Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Herpes Zoster – Shingles
Pathophysiology: A viral infection that is caused by herpes zoster. This is typically a reactivation of the virus that has been dormant. Ths initial exposure is chickenpox. It appears along a line of nerves and causes a vesicular painful rash. Overview Viral Infection caused by Herpes Zoster virus Nursing Points General Most common in elderly […]
Pressure Ulcers/Pressure injuries (Braden scale)
Overview Ulcerations in the skin varying in size and depth Due to compression of tissue for extended period of time Sentinel Event in Acute Care Facilities (hospitals) High prevalence in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Nursing Points General Stage I Skin intact Non-blanchable redness Stage II Partial thickness loss of skin Stage III Full […]
Burn Injuries
Overview Children are at greater risk for severe burns and higher mortality due to thin skin Nursing Points General Burns can occur from any type of heat source Most common for children are Flames, hot surfaces, hot liquids Non-accidental injuries vs Accidental Non-accidental burns/scalds Look for shapes/patterns Circumferential scalds Same thickness of skin damage throughout […]
Fractures
Overview A fracture occurs when sufficient force is applied to a bone, causing it to break. Nursing Points General Types of fractures Closed – skin intact Open/Compound – bone pierces skin Transverse – broken straight across Spiral – fracture from twisting force Comminuted – multiple pieces of bone Impacted – from vertical force on long […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Osteoporosis
Overview Bone demineralization leading to ↓ bone mass/density Pathophysiology: The Bone structure is maintained and affected by hormones and minerals such as calcium. In osteoporosis, there is an imbalance of these factors. If the parathyroid hormone is elevated it will cause osteoclasts to break down the bone in order to increase the calcium levels in […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Osteoarthritis (OA)
Overview: Progressive disorder of the articulating joints Pathophysiology: Osteoarthritis is caused by the degeneration of the joints. Joints that are used frequently or have to bear more weight are more at risk for the degeneration. A healthy joint has fluid and cartilage. As the joint is used and worn down the fluid and cartilage are […]
Hyperglycaemic Hyperosmolar Non-ketotic syndrome (HHNS)
Overview Severe Hyperglycemia without Ketoacidosis Nursing Points General Type II Diabetes Mellitus – Acute Exacerbation Body has just enough insulin to prevent fatty acid breakdown Gradual onset → Infection, Stress, Dehydration Assessment Hyperglycemia Blood sugar > 600 mg/dL (usually higher) Negative Ketones Glycosuria (glucose dumps in urine) Hyperosmolarity PROFOUND Dehydration Altered LOC Dry mucous membranes […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Overview Severe Hyperglycemia with Ketoacidosis Pathophysiology: Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) occurs with severe hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. This occurs because the blood sugar is so elevated and there is not enough insulin to take the sugar to the cell. The cell needs energy. Since the cell can not get the energy from the sugar (because no insulin) […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
Overview Pancreatic disorder resulting in insufficient or lack of insulin production leading to elevated blood sugar Insulin is the key to allow glucose to be used by the cells for energy Pathophysiology: Diabetes: Type 1 occurs when there is an autoimmune (the body attacks the pancreas) response. The beta cells are attacked and can no […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Hypothyroidism
Pathophysiology: There is a reduction in thyroid hormone secretion. This is caused by an autoimmune disorder attacking the thyroid and causing this reduction. Overview Hyposecretion of thyroid hormone Results in a decreased metabolic rate Nursing Points General Causes Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Iodine Deficiency Thyroidectomy Myxedema Coma Acute Exacerbation Life-threatening state of decreased thyroid production Caused by […]