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CORD CARE

CORD CARE – Purpose, General Instruction, Equipment Needed, Procedure and After Care (COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING)

Cord care is cleaning the umbilical cord and applying medicine to prevent occurrence of infection in umbilical region

PURPOSE

  • To keep the umbilical cord clean and dry
  • To prevent infection
  • To promote wound healing

GENERAL INSTRUCTION

  • Use aseptic techniques
  • Never touch the cord with bare hands
  • Use appropriate antimicrobial agent for cord
  • Never pull the umbilical cord
  • Check the baby’s umbilical cord for infection

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

A sterile tray containing:

  • Cotton swabs and gauze
  • Methylated spirit or mercurochrome
  • Artery forceps
  • Dissecting forceps
  • Small bowl to receive solutions
  • K-basin (small) and paper bag

PROCEDURE

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
  • Assess the cord for signs of infection and skin color
  • Pour the antimicrobial agent in small bowl
  • Clean the cord from central to the periphery
  • Repeat the procedure until it is cleaned
  • Discard the cotton swab in a paper bag

AFTER CARE

  • Place the baby in a comfortable position
  • Advise the mother to avoid the movement of the cord
  • Assess the cord for any bleeding
  • Wash hands with soap and water
  • Clean, sterilize and replace articles
  • Record the procedure and observations made
CORD CARE – Purpose, General Instruction, Equipment Needed, Procedure and After Care (COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING)
CORD CARE – Purpose, General Instruction, Equipment Needed, Procedure and After Care (COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING)

BABY BATH

BABY BATH – Purpose, Types of Bath, General Instructions, Equipment needed, and Articles near the Bed Side, Procedure and After Care (NURSING PROCEDURE)

NURSING PROCEDURES LIST CLICK HERE

Baby bath is a hygienic care given to the newborn in the hospital or community setup

PURPOSE

  • To be baby’s skin clean
  • To maintain healthy skin
  • To stimulate circulation
  • To refresh the baby
  • To detect any physical abnormalities
  • To monitor the infants growth and development

TYPES OF BATH

  • Lap bath: bathing the baby by keeping him on the lap
  • Sponge bath: bathing the child in bed
  • Oil bath: applying oil all over the baby’s body
  • Tub bath: small tub or basin is used in giving bath to a baby

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

  • The newborn’s temperature regulating mechanisms are under developed, so measures to avoid over heating mechanisms are important
  • The nurse should use right judgment in selecting the soap, and cloths
  • The ideal time of bath should be one hour after feeding the baby
  • While giving baby bath, give opportunity to the mother to participate
  • The clothing for baby should be selected according to the environmental temperature

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

A tray containing

  • Mackintosh and big towel – 1
  • Bath blanket – 1
  • Towels – 2 and small face bowel – 1
  • Soap in a dish
  • Oil in the bottle
  • Kidney tray and paper bag
  • Dresses for baby
  • Apron – 1 (rubber), cotton balls in a bowl, buds in a container
  • Bath thermometer

ARTICLES NEAR THE BED SIDE

  • Bath basin – 2
  • Buckets – 1 or 2
  • Jugs – 2

PROCEDURE

  • Wash hands thoroughly and wear apron
  • Bring the baby to the bath table
  • Undress the baby and wrap in the big towel
  • First wipe the eyes from medial to lateral side, use separate swabs for each eye
  • If the crust is seen in nostrils, use a lubricated swab to clean nose, rotate it and clean all sides
  • Clean the inside ears with rolled wisp of cotton
  • Wipe the face with warm water and dry gently, don’t use soap on the face
  • Obscene baby’s mouth for thrush, if present applies gentian violet
  • Hold the baby securely by sliding your hand until the baby’s head is well supported in your palm
  • Hold the baby’s head over the basin, wet it, apply soap, rinse it with water and dry it thoroughly
  • Discard the water and take fresh water to keep the water clean and at correct temperature
  • Unwrap the body, apply soap all over the body, giving special attention to the neck, arms, axillae, grains fingers and toes
  • The baby is held firmly and submerged gradually into the water in the tub to rinse the soap completely
  • Take the baby from the water and dry him by patting gently

