Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Compilation of Reviewer For Fundamentals of Nursing
Compilation of Reviewer For Fundamentals of Nursing
Concepts
Proposition
Theor y
Systematica lly Organized
VIEW PHENOMEN
Assumption
A
Definitions
Nursing Theory – group of interrelated concepts that are developed from various studies
of disciplines and related experiences. This aims to view the essence of nursing care
Definition of Nursing
Nursing Paradigms – Patterns or models used to show a clear relationship among the
existing theoretical works in nursing.
Person – The recipient of nursing care like individuals, families and communities.
Environment – The external and internal aspects of life that influence the person
Health – The holistic level of wellness that the person experiences.
Nursing – The interventions of the nurse rendering care in support of, or
in cooperation with the client.
Theoretical models or frameworks – Highly established set of concepts that are testable.
Conceptual models or frameworks – Representations of an idea or body of knowledge based
on the own understanding or perception of a person or researcher on a certain topic, phenomena
or theory.
Phenomenon – Can be defined as sets of empirical data or experience that can be physically
observed or tangible such as crying or grimacing when in pain.
14 Basic Needs
1. Breathing Normally
2. Eating and Drinking adequately
3. Eliminating body wastes
4. Moving and maintaining a desirable position
5. Sleeping and Resting
6. Selecting suitable clothes
7. Maintaining normal body temperature by adjusting clothing and modifying the
environment
8. Keeping the body clean and well groomed to promote integument
9. Avoiding dangers in the environment and avoiding injuring others
10. Communicating with others in expressing emotions, needs, fears, or opinions
11. Worshipping according to one’s faith
12. Working in such a way that one feels a sense of accomplishment
13. Playing or participating in various forms of recreating
14. Learning, discovering or satisfying the curiosity that leads to normal development and
health, and using available health facilities.
Joyce Travelbee
(Human-to-Human Relationship Model)
- Person is defined as a human being, who is unique, irreplaceable individual who is in the
continuous process of becoming, evolving, and changing.
- Health is measured by subjective and objective health
- Nursing is an interpersonal process
Stressors:
- Intrapersonal – occurs within the self ad comprises of man as a psychospiritual being
- Interpersonal – occurs between one or more individual and consists of man as a social
being
Lines of Resistance
- Lines of resistance act when the Normal Line of Defense is invaded by too much stressor,
producing alterations in the client’s health. It acts to facilitate coping to overcome the
stressors that are present within the individual.
Reaction
- Outcomes or produced results of certain stressors and actions of the lines resistance of a
client. It can be positive or negative depending on the degree of reaction the client produces
to adjust and adapt with the situation.
➢ Negentropy – towards stability and wellness
➢ Egentropy – disorganization of the system producing illness.
- A person has 2 major systems: the biological system and the behavioral system
- The focus of medicine is in the biological system, while nursing is to behavioral system
- Health is an elusive state that is affected by social, psychological, biological, and
physiological factors
- An individual’s behavior is influenced by all the events in the environment
- The primary goal of nursing is to cultivate the equilibrium within the individual, which
allows for the practice of nursing with individuals at any point in the health-illness
continuum.
- A person exists in an open system as a spiritual being and rational thinker who makes
choices, selects alternative courses of action, and has the ability to record their history
through their own language and symbols, unique, holistic and have different needs, wants
and goals.
- Health is the ability of a person to adjust to the stressors that the internal and external
environment exposes to the client.
- Environment is the process of balance involving internal and external interactions inside the
social system.
- Nursing is when the nurse interacts and communicates with the client
- Human beings are very much different from other living things in terms of their capacity.
- Supports the WHO definition of health as the state of physical, mental, and social well-being
and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
- Environment is an external source of influence in the internal interaction of a person’s
different aspects
- Nursing is helping clients to establish or identify ways to perform self-care activities.
Self-Care – is an activity that promotes a person’s well-being. It is performed by persons who
are aware of the time frames on behalf of maintaining life, continuing personal development and
healthy functional living.
Self-Care Requisites – are insights of actions or requirements that a person must be able to meet
and perform in order to achieve well being.
Universal Self-Care Requisites – There are universally se goals that must be undertaken in
order for an individual to function in scope of a healthy living.
Developmental Self-Care Requisites
- Provision of conditions that promote development
- Engagement in self-development
- Prevention of the effects of human conditions that threatens life
Health Deviation Requisites – are required for a person to be considered as sick or ill. Disease
affects the structures within the integral part of a person and its functioning.
Therapeutic Self-Care Demand – These are summation of all activities needed to alleviate the
existing disease or illness. Controlling or managing the factors will result to appropriate care of
plan.
Self-Care Agency – These are complex set of activities required to purposively regulate the
actions needed for planning a care plan for a client.
Agent – An agent is the individual who is engage in meeting the needs of a person.
Dependent Care Agent – These are individuals who takes full responsibility of taking care of a
person who are incapable of providing care for themselves or those who are living dependently
with others aid
Nursing Agency – Set of established capabilities of a nurse who can legitimately perform
activities of care for a client.
Nursing Design – These are professional functions that must be performed by the nurse in order
to meet clients need. It serves as a guideline of needed and foreseen results.
21 Nursing Problems
- Overt- obvious or can be seen
- Covert – unseen or masked one
Adaptation
Adaptation is the “process and outcome whereby thinking and feeling persons as individuals or
in groups use conscious awareness and choice to create human and environmental integration.”
