Emergency Care Situations - Involves Caring For Emergencies That Are Life Threatening or
Emergency Care Situations - Involves Caring For Emergencies That Are Life Threatening or
Emergency Care Situations - Involves Caring For Emergencies That Are Life Threatening or
1) terrorism
2) emergency response
3) handling hazardous substance
4) security plan
Emergency care situations - involves caring for emergencies that are life threatening or
potentially life threatening and requires immediate treatment. They can occur anywhere in the
hospital and not just the ER.
***an ongoing assessment is important because changes can occur very rapidly***
How can the nurse help family members to cope w/ sudden death:
1) take to private area
2) assure everything possible was done
3) avoid using phrase s/a "passed on"
4) encourage family to support ea other and express feelings
5) encourage family to view body if they wish (pt should be prepared by removing tubes,
cleaning, and covering)
6) avoid divulging unnecessary info
Systematic approach to assessment and helps the ER nurse to determine which pt needs
immediate attn and which pts can wait. The rank can change if another pt comes to the ER w/
a more emergent prob.
Triage
What are the 3 categories of triage:
1) emergent- life threatening or potentially so or an illness requiring immediate treatment. Ex:
mi, choking, multiple trauma, anaphylaxis, stroke.
2) immediate non acute, non life threatening injury or illness. Ex: GI disturbances s/a vomiting
and diarrhea w/ dehydration
3) urgent- minor illness or injury needing 1st aid level treatment
Field triage - used in disasters such as a tornado, earthquake, large number of injured people
from a bus, plane, or train crash.
What are some things that can affect care given in field triage:
1) limited resources- ONLY POTENTIAL SURVIVORS ARE RED TAGGED AND GET
RESOURCES
2) availability of surgeons or operating room space
What are some ex of disasters for which emergency care can be done:
Tornados, earthquakes, floods, fires, weapons of mass destruction s/a chemical warfare and
nerve agents
Emergency response plan - every healthcare facility is required by JCAHO to create this for
emergency preparedness and practice twice a year. It's a detailed plan that outlines strategy
used during a disaster for meeting the needs of those injured. It talks about who initiates it and
resources available.
What are some ethical dilemmas that can arise in emergency situations:
1) confidentiality
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2) rationing of care
3) futile care
4) consent
5) duty
6) resuscitation
7) assisted suicide
What are some general principles of things to be aware of to prepare for possible bioterrorism:
1) unusual number of people seeking treatment for fever, GI, and respiratory complaints
2) unusual illnesses for the particular time of yr
3) rapidly fatal cases occurring
4) increased disease incidence in a normally healthy population
If you came across a substance that was spilled on the floor, what should you do?
Cover it, leave the area, close the door, wash your hands, and report type of spill and exact
location
***tips for emergency: stay calm, listen, look, pay attn, know what team members are doing,
anticipate needs, know your roles, and keep big picture in mind while focusing on your specific
duties***
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Who gets highest priority:
a. fell at work yesterday and hurt ankle
b. 16 wks pregnant spotting and abdominal pain
c. 3 y/o fever
d. 70 y/o fractured hip
c. call code then start CPR, d is wrong b/c you never leave the pt
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What does pain in the right shoulder in an intra abdominal injury indicate?
Ruptured spleen
What does pain in the l shoulder in an intra abdominal injury indicate?
Liver laceration
For a fracture you would do neuro checks and abd assessment before or after an extremity is
treated?
Before unless the extremity is pulseless
True/false: you would check pulses that are proximal to a fractured extremity?
False. Check pulses that are distal
What are some ways to cool a pt down quickly after suffering heat stroke?
