Head and Spinal Cord Trauma for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Head and Spinal Cord Trauma Definition/Etiology: Head and spinal cord trauma is just that, a traumatic injury. These can be caused by anything from falls to assaults, to motor vehicle collisions, to penetrating knife or gun injuries. The etiology of traumatic injuries goes on and on. If someone can smack their head against something, they […]
Appendicitis for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Appendicitis: Definition/Etiology: An appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. It occurs when an obstruction of the appendiceal lumen (basically the inside of the appendix), results in a decreased blood supply which, if left untreated, may progress to necrosis, perforation and peritonitis. Pathophysiology: The patho of an appendicitis seems to stem from an obstruction […]
Peritonitis for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Peritonitis Definition/Etiology: Inflammation of the peritoneum Ruptured appendix Pancreatitis Penetrating trauma Peritoneal dialysis Pelvic inflammatory disease, post abd surgery (“knicked the bowel/bladder”), bowel perforation, diverticulitis Pathophysiology: Primary: Blood-borne organisms enter peritoneal cavity Secondary: Abdominal organs perforate and release contents into peritoneal cavity (more common) Clinical Presentation: Diffuse pain exacerbated by movement, coughing; may […]
Cholecystitis for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Cholecystitis Definition/Etiology: Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder Mostly caused by gallstones obstructing cystic or common bile duct Other causes include infectious agents or a tumor obstructing the biliary tract Obstruction or acute inflammation of the bile ducts causes blockage of bile secretion and may possibly result in gangrene (dead tissue caused by an […]
Cirrhosis for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Cirrhosis Definition/Etiology: Scarring or fibrosis of the liver develops after a long period of inflammation replacement of the healthy liver parenchyma with fibrotic tissue and regenerative nodules Leads to portal hypertension Causes: Obesity non-alcoholic fatty liver disease high alcohol consumption Viruses (hepatitis B/C), parasites drug-induced autoimmune diseases cholestatic diseases Genetics Hemochromatosis/Wilson’s disease – iron or […]
Pancreatitis for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Pancreatitis Definition/Etiology: Acute and chronic pancreatitis are not separate. It is a continuum. Recurrent, severe acute pancreatitis can progress to chronic due to fibrosis and necrosis, as well as continued use of tobacco and alcohol. Risk factors: Alcohol Tobacco Hypertriglyceridemia (esp >1000) Genetic Autoimmune Abdominal radiation Ischemic injury Obstructive (stones, scars, tumors, cysts) Trauma […]
Genitourinary Infections for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Genitourinary Infections Definition/Etiology: Primarily affects bladder (acute cystitis) Most common organism E. coli Women – Higher risk than men, shorter urethras, New sexual partner Men – Incomplete bladder emptying, Enlarged prostate Pathophysiology: ??? Clinical Presentation: Dysuria, burning, urgency, frequency, nocturia Suprapubic pressure or low back pain Urine may be cloudy, foul-smelling Possible […]
Urinary Retention for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Urinary Retention Definition/Etiology: Inability to completely empty bladder Causes: Urethral strictures Enlarged prostate Blood clots, renal calculi, bladder calculi Neurogenic bladder Pelvic organ prolapse Multiple sclerosis Side effect of parasympathetic agents and over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications Clinical Presentation: Lower abdominal discomfort Bladder distention Frequent Urination Small amounts Urge, but can’t go Hesitancy Collaborative […]
Gynecological Infections for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Gynecological Infections Chlamydia- Definition: Caused by Chlamydia trachomatis Most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) Frequently concurrent with gonorrhea Clinical Presentation: Estimated that 75% of all chlamydial infections are asymptomatic § Cervicitis Pelvic inflammatory disease Endometriosis Salpingitis Collaborative Management: Assessment- Cervical, uterine cultures Test for other STIs Encourage testing of sexual partner(s) Interventions- Antibiotics […]
Abruptio Placenta for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Abruptio Placenta Definition/Etiology: Placental separation from uterine wall Rupture of arterial vessels Major cause of obstetric hemorrhage, hypovolemic shock Inhibits supply of oxygen, nutrients to fetus Most common cause of fetal demise from maternal trauma Clinical Presentation: Backache, painful contractions, abdominal pain Uterine rigidity Frank, dark-red vaginal bleeding or concealed bleeding Maternal hemorrhagic […]