The Nurses Guide

Nurse Mates! Buy Online.........

2013-01-20T21:03:00.002-08:00

HealthCentral List Top 15 foods to Avoid When You Have High Blood Pressure!

2012-11-13T20:41:00.001-08:00

http://www.healthcentral.com/high-blood-pressure/cf/slideshows/top-foods-to-avoid-with-high-blood-pressure/pickles?ap=825

Demand for home care nurses is projected to grow a whopping 71% between 2010 and 2020

2012-11-04T17:59:00.001-08:00

Home care nurses visit patients where they live, help provide medicine or therapy, and aid them in tasks they may not be able to complete by themselves. --J.A.

Median pay: $61,000

Top pay: $92,500

10-year job growth: 70.5%

Total jobs*: 861,000

What You Should Know for the 2012-2013 Influenza Season

2012-10-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2012-2013.htm

click link

WE NEED NURSING BOOKS,UNIFORMS,SHOES, SUPPLIES ECT. !!!

2012-01-12T18:10:00.000-08:00

JUST FOR NURSES ******

BRING US YOUR OLD NURSING BOOKS, UNIFORMS, SHOES, ANY MEDICAL SUPPLIES YOU DON'T NEED TODAY! WE WILL PAY YOU FOR IT. CALL 513-462-9512

Immunizations for children: What you need to know

2011-10-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

Immunizations are designed to protect against serious illnesses ranging from polio and tetanus to measles, mumps, and the seasonal flu. Many people consider them the most important part of well-child checkups.

To find out more about the many illnesses prevented by immunizations, click on the links below under "recommended immunization schedule."

For a personalized list of which immunizations your child might need, and when, try our Immunization Scheduler.

http://www.babycenter.com/immunization-scheduler

How immunizations work

Immunizations are vaccines made of either weakened or "killed" versions of the bacteria or virus that causes a particular disease. When these altered viruses and bacteria are injected or taken orally, the immune system mounts an attack that stimulates the body to produce antibodies.

Vaccine Scheduler

See which shots your baby needs when, and make a personalized schedule for your child's immunizations.

Once produced, the antibodies remain active in the body, ready to fight off the real disease. For example, if whooping cough broke out in your area, an immunized child would be much less likely to contract the disease than one who wasn't immunized.

What's new in 2011

Every year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices publishes a new schedule showing which vaccines are recommended and when to get them. This schedule is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

New this year:

•

• The 2010-2011 flu vaccine now combines seasonal flu and H1N1 (swine flu) protection in one immunization. The committee recommends two doses for kids age 6 months to 8 years old who didn't get at least one dose of the H1N1 vaccine in 2009.

Recommended immunization schedule

If your child has gotten behind on immunizations, ask your doctor about the "catch-up" schedule.

DTaP, to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough):

• At 2 months

• At 4 months

• At 6 months

• Between 15 and 18 months (can be given as early as 12 months as long as it's at least six months after the previous shot)

• Between 4 and 6 years old

• A booster shot at 11 or 12 years of age

Hepatitis A, to protect against hepatitis A, which can cause the liver disease hepatitis. Between 12 and 23 months, two shots at least six months apart  Hepatitis B (HBV), to protect against hepatitis B, which can cause the liver disease hepatitis:

• At birth

• Between 1 and 2 months

• Between 6 and 18 months.

Hib, to protect against Haemophilus influenza type B, which can lead to meningitis, pneumonia, and epiglottitis:

• At 2 months

• At 4 months

• At 6 months (not needed if the PedvaxHIB or ComVax brand of vaccine was given at 2 and 4 months)

• Between 12 and 15 months

HPV, to protect against human papillomavirus, the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States and a cause of cervical cancer:

Three doses between 11 and 12 years, for girls (one version of the HPV vaccine prevents genital warts in males, but isn't on the official schedule)

Influenza (the flu shot or, for age 2 and up, nasal spray vaccine), to protect against seasonal flu and H1N1 (swine flu):

• Age 6 months and up, every year in the fall or early winter

• Two doses for children 6 months to 8 years old who are getting the seasonal flu vaccine for the first time, who had only one dose of the seasonal flu vaccine in the previous flu season, or who didn't get the H1N1 vaccine during the 2009-2010 season

