Nurse's Thoughts

Renewing my USRN License

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:56:00 +0000

My Pennsylvania license is expiring this April. I am hoping I could renew it online but I guess the Board of Nursing in PA needed a waiver because I am still here in the Philippines due to retrogression. So I need to send it via DHL. The renewal of license cost $45. [get this widget]

Should Philippines be Afraid of AIDS Epidemic?

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:09:00 +0000

It was reported in the local news here in the Philippines that the number of people who were infected with HIV increased and mostly are working in the call centers. In fact DOH declared an epidemic. According to the Department of Health (DOH), the number of Filipinos who had, as of 2002, contracted the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is 1,503. Yet the Philippines only reported a grand total of 1,503 cases of HIV, which is one of the lowest infection rates in the world. This in a country that has one of the lowest rates of condom usage in Asia. According to an Australian author and longtime Philippine resident Earl Wilkinson, "The Philippines is sitting on a social time bomb fueled by utter complacency and denial on the part of the government. And if something isn't done to tackle the problem soon, he says, an entire generation of Filipinos may be unnecessarily decimated." Expert says that all known routes of transmission have been observed here in the Philippines, that's why we need to be very careful and always practice safe sex. Prevention strategy is a challenge plays by the physicians because the SAGIP HIV/AIDS Clinic based in the Philippine General Hospital, is receiving large number of patients with AIDS and end-stage HIV infection. They also initiate emergency measures and improve the clinic facilities. [get this widget]

Natural Remedy for Erectile Dysfunction

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 06:40:00 +0000

Erectile dysfunction is a repeated inability to obtain erection for a longer period of time to meet sexual satisfaction. It affects at least more than 150 million men worldwide, 30 million of which are Americans. It maybe a result from a psychological problems or may be due to a disease or illness.

There are various treatments available to manage erectile dysfunction. There are oral, injectables, suppository type medications, therapies, vacuum devices, surgeries and some alternative treatments like acupuncture. But there are also herbal medications and vitamins for erectile dysfunction that could aid in managing. Additionally, you will be less worried for the side effects it can cause because it is all natural. But still, consult a doctor before starting any natural supplements for safety precaution.

Arginine is an amino acid that is important in cell division, immune function and release of hormones. It alleviates male infertility and it increase blood circulation all over the body including sex organ. Arginine can be found in most dairy products and seafood. Asian Ginseng is a root plant found in eastern Asia that is used worldwide as a nourishing stimulant and is found out to increase libido and sexual performance. It can also facilitate erection...(cont)

Bioflavonoids – is one of the vitamins for erectile dysfunction. Bioflavonoids is a complex compounds that assist the body to consume vitamin C. It helps boost immune system and improve blood circulation including circulation in the sex organ. Usually a 1000 mg daily is advised. Gingko Biloba is a tree. It is herbal medicine that helps in treating circulatory problems by dilating the blood vessels all over the body. Gingko biloba is considered by many as herbal Viagra. It is also a memory enhancer.

Inositol hexaniacinate/Vitamin B3 or Niacin helps in improving blood circulation and lower cholesterol. This supplement which is one of the vitamins for erectile dysfunction is contraindicated to diabetic patients. A 1000-3000 mg daily is the recommended dose.

Selenium helps in the production of hormone testosterone which is responsible for sexual functioning. Recommended dose is 200 mcg daily.

Vitamin C together with bioflavonoids helps promoting proper blood circulation in throughout the body. Take 1000 mg 3 times daily with meals.

Vitamin E is an anti oxidant that increases blood circulation and blood vessels elasticity. You can take 400 IUs daily. This is also one of the effective vitamins for erectile dysfunction.

Zinc is necessary for the secretion and consumption of all hormones in the body that includes sex hormones, growth hormone, insulin and other important enzymes in the body. Take 30 mg daily as its recommended dose.

Nature can always provide us the effective if not, the most effective treatment options for major diseases and illnesses. There are a lot of vitamins for erectile dysfunction that can be tried without the worry of too many side effects as what commercially prepared prescribed medications can cause. [get this widget]

Health Benefits of Natto

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:34:00 +0000

Nattō (なっとう or 納豆, Nattō) is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans, popular especially for breakfast. As a rich source of protein, nattō and the soybean paste miso formed a vital source of nutrition in feudal Japan.

It is often said in Japan that nattō is good for one's health, and these claims can be backed by medical research. One example is Pyrazine contained within nattō. Pyrazine is a compound which, in addition to giving nattō its distinct smell, reduces the likelihood of blood clotting. It also contains a serine protease type enzyme called nattokinase which may also reduce blood clotting both by direct fibrinolysis of clots, and inhibition of the plasma protein plasminogen activator inhibitor 1. This may help to avoid thrombosis, as for example in heart attacks, pulmonary embolism, or strokes. An extract from nattō containing nattokinase is available as a dietary supplement. Studies have shown that oral administration of nattokinase in enteric capsules leads to a mild enhancement of fibrinolytic activity in rats and dogs. It is therefore plausible to hypothesize that nattokinase might reduce blood clots in humans, although clinical trials have not been conducted. Another study suggests the FAS in natto is the substance which initiates fibrinolysis of clots, which accelerates the activity of not only nattokinase but urokinase.

