ABC prioritization is a fundamental concept in nursing and emergency care that helps healthcare providers prioritize patient needs based on the order of Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. This approach ensures that life-threatening conditions are addressed immediately, improving patient outcomes.
ACE inhibitors are medications that block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation, reduced blood volume, and lower blood pressure. Commonly used for hypertension, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy, they also reduce post-MI mortality. Side effects include dry cough, hyperkalemia, and angioedema. They are contraindicated in pregnancy and patients with renal artery stenosis.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) refer to the basic tasks essential for personal self-care and independent living, such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility. Understanding ADLs is crucial for assessing a person's functional status and planning appropriate care interventions.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a sudden decrease in kidney function, leading to an accumulation of waste products in the blood and an imbalance of electrolytes. It is a common complication in hospitalized patients and can be caused by various factors, including reduced blood flow to the kidneys, direct kidney injury, or obstruction of urine flow.
Aldosterone is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and maintaining electrolyte balance by controlling the reabsorption of sodium and excretion of potassium in the kidneys.
Anatomy is the branch of biology concerned with the study of the structure of organisms and their parts. It is a fundamental science that provides the foundation for understanding the physical organization of living beings.
Angioedema is a condition characterized by rapid swelling of the deep layers of the skin, often related to allergic reactions or medication side effects, such as those from ACE inhibitors.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. This leads to higher medical costs, prolonged hospital stays, and increased mortality.
Antibiotic use involves the correct and appropriate administration of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand when antibiotics are necessary, how they work, and the potential consequences of misuse, such as antibiotic resistance.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change in ways that render the medications used to cure the infections they cause ineffective. This makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive fear, worry, or anxiety that interfere with daily activities. These disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.
Arrhythmia refers to any irregularity in the heart's rhythm, which can affect how well the heart functions. It can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular pattern.
Arrhythmias refer to any irregularity in the heart's rhythm, which can lead to various complications depending on their type and severity. They can be caused by a variety of factors and may require different management strategies.
Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to serious cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and strokes. It is a major underlying cause of heart disease and involves complex interactions between various risk factors and biological processes.
Bacterial infections are caused by harmful bacteria entering the body, resulting in a variety of illnesses. They can affect different parts of the body and exhibit a wide range of symptoms.
Beta blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are medications that reduce blood pressure by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. They affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins) and are used to treat various cardiovascular conditions.
Blood pressure regulation is a physiological process that involves the maintenance of blood pressure within a normal range to ensure adequate blood flow to tissues. It is controlled by complex interactions between the cardiovascular, nervous, and renal systems.
Cardiac arrhythmias refer to any irregularities in the heart's rhythm or rate. These can vary from harmless to life-threatening conditions, affecting the electrical conduction system of the heart.
The cardiac system, also known as the cardiovascular system, comprises the heart and blood vessels, and is responsible for circulating blood throughout the body. It plays a vital role in delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removing waste products.
Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program designed to improve cardiovascular health after a heart attack, heart surgery, or other cardiac events. It involves exercise training, education on heart-healthy living, and counseling to reduce stress and improve heart health.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. It is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, encompassing a wide range of conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. It is often asymptomatic in its early stages and can lead to kidney failure if not appropriately managed. Early detection and management are crucial in slowing its progression.
Claudication is a medical condition characterized by pain and cramping in the legs due to inadequate blood flow, often caused by peripheral artery disease. It typically occurs during physical activity and is relieved by rest.
Confidentiality in nursing refers to the obligation of nurses to keep patient information private and secure. It is a fundamental aspect of patient care, ensuring that personal health information is not disclosed without the patient's consent.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition characterized by the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque. This can lead to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, potentially resulting in chest pain, heart attacks, or other serious cardiovascular complications.
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to a deficiency of water and electrolytes necessary for normal body function.
Depression is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It can significantly impact one's daily life and overall well-being.
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It involves problems with insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication of diabetes characterized by damage to the kidneys' filtering system, which can lead to kidney failure. It is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease and occurs in individuals with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Diarrhea refers to the condition of having loose or watery stools, often accompanied by an increased frequency of bowel movements. It can be a symptom of various underlying conditions and may result from infections, dietary factors, or certain medications.
Diuretics are a class of medications used to promote the excretion of water and electrolytes, primarily sodium, from the body. They are commonly used to manage conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, and edema by reducing fluid overload.
Electrolyte imbalance refers to a condition where the levels of electrolytes in the body are either too high or too low, which can disrupt normal bodily functions. Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium that carry an electric charge and are essential for many physiological processes.
Electrolytes are minerals in the body that carry an electric charge and are crucial for various physiological functions, including nerve signaling, muscle contraction, and fluid balance.
End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), also known as kidney failure, is the last stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) where the kidneys can no longer function adequately to meet the body's needs. Treatment options include dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Error prevention in nursing involves implementing strategies and practices to minimize mistakes in clinical settings, thereby improving patient safety and healthcare outcomes.