Internal Processes
Regulator
The regulator subsystem is a person’s physiological coping mechanism. It’s the body’s attempt
to adapt via regulation of our bodily processes, including neurochemical, and endocrine systems.
Cognator
The cognator subsystem is a person’s mental coping mechanism. A person uses his brain to cope
via self-concept, interdependence, and role function adaptive modes.
Physiological-Physical Mode
Physical and chemical processes involved in the function and activities of living organisms.
These are the actual processes put in motion by the regulator subsystem.
The basic need of this mode is composed of the needs associated with oxygenation, nutrition,
elimination, activity and rest, and protection. The complex processes of this mode are associated
with the senses, fluid and electrolytes, neurologic function, and endocrine function.
Self-Concept Group Identity Mode
In this mode, the goal of coping is to have a sense of unity, meaning the purposefulness in the
universe, as well as a sense of identity integrity. This includes body image and self-ideals.
Interdependence Mode
This mode focuses on attaining relational integrity through the giving and receiving of love,
respect and value. This is achieved with effective communication and relations.
Levels of Adaptation
Integrated Process
The various modes and subsystems meet the needs of the environment. These are usually stable
processes (e.g., breathing, spiritual realization, successful relationship).
Compensatory Process
The cognator and regulator are challenged by the needs of the environment, but are working to
meet the needs (e.g., grief, starting with a new job, compensatory breathing).
Compromised Process
The modes and subsystems are not adequately meeting the environmental challenge (e.g.,
hypoxia, unresolved loss, abusive relationships).
- Society provides the values that determine how one should behave and what goals one
should strive toward. Watson (1979) states:
- “Caring (and nursing) has existed in every society. Every society has had some people
who have cared for others. A caring attitude is not transmitted from generation to
generation by genes. It is transmitted by the culture of the profession as a unique way of
coping with its environment.”
- Human being is a valued person to be cared for, respected, nurtured, understood, and
assisted.
- Health is the unity and harmony within the mind, body, and soul; health is associated
with the degree of congruence between the self as perceived and the self as experienced.
- Nursing is a human science of persons and human health – illness experiences that are
mediated by professional, personal, scientific, esthetic, and ethical human care
transactions.
- Actual caring occasion involves actions and choices by the nurse and the individual. The
moment of coming together in a caring occasion presents the two persons with the
opportunity to decide how to be in the relationship – what to do with the moment.
- Stage 1 Novice: This would be a nursing student in his or her first year of clinical
education; behavior in the clinical setting is very limited and inflexible. Novices have a
very limited ability to predict what might happen in a particular patient situation. Signs
and symptoms, such as change in mental status, can only be recognized after a novice
nurse has had experience with patients with similar symptoms.
- Stage 2 Advanced Beginner: Those are the new grads in their first jobs; nurses have had
more experiences that enable them to recognize recurrent, meaningful components of a
situation. They have the knowledge and the know-how but not enough in-depth
experience.
- Stage 3 Competent: These nurses lack the speed and flexibility of proficient nurses, but
they have some mastery and can rely on advance planning and organizational skills.
Competent nurses recognize patterns and nature of clinical situations more quickly and
accurately than advanced beginners.
- Stage 4 Proficient: At this level, nurses are capable to see situations as "wholes" rather
than parts. Proficient nurses learn from experience what events typically occur and are
able to modify plans in response to different events.
- Stage 5 Expert: Nurses who are able to recognize demands and resources in situations
and attain their goals. These nurses know what needs to be done. They no longer rely
solely on rules to guide their actions under certain situations. They have an intuitive grasp
of the situation based on their deep knowledge and experience. Focus is on the most
relevant problems and not irrelevant ones. Analytical tools are used only when they have
no experience with an event, or when events don't occur as expected.
- Hospital Real de Manila (1577) – it was established mainly to care for the Spanish
king’s soldiers, but also admitted Spanish civilians; founded by Gov. Francisco de Sande.
- San Lazaro Hospital (1578) – founded by Brother Juan Clemente and was administered
for many years by the Hospitalliers of San Juan de Dios; built exclusively for patients
with leprosy.
- Hospital de Indios (1586) – established by the Franciscan Order; service was in general
supported by alms and contributions from charitable persons.
- Hospital de Aguas Santas (1590) – established in Laguna; near a medicinal spring,
founded by Brother J. Baustista of the Franciscan Order.
- San Juan de Dios Hospital (1596) founded by the Brotherhood of Misericordia and
administered by the Hopsitaliers of San Juan de Dios; support was delivered from alms
and rents; rendered general health service to the public.
- Josephine Bracken, wife of Jose Rizal- installed a field hospital in an estate house in
Tejeros; provided nursing care to the wounded night and day
- Rosa Sevilla de Alvero- converted their house into quarters for the Filipino soldiers;
during the Philippine-American War that broke out in 1899
- Dona Hilaria de Aguinaldo- wife of Emilio Aguinaldo; organized that Filipino Red
Cross under the inspiration of Mabini
- Dona Maria Agoncillo de Aguinaldo- second wife of Emilio Aguinaldo; provided
nursing care to Filipino soldiers during the revolution, President of the Filipino Red Cross
branch in Batangas
- Melchora Aquino (Tandang Sora) –nursed the wounded Filipino soldiers and gave
them shelter and food
- Capitan Salome – a revolutionary leader in Nueva Ecija; provided nursing care to the
wounded when not in combat
- Agueda Kahabagan- revolutionary leader in Laguna, also provided nursing services to
her troops
- Trinidad Tecson (“Ina ng Biak-na-Bato”)- stayed in the hospital at Biak na Bato to
care for wounded soldiers
- University of Santo Tomas-College of Nursing (1946)
➢ In its first year of existence, its enrolees were consisted of students from different school
of nursing whose studied were interrupted by the war. In 1947, the Bureau of Private
Schools permitted UST to grant the title Graduate Nurse to the 21 students who were of
advance standing from 1948 up to the present. The college has offered excellent
education leading to a baccalaureate degree. Sor Taciana Trinanes was its first directress.