• One dose for all other children

Meningococcal, to protect against meningococcal disease, the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in U.S. children in pre-vaccine days:

Between 11 and 12 years

MMR, to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles):

• Between 12 and 15 months

• Between 4 and 6 years old

Pneumococcal (PCV), to protect against pneumococcal disease, which can lead to meningitis, pneumonia, and ear infections:

• At 2 months

• At 4 months

• At 6 months

• Between 12 and 15 months

Polio (IPV), to protect against polio:

• At 2 months

• At 4 months

• Between 6 and 18 months

• Between 4 and 6 years old

Rotavirus, to protect against rotavirus, which can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration (given orally, not as an injection):

• At 2 months

• At 4 months

• At 6 months (not needed if the Rotarix brand of vaccine was given at 2 and 4 months)

Varicella, to protect against chicken pox:

• Between 12 and 15 months

• Between 4 and 6 years.

Are Your Childs immunizaton Up-To-Date? Click link below*** Print A Chart!!!

http://www.catalinapediatrics.com/Pediatric_Information/Well_Checks_Imms/immunizations_up_to_date.htm

Is The Flu Shot A Good Idea For Your Family!

2011-10-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

When It Comes To The Flu Shot: Doctors say you should get it!

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- When it comes to getting the flu shot, health officials say get it.

North Carolina had its first child death from the flu this week, and doctors say people should avoid the risk of death by getting the vaccine. Many people think the flu shot will make you sick, but doctors say that's not the case. Some think the flu shot is anything but a good thing.

"It's like the flu shot is the flu in a shot, so I don't want it anywhere near me," said Chris Maxie, who did not get the vaccine.

New Hanover County health officials recommend everyone get their shot, and say the sooner the better. New Hanover Regional Medical Center's Dr. Todd Kornegay said his patients often refuse the shot claiming they don't want to get sick from the vaccine. He said that's a common misconception.

"Some of it is distrust," Dr. Kornegay said. "Some of it may be distrust of doctors or distrust in the FDA, but I've seen 50 percent of my patients refuse the flu shot when I offer it to them."

Regardless of the doctor's orders, many people believe the shot will get you sick because they've experienced it first hand.

"I got it so I wouldn't get sick, because I was in college, and then I got really sick for a week and a half, and I missed four days of classes," said Brandy Malabre, who also did not get the vaccine this year. "I hated it, 'cause I got sick anyway, and I felt like it was completely pointless, so I've just been taking the emergency packets, and I haven't gotten the flu since then."

While patients may have had different experiences from the shot, doctors say the smartest thing you can do during the flu season is to get vaccinated.

"Most of the deaths we see from the flu are from the really young and the old, and I mean infants and the elderly folks older than the age of 65," Kornegay said. "Most of the time they get a secondary infection on top of the flu like pneumonia."

For More Information Visit:

http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body/flu_vaccine.html

Allergy TIps****

2011-09-26T06:26:00.000-07:00

**The American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Your Child's Allergies and Asthma.

The following tips are from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Feel free to excerpt the tips or use them in their entirety for any print or broadcast story, with acknowledgment of source: The American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Your Child's Allergies and Asthma.

WHEN TO SUSPECT AN ALLERGY
Here are some common clues that could lead you to suspect your child may have an allergy:

Repeated or chronic cold-like symptoms that last more than a week or two, or develop at about the same time every year. These could include a runny nose, nasal stuffiness, sneezing, throat clearing, and itchy, watery eyes.
Recurrent coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and other respiratory symptoms may be a sign of asthma. Coughing may be an isolated symptom; symptoms that increase at night or with exercise are suspicious for asthma.
Recurrent red, itchy, dry, sometime scaly rashes in the creases of the elbows and/or knees, or on the back of the neck, buttocks, wrists, or ankles.
Symptoms that occur repeatedly after eating a particular food that may include hives, swelling, gagging, coughing or wheezing, vomiting or significant abdominal pain.
Itching or tingling sensations in the mouth, throat and/or ears during certain times of year or after eating certain foods.

