Maegan Wagner, BSN, RN, CCM The postpartum period begins after the delivery of the infant and generally ends 6-8 weeks later, though can extend in certain cases. The mother’s body continues to go through changes as it returns to a prepregnancy baseline. Recovery depends on the delivery process and any complications endured. Psychological and emotional changes are expected as the … Read more
Colostomy and ileostomy are surgical procedures that create an opening from the intestines through the abdominal wall, known as a stoma. One difference is the part of the bowel that is used. A colostomy uses part of the colon while an ileostomy uses part of the ileum. Both procedures can be temporary or permanent depending … Read more
Hyperlipidemia is the medical term for high cholesterol. Cholesterol causes plaque formation in the arteries reducing blood flow and oxygen throughout the body. Plaque buildup and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) can cause chest pain, heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and poor circulation. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is known as the “bad” cholesterol and the … Read more
Cellulitis is a bacterial subcutaneous skin infection. It appears as a reddened, swollen area of the skin and is usually easily diagnosable through inspection. Cellulitis can occur from a simple break in the skin allowing bacteria to enter. Common causes include: Injury to the skin (cuts, burns, puncture wounds) Insect/animal bites Skin conditions (eczema, … Read more
Small bowel obstruction (SBO) refers to a complete or partial blockage in the small intestine. It can be caused by scar tissue from a previous surgery, hernias, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disorders. An SBO prevents contents from passing through into the large intestine. This causes waste products to build up above the portion of the … Read more
Pressure ulcers, also known as decubitus ulcers, pressure injuries, or bedsores are a type of skin breakdown that occurs due to constant pressure causing a lack of blood flow and oxygen which leads to poor tissue perfusion and tissue death. Patients most at risk for developing pressure ulcers are older, bedridden, immobile, and those who … Read more
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare, genetic, and progressive disease that damages the lungs, digestive system, and causes further complications to other organs. Cystic fibrosis is normally diagnosed as a newborn. There is no cure for CF and patients usually do not live past their 50s. Mutations to the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) … Read more
Psychosocial diagnoses refer to the psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of nursing care. Interruptions in relationships, grieving, coping, and parenting can complicate physical illnesses, as well as vice versa. Psychosocial nursing diagnoses are just as important for the nurse to recognize as other diagnoses as alterations in these areas can potentially lengthen illnesses and … Read more
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes that results in a very high glucose level. It typically occurs in those with type 1 diabetes, but can also develop in those with type 2 diabetes. When the body doesn’t have enough insulin to allow glucose into the cells for energy, fats … Read more
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) refers to the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) within a deep vein, usually in the leg (thigh or calf). Once the blood clot forms, it can partially or completely block the flow of blood through that vein. Some common causes of DVT include immobility, trauma or damage to the vein, … Read more
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by very high moods (manic or hypomanic episodes) and depression. There are several types of bipolar disorder. Manic and hypomania (a less severe form of mania) include the following symptoms: Hyperactivity Euphoria Racing thoughts An exaggerated sense of grandiosity and self-importance Poor decision-making resulting in shopping sprees … Read more
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It occurs when enzymes in the pancreas start digesting their own tissue, known as autodigestion. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with pancreatitis being acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis will cause severe abdominal pain and tenderness often radiating to the back along with abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting, and … Read more
Obesity is excessive body fat that presents a health risk. A body mass index (BMI) over 30 is considered obese. Obesity is a growing problem in nearly every country in the world. Obesity has two main causes: increased intake of foods high in fat and sugar and a decrease in physical activity. As people continue … Read more
Liver cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver from liver diseases. The advancement of liver disease to cirrhosis is irreversible. The most common causes include: Alcoholic liver disease. Years of alcohol abuse damage the liver over time. Fatty liver disease. A buildup of fat in the liver caused by obesity and diabetes. Excessive alcohol intake … Read more
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by intense and persistent feelings of sadness and a loss of interest or enjoyment in things once loved. Major depressive disorder affects how you think and feel and can cause severe emotional symptoms and even thoughts that life isn’t worth living anymore. Major depression can affect not only the … Read more