Presently, Associate Professor Glenda A. Vargas, RN, MAN serves as its Dean.
Bed Bath
- Bathing removes accumulated oil, perspiration, dead skin cells, and some bacteria.
- Bathing also improves circulation
- Rubbing should be done by long smooth strokes from the distal to proximal parts of
extremities.
Kinds of Lice
- Pediculus capitis – head louse
- Pediculus Corporis – body louse
- Pediculus Pubis – crab louse
Scabies
- Contagious skin infestation by itch mite.
- Characteristic lesion is caused by burrowing of female mite
- Itching is more pronounce at night
Hirsutism
- Growth excessive body hair
Purpose:
1. To provide clean and comfortable bed for the patient
2. To reduce the risk of infection by maintaining a clean environment
3. To prevent bed sores by ensuring there are no wrinkles to cause pressure points
Vital Signs
- Vital signs include body temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure
- Pain is considered as the fifth vital sign
- Body temperature reflects the balance between heat produced and heat loss
- Core temperature is the temperature of the deep tissues of the body, such as
abdominal cavity and pelvic cavity
- Surface temperature is the temperature of the skin, the subcutaneous tissue, and
fat.
Temperature
1. Convection
The flow of heat from the body surface to cooler ambient air. "baby is wrapped with a
blanket to protect them from cold"
2. Radiation
The loss of heat from the body surface to cooler solid surface not in direct contact, but
close. "Cribs are placed away from outside windows for this"
3. Evaporation
The loss of heat that occurs when a liquid is converted to a vapor, "occurs by failure to
dry a newborn after birth or slow drying after a bath
4. Conduction
The loss of heat from the body to cooler surface in direct contact, “newborn is placed in a
warming crib to minimize heat loss
The measurement of core body temperature may seem simple, but several issues affect
the accuracy of the reading. These include the measurement site, the reliability of the
instrument and user technique (Pusnik and Miklavec, 2009). Practitioners must
understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with the chosen method so they
can explain the procedure to patients and obtain valid consent (Nursing and Midwifery
Council, 2008).
True core temperature readings can only be measured by invasive means, such as
placing a temperature probe into the oesophagus, pulmonary artery or urinary bladder
(Childs, 2011). It is not practical, nor indeed necessary, to use such sites and methods in
all cases; they tend to be reserved for patients who are critically ill.
Non-invasive sites such as the rectum, oral cavity, axilla, temporal artery (forehead) and external
auditory canal are accessible and are believed to provide the best estimation of the core
temperature (Pusnik and Miklavec, 2009). The temperature measured between these sites can
vary greatly, so the same site ought to be used consistently and recorded on the chart with the
reading (Davie and Amoore, 2010).
1. Oral cavity
- The oral cavity temperature is considered to be reliable when the thermometer is
placed posteriorly into the sublingual pocket (Hamilton and Price, 2007). This
landmark is close to the sublingual artery, so this site tracks changes in core
body temperature (Dougherty and Lister, 2011).
- Electronic or disposable chemical thermometers may be used. Chemical
thermometers should be avoided if the patient is hypothermic (<35°C) because
their range of operation is 35.5°C-40.4°C (Fulbrook, 1997). Low-reading
thermometers may be of some use. Mercury-in-glass thermometers can no longer
be bought because of European Council rules (Medicines and Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency, 2011).
- Care must be taken to avoid the anterior region immediately posterior to the lower
incisors because the temperature here is substantially lower (Dougherty and
Lister, 2011).
- Factors affecting accuracy include recent ingestion of food or fluid, having a
respiratory rate >18 per minute and smoking (Dougherty and Lister, 2011).
Oxygen therapy, particularly with high-flow rates, may influence temperature but
this claim has been refuted by Stanhope (2006).
2. Tympanic temperature
- The tympanic thermometer senses reflected infrared emissions from the tympanic
membrane through a probe placed in the external auditory canal (Davie and
Amoore, 2010). This method is quick (<1 minute), minimally invasive and easy
to perform. It has been reported to estimate rapid fluctuations in core temperature
accurately because the tympanic membrane is close to the hypothalamus
(Stanhope, 2006).
- Although its accuracy and reliability have been questioned in many studies in the
past decade, with differing outcomes. Tympanic thermometry continues to be
used. Operator error and poor technique are frequently cited problems (Farnell et
al, 2005), so training is recommended. Ear wax is known to reduce the accuracy
of readings, so it is recommended that the ear is inspected before measurement
(Farnell et al, 2005).
- Advantages of this site are that the measurement does not appear to be influenced
by oral fluids or diet, environmental temperature or other extraneous variables
(Robb and Shahab, 2001). If patients have been lying with their ear on a pillow,
allow 20 minutes to elapse so the temperature can normalise (Bridges and
Thomas, 2009).
3. Axillary temperature
- Temperature is measured at the axilla by placing the thermometer in the
central position and adducting the arm close to the chest wall.
