Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) is a serious complication occurring after childbirth. 1-5% of mothers will experience PPH which the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) defines as a blood loss of greater than 1,000 mL of blood along with signs of hypovolemia. Primary PPH can occur up to 24 hours after delivery while secondary PPH … Read more
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 elevated lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood. 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 peripheral vascular disease. Lipid Panel A total lipid … 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: Patients are also more at risk for cellulitis when they are overweight, have … 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. SBO prevents contents from passing through into the large intestine. This causes waste products to build up above the portion of the obstruction. … 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 patients with type 2 diabetes. When the body doesn’t have enough insulin to allow glucose into the cells for energy, fats … Read more