Nattō also contains large amounts of Vitamin K, which is involved in the formation of calcium-binding groups in proteins, assisting the formation of bone, and preventing osteoporosis. Vitamin K1 is found naturally in seaweed, liver and some vegetables, while vitamin K2 is found in fermented food products such as cheese and miso. Nattō has very large amounts of vitamin K2, approximately 870 micrograms per 100 grams of nattō.

According to a study fermented soybeans, such as natto, contains Vitamin PQQ, which is very important for the skin. PQQ existing in human tissues is derived mainly from diet.

According to the recent studies, polyamine suppresses excessive immune reactions, and natto contains a much larger amount of it than any other food. Dietary supplements containing the substances extracted from natto such as polyamine, nattokinase, FAS and vitamin K2 are available.

Nattō also contains many chemicals alleged to prevent cancer, as for example daidzein, genistein, isoflavone, phytoestrogen, and the chemical element selenium. However, most of these chemicals can also be found in other soy bean products, and their effect on cancer prevention is uncertain at best. Recent studies show nattō may have a cholesterol-lowering effect.

Nattō is also said to have an antibiotic effect, and its use as medicine against dysentery was researched by the Imperial Japanese Navy before World War II.

Nattō is claimed to prevent obesity, possibly due to a low calorie content of approximately 90 calories per 7-8 grams of protein in an average serving. Unverified claims include improved digestion, reduced effects of aging, and the reversal of hair loss in men due to its phytoestrogen content, which can lower testosterone that can cause baldness. These conjectured physiological effects of eating natto are based on biochemically active contents of nattō, and have not been confirmed by human study.

Nattō is also sometimes used as an ingredient of pet food, and it is claimed that this improves the health of the pets. Source: Wikipedia

Benefits of Massage

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:18:00 +0000

Benefits of Massage

Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
Ease medication dependence.
Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
Increase joint flexibility.
Lessen depression and anxiety.
Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
Reduce spasms and cramping.
Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
Relieve migraine pain.

You are a Nurse if...

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 02:20:00 +0000

I have encountered a website about Nurses' life tips and I love most of its posts. Here is one I want to share with you! Its really cool.

*You can drink a pot of coffee and still go to sleep in the morning.

*You look in your closet and can´t find anything non-medical to wear.

*You believe every patient needs TLC: Thorazine, Lorazapam, and Compazine.

*You can´t see it; it´s probably not there.

*Your sense of humor seems to get more warped each year.

*You think it is acceptable to use "penis" and "vagina" in a normal conversation.

*You believe the definition of stress is when you wake up screaming and you realize you haven´t fallen asleep yet.

*You hope there´s a special place in Hell for the inventor of the call light. (hahaha!)

*You believe that if warm wine enemas were routinely ordered, patient complaints would greatly decrease... [cont.]

*You call some of your co-workers "Flowers in the Field of Medicine" because they´re bloomin´ idiots.

*You believe not all patients are annoying. Some are dead.

*You believe experience is something you don´t get until just after you need it.

*You see stress as a normal way of life.

*You have a tendency to laugh at your patient´s "big" problems.

*You know the phone numbers of every late night food delivery place in town by heart.

*You believe the problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard.

*You´ve ever thought, "Patients, God love ´em, because today, I sure don´t!"

*Everything only happens all at once.

*You have more T-shirts that say, "Love a nurse PRN" than plain T-shirts.

*You´ve ever referred to other nurses as "Band-Aid Bunnies."

*You´ve ever been telling work stories in a restaurant and had someone at another table throw-up.

*You write a patient report and have to translate it to medical records because of all the acronyms in it.

*You notice that you use more four-letter words now than before you became a nurse.

*You´ve ever told anyone in pain to "stop being a baby and deal with it."

*You have a patient in four-point leathers that asks if you´re a nurse, you reply "Yes", and walk away.

*You´ve ever told a patient to "stop faking it."

*You believe all bleeding stops...eventually.

*You don´t get excited about blood loss unless it´s your own.

*You don´t hit patients or doctors....unless absolutely necessary.

*You believe the pain will go away when it stops hurting.

*Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong and if nothing has gone wrong, you´ve obviously don´t understand the situation.

*You believe if you can keep your head among all this confusion, you obviously don´t understand the situation.

*You´ve ever said, "Why am I here?"

*If you believe if a patient who has a catheter, he needs it.

