nursing diagnosis

Sometimes the best way to learn is to observe. The popular perception of a cardioversion is that it's this high intensity, dramatic event with doctors and nurses running around like crazy. The reality is however that they are an almost relaxed affair, which is a testament to the teams experience and professionalism. remaining calm and focussed under pressure is a hallmark of health care professionals in the emergency setting. The list below depicts interesting cases I've come across during my travels through…

As the population ages, chronic diseases become more prevalent and doctors will usually prescribe medications to improve the quality of life for the patient. Medications have now become an essential component of modern healthcare, and nursing practice. While the nurse rarely prescribes medications, they spend a considerable amount of time administering them to their patients. I've compiled this list of common medications terms nurses may encounter during their practice. Remember, it is always important to understand the…

An imperforate hymen is a congenital disorder I which the hymen completely occludes the vaginal opening. It is one of the most common female genital tract malformations, occurring in approximately 1 in 2000 girls3. The condition arises due to a failure of the hymen to perforate during fetal development. The condition commonly goes unnoticed until adolescence when the girl passes the age of menarche5 and has not had a period (amenorrhea). Menstrual blood cannot flow freely from the vagina and backs up in the vagina…

Hematometra, otherwise known as hemometra is a condition in which blood is collected and retained in the uterus, commonly the result of an imperforate hymen or transverse vaginal septum. The physical obstruction of menstrual blood from the uterus causes a significant back up of menstrual blood over time, which can cause the uterus to enlarge, putting pressure on other pelvic organs, similar to in the case of hematocolpos. For this reason, the condition tends to worsen to longer the patient prolongs seeking medical…

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - also known as Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COLD) - is a chronic inflammation of the lungs that causes obstruction of airflow1 and ineffective airway clearance. It is commonly caused by distinct disease processes such as Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis. COPD is generally caused by long-term exposure to irritating gasses or particulate matter such as those produced by cigarette smoke1. Asthma: Also known as Chronic Reactive Airway Disease is characterised by…

A pharmacobezoar, otherwise known as a medication bezoar is a persistent concretion of pharmaceutical products within the gastrointestinal tract14. They are commonly found following the intentional overdose of sustained-release medications. A bezoar is a concretion of foreign material that can form and persist within the gastrointestinal tract. A bezoar should not be confused with a pseudobezoar, which refers to an indigestible object intentionally introduced into the gastrointestinal tract3. …

Congestive heart failure (CHF), otherwise known simply as heart failure (HF) is the medical term that describes the heart's inability to pump sufficiently to maintain blood flow and meet the body's metabolic needs. This ineffective pumping leads to congestion of the venous circuit on both the pulmonary and systemic sides, leading to poor tissue perfusion and fluid overload. Congestive heart failure results from changes in either the left or right side of the heart. This could be for example; the right side of the…

A UK-based artist by the name of William Utermohlen was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1995 and he chronicled his own mental demise over his years of living with the disease. Unfortunately, Utermohlen died in 2007, but he drew a self-portrait every year until he was no longer able to before his death. The artworks offer a unique glimpse into the mind of an Alzheimer's patient, and how their mind deteriorates over time. Strikingly, we can see slow decay until 1999, where we can no longer distinguish any facial…

An inguinal hernia is a protrusion of the abdominal contents through the inguinal canal, often into the groin or scrotum. They are a very common problem and patients may complain of pain or discomfort when coughing, exercising or during bowel movements. Inguinal hernias are so common, they are often one of the first surgical procedures postgraduate surgical residents are trained in​​. The protrusion may not be visible, particularly in overweight patients, however, a bulging area may occur in the area of the hernia, and may…