1) remove clothing and cool to 102 as fast as poll by cool sheets and towels
2) cont cool h20 sponging
3) ice on skin while spraying w/ tepid h20
4) cooling blankets
5) iced saline lavage
6) electric fan directly on patient
What are some other things you can do for a pt w/ heat stroke besides cooling them down:
1) massage during cooling to promote circulation
2) administer 100% o2
3) draw blood for detecting d/o s/a DIC and for monitoring enzymes
4) monitor uop
5) continue monitoring of vital signs, ECG, and LOC
6) administer iv fluids
7) may have to prepare for dialysis
Core rewarming - type of rewarming method for hypothermia which is for severe form. It
involves putting the pt on cardiopulmonary bypass, administer warm IV fluids, humidified o2
(via vent), and peritoneal lavage. The pt is monitored for v fib as they pass thru 90 degrees.
Passive external rewarming - type of rewarming method for hypothermia in which warming
blankets or over the bed heaters are used. The pt is monitored for arrythmias and elec
disturbances during the rewarming.
Decompression sickness - results from nitrogen bubbles trapped in body causing pain if in joint
or muscle spaces or stroke, paralysis, or death if becomes embolus. Abc's are maintained,
100% o2 administration, iv lactated ringers or normal saline administration, cardiopulmonary
and neuro sys supported, transport to chest x-ray to id aspiration, wet clothes removed and pt
is rewarmed, and then transported to nearest hyperbaric chamber ASAP.
If a pt gets an air embolus complication from the decompression sickness, what can you do?
Lower HOB
When preparing to administer the antivenin to a peds pt, what must 1st be done?
Skin or eye test to check for allergy
What are some things to do when administering antivenin for snake bite:
1) check circumference proximally before administering and q15 min thereafter, after
decrease s/s check q30-60 min x48hrs
2) premedicate w/ benadryl and tagamet
3) if giving iv, must have code cart there. it must be diluted in 500-1000ml of ns
4) infuse slowly initially then increase after 10 min if no reaction
How much time should the total amt of antivenin be infused in?
In 4-6 hrs after bite
Management - problem oriented process w/ similarities to the nursing process. It's the process
of getting work done thru others. It's needed whenever 2 or more people work together toward
a common goal.
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Manager - coordinates activities of the group to maintain balance and direction.
Nurse manager - occupies a formal position in which the boss expects them to "make the place
run." Each level uses diff methods of mgmt, depending on who their subordinates are.
Head nurse - caught between administrators and caregivers with which they must balance,
they represent administration to staff nurses and na, but viewed as part of the clinical
workforce by execs. They need to work along side staff to oversee them but often are unable
to do so. They have to please both administration and staff. This position usually has a big
turn over.
autocratic - type of leadership style which uses a "my way" of doing things. They use an
authoritarian manner. Decisions are made w/out input from staff. Their emphasis is on tasks
to be done. They make the staff feel frustrated and inferior. They show little concern for the
individual staff members who perform the tasks.
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When in crises, when structure or control is needed s/a w/ agency nurses or nurse not wanting
to be there, and in family situations
Laissez faire – a type of leadership style which abdicates leadership. They function in a
permissive climate w/ little direction or control. They allow staff to make and implement
decisions independently. They release all power and responsibility. Not good for the
healthcare settings s/a hospitals.
Democratic - type of leadership style which is people oriented, emphasizes effective group
functioning, keeps the group headed in the right direction, and provides an open environment.
It allows for communication both ways and encourages participation in decision making. This
type of leader assumes responsibility for decisions when needed.
Leadership - a way of behaving. It's an interpersonal ability to cause others to respond, not b/c
they have to but b/c they want to. It involves moving into a position b/c of special abilities,
skills, or attributes. They don't have to occupy a formal position in an org. There is one in
every group of people. They must have a variety of skills and the ability to select the most
appropriate style for each situation.
Contingency leadership - the ability of a person in the leadership role to select one of a variety
of skills which is most appropriate for a particular situation.
Democratic leadership style - leader who is high in both job centered and employee centered
behaviors. They care equally for needs of the employees and effective and efficient
completion of the job. This is which type of leadership style.
Laissez faire - leader who is low in both job centered and employee centered behavior. They
don't care about the employee or the job. This is which type of leadership style.
Autocratic - leader who is high in job centered and low in employee centered behaviors. They
focus on the job to be done w/ little concern for the needs of the employees. This is which
leadership style.