AFTER CARE

  • Dress the cord stump, if any
  • Dress the baby as early as possible
  • Comb the hair
  • Give the baby to the mother for feeding
  • Replace the articles after cleaning
  • Wash hands and record the procedure
BABY BATH – Purpose, Types of Bath, General Instructions, Equipment needed, and Articles near the Bed Side, Procedure and After Care (NURSING PROCEDURE)
BABY BATH – Purpose, Types of Bath, General Instructions, Equipment needed, and Articles near the Bed Side, Procedure and After Care (NURSING PROCEDURE)

MEASUREMENT OF HEIGHT AND WEIGHT

MEASUREMENT OF HEIGHT AND WEIGHT – Principles, Equipment and Procedure (COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING)

Weight and height measurements are an index of a person continuing growth and developments and may index to the maintenance of health. A person’s height and weight is influenced by varying factors, such as inheritance, nutrition, incidence of sickness, the endocrine system, etc

Measurement of weight and height is the responsibility of the community health nurse and health visitors to explain the significance of weight and height to the person’s being weighed. Weight and measurement of the child at planned to detect deviation in his own growth curve

PRINCIPLES

  • The weighing scales must be accurate
  • The baby scales platform must be safe and secure to prevent the child from falling
  • The mother or nurse must stay with the child when he is being weighed to prevent falling
  • Record of the weight as soon as the scale is read. Adjust the scales each time
  • Emphasize importance of weighing during the growth period
  • Keep the scale locked when not in use, return bar to 0 after each weight has been read
  • To prevent cross infection, the nurse should stand behind or to the side of the person being weighed to prevent contact with the person’s face and mouth

EQUIPMENTS

  • Scales – with height rod
  • Weight balance
  • Tape measure
  • Records or pocket diary

PROCEDURE

  • Place the scales and measuring in a well-lighted and ventilated area
  • Place a clean paper or clean plastic on the scale
  • Look at the record and note the last recorded weight
  • Place the child flat on weighing scale
  • Record the present weight and remove the baby gently
  • Record immediately on the chart
  • Height can be measured by place the tape measure or measuring rod on a table or firm surface and place the infant alongside the measure. Hold the head and heel firmly and read the measure
MEASUREMENT OF HEIGHT AND WEIGHT – Principles, Equipment and Procedure (COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING)
MEASUREMENT OF HEIGHT AND WEIGHT – Principles, Equipment and Procedure (COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING)

HANDWASHING

HANDWASHING – Purpose, Articles Needed and Procedure (COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING)

Hand-washing is most important and basic technique used in preventing and controlling, transmission of pathogens. It is vigorous brief rubbing together of all surfaces of hands lathered in soap and followed by rinsing under a stream of water

PURPOSE

  • To remove soil and transient microorganism
  • To reduce total microbial counts overtime
  • To prevent cross infection
  • To protect herself from infection and prevents the spread of infection to others

ARTICLES USED

  • Soap in a soap dish
  • Tap water or water in a container
  • Nail brush
  • Bucket to receive water
  • A mug or chamber for pouring water
  • Towel to wipe wet hands

PROCEDURE

  • Place the community bag on newspaper
  • Remove watch, bangles, rings in a safe place or place it in the pocket
  • Open unsterile compartment and remove hand washing set
  • Place newspaper and keep hand washing things near the washing area
  • Turn on the tap or ask family member to pour water
  • Scrub for 2-3 minutes with nail brush, wash soap and hands with water
  • Hold hands up to prevent water from coming back down
  • Dry hands with hand towel
HANDWASHING – Purpose, Articles Needed and Procedure (COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING)
HANDWASHING – Purpose, Articles Needed and Procedure (COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING)