COMMON ALLERGENS ON THE HOME FRONT

Dust mites (dust mites are microscopic and are found in bedding, upholstered furniture and carpet as well as other places)
Furred animal allergens (dogs, cats, guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits, etc.)
Pest allergens (cockroaches, mice, rats)
Pollen (trees, grasses, weeds)
Molds and fungi (including molds too small to be seen with the naked eye)
Foods (cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish)

HOW TO MANAGE ALLERGIC NASAL SYMPTOMS

Nasal allergy symptoms can be caused by a variety of environmental allergens including indoor allergens such as dust mites, pets, and pests as well as outdoor allergens such as pollens. Molds, which can be found indoors and outdoors, can also trigger nasal allergy symptoms.
Allergy testing should be performed to determine what, if any, of these environmental allergens your child is allergic to.
An important step in managing allergy symptoms is avoidance of the allergens that trigger the symptoms.
If your child is allergic to pets, the addition of pets to your family would not be recommended. If your child has allergy symptoms and is allergic to a pet that lives with your family, the only way to have a significant impact on your child’s exposure to pet allergens is to find the pet a new home.
If your child is allergic to pests, professional extermination, sealing holes and cracks that serve as entry points for pests, storing foods in plastic containers with lids and meticulous clean up of food remains can help to eliminate the pests and reduce allergen levels.
Dust mites congregate where moisture is retained and food for them (human skin scales) is plentiful. They are especially numerous in bedding, upholstered furniture, and rugs. Padded furnishings such as mattresses, box springs, and pillows should be encased in allergen-proof, zip-up covers, which are available through catalogs and specialized retailers. Wash linens weekly and other bedding, such as blankets, every 1 to 2 weeks in hot water. (The minimum temperature to kill mites is 130 degrees. If you set your water heater higher than 120 degrees, the recommended temperature to avoid accidental scald burns, take care if young children are present in the home.)
If your child is allergic to outdoor allergens, it can be helpful to use air conditioners when possible. Showering or bathing at the end of the day to remove allergens from body surfaces and hair can also be helpful. For patients with grass pollen allergy, remaining indoors when grass is mowed and avoiding playing in fields of tall grass may be helpful. Children with allergies to molds should avoid playing in piles of dead leaves in the fall.

MEDICATIONS TO CONTROL SYMPTOMS
Your child's allergy treatment should start with your pediatrician, who may refer you to a pediatric allergy specialist for additional evaluations and treatments.

Antihistamines – Ones taken by mouth can help with itchy watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing, as well as itchy skin and hives. Some types may cause drowsiness.
Nasal Corticosteroids - Highly effective for allergy symptom control and are widely used to stop chronic symptoms. Safe to use in children over long periods of time. Must be used daily.
Allergy Immunotherapy - Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, may be recommended to reduce your child's allergy symptoms. Allergy shots are only prescribed in patients with confirmed allergy. If allergen avoidance and medications are not successful, allergy shots for treatment of respiratory allergies to pollen, dust mites, cat and dog dander, and outdoor molds can help decrease the need for daily medication.
Ask your doctor about additional therapies.

MANAGING ECZEMA (ATOPIC DERMATITIS):

Steroid creams are very effective. When used sparingly and at the lowest strength that does the job, they are very safe.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams or ointments can be used for itching and redness and decrease the need for steroid creams.
Antihistamine medication may be prescribed to relieve the itching, and help break the itch-scratch cycle.
Long-sleeved sleepwear may also help prevent nighttime scratching.
Soaps containing perfumes and deodorants may be too harsh for children’s sensitive skin.
Use laundry products that are free of dyes and perfumes and double-rinse clothes, towels and bedding.
Lukewarm soaking baths are good ways to treat the dry skin of eczema. Gently pat your child dry after the bath to avoid irritating the skin with rubbing. Then, liberally apply moisturizing cream right away.
Eczema, particularly when severe, may be associated with food allergies (e.g., milk, egg, peanut).
Launder new clothes thoroughly before your child wears them. Avoid fabric softener.

