When prioritizing patient care, remember the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) come first, followed by safety concerns. Unstable patients always take precedence over stable ones, regardless of how complex their conditions may be.
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Clear insulin (Regular, Lispro) is given before meals, while cloudy insulin (NPH) is given with breakfast and dinner. Remember: 'Clear before you chew, cloudy with your food.' Always double-check dosages with another nurse.
Avoid 'why' questions when communicating with patients as they can sound accusatory. Instead, use open-ended statements like 'Tell me more about...' or 'I notice that you seem...' to encourage patients to express their feelings.
Normal potassium (K+) is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. Levels above 5.0 can cause cardiac arrhythmias, while levels below 3.5 can cause muscle weakness and cramps. Always check EKG for changes when potassium is abnormal.
To calculate IV drip rates: (Volume × Drop factor) ÷ Time (in minutes) = Drops per minute. For example, 1000mL over 8 hours with a drop factor of 15 gtt/mL: (1000 × 15) ÷ 480 = 31.25, rounded to 31 gtt/min.
Remember the warning signs of preeclampsia with the acronym HELLP: Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets. Other key symptoms include headache, visual changes, epigastric pain, and sudden edema.
When delegating tasks, remember the 5 Rights: Right task, Right circumstance, Right person, Right direction/communication, Right supervision/evaluation. The RN always retains accountability for patient care.
Pediatric vital signs vary by age. For heart rate: newborns 120-160, infants 80-140, toddlers 80-130, school-age 70-110, adolescents 55-105. Remember that children compensate well until they suddenly decompensate.
The correct order for removing PPE is: Gloves, Goggles, Gown, Mask (GGGM). Remember: 'Dirty to clean' - remove the most contaminated items first. Hand hygiene should be performed after removing gloves and after removing all PPE.
Use the PQRST method for pain assessment: Provoke/Palliate (what makes it better/worse), Quality (sharp, dull), Region/Radiation, Severity (0-10 scale), and Timing (onset, duration). Document findings before and after interventions.
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