WATER SEAL CHEST DRAINAGE

WATER SEAL CHEST DRAINAGE – Indications, Objectives, Mechanism, Factors Affecting the Chest Drainage, Water Seal Drainage System, Types of Chest Drainage, Commercially Prepared disposal Drainage Systems, Preparation of the Equipment, Setting Up a Commercially Prepared Disposable System, Managing Closed Chest Underwater-Seal Drainage, Assessment of Proper Functioning, Precautions to be Taken while Replacing Chest Drainage Bottles, Chest Catheter Removal, Discharge Teaching and Common Problems and Suggested Actions (NURSING PROCEDURE)

Water seal chest drainage means that a column of water in a bottle seals off the atmospheric air preventing from entering the chest drainage tube and thereby in the pleural sac

Water seal drainage system or so called “closed chest drainage” is indented to allow air and flew to escape from the pleural space with each exhalation and to prevent that return flow with each inhalation

Water seal acts as a one way valve, permitting the unit directional flow of air and fluid out of the pleural space, but permitting none to enter from the drainage system

INDICATIONS

  • After thoracic or thoracoabdominal surgeries
  • Chest injuries involving the pleura
  • Spontaneous pneumothorax

OBJECTIVES

  • To remove air and fluid from the pleural space
  • To re-establish normal negative pressure in the pleural space
  • To promote re-expansion of the lungs which apposition and cohesion of the parietal and visceral pleura
  • To restore the normal pulmonary ventilation
  • To prevent the reflex (return flow) of air and fluid back into the pleural space from the drainage apparatus
  • To prevent shifting of the mediastinum and collapse of the lung tissue by equalizing pressure on both sides

MECHANISM

  • In a thoracic surgery the parietal pleura is incised and pleural space is opened
  • Atmospheric air rushes into the pleural space and the lungs collapse
  • When the chest wall is closed, the air is enclosed in the pleural space thus causing to have a pneumothorax in the operated site
  • Additional air may continue to leak into the pleural space through the openings in the pulmonary pleural incision
  • Trauma of surgery causes serosanguineous fluid to collect in the patient’s chest until healing occurs
  • Negative pressure has been lost inside the space owing to pneumothorax
  • The body’s ability to absorb air from the pleural cavity is limited
  • Therefore, a closed drainage must be established to remove the collecting fluid and air from the pleural cavity and to prevent additional air and fluid entering the pleural cavity
  • A closed drainage system is used postoperatively to remove air and serosanguineous fluid form the pleural cavity

FACTOR AFFECTING THE CHEST DRAINAGE

  • Proper placement of chest catheters – usually two catheters are placed in the chest, one of them is placed anteriorly through the second intercostals space to permit the escape of air rising in the pleural space. The lower catheter is placed posteriorly through the eighth or ninth intercostals space in the maxillary line to drain off serosanguineous fluid accumulating in the lower portion of the pleural space
  • Proper placement of drainage apparatus – the drainage apparatus for closed chest drainage must always locate at a level lower than the patient’s chest. Thus, this helps drainage by gravity. At the same it prevents backflow of air and fluid in pleural space
  • Length of the drainage tubing – drainage tubing which connect the chest catheters to the drainage apparatus should be neither too long nor too short. It should fall in a straight line to the drainage apparatus with no dependent loops. Dependent loops of the tubing, that contain fluids obstruct the flow of air and water into the drainage bottle and create back pressure thus impairing the drainage of air or fluid