- The literature suggests that this is an unreliable site for estimating core body
temperature because there are no main blood vessels around this area (Sund-
Levander and Grodzinsky, 2009). These authors also argue that the axillary
temperature can be affected by the environmental temperature and perspiration.
- Fulbrook (1997) produced convincing evidence indicating that chemical
thermometers are clinically unreliable for measuring axillary temperature. Giantin
et al (2008) suggested that electronic digital thermometers can be used at this site
as a reliable alternative in older people.
4. Rectal temperature
- Rectal temperature is said to be the most accurate method for measuring the core
temperature (Lefrant et al, 2003). However, obtaining this is more time
consuming than other methods and might be considered unfavourable for some
patients (Dzarr et al, 2009). Practitioners should pay particular attention to issues
of privacy.
- The presence of faeces prevents the thermometer from touching the wall of the
bowel and may generate inaccurate readings (Sund-Levander and Grodzinsky,
2009). Sund-Levander and Grodzinsky (2009) suggested this method does not
track immediate changes to core temperature because of the low flow of blood to
the area, so core temperature may be under- or overestimated at times of rapid
flux.
Pulse
- A wave of blood created by contraction of the left ventricle of the heart
- Compliance is the ability to contract and expand
- Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped into the arteries by the heart and
equals the result of stroke volume times the heart rate.
- Use moderate pressure with three middle fingers of the hand
- Use pads of distal aspect of finger because they are most sensitive for detecting
pulse
- Allow the client to rest for 10-15 minutes of the client performed physical
activities
- Pulse volume refers to the force of blood with each beat
Respiration
- Abnormally slow respirations is termed bradypnea
- Abnormally fast respirations is termed tachypnea or polypnea
- Absence of breathing is termed apnea
- During normal inhalation and exhalation, an adult takes in about 500ml of air
- Hyperventilation refers to very deep, rapid respirations
- Hypoventilation refers to very shallow respirations
- Cheyne-Stokes breathing is rhythmic waxing and waning of respirations,
from very deep to very shallow breathing and temporary apnea
- Dyspnea is difficult and labored breathing during which the individual has a
persistent, unsatisfied need for air and feels distressed.
- Orthopnea refers to ability to breath only in upright sitting or standing positions
- Stridor – a shrill, harsh shound heard during inspiration with laryngeal obstruction
- Stertor – snoring or sonorous respiration, usually due to a partial obstruction of
the upper airway
- Wheeze – continuous, high-pitched musical squeak or whistling sound occurring
on expiration and sometimes on inspiration when air moves through a narrowed
or partially obstructed airway
- Bubbling – gurgling sounds heard as air passes through moist secretions in the
respiratory tract
- Hemoptysis – blood in the sputum
- Productive cough – a cough accompanied by expectorated secretions
- Non-productive cough – a dry, harsh cough without secretions
Blood Pressure
- Arterial blood pressure is a measure of the pressure exreted by the blood as it
flows through the arteries.
- Systolic Pressure is the pressure of the blood as a result of contraction of the
ventricles, that is, the pressure of the height of the blood wave
- Diastolic pressure is the pressure when the ventricles are at rest
- Difference between the systolic and diastolic pressure is called pulse pressure
- Normal pulse pressure is 40mmHg
- Arteriosclerosis is when blood vessels are replaced by fibrous tissue, causing
lesser ability to constrict and dilate.
- The higher the hematocrit, the viscous the blood
- Primary hypertension is when the cause is unknown
- Secondary hypertension is when the cause is known
Application of Hot water bag/ ice cap/ hot and cold compress
- Heat is an old remedy for aches and pain, and people often equate heat with
comfort and relief.
- Heat causes vasodilation and an increase in blood flow to the area
- Heat promotes soft tissue healing and increases suppuration
- Cold causes constriction
- Cold reduces oxygen supply and metabolites to the area
- Rebound phenomenon is when the maximum therapeutic effect of the hot or cold
application is achieved and the opposite effect begins
- In cold applications, maximum vasoconstriction when affected skin reaches 15C
(60F). Below 15, vasodilation occurs
- In hot application, maximum vasodilation occurs in 20-30 minutes, tissue
congestion occurs beyond this time.
- Sitz bath is also called a hip bath; it is used to soak a client’s pelvic area. Duration
is about 15-20 minutes.
- A drug can have as much as 4 names; generic name, official name, chemical
name, and trade name
- Pharmacology is the study of the effect of drugs
- Pharmacy is the art of preparing, compounding, and dispensing of drugs
- Pharmacopoeia is book containing the list of products used in medicine
- Therapeutic effect, also known as the primary effect is the reason the drug is
prescribed
- Side effect, or the secondary effect is the one that is unintended
- Adverse effect is more severe side effect
- Drug toxicity results from overdosage, ingestion of drug intended for external use,
and buildup of the drug in the blood because of impaired metabolism or excretion.
- Drug allergy is an immunologic reaction to a drug
- Severe form of allergic reaction is anaphylactic shock, which is fatal.
- Drug tolerance is when a person developed a low physiologic response to a drug.
Oral route:
Many drugs can be administered orally as liquids, capsules, tablets, or chewable tablets. Because
the oral route is the most convenient and usually the safest and least expensive, it is the one most
often used. However, it has limitations because of the way a drug typically moves through the
digestive tract. For drugs administered orally, absorption may begin in the mouth and stomach.