*Everyone gets treated exactly the same...until they piss you off.

*When you get a call telling you the name of your next admit and you can do the care plan before the patient gets to the floor.(guilty? hahaha!)

*When called for orders, the MD says, "Write them yourself; you know the patient better than I do."

*You´ve ever had to contend with someone who thinks constipation for 4 hours is an emergency.

*Ever rolled your eyes when the 14 year-old says, "No, I´ve never had sex."

*You refer to motorcyclists as organ donors.

*You can eat a candy bar with one hand while performing digital stimulation on your patient with the other hand, and it doesn´t bother you.

*You believe Tylenol, Advil, or Excedrin provides a large part of your daily calorie intake requirements.

*You´ve ever held a 14-gauge needle over someone´s vein and said, "Now your going to feel a little stick."

*You can identify the "PID Shuffle" and the "Kidney Stone Squirm" at 15 feet.

*You´ve ever had a patient with a nose ring, a brow ring and twelve earrings say, "I´m afraid of shots."

*You´ve ever thought, "As long as he´s got a pulse, I don´t care about the rhythm."

*You think the ultimate cruel joke is get someone drunk, take them to the ER and tell them he OD´d on "some kind of pills."

*You automatically multiply by three the number of drinks a patient claims to have daily.(hahaha! commonly done)

*You can keep a straight face when a patient responds, "Just two beers."

*You feel that if someone is shot or stabbed, they probably deserved it.

*You stare at someone in utter disbelief when they actually cover their mouth to cough.

*You think "awake and stupid" is an appropriate choice for mental status.

*You believe in the aerial spraying of Prozac.

*You have encouraged obnoxious patients to sign out AMA.

*You believe the government should require a permit to reproduce.

*Your most common assessment question at 2 a.m. is "Why is this an emergency now?"

*You believe every waiting room should have a Valium salt lick.

*You don´t believe 90% of what you´re told, and 75% of what you see.

*You firmly believe that "too stupid to live" should be a diagnosis.

*You have to leave the patient before you begin to laugh uncontrollably.

*You believe a book entitled "Suicide: Getting it Right the First Time" will be your next project.

*You believe a good tape job will fix anything.

*You´ve ever had a patient look you dead in the eye and say, "I don´t know how that got stuck in there."

*You have ever had a patient say, "I´m not pregnant, I can´t be pregnant! I can´t be having a baby!"

*You have a special shrine in your home to the inventor of Haldol.

*You can think of another 200 examples of "You Might Be a Nurse If..."

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Davao City's very own 'Rescue 911'

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:00:00 +0000

There are many things that I can be proud of as dabawenya (citizen of Davao). Davao is one of the top ten competitive cities in terms of business investments in the whole Philippines. Not to mention being the cleanest city in the whole world!. Also, fireworks or pyrotechnics, and smoking, is strictly prohibited in the city. The government is very firm in implementing this ordinance and violators must pay fines, do community service, they may serve jail time, or a combination of the three. But most of all, I am so proud of our very own 911. Davao city is the first in Asia and third in the world next to USA and Canada to have 911. We call it Central 911 or simply 911 which we can dial through the landline phones or in the cellphones. They can response to all types of emergency needs for FREE. Yes, you heard it right. The only 911 emergency response in the world that is for free courtesy of the local government of Davao...[cont.]

I experienced using 911 way back when I was in Davao when a motor vehicle accident happened in front of the coffee shop where I was. They responded so quick and reach the scene in just few minutes.

These are the free services Central 911 are providing:

> Urban Search and Rescue Services - USAR

> Fire Auxiliary Services - FAS

> Emergency Medical Services - EMS

> K9 Unit

> Police

The dabawenyos feel safer than before because of central 911.

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Are You Feeling Blue?

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:38:00 +0000

Approximately 10 percent of over 18 years old Americans suffer from depression every year. And unfortunately, 15 percent of which commit suicide. Trauma that starts from childhood is one key factor in developing major depression in the later part of their life. Tracing your psychodynamics (study of a person’s conscious and unconscious response to different events in the person’s life that affects behaviour and psyche) is one way of determining the fact that triggers the occurrence of depression.

There are many things you can do to combat possible occurrence of depression episodes. Development of self-determination and acceptance to overcome this illness are the keys. Everyday is a struggle to be normal and to do usual customary work when you have episode of depression. So do not waste a single day to seek help when you realized that you have a problem with depression...[cont.] Reach out. Do not battle this alone because no one ever survived depression unaided. Talk to someone you can trust like your family and trusted friends. They can better tell you what to do when you feel hopeless or helpless. Moreover, ask for a professional help from a psychologist or a psychiatrist to retrain you with coping mechanism and teach you behavioural skills to overcome daily hurdles that can lead to depression.