WATER SEAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM

  • Maintaining the patency of the drainage tubing: patency of the drainage tubing and the chest catheter are checked frequently. Kinks and pressure on the tubing will cause obstruction in the flow of drainage. Observe the amount of drainage per hour to make sure that the tube is not internally plugged with pus or blood clots. Milking the tube helps to dislodge any clot that is formed in the drainage tubes
  • Maintenance of an air tight drainage system. Closed drainage system must be maintained air-tight. The bottles are sealed with tight stoppers and all connection of the tubes is taped to ensure its air tightness
  • Position of the patient: the patient is placed in a Fowler’s position. This position helps to locate the fluid in the lower portion of the pleural space and drainage thorough the chest tubes, which are placed in the lower chest
  • Activity of the patient: the movement of the patient in bed helps to drain the chest. Coughing and deep breathing exercises help the patient to promote lung expansion and expulsion of air and fluid from the pleural space by increasing the intrapulmonic and intrapleural pressure.
  • Application of mechanical suction on the water and drainage system

Continuous and gentle cough and respirations are too weak to force the air and fluid out of the pleural space through the chest catheters

In the treatment of empyema thoracic in which the drainage is too thick to drain

In those patients where air is leaking into the pleural space faster than it can be removing by a water seal apparatus and or to speed up the removal of air or fluid out of the pleural space

TYPES OF CHEST DRAINAGE

The One-Bottle Water-Seal System

The end of the drainage tube from the patient’s chest is covered by a layer of water which permits drainage and prevents lung collapse by sealing out the atmosphere. Functionally, drainage depends on gravity, on the mechanics of respiration and, if desired, on suction by the addition of controlled vacuum

The tube from the patient extends approximately 2.5 cm below the level of the water in the container. There is a vent for the escape of any air that might be leaking from the lung. The water level fluctuates as the patient exhales. At the end of the drainage tube, bubbling may or may not be visible. Bubbling can mean either persistent leakage of air from the lung or other tissues or a leak in the system

The Two-Bottle Water-seal System

The two bottle system consists of the same water seal chamber plus a fluid-collection bottle. Drainage is similar to that of a single unit, except that when pleural fluid drains, the underwater seal system in not affected by the volume of drainage

Effective drainage depends on gravity or on the amount of suction added to the system. When vacuum is added to the system from a vacuum source, such as wall suction, the connection is made at the vent stem of the underwater-seal bottle. The amount of suction applied to the system is regulated to the wall gauge

The Three-Bottle Water-seal System

This system is similar in all respect to the two-bottle system, except for the addition of a third bottle to control the amount of suction applied. The amount of suction is determined by the depth to which the tip of the venting glass tube is submerged. In the three-bottle system, drainage depends on gravity or the amount of suction applied. The amount of suction in the system is controlled by the manometer bottle. The mechanical suction motor or wall suction creates and maintains a negative pressure throughout the entire closed drainage system

The manometer bottle regulates the amount of the vacuum in the system. This bottle contains three tubes:

  • A short tube above the water level comes from the water seal bottle
  • Another short tube leads to the vacuum or suction motor or wall suction
  • The third tube is a long tube which extends below the water level in the bottle and which is open to the atmosphere outside the bottle. This is in the tube that regulates the amount of vacuum in the system. This is regulated by the depth to which this tube is submerged the usual depth is 20 cm

When the vacuum in the system becomes greater than the depth to which the tube is submerged, outside air is sucked into the system. This result in constant bubbling in the manometer bottle, which indicates that the systems is functioning properly

COMMMERCIALLY PREPARED DISPOSAL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

Combine drainage collection, water seal and suction control in one unit. These systems ensure patient safety with positive and negative pressure relief valves and have a prominent air leak indicator. Some systems produce no bubbling sound. System allows air and fluid to escape from the pleural cavity but does not allow the air to re-enter. The system may include one, two or three bottles to collect drainage, create a water seal, and control suction. Or it may be a self-contained disposable system. That combines the features of a multi bottle system in a compact, one piece unit

Equipment: thoracic drainage system which can function as gravity drainage systems to be connected to suction to enhance chest drainage

PREPARATION OF THE EQUIPMENT

Check the doctor’s order to determine the type of drainage system to be used and specific procedural details. If appropriate, request the drainage system and suction system from the central supply department. Collect the appropriate equipment and take it to the patient’s bedside

