and, since treatment is short term, their cause must be established. The glomerular filtration rate is used to assess kidney function.
Assessing the pulse rate in adult patients - Nursing Times
WEBAug 31, 2015 · Assessing the pulse is a common procedure and an important aspect of many nursing interventions; it should always be done with care and reassessed as needed. Assessment should always be taken seriously, with any deviations from the norm reported to a senior clinician, and pulse rate, rhythm and strength must always be documented.
Administering Drugs via a Subcutaneous Injection - Nursing Times
WEBAug 28, 2018 · The subcutaneous route allows drugs such as insulin and heparin to be absorbed slowly over a period of time. Using the correct injection technique and selecting the correct site will minimise the risk of complications. This is the second article in a two-part series on injection techniques. (2018) Injection technique 2: administering drugs via ...
Informed consent 1: legal basis and implications for practice
WEBMay 21, 2018 · Nurses have a legal duty to ensure they obtain informed consent from their patients before carrying out any intervention or treatment. This is one of the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s Code, which sets out a mandatory framework of standards for practice. Nurses and midwives will all be aware of that requirement but they ...
How to measure capillary refill time in patients who are acutely ill
WEBJul 20, 2020 · Apply cutaneous pressure to the fingertip for five seconds (Fig 2). The pressure applied should be enough to cause blanching as the blood is dispelled from the tissue. Time how long it takes for the skin to return to the same colour as the surrounding tissues. Consider any of the factors mentioned earlier in the article that may influence CRT.
Communication skills 1: benefits of effective ... - Nursing Times
WEBNov 20, 2017 · It can boost nurses’ self-confidence and job satisfaction, as well as reduce workplace stress. It is important to reflect on how you communicate and work at improving any weak areas. Communication skills 2: overcoming the barriers to effective communication. Communication 4: the influence of appearance and environment.
Performing an A-G patient assessment: a step-by-step guide
WEBJan 6, 2020 · A-G stands for airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure, further information and goals. This offers a systematic approach to patient assessments. The ability to perform an A-G assessment is a key nursing skill. Re-assessing regularly will help nurses detect deterioration early. Abstract The A-G method is a systematic and structured ...
Urinalysis: how to interpret results - Nursing Times
WEBJun 7, 2016 · Introduction. Urine testing or urinalysis is a valuable tool to screen an patient and diagnose their health status. It provides valuable information about hydration, renal and urinary tracts, liver disease, diabetes mellitus and urinary-tract infections.Urine is formed in the kidneys and, through glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption and tubular secretion, is how the body gets rid of its ...