© 2011 - American Academy of Pediatrics

Abstracted from the American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Your Child's Allergies and Asthma. Available from:http://www.healthychildren.org/english/bookstore/pages/Guide-to-Your-Childs-Allergies-and-Asthma.aspx For more information on allergies and asthma, visit the AAP Section on Allergy and Immunology web site at www.aap.org/sections/allergy

FURTHER YOUR NURSING CAREER TODAY!

2011-07-26T19:07:00.000-07:00

WHY STUDY NURSING?

With the aging US population there is a large nurse shortage - growing daily. The demand for nursing professionals will create 1 million+ new jobs & is already lifting nurse salaries. We have researched and compiled a list of top careers and career trends to help you consider where your services will be most in need and what fields you may want to study.

Studying nursing with accredited online courses allows you to improve your career and salary with flexible hours that work around your life's schedule.

TOP ONLINE COLLEGES

NURSING EDUCATION

There are many kinds of nursing schools which offer a wide array of program types across many degree levels. In addition there are many training courses focused on nursing specialties.

If you are looking to study locally, you will see an alphabetical list of nursing schools by state at the bottom of this page. Select your state and explore your online & offline options.

STUDENT RESOURCES

Do you know how to chose a nursing school that fits your needs? Have you studied up on the application process? Do you know how long of a school wait time can be expected? Learn how to pay for school and the kinds of equipment that will be required for various types of nursing students.

Dealing With Stress.. How Stress Affects The Body...... Take A Free Stress Test

2011-07-24T18:46:00.000-07:00

The Effects of Stress on Your Body

Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses.

Stress is a normal part of life. Many events that happen to you and around you -- and many things that you do yourself -- put stress on your body. You can experience stress from your environment, your body, and your thoughts.

How Does Stress Affect Health?

The human body is designed to experience stress and react to it. Stress can be positive, keeping us alert and ready to avoid danger. Stress becomes negative when a person faces continuous challenges without relief or relaxation between challenges. As a result, the person becomes overworked and stress-related tension builds.

Stress that continues without relief can lead to a condition called distress -- a negative stress reaction. Distress can lead to physical symptoms including headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and problems sleeping. Research suggests that stress also can bring on or worsen certain symptoms or diseases.

Stress also becomes harmful when people use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs to try and relieve their stress. Unfortunately, instead of relieving the stress and returning the body to a relaxed state, these substances tend to keep the body in a stressed state and cause more problems.

Take the Automatic Stress Test

See your score right now.

http://www.cliving.org/lifestresstestscore.htm

HEALTHCARE/MEDICAL WORKERS NEEDED!

2011-07-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

NURSING JOBS FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS-RN/LPN/STNA'S

APPLY TODAY**

STATE TESTED NURSING ASSISTANTS-CNA JOBS

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE-LPN JOBS

REGISTERED NURSE-RN JOBS

NURSING JOBS!!!

2011-07-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

Search For Nursing Job Today!!

‪Nurse‬ Practitioner - Epilepsy Job

‪Cleveland Clinic‬ - ‪Ohio‬

‪Category: RN/‪LPN‬/APN/Ambulatory/Other ‪Nursing‬ Nearest Major Market: Cleveland Job Category: Healthcare, Physician, ‪Nursing‬, Pediatric, Medical, Neurology, ‪Nurse‬...‬

‪From AdvancedPracticeJobs.com‬ - ‪2 days ago‬

Sort by: ‪relevance‬ - ‪date

‪‪LPN‬ / LVN Job

‪HCR ManorCare‬ - ‪Cincinnati, OH‬ - ‪+1 location

‪The ‪LPN‬/LVN is responsible for the supervision of ‪nursing‬ personnel to deliver ‪nursing‬ care and within... Healthcare, Clinic, ‪Nursing‬, ‪LPN‬, Rehabilitation... ‬

‪From HCR ManorCare‬ - ‪15 hours ago‬ ‪-

‪RN or ‪LPN

‪Saint Joseph Home of Cincinnati‬ - ‪Cincinnati, OH‬

‪or ‪LPN‬ Graduated from an accredited school of ‪nursing‬ and registered with the State of Ohio. 2-3 years of ‪nursing‬ experience. Experience in pediatric ‪nursing‬ in... ‬