Leader - selects and assumes the role, relies on the people, he/she leads the people, position
requires trust, and develop things s/a ways to change or do things diff.
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True/false: a nurse must choose to be a manager or leader?
False. They can be both
Decision making - value based. Nurses do this based on their personal values, life
experiences, perceptions of the situation, knowledge of risks ass w/ possible decisions, and
their individual ways of thinking. similar to problem solving. Requires an objective. A problem
may arise but the objective may not be to solve it.
Problem solving - more of a scientific process. Its focus is on solving an immediate problem
s/a understaffing. Before beginning the process, the people involved will gather info in an
effort to define it. It's important for everyone to know the facts.
When a manager is asking him/herself the questions for problem solving, what do they do if
they answered no to any?
Ignore the problem, refer it to others, or work w/ others to solve it
Inventory of the unit must be completed by the end of the week, it's Wednesday and it hasn't
been done yet. Determine what should be done about this situation using the problem solving
process:
1) define problem - unit inventory due by Friday and as of Wednesday, it hasn't been done
2) id alternative solutions- stay late after work to do the inventory, delegate to the floor na's
parts of the inventory
3) select and implement solution- select time to meet w/ na's to discuss roles in inventory
4) evaluate outcome- was the inventory completed by Friday
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3) problem solving is concerned w/ solving the problem while decision making is concerned w/
dealing w/ results of problem
Their philosophy, personality, self concept, and interpersonal skills influence the functioning of
the group?
Leader
Power - ability to effect change and influence others to meet identified goals (they get results).
It affects organizations by influencing decisions and behaviors s/a by warnings and by
changing situations for which you need to identify people in power to get involved in deciding
how that change will occur. People have different levels.
Authority - gives one a legitimate right to give commands and act in the interest of an
organization. It is position related and carries responsibility. They may or may not get results.
RN behind your name gives you this.
Authority-power gap - says that just b/c you have right to command doesn't mean employees
will follow that command.
Empowerment - increase one's power by giving more autonomy causing them to grow
professionally. Their power is shared, encouraging employees to take responsibility for job,
the employees become trusted and are given praised and given recognition allowing
communication to flow down the chain of command.
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Good leader - communicates their vision, gives employees the opportunity to make the most of
their talents and learning, encourages creativity and exploration which plants seeds of
leadership, colleagueship, self respect, and professionalism.
What are some things that might detract from your power:
1) poor appearance
2) unorganization
3) inconsistent
4) poor work habits
5) negative attitudes
***if you have power, use it correctly and constructively, used for personal gain or good of the
organization. If you're a nurse manager, treat others w/ respect and treat employees as people
w/ inner worth and not an object to be manipulated***
What are the rules which must be implemented when attempting a change:
1) change should always be implemented for a good reason
2) change should always be gradual
3) all change should be planned, and not be sporadic or sudden
4) all individuals who may be affected should be involved in the planning for the change
Unfreezing - phase of Lewin's change theory in which there is a recognition that a problem
exists and those impacted are sought out & given the option to be involved. Then they
determine if the environment of the institution is receptive to change and motivates participants
to be engaged in the process. There is a thawing out of the old phase.
Moving - phase of Lewin's change theory where a recruited group takes on responsibility of
implementing change by sorting out what must be done and determining which sequence of
actions that would be most effective. They id individuals who have the power to make the
change happen, they id strategies to overcome resistance, and affect a cooperative approach
to implement change. When the plan is in place, the employees move up to a new level of
behaviors.
Refreezing - phase of Lewin's change theory which occurs when the plan is in place and those
involved know what is happening and what to expect. Continuous assessment of pros and
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cons of the plan is an important part of the ultimate success. New behaviors must be
enforced. Someone must be responsible for working on the plan so it doesn't lose momentum
and changes need to become a part of everyday life so it's not perceived as something new.
JCAHO - they conduct systematic and intensive surveys of hospitals and other health care
institutions to determine whether accepted standards of structure, process, and outcome are
being met. Founded in 1951 and in 1953 their standards were put into a book. Many 3rd party
payers, such as Medicare, will only reimburse hospitals that are accredited by them. The
accreditation is good for 3 yrs. It's not a regulatory agency but regulates standard of care.