Breast cancer can affect one or both breasts and is usually found through an exam or mammogram and then diagnosed through a biopsy to determine if cells are malignant. The stage of the breast cancer determines the prognosis and treatment options. Breast cancer stages range from 0 to IV. Stage IV breast cancer means it … Read more
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. The appendix has shown to have benefits in infants but the function in adults is largely unknown. Research suggests the appendix may help regulate intestinal bacteria. If the appendix becomes blocked it … Read more
Fractures are broken bones. Fractures can occur from trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, age-related conditions like osteoporosis, or from overuse such as stress fractures in athletes. There are also different kinds of fractures. Here are some examples: Open (compound) fracture. Bone has broken through the skin. Closed fracture. The bone does not puncture through … Read more
Seizures occur when there is an uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain that results in abnormalities in muscle control, sensations, and consciousness. Seizures can occur due to an array of conditions such as high fever, alcohol withdrawal, hyper/hypoglycemia, or brain tumors. These are one-time occurrences related to a specific cause. Epilepsy is diagnosed … Read more
Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the lungs. When in contact with a trigger, the muscles around the airways constrict and inflammation and mucus in the airways make breathing difficult, known as an asthma attack. There is no cure for asthma, and untreated asthma attacks can be life-threatening, but there are many effective treatments that … Read more
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects the way a person thinks, perceives information, responds emotionally, and behaves. There are different types of schizophrenia that produce their own set of clinical manifestations. Schizophrenia symptoms can be divided into positive or negative categories: Positive symptoms are in addition to reality and include symptoms of psychosis such … Read more
Sepsis is when an infection, usually bacterial in nature, enters the bloodstream causing a systemic infection with an extreme immune response. Sepsis is life-threatening and requires early intervention to prevent septic shock which can lead to organ failure and death. Sepsis often develops very quickly and has a high mortality rate if not recognized and … Read more
Anemia occurs when there are not enough red blood cells or red blood cells do not function properly resulting in low hemoglobin and a lack of oxygen throughout the body. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia and is appropriately named, as it is a lack of iron in the body. This can … Read more
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term that also includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD causes the airways of the lungs to become narrow due to inflammation, mucus, or other damage. This affects the ability to breathe normally and often results in shortness of breath, especially on exertion. COPD often occurs from smoking … Read more
A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) more commonly known as a stroke, occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are caused by a blockage, usually, a clot that blocks blood flow to the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes are sudden bleeding in the brain such … Read more
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by a bacteria or virus. In healthy individuals, pneumonia is not usually life-threatening and does not require hospitalization. Those at higher risk, such as the very young or old, patients with compromised immune systems, or who already have a respiratory comorbidity, may require inpatient care and treatment. … Read more
Hypertension is high blood pressure. The guidelines were updated by the American College of Cardiology in 2017, and a blood pressure of less than 120/80 mmHg is now considered normal. Anything above this is considered elevated, and stage 1 hypertension is diagnosed at 130/80 mmHg. Hypertension is the most common preventable risk factor for cardiovascular … Read more
Heart failure (HF), sometimes referred to as Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), occurs when the heart can’t supply blood effectively to the rest of the body. The left ventricle of the heart is larger and is responsible for most of the pumping action. In left-sided HF, the left ventricle either loses its contractility so it isn’t … Read more
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a decline in mental cognition that interferes with daily life. Patients with dementia experience a loss of memory, decision-making skills, and even personality traits. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. It is important to note that dementia is not a normal or expected part of aging. … Read more
Unstable blood glucose refers to a deviation from normal blood glucose levels that results in either hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Unstable blood glucose does not necessarily mean the patient is diabetic. For example, in temporary situations such as dehydration or pregnancy, when the source is resolved, blood sugar levels may return to normal. That being said, … Read more