Implementation

  • Explain the procedure to the patient and wash your hands
  • Maintain sterile technique throughout the entire procedure and whenever you make changes in the system or alter any of the connections to avoid introducing pathogens into the pleural space

SETTING UP A COMMERCIALLY PREPARED DISPOSABLE SYSTEM

  • Open the packaged system and place it on the floor in the rack supplied by the manufacture to avoid accidental knocking it over or dislodging the components. After the system is prepared, it may be hung from the side of the patient’s bed
  • Remove the plastic connector from the short tube that is attached to the water-seal chamber. Using a 50 ml catheter tip syringe instill sterile distilled water into the water-seal chamber
  • If suction is ordered, remove the cap on the suction-control chamber to open the vent. Next instill sterile distilled water until it reaches the 20 cm mark or the ordered level and recap the suction-control chamber
  • Using the long tubes connect the patient’s chest tube to the closed drainage system to the suction source, and turn on the suction. Gentle bubbling should begin in the suction chamber, indicating that the correct suction level has been reached

MANAGING CLOSED CHEST UNDERWATER-SEAL DRAINAGE

  • Repeatedly note the character, consistency and amount of drainage collection chamber
  • Mark the drainage level in the drainage collection chamber by noting the time and date at the drainage level on the chamber every 8 hours
  • Check the water level in the water-seal chamber every 8 hours, if necessary, carefully add sterile distilled water until level reaches the 2 cm mark indicated on the water-seal chamber of the commercial system
  • Check for fluctuation in the water-seal chamber as the patient breathes. To check for fluctuation when a suction system is being used, momentary disconnect the suction system
  • Check the water level in the suction-control chamber. Detach the chamber from the suction chamber when the bubbling ceases, observe the water level. If necessary add sterile distilled water to bring the level to the 20 cm line or as ordered
  • Check the gentle bubbling in the suction control chamber because it indicates that the proper suction level has been reached
  • Periodically check that the air vent in the system is working properly. Occlusion of the air vent results in a build-up of pressure in the system that could cause the patient to develop a tension pneumothorax
  • Coil the systems tubing and secure it to the edge of the bed with a rubber band or tape and a safety pin. Avoid creating dependent loops, kinks or pressure on the tubing
  • Be sure to keep two rubbers tipped clamps at the bedside to clamp the chest tube if a bottle breaks or the commercially prepared system cracks or to locate an air leak in the system
  • Encourage the patient to cough frequently and breathe deeply to help drain the pleural space and expand the lungs
  • Check the rate and quality of the patient’s respirations and auscultate his lungs periodically to assess air exchange in the affected lung
  • Tell the patient to report any breathing difficulty immediately. Notify the doctor immediately if the patient develops cyanosis rapid or shallow breathing, sub-cutaneous emphysema chest pain or excessive bleeding
  • When clots are visible you may be able to strip the tubing depending on your facility policy. This is a controversial procedure because it creates high negative pressure that could suck viable lung tissue into the drainage
  • Check the chest tube dressing at least every 8 hours. Palpate the area surrounding that dressing for crepitus or subcutaneous emphysema, which indicates that air is leaking into the subcutaneous tissue surrounding the insertion site
  • Encourage active or passive range of motion (ROM) exercises for the patient’s arm or the affected side if he has been splint his arm to decrease his discomfort
  • Remind the ambulatory patient to keep the drainage system below chest level and to be careful not to disconnect the tubing to maintain the water seal

ASSESSMENT OF PROPER FUNCTIONING

  • Observing the oscillating movements of the fluid up and down in the water-sealed tube
  • Observing the intermittent bubbling in the water seal bottle
  • Observing the collection of drainage in the water seal or drainage bottles
  • Observing the periodic emptying of the suction control tube and bubbling in the suction control bottle when a mechanical suction is attached to the under-water seal drainage system
  • Ascertain the status of the patient by assessing vital signs and the appearance frequently

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN WHILE REPLACING CHEST DRAINAGE BOTTLES

