Nursing Lecture Notes

Key Concepts

• Importance of understanding normal to discern the abnormal.
• Use available resources to review and pull up foundational concepts.
• Responsibility to maintain competency in previously learned material.

Module B and ABG's

• Reference to 105 ABG's necessary for Module B test.
• Emphasis on self-study since all topics cannot be retaught.

Learning Styles

• Attempts to cater to different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, reader).

Visual Analogy: The Snake River

• Jackson Hole, Wyoming: favorite place.
• River analogy to explain systemic vasodilation and flow.
  • Snow Melt Impact: Increases river volume and force of flow.
  • Vasodilation Impact: Decreases blood flow force due to increased vessel size.

Inflammatory Response and Vasodilation

• Injury (e.g., nail in heel) triggers localized vasodilation.
  • Redness & Swelling: Due to increased blood flow and vessel permeability.
  • Serous Fluid: Provides protection.
• Importance in immune response and prevention of systemic spread.

Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)

• Criteria: Temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, white cell count.
• Importance of recognizing sepsis early.

Nursing Scope of Practice

• Importance of adhering to board regulations.
• Unsafe assumptions can lead to patient harm.

Sepsis and Septic Shock

• Pathophysiology: Pathogen in blood leads to systemic response.
• Management: Early recognition and intervention are crucial.
  • Fluid Resuscitation: Priority in treatment.
  • Blood Cultures and Antibiotics: Obtain cultures before antibiotics.

Treatment Pathway

• Volume Expanders: LR and NS.
• CVP Goal: 8-12 mmHg due to vasodilation.
• Vasopressors: Norepinephrine is preferred.

Risks and Complications

• ARDS, DIC: Potential complications of septic shock.
• MODS: Multi-organ dysfunction syndrome.

Nutrition in Shock

• Enteral vs. Parenteral Nutrition: Enteral is preferred unless contraindicated.

Medication Management

• Steroids: Used to manage systemic response.
• Vasopressors & Anticoagulants: Utilize as indicated in severe cases.

Prevention and Monitoring

• Aseptic Technique: Critical in preventing infections.
• Vital Signs: Frequent monitoring necessary.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

• Form of septic shock with known etiology (e.g., tampon use).
• Prevention: Education on proper tampon usage.

Study Tips

• Review Past Material: Hemodynamics, inflammatory processes.
• Utilize ATI Resources: Don't just check boxes; understand concepts.
• Plan Ahead: Be proactive in studying to prevent last-minute rush.

Conclusion

• Take control of learning and outcomes.
• Prepare for future lectures by reviewing pertinent material in advance.