They give an overall score or a score w/ comments for which they f/u on.
What is JCAHO’s mission?: Enhance the quality of care provided to the public
Tue/false: when JCAHO comes to a health facility, they go out to the various units to survey
them.
True
Quality improvement approaches offer 3 perspectives from which to evaluate nursing care
provided:
1) structure- evaluates physical environment, organized structure, and licensure of healthcare
providers
2) process- examines what is being done for the pt and involves the pt's plan of care
3) outcome- highlights changes in the pt's health status
Preventative medicine and preventative care - buzzwords for the future where instead of
waiting until someone is ill and needs hospitalization or emergency treatment, emphasis will be
on preventing disease and keeping people in a state of wellness.
Incident report - an ex of a tracking mechanism put into place which determines if there are
deficiencies which the facility needs to address.
Nurses began to play a more active role in quality assurance process when?
1970
Quality improvement - decrease costs and allows for predicted outcomes from such things as
surveys to patients.
In a survey done by the ANA on 7,300 nurses about their facility and staffing, 5,000 stated
what was the major factor that declined quality in their facility?
Inadequate staffing
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Government health programs, healthcare org, and healthcare managers should make what
their strategic priority ?
A reduction in medical errors and improvement in pt safety
Healthcare culture - defined as everyone who has a responsibility for risk reduction and error
prevention. Goes back to making sure the support staff is educated.
True/false: it's a JCAHO requirement that health facilities routinely perform self assessments
for risk reduction and error prevention.
True
Comm based approach - focuses on correcting weaknesses after the deficits have been id. Ex
of this is our health care system. Based on needs.
What is an ex of community programs which are instituted thru public policies and are based
on needs?
Welfare assistance programs
Members and leaders of the community - this group of people, besides those providing
healthcare education, will help the community become more aware of healthcare needs and
the importance of meeting them.
Increase availability of medical info, allows for research in nursing, to keep up with and access
data, nursing documentation, accessing doctors and healthcare facilities, schedules
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What is the cause of the projected growth in home health care service?
Technological changes have made it possible to deliver service at home now
3rd party payment - form of financing health care which is for the working individual and is
employer provided. Includes HMO's s/a tricare, ppo's, Medicare.
Medicare - most common ex of 3rd party payment which is a government operated or public
program that is federally funded and financed thru taxes on wages. Its funding status is being
threatened right now.
Self payment - form of financing health care in which an individual or family pays the bill for
medical service
Health care assistance – is a form of financing health care which is a type of 3rd party payment
but is provided by the federal or state program or a private charity.
Private charity - non profit organizations which target special health needs s/a acquired
immune deficiency syndrome or special risk groups s/a pregnant teens along w/ philanthropic
gifts to hospitals and various agencies, assists individuals w/out insurance to obtain care.
How does the method of payment for healthcare svc affect you as a nurse?
It's where your paycheck comes from and from where raises come
Retrospective - cost based reimbursement based on a svc being provided then being paid for
after the fact. The doctor and pt has almost unlimited autonomy in deciding what svc were
needed.
Prospective - today's health care reimbursement relies on this type of payment system that
compensates the provider on an individual care basis for health care service. It encourages
efficiency and cost containment.
Drg - an ex of prospective payment system where the healthcare agency and providers of care
know in advance exactly how much they will receive for service required to care for a patient
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with a particular disease. They've been criticized for not adequately measuring the severity of
illness or the diff kinds of nursing resources used to care for patients.
HMO - an example of prospective payment system in which the member pays a flat fee.
They're expected to obtain care at the designated facility, except in emergency cases. The
organization provides both input and output care to families and individuals.
What is the challenge to nurses in regards to their role in health care financing?
Provide high quality care that is cost effective
Budgeting process - plan which uses numerical data to determine expenses of a fixed income?
Costing out - takes into account the cost of running a unit and the cost according to the type of
pts.
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