Avoid too much stress. Do not overwork yourself. Take time to have a 15 to 30 minutes break each time you feel stress out. Learn to organize things to minimize anxiety. Exercise stimulates release of serotonin needed to keep you active and alert. Exercise is as effective as an antidepressant and takes away the feeling of low mood. Make it a daily habit or at least three times a week.

Redirect yourself to positive outlet. Listen to music, do dancing, start a journal or meditate. Also, keep your daily activities going even if you do not feel of doing it. Think of happy thoughts always to redirect your attention. Concentrate on what you do best to avoid feeling of unworthiness. Do everything you can think to divert your attention from sad feelings.

Eat nutritious food. Do not neglect your meals. Our body needs the proper nutrition to function fully. Make sure that you have a balance diet to give you energy. Low calories mean low energy that can make you feel weak and less vital. Bring finger foods all the time and try to eat even when you do not have the appetite.

Take your medication religiously. When your doctor told you to take once a day or twice a day, do it as instructed to avoid relapses. Set your clock to remind you that it is time to take your pills. Antidepressant is very helpful in treating depression. It works to more or less 40 percent of the depressed individuals.

Coping with depression take so much effort. It is hard to fight back when your enemy is yourself. But if you are willing to help yourself to be back again at your game, then it is worth trying.

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SATA (Select all that applies) Questions in NCLEX 1

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 05:34:00 +0000

1. CERVICAL CA

Risk Factors:

• African- American/ Native women

• Behavior (Sexual promiscuity)

• Chronic instrumentation of cervix

• Disease –STD

• Early age of Sex

• High Parity

• Poor Hygiene

• Low economic status

• Multiple sexual partners

• Partner with Prostate CA

Sx:

• Post-coital bleeding

• Painful sex

• Menstrual irregularities

2. OVARIAN CA

Risk factors:

• Ovarian dysfunction

• Vaginal use of talcum powder

• Alcohol

• Race - White women & family history

• Infertility

• Age - Peak=5th decade of life

• Nulliparity

• Genetic predisposition

3. DM FOOT CARE

• Meticulous care to feet

• Wash feet with warm water not hot & dry

• Can use lotion but No lotion in between toes

• Wear socks to keep feet warm

• Avoid thermal baths, heating pads

• Do not soak feet

• Inspect feet daily

• Do not treat corns, blisters

• Wear loose socks and no barefoot

• Change into clean cotton socks daily

• Break in new shoes gradually

• Use emery board

• Do not smoke

• Do not wear same pair of shoes 2 days in a row

• Check shoes for cracks before using...[cont.]

4. BLOOD TRANSFUSION REACTION

• Transfusion Reactions

Hemolytic Reaction

Allergic Reaction

• Circulatory Overload

• Septicemia

• Iron Overload

• Hypocalcemia

• Disease Transmission

• Hyperkalemia

• Citrate Intoxication

5. HYPERTHYROIDISM

• Soft smooth skin & hair

• Mood swings

• HPN

• Diaphoresis

• Intolerance to heat

• PTU drug to block thyroid synthesis

6. LUNG CA

• Bronchogenic Carcinoma

• 1st leading cause of death

• From asbestos, bacterial invasion, cigarette

• Sx: Nagging cough, hoarseness of voice, dyspnea, diminished breath sounds

7. SX OF PARKINSONS

• Tremors, akinesia, rigidity

• Weakness, “motorized propulsive gait

• Slurred speech, dysphagia, drooling

• Monotonous speech

• Mask like expression

• Teach ambulation modification: goose stepping walk (marching), ROM exercises

• Meds—Artane, Cogentin, L-Dopa, Parlodel, Sinemet, Symmetrel

• Activities should be scheduled for late morning when energy level is highest

• Encourage finger exercises.

• Promote family understanding of disease intellect/sight/ hearing not impaired,

8. ACUTE PANCREATITIS

• Abdominal Pain severe –acute sx

• Complication : Shock,Hypovolemia

• Limited fat & protein intake

9. CAST CARE

Don’t rest on hard surface

Don’t cover until dry 48+ hours

Handle with palms of hands not with fingers

Keep above level of heart

Check for CSM

10. HYDROCEPHALUS

• Anterior fontanel bulges & nonpulsating

• Bones of head separated (cracked pot sound)

• Check for sun-setting eyes

• Increase ICP

• Evidence of Frontal Bossing

• Failure to thrive

• Irritability

• High-pitched cry

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Paget's Disease of the Breast

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 07:12:00 +0000

Paget’s disease of the breast is another form of breast cancer but considered as rare. 1 or 2 out of 100 women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have Paget’s disease. It started from the breast ducts going to the skin of the breast to the areola. It’s like having eczema in the nipple or in the areola. There is also a Paget’s disease that affects the bones and it is very different from that affects the breast. I have also written a separate article explaining the Paget’s disease of the bone.