However, most drugs are usually absorbed from the small intestine. The drug passes through the
intestinal wall and travels to the liver before being transported via the bloodstream to its target
site. The intestinal wall and liver chemically alter (metabolize) many drugs, decreasing the
amount of drug reaching the bloodstream. Consequently, these drugs are often given in smaller
doses when injected intravenously to produce the same effect.
When a drug is taken orally, food and other drugs in the digestive tract may affect how much of
and how fast the drug is absorbed. Thus, some drugs should be taken on an empty stomach,
others should be taken with food, others should not be taken with certain other drugs, and still
others cannot be taken orally at all.
Some orally administered drugs irritate the digestive tract. For example, aspirin and most other
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs—see Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
can harm the lining of the stomach and small intestine to potentially cause or aggravate
preexisting ulcers (see Causes). Other drugs are absorbed poorly or erratically in the digestive
tract or are destroyed by the acid and digestive enzymes in the stomach.
Other routes of administration are required when the oral route cannot be used, for example:
Certain drugs (such as progestins used for birth control—see Hormonal Methods of
Contraception) may be given by inserting plastic capsules under the skin (implantation).
Although this route of administration is rarely used, its main advantage is to provide a long-term
therapeutic effect (for example, etonogestrel that is implanted for contraception may last up to 3
years).
The intramuscular route is preferred to the subcutaneous route when larger volumes of a drug
product are needed. Because the muscles lie below the skin and fatty tissues, a longer needle is
used. Drugs are usually injected into the muscle of the upper arm, thigh, or buttock. How quickly
the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream depends, in part, on the blood supply to the muscle:
The sparser the blood supply, the longer it takes for the drug to be absorbed.
For the intravenous route, a needle is inserted directly into a vein. A solution containing the drug
may be given in a single dose or by continuous infusion. For infusion, the solution is moved by
gravity (from a collapsible plastic bag) or, more commonly, by an infusion pump through thin
flexible tubing to a tube (catheter) inserted in a vein, usually in the forearm. Intravenous
administration is the best way to deliver a precise dose quickly and in a well-controlled manner
throughout the body. It is also used for irritating solutions, which would cause pain and damage
tissues if given by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. An intravenous injection can be
more difficult to administer than a subcutaneous or intramuscular injection because inserting a
needle or catheter into a vein may be difficult, especially if the person is obese.
When given intravenously, a drug is delivered immediately to the bloodstream and tends to take
effect more quickly than when given by any other route. Consequently, health care practitioners
closely monitor people who receive an intravenous injection for signs that the drug is working or
is causing undesired side effects. Also, the effect of a drug given by this route tends to last for a
shorter time. Therefore, some drugs must be given by continuous infusion to keep their effect
constant.
For the intrathecal route, a needle is inserted between two vertebrae in the lower spine and into
the space around the spinal cord. The drug is then injected into the spinal canal. A small amount
of local anesthetic is often used to numb the injection site. This route is used when a drug is
needed to produce rapid or local effects on the brain, spinal cord, or the layers of tissue covering
them (meninges)—for example, to treat infections of these structures. Anesthetics and analgesics
(such as morphine) are sometimes given this way.
Rectal route:
Many drugs that are administered orally can also be administered rectally as a suppository. In
this form, a drug is mixed with a waxy substance that dissolves or liquefies after it is inserted
into the rectum. Because the rectum's wall is thin and its blood supply rich, the drug is readily
absorbed. A suppository is prescribed for people who cannot take a drug orally because they
have nausea, cannot swallow, or have restrictions on eating, as is required before and after many
surgical operations.
Vaginal route:
Some drugs may be administered vaginally to women as a solution, tablet, cream, gel,
suppository, or ring. The drug is slowly absorbed through the vaginal wall. This route is often
used to give estrogen to women during menopause to relieve vaginal symptoms such as dryness,
soreness, and redness.
Ocular route:
Drugs used to treat eye disorders (such as glaucoma, conjunctivitis, and injuries) can be mixed
with inactive substances to make a liquid, gel, or ointment so that they can be applied to the eye.
Liquid eye drops are relatively easy to use but may run off the eye too quickly to be absorbed
well. Gel and ointment formulations keep the drug in contact with the eye surface longer, but
they may blur vision. Solid inserts, which release the drug continuously and slowly, are also
available, but they may be hard to put in and keep in place. Ocular drugs are almost always used
for their local effects.
Otic route:
Drugs used to treat ear inflammation and infection can be applied directly to the affected ears.
Ear drops containing solutions or suspensions are typically applied only to the outer ear canal.
Before applying ear drops, people should thoroughly clean the ear with a moist cloth and dry it.
Nasal route:
If a drug is to be breathed in and absorbed through the thin mucous membrane that lines the nasal
passages, it must be transformed into tiny droplets in air (atomized). Once absorbed, the drug
enters the bloodstream. Drugs administered by this route generally work quickly. Some of them
irritate the nasal passages.
Inhalation route:
Drugs administered by inhalation through the mouth must be atomized into smaller droplets than
those administered by the nasal route, so that the drugs can pass through the windpipe (trachea)
and into the lungs. How deeply into the lungs they go depends on the size of the droplets.
Smaller droplets go deeper, which increases the amount of drug absorbed. Inside the lungs, they
are absorbed into the bloodstream.
Relatively few drugs are administered this way because inhalation must be carefully monitored
to ensure that a person receives the right amount of drug within a specified time. In addition,
specialized equipment may be needed to give the drug by this route. Usually, this method is used
to administer drugs that act specifically on the lungs, such as aerosolized antiasthmatic drugs in
metered-dose containers (called inhalers), and to administer gases used for general anesthesia.