Ethical dilemmas in nursing involve situations where nurses must make difficult decisions that often involve conflicting moral principles. These dilemmas require careful consideration and balancing of patient rights, professional standards, and personal values.
Fall prevention encompasses strategies aimed at reducing the risk of falls, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly. Effective fall prevention includes assessing risk factors and implementing interventions to enhance safety and mobility.
Fluid balance refers to the regulation of the body's fluid levels, ensuring that intake and output are in equilibrium. This is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and proper physiological function.
Food choices significantly impact health, wellbeing, and the environment. The selection of foods influences nutritional intake, energy levels, and can affect the risk of developing various health conditions. Understanding how to make informed decisions about food can support a healthy lifestyle and sustainable living.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a measure of how well the kidneys are filtering blood. It is an important indicator of kidney function and is used to diagnose and monitor kidney disease.
GFR, or Glomerular Filtration Rate, is a test used to assess how well the kidneys are functioning by estimating the rate at which blood is filtered through the kidneys.
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for a long enough time that part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Heart disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart defects. It is a leading cause of death globally and can result from various risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.
Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to insufficient blood flow to meet the body's needs. It can result from various underlying diseases and can significantly impact quality of life.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition where the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.
Holistic care is an approach to healthcare that considers the individual's physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual needs, aiming to treat the whole person rather than just the symptoms of a disease.
Hyperkalemia is a medical condition characterized by elevated levels of potassium in the blood. It can lead to dangerous cardiac and neuromuscular symptoms if not properly managed.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and can lead to severe health complications if left untreated.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Hypokalemia is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a key role in cell function, nerve signals, and muscle contraction.
Increased hospital stays refer to prolonged periods that patients spend in the hospital due to various factors such as complex medical conditions, complications, or inadequate response to treatment. These extended durations can impact patient outcomes, healthcare costs, and resource utilization.
Infection control encompasses policies and procedures used to minimize the risk of spreading infections, particularly in healthcare settings. It is a critical aspect of healthcare that ensures patient safety and prevents the transmission of infectious diseases.
Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement in healthcare that ensures patients are fully aware of and agree to the procedures, risks, and potential outcomes of their medical treatment.
An overview of the healthcare system, exploring its structure, functions, and the role of healthcare professionals in delivering patient care.
Nursing is a patient-centered, evidence-informed healthcare profession focused on promoting health, preventing illness, and providing holistic care across the lifespan. Nurses use clinical judgment, the nursing process, and collaborative teamwork to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care in diverse settings. Professional practice is grounded in ethics, safety, communication, cultural responsiveness, and lifelong learning.
An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain, reducing blood flow and oxygen supply to brain tissue, causing cells to die.
Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, refers to the gradual loss of kidney function over time. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, which are excreted in urine. When kidney function declines, harmful levels of fluid, electrolytes, and wastes can build up in the body.
Lifestyle modifications refer to changes in daily habits and behaviors that can improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. These modifications often include dietary adjustments, increased physical activity, smoking cessation, and stress management.
Mandatory reporting refers to the legal requirement for certain professionals, including nurses, to report specific information to authorities. This typically involves cases of abuse, neglect, or certain contagious diseases to protect individuals and public health.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory proposed by Abraham Maslow. It is a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid. From the base upwards, the needs are: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. This framework is used to understand the motivation behind human behaviors.
Medication calculations are a critical aspect of nursing practice, involving the accurate measurement and administration of medications to ensure patient safety and therapeutic efficacy.
Medication rights refer to a set of principles that guide healthcare professionals in the safe and effective administration of medications. These principles help minimize errors and ensure patient safety by ensuring the right drug is given to the right patient, in the right dose, via the right route, at the right time, and with the right documentation.
Mobility assistance involves providing support to individuals who have difficulties with independent movement due to various health conditions or injuries. This includes using assistive devices, physical therapy, and personalized care plans to promote safety and enhance mobility.
Morning sickness refers to nausea and vomiting that commonly occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy. Despite its name, it can occur at any time of day and varies in severity among individuals.
Multi-organ failure, also known as multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), is a severe, life-threatening medical condition where two or more organ systems fail to function properly. It is commonly a result of severe infections, trauma, or other critical illnesses.
Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions or spasms in one or more muscles, often causing significant discomfort or pain. They can occur in any muscle but are most common in the legs, particularly the calf muscles.
Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for an extended period, causing damage to the heart muscle.
Nausea is the sensation of unease and discomfort in the upper stomach with an involuntary urge to vomit. It is a common symptom that can be caused by a wide range of conditions, including gastrointestinal issues, pregnancy, motion sickness, and more.
Nephropathy refers to kidney damage or disease, often resulting from long-term conditions like diabetes and hypertension. It can lead to decreased kidney function and is a significant cause of chronic kidney disease.
Nerve function involves the transmission of electrical impulses throughout the nervous system, enabling communication between the brain, spinal cord, and various body parts. This process is crucial for sensation, movement, and regulating various body functions.