The cause of this disease as with other type of breast cancer is unknown. High risks individuals includes women who never had children, or had them in the late productive years, women who started their periods at a young age or who had a late menopause, and women who have a strong family history of breast cancer...[cont.]

Signs and symptoms are eczema-like formation in the areola, redness and swelling that could lead to crusting, bleeding and ulceration. Burning sensation and itching are also symptoms. Lumps may or may not be present.

If you are thinking that you might have one or more of these symptoms, do not waste any minute and submit yourself for check up. Breast cancer has no cure but can be treated if detected in an early stage.

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Paget's Disease of the Bones

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 06:53:00 +0000

If you are feeling pain all over your body and you cannot explain why or confused on why your head is getting larger and larger, think of consulting a physician. You could be suffering from Paget’s disease.

Paget’s disease of the bones is a chronic disease. There is malfunction in the process of normal bone formation. The bones become weak and less dense. Early diagnosis of this disease is important. Both men and women over age of 40 are affected by this disease. The symptoms are sometimes mistaken as arthritis and other disease of the bones. This is different from Paget’s disease of the breast...[con't] The common signs and symptoms are hearing loss, headache, and joint pain. There is also pressure in the spine or skull, spine curvature and increase head circumference. Pain is also felt in the affected bone area.

The expert in treating bone disease like paget’s disease is called a rheumatologist. There is no cure for this kind of bone disease but there are treatments that can deal with the pain and can delay the disease progression.

Bisphosphonates and Calcitonin are medications that can help the body produce a normal bone. Also, acetaminophen and Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s) are prescribed to manage pain. And of course, a good intake of calcium in the diet is also a big help.

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"Kiss me not!"

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:04:00 +0000

Kissing Disease, medically known as Infectious Mononucleosis, or Mono for short, is a viral illness that presents as pyrexia, soar throat, large neck lymph nodes, and fatigue. Mono is very common, distressing children, adolescents and adults. In the United States, virtually half of the children population have had Mono, unremarkably mild, before age cardinal. The birth period (instant from danger to Mono to appearance of symptoms) is from 30 to 50 days.

Specifically, kissing is not the venture of Mono. It is caused by a virus called Epstein-Barr Virus (EPV), one of the herpes viruses, which can be transmitted by a person with Mono to another through mouth-to-mouth kissing or other intimate contacts. The Epstein-Barr virus abounds in the saliva of a carrier, and mouth to mouth kissing transfers the virus from the infected person to the other...[con't]

Among children below 5 years old, there are unremarkably no symptoms. In remaining age groups, there may or may not be symptoms either. Mono unremarkably starts as a representation of malaise that lasts for several days, followed by fever, sore throat and large lymph nodes in the neck. The fever could place to 103 F in the afternoon or early evening, and there could be pus-like material at the gage of the throat. Fatigue commonly takes place in the initial 14 to 21 days. The acute phase is nearly 14 days, after which they can usually go back to their daily routines.

Both partners must totally desist from mouth-to-mouth kissing and intimate contacts for at littlest 2 months from the start of the acute phase. Since kissing and sex are two of the most pleasurable expressions among humans, especially among adolescents, the tally interference of Mono may be difficult. But since prevention is the key, as with other diseases, this is the exclusive responsible choice a preoccupied relative can take if this viral contagion is to be avoided.

In adults, acetylsalicylic dose (analgesic) may be utilised as medicament (to inferior the symptom) and as an analgesic (pain killer), but aspirin is no longer prescribed for children, because of the choice of the event of Reye's Syndrome, which can be deadly. Primary warning: Aspirin should never be prescribed to children unless specifically provided by a Pediatrist for a distinct medical motive.

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My Apology...Fixing some problems

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:58:00 +0000

I am having problems with BLOGGER...grrr. Thanks for the patience!

Mirror Syndrome: A rare disorder affecting pregnant woman

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:40:00 +0000

Did you know that there is a pregnancy problem in which mother manifests what the fetus is undergoing while inside the uterus? It is called as MIRROR Syndrome or Ballantine Syndrome or Maternal Hydrops.

This is a rare disorder in pregnancy.

What is maternal mirror syndrome? This problem occurs when a pregnant woman has fetal hydropic, which is abnormal accumulation of fluid in two or more fetal compartments. The disorder gets its name because the mother suffers the same symptoms as the sick fetus. She will become ill and have signs of preeclampsia: water retention, high blood pressure and protein in the urine. When this happens, doctors monitor the mother for maternal mirror syndrome. The syndrome is dangerous for both the expectant mother and her fetus. There have been cases in which the fetus died...[con't]

How does maternal mirror syndrome occur? Maternal mirror syndrome is caused by problems related to fluid retention such as fluid in the sac where the baby develops. The syndrome occurs when there is an unusually high amount of fluid in the fetal tissues. There have been various studies on this rare syndrome and what exactly causes it to occur.