Cutaneous route:
Drugs applied to the skin are usually used for their local effects and thus are most commonly
used to treat superficial skin disorders, such as psoriasis, eczema, skin infections (viral, bacterial,
and fungal), itching, and dry skin. The drug is mixed with inactive substances. Depending on the
consistency of the inactive substances, the formulation may be an ointment, cream, lotion,
solution, powder, or gel (see Topical Preparations).
Transdermal route:
Some drugs are delivered bodywide through a patch on the skin. These drugs are sometimes
mixed with a chemical (such as alcohol) that enhances penetration through the skin into the
bloodstream without any injection. Through a patch, the drug can be delivered slowly and
continuously for many hours or days or even longer. As a result, levels of a drug in the blood can
be kept relatively constant. Patches are particularly useful for drugs that are quickly eliminated
from the body because such drugs, if taken in other forms, would have to be taken frequently.
However, patches may irritate the skin of some people. In addition, patches are limited by how
quickly the drug can penetrate the skin. Only drugs to be given in relatively small daily doses can
be given through patches.
Different positions:
1. Fowlers
- Fowlers or semi-sitting position is a bed position in which the head and trunk are
raised to 45-90 degrees.
2. Orthopneic position
- The client sits either in the bed or on the side of the bed with an overbed table
across the lap. This position facilitates respiration by allowing maximum chest
expansion.
3. Dorsal Recumbent position
- The client’s head and shoulders are slightly elevated on a small pillow.
4. Prone position
- The client lies on the abdomen with the head turned to one side.
- Only bed position that allows full extension of the hip and knee joints
5. Lateral position
- The person lies on one side of the body
6. Sims’ position
- The client assumes a posture halfway between lateral and the prone positions.
Transferring Clients:
- Plan what to do and how to do it
- Obtain essential equipment before starting and check function
- Remove obstacles from the area used for transfer
- Explain the transfer to the client, including what the client should do
- Explain the transfer to the nursing personnel who are helping; specify who will
give directions
- Always support or hold the client rather than the equipment and ensure the client
safety and dignity.
- During the transfer, explain step by step what the client should do
- Make a written plan of the transfer, including the client’s tolerance.
Physical Examination
Physical examination is an important tool in assessing the client‟s health status. Approximate 15
% of the information used in the assessment comes from the physical examination. It is
performed to collect objective data and to correlate it with subjective data.
Purpose:
1. To collect objective data from the client
2. To detect the abnormalities with systematic technique early
3. To diagnose diseases
4. To determine the status of present health in health check-up and refer the client for
consultation if needed
1. Inspection
-Inspection means looking at the client carefully to discover any signs of illness.
Inspection gives more information than other method and is therefore the most useful
method of physical examination.
2. Palpation
-Palpation means using hands to touch and feel. Different parts of hands are used for
different sensation such as temperature, texture of skin, vibration, tenderness, and etc. For
examples, finger tips are used for fine tactile surfaces, the back of fingers for feeling
temperature and the flat of the palm and fingers for feeling vibrations.
3. Percussion
-Percussion determines the density of various parts of the body from the sound produced
by them, when they are tapped with fingers. Percussion helps to find out abnormal solid
masses, fluid and gas in the body and to map out the size and borders of the certain organ
like the heart. Methods of percussion are:
a. Put the middle fingers of his/her hand of the left hand against the body part to be
percussed
b. Tap the end joint of this finger with the middle finger of the right hand
c. Give two or three taps at each area to be percussed
d. Compare the sound produced at different areas.
4. Auscultation
-Auscultation means listening to the sounds transmitted by a stethoscope which is used to
listen to the heart, lungs and bowel sounds.
Post-mortem Care
- Rigor mortis is the stiffening of the body that occurs about 2-4 hours after
death
- Algor mortis is the gradual decrease of the body’s temperature after death.
When blood circulation terminates and the hypothalamus ceases to
function, body temperature fall bout 1C per hour until it reaches room
temperature
- Livor mortis is the discoloration due to the hemoglobin released during
RBC destruction.
- Solid areas of the body should be washed
- A mortician or undertaker is a person trained in the care of the dead
- Proper identification is very important
- Mishandling can cause distress to the family
- Grief is the total response to the emotional experience related to loss
- Bereavement is the subjective response experience by the surviving loved
ones after the death of a significant person.
- Mourning is the behavioral process through which grief is eventually
resolved or altered
- Abbreviated grief is brief but genuinely felt
- Anticipatory grief is experienced in advance of the event such as the wife
who grieves before her ailing husband dies
- Disenfranchised grief occurs when a person is unable to acknowledge the
loss to other persons. Situations in which this may occur often relate to a
socially unacceptable loss that cannot be spoken about.
- Unhealthy grief exists when the strategies to cope with the loss are
maladaptive
Leopold’s Maneuver
Leopold’s Maneuver is preferably performed after 24 weeks gestation when fetal outline can be
already palpated.
Preparation:
- Perineal care is the washing of the genital and rectal areas of the body. Perineal care
should be done at least one time a day during the bed bath, shower, or tub bath. It is done
more often when a client is incontinent. Perineal care prevents infection, odors and
irritation.
- Perineal care is done when a patient has a urinary catheter in place. It is also done when
the client does not have a urinary catheter. Perineal care is done differently for men and
women.