‪From CareerBuilder‬ - ‪6 hours ago‬

‪RN/‪LPN‬ Private Duty

‪Caregivers Health Network,‬ - ‪Cincinnati, OH‪ (Mount Adams area)‬‬

‪RN/‪LPN‬ Private Duty We are seeking a high-energy, dedicated ‪nurse‬ professional with peritoneal dialysis experience on a Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis... ‬

‪From CareerBuilder‬ - ‪1 day ago‬

‪‪LPN‬ Staff ‪Nurse‬ - PRN Pediatric Skilled Respite

‪Almost family‬ - ‪Edgewood, KY‬

‪You'll feel right at home.Â As a ‪LPN‬ Staff ‪Nurse‬, you will: Provide ‪nursing‬ care to patients in the... ‪nursing‬. Must possess a valid practical ‪nursing‬... ‬

‪From Almost Family‬ - ‪5 days ago‬

‪‪LPN

‪HAMILTON COUNTY DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICES‬ - ‪Cincinnati, OH‬

‪POSITION TITLE: ‪LPN‬ LOCATION: Adult Service Centers QUALIFICATIONS: Licensed Practical ‪Nurse‬ in State of... treatments and other ‪nursing‬ tasks as assigned; on... ‬

‪From CareerBuilder‬ - ‪21 days ago‬

‪‪LPN‬ Staff ‪Nurse

‪Almost Family‬ - ‪Cincinnati, OH‪ (Mount Adams area)‬‬

‪From Almost Family‬ - ‪16 days ago‬ ‪-

‪Licensed Practical ‪Nurse‬ (‪LPN‬) Hospice of Cincinna...

‪Tri Health‬ - ‪Cincinnati, OH‬

‪‪LPN‬ LICENSED PRACTICAL ‪NURSE‬ (Home Care)Hospice of... basic ‪nursing‬ care in accordance with the ‪LPN‬ scope of practice set forth in the ‪Nurse‬ Practice Act. ‪LPN‬... ‬

‪From CareerBuilder‬ - ‪6 days ago‬ ‪- ‪‪

‪Patient Care Liaison (RN or ‪LPN‬)

‪Almost Family‬ - ‪Cincinnati, OH‪ (Mount Adams area)‬‬

‪Family, is a leading provider of home health ‪nursing‬, rehabilitation and personal care services.Â Our... Qualifications: ‪Nurse‬, therapist, or other... ‬

‪From Almost Family‬ - ‪16 days ago‬

‪Rehab ‪Nursing‬ Tech (Pool)

‪HEALTHSOUTH CORPORATION‬ - ‪Edgewood, KY‬

‪the Rehabilitation ‪Nurse‬ Technician/Certified ‪Nursing‬... Rehabilitation ‪Nurse‬ Technician/Certified ‪Nursing‬ Assistant is also responsible for: Assisting the RN/‪LPN‬... ‬

‪From HEALTHSOUTH CORPORATION‬ - ‪1 day ago‬ ‪-

‪Rehab ‪Nursing‬ Tech (part-time evenings)

‪HEALTHSOUTH CORPORATION‬ - ‪Edgewood, KY‬

‪From HEALTHSOUTH CORPORATION‬ -

‪

‪Nurse‬ Practitioner - Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery Job

Cleveland Clinic‬ - ‪Ohio‬

‪RN/‪LPN‬/APN/Ambulatory/Other ‪Nursing‬ Nearest Major Market: Cleveland Job Category: Healthcare, Cardiac, Physician, ‪Nursing‬, Pediatric, Medical, Surgery, ‪Nurse‬...‬

‪From AdvancedPracticeJobs.com‬

Heart Action.....

