Placenta previa is a condition in pregnancy characterized by the implantation of the placenta in the lower part of the uterus covering a part or all of the opening of the cervix. This condition can result in bleeding during pregnancy or during the delivery of the baby. The placenta provides the growing fetus with nutrients … Read more
Hyperglycemia, a condition that is often associated with diabetes, means high blood glucose. This condition occurs when the body is not able to use insulin properly. A blood glucose level over 125 mg/dL may be considered hyperglycemic while fasting, and over 180 mg/dL after eating. Causes and Complications Hyperglycemia may be caused by various conditions … Read more
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a type of retrovirus that causes immunosuppression. HIV progresses to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) when the virus has severely damaged the immune system, and the body can no longer fight off infections. There currently is no cure for HIV, but medication can help patients live a healthy life with a … Read more
Sodium (Latin: natrium) is an electrolyte that helps maintain the volume and concentration of extracellular fluid and affects water distribution between intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid. It is vital in the generation and transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contractility, and the regulation of acid-base balance. The ratio of sodium to water is reflected by the … Read more
Acute respiratory failure occurs when there is inadequate oxygenation, ventilation (carbon dioxide elimination), or both. It can be classified as hypoxemic or hypercapnic. Hypoxemic respiratory failure describes inadequate oxygen exchange between the pulmonary capillaries and the alveoli. The partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) will be less than 60 mmHg with a normal or low … Read more
Hip fractures refer to a fracture or break in the femur near the hip joint. They are most common in older adults and are frequently caused by falls. Younger patients can also experience hip fractures, most likely from trauma such as a motor vehicle accident. Pathological fractures are caused by a disease process, such as … Read more
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a progressive form of acute respiratory failure characterized by dyspnea, decreased pulmonary compliance, and hypoxemia. ARDS often develops after another illness or injury, such as sepsis, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, pneumonia, aspiration, smoke inhalation, near drowning, and severe trauma or shock states. Pathophysiology When lung tissues are injured, the … Read more
Abdominal pain is the discomfort felt anywhere between the chest and groin. Abdominal pain may be acute or chronic pain with varying degrees of severity and characteristics. Nursing Process Nurses conduct thorough histories and physical assessments to assist with the diagnosis of abdominal pain. This can include diet, medical and surgical histories, and detailed pain … Read more
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) or chronic renal failure (CRF) is characterized by a progressive and irreversible loss of kidney function. Since the kidneys are highly adaptive organs, kidney disease is often not identified until there is a considerable loss of nephrons. Patients with early CKD are often asymptomatic, and symptoms may not be recognized until … Read more
Edema is swelling caused by fluid buildup in the tissues. It can occur in any part of the body but is most noticeable in the face, arms, hands, legs, and feet. Edema is a common manifestation of many underlying health conditions, such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or liver cirrhosis. It can also occur … Read more