- As with all procedures, wash your hands, put on gloves, introduce yourself to the client,
explain what you are about to do, identify the patient and maintain privacy, standard
precautions, caring, respect, comfort and safety throughout the task.
-
Perineal care for male patients without a urinary catheter has these additional steps:
o fill the bath basin with clean water at 110 degrees,
o position the male patient on their back,
o put a protective cover over the bed linen,
o wash the groin from the front to the back starting at the groin area and
then going to the inside of the thighs,
o then rinse the cloth or use a new washcloth,
o pull back the foreskin if the patient is not circumcised,
o wash and rinse the tip of the penis downward while using gentle, circular
motions and then the scrotum,
o rinse the cloth,
o turn the person on their side,
o and wash, rinse and dry the rectal area.
Perineal care for female patients without a urinary catheter has these steps:
o fill the bath basin with clean water at 110 degrees,
o position the female patient on their back,
o put a protective cover over the bed linen,
o separate the labia and wash, rinse and dry the urethral area first with short
downward strokes alternating from side to side and proceeding until the exposed
area around the urethra is done,
o then rinse the cloth or use a new washcloth,
o wash the groin on the outside of the labia from the front to the back starting
outside the labia and then going to the inside of the thighs,
o then rinse the cloth,
o turn the person on their side,
o and wash, rinse and dry the rectal area.
Perineal care for male and female patients with a urinary catheter has the above steps
followed by these additional steps:
- with a clean washcloth and soap, wash the catheter starting at the urinary opening
with short strokes to about 4 inches away from the body
- using a new washcloth, rinse the catheter starting at the urinary opening with short
strokes to about 4 inches away from the body
Immediate Care of the Newborn
Goals:
- To establish, maintain and support respirations.
- To provide warmth and prevent hypothermia.
- To ensure safety, prevent injury and infection.
- To identify actual or potential problems that may require immediate attention.
- Establish respiration and maintain clear airway
The most important need for the newborn immediately after birth is a clear airway to enable the
newborn to breathe effectively since the placenta has ceased to function as an organ of gas
exchange. It is in the maintenance of adequate oxygen supply through effective respiration that
the survival of the newborn greatly depends.
Newborns are obligatory nose breathers. The reflex response to nasal obstruction, opening the
mouth to maintain airway, is not present in most newborns until 3 weeks after birth.
Do not slap the buttocks rather rub the soles of the feet.
Stimulate to cry after secretions are removed.
The normal infant cry is loud and husky. Observe for the following abnormal cry:
High, pitched cry – indicates hypoglycemia, increased intracranial pressure.
Weak cry – prematurity
Hoarse cry – laryngeal stridor
Oral mucous may cause the newborn, to choke, cough or gag during the first 12 to 18
hours of life. Place the infant in a position that would promote drainage of secretions.
These ointments are the ones commonly used now a days for eye prophylaxis because
they do not cause eye irritation and are more effective against Chlamydial conjunctivitis.
Apply over lower lids of both eyes, then, manipulate eyelids to spread medication over
the eyes.
Vitamin K or Aquamephyton
The newborn has a sterile intestine at birth, hence, the newborn does not possess the
intestinal bacteria that manufactures vitamin K which is necessary for the formation of
clotting factors. This makes the newborn prone to bleeding. As a preventive measure, .5
(preterm) and 1 mg (full term) Vitamin K or aquamephyton is injected IM in the
newborn’s vastus lateralis (lateral anterior thigh) muscle.
The cord is clamped and cut approximately within 30 seconds after birth. In the delivery
room, the cord is clamped twice about 8 inches from the abdomen and cut in between.
When the newborn is brought to the nursery, another clamp is applied ½ to 1 inch from
the abdomen and the cord is cut at second time. The cord and the area around it are
cleansed with antiseptic solution. The manner of cord care depends on hospital protocol.
What is important is that the principles are followed. Cord clamp maybe removed after
48 hours when the cord has dried. The cord stump usually dries and falls within 7 to 10
days leaving a granulating area that heals on the next 7 to 10 days.
No tub bathing until cord falls off. Do not sponge bath to clean the baby. See to it that
cord does not get wet by water or urine.
Do not apply anything on the cord such as baby powder or antibiotic, except the
prescribed antiseptic solution which is 70% alcohol.
Avoid wetting the cord. Fold diaper below so that it does not cover the cord and does not
get wet when the diaper soaks with urine.
Leave cord exposed to air. Do not apply dressing or abdominal binder over it. The cord
dries and separates more rapidly if it is exposed to air.
If you notice the cord to be bleeding, apply firm pressure and check cord clamp if loose
and fasten.
Report any unusual signs and symptoms which indicate infection:
Foul odor in the cord
Presence of discharge
Redness around the cord
The cord remains wet and does not fall off within 7 to 10 days
Newborn fever
The APGAR Scoring System was developed by Dr. Virginia Apgar as a method of assessing the
newborn’s adjustment to extrauterine life. It is taken at one minute and five minutes after birth.
With depressed infants, repeat the scoring every five minutes as needed. The one minute score
indicates the necessity for resuscitation. The five minute score is more reliable in predicting
mortality and neurologic deficits. The most important is the heart rate, then the respiratory rate,
the muscle tone, reflex irritability and color follows in decreasing order. A heart rate below 100
signifies an asphyxiated baby and a heart rate above 160 signifies distress.
