Author: J. Essicaostrowski

I was able to stay disconnected for about 4 hours on Sunday. I turned my phone off (probably for the first time ever), I shut down my computer, and my TV. I was able to notice with time how board I got. I was able to notice how silent the house was and how every one of my family members were either watching TV, on their phone or computer. It made me realize how dependent and hooked our generation is on technology. Disconnecting from technology allowed me to really focus on reading without distraction from my phone. At times I would grab my phone without realizing, just to check it and then notice it was turned off for a reason. This really made me realize how hooked and dependent I was on my phone. With this realization, I decided from now on I would turn off my phone or keep it on silent while I study just to see how much more studying and work I could focus on and get done. This was a very interesting and eye opening activity.

What do you assess?

The nurse monitors the neurovascular status of the extremity every 2-4 hours and promptly reports any changes to the primary provider. Each pin site is assessed very 8-12 hrs for infection (redness, swelling, pain around the pin sites, warmth, and purulent drainage). Never adjust the clamps on the frame, this is the doctors responsibility.

Are there any limitations related to mobility?

When the swelling subsides, the nurse helps the patient become mobile within the prescribed weight-bearing limits. If activity is restricted, encouragement of isometric exercise is initiated to prevent complications.

What would your d/c teaching include?

Educating the patient or caregiver about pin site care according to the prescribed protocol and any signs of infection. The patient is also instructed to check the integrity of the fixator and report any lose pins.

 

By: Jessica Ostrowski, Anna Bates, Megan Mixer, Mike Haslam, Hannah Kaya

WHO- men and women, beyond the age of 60, higher risk in non-Caucasian, African American males

WHAT- cancer of the pancreas, cells develop mutations in their DNA replacing normal cells and grow uncontrollably or the cancer can also develop from metastasis of other cancers.

WHEN- rare-s/s pain, jaundice, weight loss, symptoms don’t usually appear until disease is far advanced.

WHERE- may develop in the head, body or tail of the pancreas; can spread to the stomach, duodenum, gallbladder, liver or intestine by direct invasion or lymphatic pathways.

WHY- risk factors include cigarette smoking, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis and hereditary pancreatitis

Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) is used for potentially resectable cancer of the pancreas. The cancer must be caught early enough in order for this procedure. The carcinoma head of the pancreas is re-sectioned, and the common duct is sutured to the side of the jejunum and the remaining portion of the pancreas and the end of the stomach are sutured to the side of the jejunum (Hinkle & Cheever, 2013, P. 1412).

Reference

Hinkle, J.L. & Cheever, K. H. (2013). Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing (13th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins.

 

 

Ibuprofen is a very common OTC medication almost everyone carries in their household. It is used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, inflammation and fever. This medication must be used cautiously with renal disease as it may increase renal toxicity. In geriatrics, there is an increased risk in adverse reactions secondary to age-related decrease in renal function. Lab test considerations for kidney function include BUN, serum creatinine should be evaluated periodically in patients receiving prolonged therapy.

Skyscape. (2015). Skyscape Medical Resources (Version 2.4.5)[Mobile application software]. Retrieved from http://itunes.apple.com

My favorite electrolyte is K+.

My least favorite is Magnesium.

 

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