Category: Study Notes

Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing Symptoms Causes Neurological Obstruction Muscular conditions Other  Diagnosis  Treatment

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder.  Panic attacks typically last 15 to 30 minutes Sudden, intense fear that triggers severe physical reaction. Symptoms Panic attacks typically begin suddenly, without warning.  Causes Risk factors Complications Nursing Interventions 

Consumptive coagulopathy- decreased platelets and clotting factors  Thromboplastin activates widespread clotting which causes organ ischemia  Healthy RBCs break apart when traveling in vessels with clots  Life-threatening Too much and too little clotting  External or internal bleeding Risk factors Symptoms Testing Nursing Interventions 

Bipolar disorder aka manic depression Bipolar I: one manic episode that maybe preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. Bipolar II: One major depressive episode and at one hypomanic episode, but no manic episodes Bipolar II disorder is not a milder form of bipolar I disorder, but a separate diagnosis. Mixed episode-both a … Continue reading Bipolar Disorder

Normal red blood cells are round and flexible, but in sickle cell anemia they are shaped like sickles which makes them rigid and sticky. Symptoms Symptoms occur around 6 months of age.  Types of Sickle Cell Disease HbSS HbSC HbS beta thalassemia HbAS Nursing Interventions Medications Preventing infections (vaccinations) Blood transfusions Take folic acid supplements  … Continue reading Sickle Cell Disease

Psychiatric nursing aka mental health nursing focuses on caring for patient with mental health issues.  Tips -Group information ex/ condition and medications by disorder type -Focus on therapeutic communication, safety, medications and Maslow’s  -Get a Flashcard App  -Set a study schedule -Color coding different content  -Make your own Study Guide -Record Lectures  -Read the content … Continue reading How to Study for Psychiatric Nursing

A narcissist is a common catchphrase describing someone who is arrogant but it is actually a serious condition. Cluster B personality disorder (dramatic, emotional, erratic traits) Risk factors: male, early adulthood Causes Only official diagnosis is NPD but these are subtypes Overt (Agentic)—focused on self, power due to their sense of entitlement. Care about how … Continue reading Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which you have a low blood platelet count.  Platelets help your blood to clot.  Platelet=thrombocyte Normal Range: 150,000-450,000 platelets/microliter Symptoms Causes Decreased production Destruction  Sequestration  Trapped in an enlarged spleen which decreases the number in circulation  Diagnosis Nursing Interventions 

Causes liver dysfunction and cerebral edema Risk Factors Aspirin use after a viral illness Signs & Symptoms Lethargy Irritability Confusion Vomiting Seizures Lab Changes Increased AST/ALT Increase Ammonia Increased coagulation time Nursing Care Hydration (IVF)Strict I & OHOB elevate 30 degreesPain medicationsVitamin KSeizure precautionsAssist with intubation/ventilator if neededEducate familyAdminister Mannitol (decrease cerebral swelling) Observe for … Continue reading Reye Syndrome

Acute Pancreatitis Patho: Pancreas digest itself in its own enzymes, Irritated and edematous 3 Main Causes Gallstones Long term alcohol abuse Infection *Diagnosed via CT scan Signs & Symptoms ▪  Severe abdominal pain (after eating, after alcohol, unrelieved by antacids/vomiting)▪  Nausea & Vomiting▪  Fever▪  Abdominal Distention▪  Jaundice▪  Confusion/agitation▪  Turner’s Sign▪  Cullen’s Sign Labs ▪ Serum amylase … Continue reading Pancreatitis