What are the symptoms of maternal mirror syndrome? If an expectant mother has the syndrome, she may show symptoms include vomiting, swelling and/or fluid accumulation in her lungs. She will have to receive urgent treatment from medical professionals which could include an emergency cesarean section.

What are the risks of maternal mirror syndrome? An expectant mother with maternal mirror syndrome could suffer from bladder obstruction, bladder rupture and urine in the abdominal cavity. There is also a chance that the unborn baby could die.

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Coke Zero - Just Sharing

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:40:00 +0000

Hey everyone. I am sharing this to at least slow down the rumors on Coke Zero. It's not that I'm the ultimate loyalist of Coke. But friends and relatives have been asking me about aspartame so here are some facts for your info and peace of mind. Mind the second to the last paragraph. Aspartame is also being used in other products that we normally consume. Thanks!!!

What is aspartame? Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in over 6,000 products in over 100 countries worldwide. It is used in low-calorie food and beverages to substitute for the sweetness of regular sugar but without the calories...[cont]

It has been proven safe by many international health agencies, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Other organizations which have approved its safety are Europe’s Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (JECFA), the Scientific Committee for Food of the European Union (SCF), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US National Cancer Institute (NCI).

According to the Aspartame Information Center, “In 1981, when the US FDA first approved aspartame, it noted: "Few compounds have withstood such detailed testing and repeated, close scrutiny, and the process through which aspartame has gone should provide the public with additional confidence of its safety." FDA has affirmed the safety of aspartame 26 times over a period of 23 years (www.aspartame.org.... 2006).”

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MMGH: Where I found my LOVE.

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:49:00 +0000

MMGH or the Medical Mission Hospital in Tagum City was the first hospital were I worked as a volunteer nurse way back in 1999. It was there that I found my love for Operating Room. The hospital is now a tertiary hospital as it was a secondary one when I started there. Recently during my vacation, I had the chance to see my friends there again. I was so glad that I visited them and bonded with the old and new staffs...[con't] I remember my days in the operating room where lot of memories were to cherish and people to reminisce.

Mnemonic Series No. 21: Causes of HYPERKALEMIA

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:17:00 +0000

The HYPERKALEMIA "Machine" - Causes of Increased Serum K+

M - Medications - ACE inhibitors, NSAIDS

A - Acidosis - Metabolic and respiratory

C - Cellular destruction - Burns, traumatic injury

H - Hypoaldosteronism, hemolysis

I - Intake - Excesssive

N - Nephrons, renal failure

E - Excretion - Impaired

MURDER

Signs and Symptoms of Increased Serum K+

M - Muscle weakness
U - Urine, oliguria, anuria
R- Respiratory distress
D - Decreased cardiac contractility
E - ECG changes
R - Reflexes, hyperreflexia, or areflexia
(flaccid)

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A Glimpse of the Most Popular Nursing Schools in Davao City

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:45:00 +0000

Davao City, same with other countries has few prestigious nursing schools... here are some of it.

Davao Doctors College Address: Gen. Malvar Street, DC Contact Nos.: (082) 221-1074 / 222-0850/ Fax: (082) 221-1074 Email:admin@davaodoctors.edu.ph

San Pedro College

Address:12 C. De Guzman Street, Davao City Contact Nos.:(082) 2210257/Fax: (082) 226-4461 Email:srpat@spcnet.edu.ph

Ateneo de Davao University

Address: Roxas Avenue, 8016 Davao CityPhilippines

Tel (82) 221.2411 local 8253Fax (82)226.4116

e-Mail: webdev.addu@gmail.com

University of Mindanao

Address: Bolton Street, Davao City Contact Nos.:(082) 226-3526 / Fax: (082) 226-3527 Email: um@mozcom.com

Brokenshire College

Address: Madapo, Davao City

Tel. No.: (63)(082) 227-2105, 227-3538, or 222-4085

e-mail: admissions@brokenshire.edu.ph

Davao Medical School Foundation

Address: Medical School Drive, Bajada, Davao City 8000

Tel: +63 82 226 2344, Fax: +63 82 82 221 2617

website: http://www.dmsf.edu.ph/

I'm Home! I'm Home! I'm in Davao!

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 03:39:00 +0000

Finally, after long planning I was able to have the vacation I really wanted! I am in my hometown Davao!

I took the earliest flight at 4:15 am and I arrived exactly as expected. The flight from Manila to Davao is an hour and forty five minutes.

I miss the local coffee shops I used to hanged out with my friends. One of them is Kasagingan (the meaning of the word is a land filled with banana trees). You cannot see any single banana tree here but the concept is all about banana including their coffee flavors and menu. I ordered toron (sliced banana wrapped in a lumpia wrapper) and a cup of cappuccino. They called the toron as Banana Fantastic. They added belgian choco or caramel syrup on top of it.