MMDST
- Simple and clinically useful tool to determine early serious developmental delays
Purposes
- Measures developmental delays
- Evaluates 4 aspects of development
Aspects of development
In the care of pediatric clients, growth and development are not in isolation. Nurses being
competent in the aspects of growth and development particularly principles, theories and
milestones are in best position to counsel clients on these aspects. Having background
knowledge on growth and development, nurses are equipped with assessment skills to determine
developmental delays through the aid of screening tests.
The Metro Manila Developmental Screening Test (MMDST) is a screening test to note for
normalcy of the child’s development and to determine any delays as well in children 6 ½ years
old and below. Modified and standardized by Dr. Phoebe Williams from the original Denver
Developmental Screening Test (DDST) by Dr. William K. Frankenburg, MMDST evaluates 4
sectors of development:
Personal-Social – tasks which indicate the child’s ability to get along with people and to take
care of himself
Fine-Motor Adaptive – tasks which indicate the child’s ability to see and use his hands to
pick up objects and to draw
Language – tasks which indicate the child’s ability to hear, follow directions and to
speak Gross-Motor – tasks which indicate the child’s ability to sit, walk and jump
MMDST KIT. Preparation for test administration involves the nurse ensuring the completeness
of the test materials contained in the MMDST Kit. These materials should be followed as
specified:
MMDST manual
o test Form
o bright red yarn pom-pom
o rattle with narrow handle
o eight 1-inch colored wooden blocks (red, yellow, blue green)
o small clear glass/bottle with 5/8 inch opening
o small bell with 2 ½ inch-diameter mouth
o rubber ball 12 ½ inches in circumference
o cheese curls
o pencil
EXPLAINING THE PROCEDURE. Once the materials are ready, the nurse explains the
procedure to the parent or caregiver of the child. It has to be emphasized that this is not a
diagnostic test but rather a screening test only. When conducting the test, the parents or
caregivers of the child under study should be informed that it is not an IQ test as it may be
misinterpreted by them. The nurse should also establish rapport with the parent and the child to
ensure cooperation.
AGE & THE AGE LINE. To proceed in the administration of the test, the nurse is to compute
for the exact age of the child, meaning the age of the child during the test date itself. The age is
the most crucial component of the test because it determines the test items that will be
applicable/ administered to the child. The exact age is computing by subtracting the child’s birth
date with the test date. After computing, draw the age line in the test form.
TEST ITEMS. There are 105 test items in MMDST but not all are administered. The examiner
prioritizes items that the age line passes through. It is however imperative to explain to the
parent or caregiver that the child is not expected to perform all the tasks correctly. If the
sequence were to be followed, the examiner should start with personal-social then progressing to
the other sectors. Items that are footnoted with “R” can be passed by report.
SCORING. The test items are scored as either Passed (P), Failed (F), Refused (R), or Nor
Opportunity (NO). Failure of an item that is completely to the left of the child’s age is
considered a developmental delay. Whereas, failure of an item that is completely to the right of
the child’s age line is acceptable and not a delay.
CONSIDERATIONS:
Manner in which each test is administered must be exactly the same as stated in the
manual, words or direction may not be changed
If the child is premature, subtract the number of weeks of prematurity. But if the child is
more than 2 years of age during the test, subtracting may not be necessary
If the child is shy or uncooperative, the caregiver may be asked to administer the test
provided that the examiner instructs the caregiver to administer it exactly as directed in
the manual
If the child is very shy or uncooperative, the test may be deferred
Bag Technique
The bag technique is a tool by which the nurse, during her visit will enable her to perform a
nursing procedure with ease and deftness, to save time and effort with the end view of rendering
effective nursing care to clients.
The public health bag is an essential and indispensable equipment of a public health nurse which
she has to carry along during her home visits. It contains basic medication and articles which are
necessary for giving care.
Principles
-Performing the bag technique will minimize, if not, prevent the spread of any
infection.
- It saves time and effort in the performance of nursing procedures.
- The bag technique can be performed in a variety of ways depending on the
agency’s policy, the home situation, or as long as principles of avoiding transfer
of infection is always observed.
The following are the contents of a Public Health Nurse bag:
- Paper lining
- Extra paper for making waste bag
- Plastic/linen lining
- Apron
- Hand towel
- Soap in a soap dish
- Thermometers (oral and rectal)
- 2 pairs of scissors (surgical and bandage)
- 2 pairs of forceps (curved and straight)
- Disposable syringes with needles (g. 23 & 25)
- Hypodermic needles (g. 19, 22, 23, 25)
- Sterile dressing
- Cotton balls
- Cord clamp
- Micropore plaster
- Tape measure
- 1 pair of sterile gloves
- Baby’s scale
- Alcohol lamp
- 2 test tubes
- Test tube
holders
Solutions of:
- Betadine
- 70% alcohol
- Zephiran solution
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Spirit of ammnonia
- Ophthalmic ointment
- Acetic acid
- Benedict’s solution
- *BP apparatus and stethoscope are carried separately and are never placed in the
bag.
Points to consider
- The bag should contain all the necessary articles, supplies and equipment that will
be used to answer the emergency needs
- The bag and its contents should be cleaned very often, the supplies replaced and
ready for use anytime.
- The bag and its contents should be well protected from contact with any article in
the patient’s home.
- Consider the bag and its contents clean and sterile, while articles that belong to
the patients as dirty and contaminated.
- The arrangement of the contents of the bag should be the one most convenient to
the user, to facilitate efficiency and avoid confusion.