2011-07-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

The Pumping Action of the Heart

by David Harrington, PhD

The Heart in Action

Blood enters the relaxed top chambers (atrium) of the heart from the superior and inferior vena cava veins for the right side, and from the pulmonary vein for the left side. This is called the diastole phase. When the chamber fills, the sinoatrial (SA) node located at the top of the right atrium sends an impulse for the upper parts of the heart to start to contract. The lower part of the heart—the ventricle—is relaxed. On the right side, blood is forced through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle and on the left side through the mitral valve into the left ventricle. At this point, the atrioventricular (AV) node, located at the bottom of the right atrium, sends its signal down the bundle of His—a slender bundle of modified cardiac muscle that passes from the AV node in the right atrium to the right and left ventricles by way of the septum and that maintains the normal sequence of the heartbeat. The signal continues into the Purkinje fibers, which causes the ventricles to contract. This is called the systole phase. The tricuspid and mitral valves close, preventing backflow into the atrium; the pulmonary and aortic valves open, which allows the blood from the right ventricle to move to the lungs and from the left ventricle to the rest of the body. At the end of the contraction, the ventricular valves close and diastole starts again. This is called a normal sinus rhythm. Any contraction that does not follow this sequence is called an arrhythmia. We will cover more information on the electrical activity of the heart in a future "ICC Prep" article in 24x7.

An ectopic beat occurs when the SA node is not functioning or some other part of the heart tissue assumes the role of the pacemaker. A multifocal beat is when both the SA and AV nodes are not properly working and contractions originate elsewhere in the heart.

Structural faults in the heart can cause oxygenated and non- oxygenated blood to mix. These defects are generally holes in the septum that did not close after birth. Many babies will have this type of defect, and it self-corrects after a few days. Sometimes, these holes can be patched using special catheters without the patient going through an open-heart procedure. It is not unusual for patients to live most of their lives with the defect and not know it.

Review Questions

1) The two upper chambers of the heart are called?

Alveolus
Epiglottis
Aorta
Atrium

2) Backflow between lower and upper chambers is sometimes called?

Regurgitation
Prolapse
Stenosis
Angina

3) Which vein in the body carries oxygenated (arterial) blood?

The vena cava
The pulmonary vein
The Saphenous vein
Cephalic vein

4) The right and left ventricles are separated by the

Septum
Sternum
Carotid
Pericardium

See the answers

Basic Hemodynamics in the Heart

The blood pressure in the right atrium is the lowest of all the chambers and is generally the same as the central venous pressure (CVP) of the patient. Two to 10 mmHg is the common range—some sources say 0 to 8—and this is a mean pressure. Mean pressure is 0.707 of the highest pressure—think of it like an RMS voltage. The right ventricle pressures during contraction (systolic) ranges between 15 and 30. At rest, or diastolic, it is the same as the right atrium. The left atrium pressure ranges between 5 and 12 mmHg but is almost never directly measured in a clinical setting. The left ventricle systolic pressures range between 90 and 140, while the end diastolic is 5 to 12, all in mmHg.

While not part of the heart, the pressure in the pulmonary artery is of clinical importance and is often monitored. Typical pressures in the pulmonary artery are systolic 15 to 30, diastolic 4 to 12, and mean 9 to 16, all in mmHg. Also measured is the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, which is a mean pressure and ranges from 1 to 10 mmHg. When monitoring the pulmonary artery pressures it is possible to get a negative blood pressure if the catheter is not correctly placed, meaning it is too far down the artery. In this case, as the patient inspires he or she creates a vacuum at the catheter tip, which will show up as a negative pressure on some monitors. The key troubleshooting point on this is that the negative blood pressure only shows up at the same frequency that the patient is breathing.

Some monitors will not show a negative pressure, but will flatline at the zero pressure point. It is extremely rare that the computed reading (numeric display of systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures) will show a negative number, because it is averaged over 3 to 5 contractions. The clinical staff may complain about low numbers, but the key is to look at the waveform for negative going or cut-off at the zero line on the screen. If this is present, the catheter is too far into the pulmonary artery. Also, remember that the pulmonary artery contains venous blood while the pulmonary vein has oxygenated or arterial blood.

Problems with valves in the heart are generally found by listening with a stethoscope or by using ultrasound scans. If the valves do not close properly, blood will regurgitate between chambers. The cardiac valves can thicken from various illnesses, and some drugs, both legal and otherwise, can affect them. The common term for thickening or narrowing of valves is "stenosis." Sometimes the term "prolapse" is used for valves not completely closing properly.