The tables and chairs outside are under a roof made to shape like a banana tree and it is very beautiful during the night because of the different lights they put around it. (Sorry it's 11:00 am right now so I cannot show you some pics...)

Moreover, the coffee is excellent and the price is very cheap. And yes! Kasagingan is a wifi hot spot and its for free!

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There is Hope in Battling Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Sun, 18 May 2008 23:34:00 +0000

If you were diagnosed with cancer, what will you do? How would you feel? DABDA. The five stages of dying… Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. You will undergo these five stages.

Then in between these stages comes different treatments. Like radiation and chemotherapy that in some ways are proven to be effective. But beyond these effective treatments are also a number of side-effects. There is nausea, vomiting, alopecia, fatigue and other ample side-effects that could lower down the immune system. In other words, chemotherapy is not for everyone.

So if chemotherapy is not suited for you? What now?

You search for an option. Like an alternative cancer treatments that can help lessen or help you not to feel the stressful side-effects a conventional chemotherapy caused you. So that you can be functional again.

The answer is a lower dose of chemotherapy or called as Metronomic dosing found in an alternative cancer center.

Metronomic chemotherapy does not deplete the immune system and does not directly target the tumor cells or the dividing cancer cells. Instead it targets the endothelial cells that are feeding the tumor. So, there is little or no side-effect at all.

Traditional chemotherapy further destroys the other normal dividing cells like the mucous membrane, hair cells and intestinal cells which explain the harsh side-effects it provides.

Now, you feel that there is new hope… you can battle cancer while living a normal life. Smile. This is what an alternative cancer treatment can give you.

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10 Things About Richelle

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Sun, 18 May 2008 22:34:00 +0000

I am fluent in Visayan language but my parents are not. They are born and raised in Luzon, particularly in Nueva Ecija. I am born and raise in Davao. ( We only have less than 5 relatives in Davao. It's a long story why we landed in Mindanao)
I have an older brother who is a mechanical engineer and a board top notcher. Also, a younger sister who is an electronics and communications engineer working in the largest telecommunication company in the Philippines. Yeah, they are smart. (They were both married under the age of 23)
In addition to number 3, I am the middle child, 31, and single.
In connection to number 4, I am off the market, have a boyfriend who is an IT working in Japan as an English teacher! (good job description huh!)
Whenever I go buy personal things, I always buy 5 different conditioners and shampoo and use it alternately everyday. (lately, i got 7 tubes of conditioner in the bathroom and 3 bottles of shampoo)
I love daisies more than roses. Dark chocolates more than white.
I love pink. UCB inferno. Vintage shirts. flip flops. French tip manicure.
I am geographically idiot. (soooo turn off!)
I do not have much patience with children. I worked 2 years in KSA as Pediatric Nurse and I am the good one. (Isn't it ironic? Don't you think? hahaha)
Lastly, I wanted to take AB Journalism in college but ended up nursing. (influenced by so many nurses around me)

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Dreaming of Having a Perfect Nose?

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Fri, 16 May 2008 00:35:00 +0000

Cosmetic surgery is one fast growing industries around the world. In fact, some of the countries like Thailand and Philippines convert it into a tourism industry. And because of the popularity of plastic surgery, there are also many doctors who specialized reconstructive or plastic surgery.

Rhinoplasty or “nose lift” as we commonly called it, is the most common reconstructive surgery performed around the world. We have heard so many stories about disgruntled patients, unexpected outcomes or unsuccessful nose jobs. Finding the best, qualified and expert doctor should be the first concern a client should take before going with the procedure. Furthermore, a client should know that there are several risks in taking this kind of operation. But if in the first place, a client has selected the best surgeon to perform the procedure, then there is nothing to worry about and at the same time, revision rhinoplasty would be avoided in the future.

So if you are considering having rhinoplasty surgery, do not jump over immediately to what a friend recommends to you, or on what you heard from your favorite actress when she thanked her ‘sponsors’. Do your research. Check the surgeon’s background, qualification and experience to assure you of a reliable nose job you ever wanted.

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Medical Staff Should Set a Good Example: A reaction to the VSMMC surgery scandal

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:22:00 +0000

I have seen the video at youtube of that surgery scandal at VSMMC weeks ago and I never posted it here because it’s a shame for us who are in the medical field. But when I saw in the news that the government of Cebu is doing an action for the involved doctors, staff and clinical instructors, I became glad that we are still giving importance for the rights of the patients.