Neuro assessment is a critical component of patient care that involves evaluating the nervous system to identify potential neurological conditions or monitor changes in a patient's neurological status.
The nursing process is a systematic, patient-centered approach used by nurses to ensure the delivery of high-quality care. It involves five key steps: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Oxygen therapy involves the administration of oxygen to individuals with compromised oxygenation. It is used to treat or prevent hypoxia, enhance oxygen saturation, and improve overall respiratory function.
Patient adherence refers to the extent to which patients follow medical advice and treatment plans as prescribed by healthcare professionals. It is a critical component of effective healthcare delivery and can significantly impact clinical outcomes.
Patient care planning is a critical process in nursing that involves the assessment, identification of patient needs, and formulation of a plan to address these needs to ensure effective and individualized healthcare.
Patient identification is a fundamental component of healthcare practice, ensuring that each patient receives the correct treatment, care, and medication. Accurate identification minimizes the risk of errors and enhances patient safety.
Patient monitoring involves the continuous or periodic observation of a patient's vital signs and physiological functions in order to assess their health status and detect any changes that may require medical intervention. It is a critical component of nursing care and is essential for maintaining patient safety and effective clinical management.
Patient outcomes refer to the end results of healthcare practices and interventions, encompassing the impact on a patient's health, quality of life, and satisfaction with care. These outcomes are pivotal in evaluating the effectiveness of healthcare services and guiding future improvements.
Patient rights are fundamental principles that support the dignity, autonomy, and respect of patients within healthcare systems. These rights ensure that patients receive safe, ethical, and quality care while protecting their personal and medical information.
Patient safety is a crucial aspect of healthcare that focuses on preventing harm to patients during the provision of health services. It involves minimizing risks, errors, and harm that can occur to patients through systems and practices improvements.
Patient satisfaction refers to the degree to which patients are happy with their healthcare services and the overall experience they have with healthcare providers. It is a key indicator of healthcare quality and is associated with better patient outcomes, adherence to medical advice, and lower rates of medical malpractice claims.
How to safely calculate drug dosages based on weight in pediatric patients.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, often resulting from atherosclerosis. It can cause symptoms such as leg pain when walking (claudication) and increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
Potassium levels are crucial for maintaining proper cell function, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. Maintaining balanced potassium levels in the blood is vital for overall health.
Pregnancy contraindications refer to conditions or factors that make certain medical interventions or treatments inadvisable during pregnancy due to potential harm to the mother or the fetus.
Quality of care in healthcare refers to the degree to which health services for individuals and populations increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge. High-quality care is effective, safe, timely, patient-centered, efficient, and equitable.
Quality of life refers to an individual's overall well-being, encompassing physical, psychological, and social aspects of health. It is a subjective measure that reflects personal satisfaction with life circumstances and the ability to perform daily activities.
The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) is a hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. It is activated in response to low blood pressure or low sodium levels and involves a series of enzyme and hormone releases.
Renal function refers to the processes carried out by the kidneys that include filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion to maintain homeostasis in the body. These processes help regulate fluid balance, electrolyte levels, waste removal, and blood pressure.
An overview of renal anatomy, physiology, and key regulatory mechanisms like the RAAS pathway and glomerular filtration. Includes implications for fluid balance, electrolyte regulation, and blood pressure control.
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. When blood volume or sodium levels in the body are low, or blood potassium is high, the kidneys release renin.
Risk assessment is a systematic process for identifying and evaluating potential risks that could negatively impact individuals, environments, or organizations. In healthcare, it is crucial for ensuring patient safety and improving health outcomes by proactively addressing potential hazards.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. It can lead to shock, organ failure, and death if not promptly recognized and treated.
Septic shock is a severe and potentially fatal condition that occurs when an overwhelming infection leads to dangerously low blood pressure and abnormalities in cellular metabolism.
Serum creatinine is a waste product in the blood that comes from muscle activity and is used to assess kidney function, particularly in estimating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to brain cells dying within minutes, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Tachycardia refers to a condition where the heart rate is abnormally high, typically above 100 beats per minute in adults. It can arise due to various physiological or pathological causes and may require medical attention depending on its origin and severity.
Therapeutic communication is a purposeful, patient-centered way of interacting that builds trust, promotes understanding, and supports behavior change and coping. Nurses use specific verbal and nonverbal techniques to explore feelings, clarify information, and empower patients and families. Effective therapeutic communication improves safety, adherence, satisfaction, and clinical outcomes across all care settings.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke. It happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is briefly interrupted. A TIA doesn't cause permanent damage and is often a warning sign for a future stroke.
Vascular dementia is a common form of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to a series of small strokes or other blood vessel issues. It affects cognitive functions such as memory, reasoning, and judgment.
Vital signs are measurements of the body's basic functions, providing essential data regarding a patient's health status. These include body temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure.
Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of the contents of the stomach through the mouth. It can occur due to a variety of causes, including infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and central nervous system conditions. Vomiting can lead to complications such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.