The ideal pressure is 120 mmHg systolic and 60 diastolic, although it used to be 120 over 80. Systolic pressures above 140 or diastolic pressures above 90 are of clinical concern. The difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures is called the pulse pressure. This generally runs between 40 and 60 mmHg. The mean pressure can be computed by multiplying the systolic pressure by 0.707. An estimated mean pressure can be obtained by adding one third of the pulse pressure to the diastolic pressure.

Pressure ranges are as follows:

Arterial: 30 to 250;
Venous: 2 to 50;
Central venous: 1 to 20 (CVP);
Pulmonary artery: 4 to 30 (PAP); and
Wedge: 2 to 15.

David Harrington, PhD, is director of staff development and training at Technology in Medicine (TiM), Holliston, Mass, and is a member of24x7's editorial advisory board. For more information, contact 24x7Editor@allied360.com.

Gordon's Typology of 11 Fuctional Health Patterns.......

2011-06-30T17:12:00.000-07:00

~For Assessment~

Patterns represents a sequence of recurring behavior. When data is organized according to these 11 health patterns, the nurse can anticipate emerging functional and dysfunctional patterns around to identify client needs and the appropriate nursing interventions.

These 11 functional health patterns follow:

Health Perception and Health Management. Data collection is focused on the person's perceived level of health and well-being, and on practices for maintaining health. Habits that may be detrimental to health are also evaluated, including smoking and alcohol or drug use. Actual or potential problems related to safety and health management may be identified as well as needs for modifications in the home or needs for continued care in the home.

Nutrition and Metabolism Assessment is focused on the pattern of food and fluid consumption relative to metabolic need. The adequacy of local nutrient supplies is evaluated. Actual or potential problems related to fluid balance, tissue integrity, and host defenses may be identified as well as problems with the gastrointestinal system.

Elimination. Data collection is focused on excretory patterns (bowel, bladder, skin). Excretory problems such as incontinence, constipation, diarrhea, and urinary retention may be identified.

Activity and Exercise. Assessment is focused on the activities of daily living requiring energy expenditure, including self-care activities, exercise, and leisure activities. The status of major body systems involved with activity and exercise is evaluated, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems.

Cognition and Perception. Assessment is focused on the ability to comprehend and use information and on the sensory functions. Data pertaining to neurologic functions are collected to aid this process. Sensory experiences such as pain and altered sensory input may be identified and further evaluated.

Sleep and Rest. Assessment is focused on the person's sleep, rest, and relaxation practices. Dysfunctional sleep patterns, fatigue, and responses to sleep deprivation may be identified.

Self-Perception and Self-Concept. Assessment is focused on the person's attitudes toward self, including identity, body image, and sense of self-worth. The person's level of self-esteem and response to threats to his or her self-concept may be identified.

Roles and Relationships. Assessment is focused on the person's roles in the world and relationships with others. Satisfaction with roles, role strain, or dysfunctional relationships may be further evaluated.

Sexuality and Reproduction. Assessment is focused on the person's satisfaction or dissatisfaction with sexuality patterns and reproductive functions. Concerns with sexuality may he identified.

Coping and Stress Tolerance. Assessment is focused on the person's perception of stress and on his or her coping strategies Support systems are evaluated, and symptoms of stress are noted. The effectiveness of a person's coping strategies in terms of stress tolerance may be further evaluated.

Values and Belief. Assessment is focused on the person's values and beliefs (including spiritual beliefs), or on the goals that guide his or her choices or decisions.

What Is A Cardiovascular Disorder?

2011-06-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

Cardiovascular Disorders Are:
Accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque in coronary arteries.

Complications Are:
Angina
MI
Dysrhythmias
Heart Failure
Sudden Death

Risk Factors Associated w/ Cardiovascular Disorders Are:
Age, Gender, Race, Genetic Factors, Hypertension, Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia, and elevated
homocystine levels/metabolic.

Risk Factors : Lifestyle Factors
Cigarette Smoking
Obestity
Physical inactivity
Diet
Use of oral contraceptives