I was a clinical instructor for four years handling students in the operating room. In my four years of teaching, never I neglect every patient’s right to privacy. Taking videos and pictures is a big NO for me. Using cellular phones inside the operating room in the first place is not allowed by our school itself. I was so sorry for the clinical instructor who did not handle the situation well because the students will bear that in their minds for the rest of their lives...(con't) The biggest responsibility I took when I chose to become a clinical instructor is to protect my students and their patients. If I was the clinical instructor involved in the situation, I would take all the blame and I would never involved my students.

Documenting a procedure is not restricted for educational purposes but it should be with the permission of the patient. Of course, for a teaching hospital documentation is sometimes necessary for learning. Hospitals who are accepting student affiliation should make a good standard for the future nurses. As much as possible, they should implement what is the “ideal” set up and practice because that is the responsibility they have to take if they wanted to become a teaching hospital.

Doctors, nurses and other medical staff on the other hand, must also set a good example for the students. They do not know but students look up to them. They respect and idolized them because these doctors and nurses are what the students want to be in the future. I know this because I handled hundreds of nursing students inside and outside the operating theatres.

I hope we could learn something from this situation.

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‘Surgery scandal’ victim wants VSMMC medical team suspended

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:47:00 +0000

GMA NEWS - CEBU CITY, Philippines - To give a strong message and stern warning that the behavior shown by medical practitioners during the rectal procedure of a florist was not good, the camp of "Jan-jan" wants preventive suspension imposed on those who deserve the sanction.

Jan-jan’s legal counsel Guiller Ceniza said they will study thoroughly the participation of each medical practitioner and identify those who deserve to be suspended.

This, before they will consider the possibility of filing a motion urging the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas to enforce preventive suspension.

Criminal case

They will also include the names in the filing of a criminal case in the Office of the City Prosecutor.

Jan-jan is the 39-year-old homosexual patient who is asking for P6 million in damages from the medical team and from the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) for "violating his rights to privacy, confidentiality, and dignity as a human being."

This was after a video of his Jan. 3 operation was uploaded to video-sharing website YouTube, showing a medical team either laughing, jeering, or cheering...(con't) "The administrative case investigated by the VSMMC cannot be trusted even when the Department of Health (DOH) is part of the investigating process. But the problem with DOH is that they channel the investigation through the administrators of the hospital and depend on its recommendations," Ceniza said in a radio dyLA interview.

"Based on the recommendations released by the VSMMC’s fact-finding committee, we can see that their recommendations cannot be trusted because they want to cover up the whitewash committed to repair them for the next case they will have to face," he added.

Ceniza also said that while the DOH will continue their investigation, they will actively participate in the investigation of the anti-graft.

14 names

The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas released Monday its final evaluation report (FER), recommending 14 people placed under formal criminal investigation; 12 will also be facing an administrative case.

To be placed under criminal investigation are Dr. Phillips Leo D. Arias, surgeon-in-charge; Dr. Marlowe Parreno, consultant, Department of Surgery; Dr. Angelo Linawagan, assistant surgeon; Dr. Joseph Alfred de Leon, who was assigned in the documentation; Dr. Joanne Mae Merilles, resident anesthesiologist; Dr. Serapio Salazar, consultant, Department of Anesthesiology; and Dr. Max Joseph Montecillo of the Department of Surgery.

Also included are Isabelita Remulta, operating room nurse supervisor; Carmenia Sapio, circulating nurse; Consuelo Tecling, operating room nurse supervisor; Ida Sumayang, nurse-on-call; and Rosemarie Villareal, nursing attendant.

They are directly connected with the VSMMC and are also being investigated administratively for grave misconduct.

The clinical instructors also facing administrative case are A. Oplado for University of Southern Philippines and Ramon Penly “Monching" Pandaan for Southwestern University.

Ceniza said that Jan-jan’s camp is happy with this new development.

The VSMMC, though, still has to receive a copy of the FER so that its administration can discuss it. - Sun.Star

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My Journey is Shining at SocialSpark!

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle) — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:31:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered where I spend most of my time online? I am socializing with my new found friends at SocialSpark! Taking opportunities and at the same time creating new circle of friends is never been this exciting! My sponsorship with SocialSpark gave me an idea how I can shine and be known to the world by helping one another as bloggers. It is not all about the money. It is about knowing that we need each other to succeed and be excellent information providers to our readers.

I have been blogging for a year now and for that short period of time I have seen the evolution of making money online. They created so many strategies to encourage readers and bloggers to sign up and to gain big bucks. But SocialSpark made a unique progression that would provide benefits to everyone. It teaches us to value the people around the world we choose to fit in. It helps us not only to monetize our blogs but to increase our traffics and links, which is very important to survive in this so-called blogworld.

It took me ten days of waiting for the slot to finally have this opportunity to spread the news about SocialSpark and its worth the wait. In fact, being accepted in the SocialSpark community alone is something I am proud of. Something that made me feel I am part of something big. I may never have the highest pay check but I know that I am on my journey towards being a new person because of blogging.

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