  • Assemble the bottle with tight stopper and tubes and check for their proper functioning
  • Double clamp the chest catheters close to the patient’s chest to prevent entry of air into the pleural cavity
  • Clamps are applied at the end of a full inspiration to prevent the air being sucked into the pleural space
  • Disconnect the bottle to be replaced along with the drainage tubing and attach to new set, taking care not to contaminate the end of the chest catheters
  • Be certain that the bottle is placed well before the chest level and is fixed safely to prevent falling or being kicked over accidentally
  • Unclamp the patient’s chest catheter and make certain that the system is functioning properly before leaving the patient
  • Watch the patient’s vital signs for few minutes to see any changes in the general conditions

CHEST CATHETER REMOVAL

  • The chest catheter is removed only on the return order of the physician, and is removed by the physician
  • Usually the chest catheters are removed in two or three days, provided the remaining lung tissue is well expanded, the air leaks are absent and fluid drainage is less than 75 ml per day
  • A chest X-ray may be taken before the chest catheters are removed to make sure that the lungs are fully expanded
  • After removal of the chest catheters, the wound is covered with sterile petrolatum gauze and a firm dressing is applied over the wound which is secured with wide strips of adhesive tapes
  • After removal of the catheters the patient is observed closely for the development of respiratory distress

DISCHARGE TEACHING

The following advice is given to these patients on discharge from the hospital

  • To have deep breathing and coughing exercise
  • To maintain good nutrition
  • To maintain good hygiene especially oral hygiene
  • To avoid activities or environment that can cause irritation of trachea bronchial tree
  • They are advised not to smoke, to avoid dusty place and to avoid exposure to the persons having respiratory infections
  • To consult the physician if symptoms of upper respiratory infections or other ailments develop
  • To obtain a fitness certificate before they join their duty

COMMON PROBLEMS AND SUGGESTED ACTIONS

  • Lack of drainage

Causes: kinking, looping or pressure on the tubing may cause reflux of fluid into the intrapleural space or may impede drainage, causing blocking of the intrapleural drain

Nursing action: check the system and straighten tubing as required. Secure the tubing to prevent a recurrence of the problem

  • No fluctuation of fluid in tubing from the underwater seal

Causes – re-expansion of the lung, tubing is obstructed by blood clots fibrin, failure of the suction apparatus

Nursing action: ask medical staff if the drain may be removed following chest X-ray. The purpose of the drain has been fulfilled. Keeping the drain in any longer than necessary may lead to hazards from infection or air re-entry. “milk” the tubing towards the drainage bottle to try to dislodge the obstruction and re-establish potency. Straighten tubing as required. Secure the tubing to prevent a recurrence. Disconnect the suction apparatus and ensure drain is patent

  • Constant bubbling of fluid in the drainage

Causes: an air leak in the system

Nursing action: clamp the intrapleural drain momentarily close to the chest wall and establish whether there is a leak in the rest of the system. Clamping the tubing shows whether the leak is below the level of the clamp

  • Patient shows signs of rapid shallow breathing, cyanosis, pressure in the chest, subcutaneous emphysema or hemorrhage

Causes: tension pneumothorax, mediastinal shift, postoperative hemorrhage, severe incision pain, pulmonary embolus or cardiac temponade

Nursing action: observe record and report, any of these signs to a doctor immediately

  • Incision pain:

Nursing actions: provide analgesia as prescribed to reduce the patient’s discomfort and to enable deep breathing exercises to be performed and mobilization to ensure adequate drainage and to avoid complications

  • Accidental disconnection of the drainage tubing from the intrapleural drain:

Nursing action: apply an artery clamp to the drain immediately in order to avoid air entering the pleural space. Re-establish the connection as soon as possible in order to re-establish drainage. If necessary use cleans sterile drainage tube tubing may have been contaminated when it became disconnected

  • Patient needs to be moved to another area:

Nursing action: place the drainage bottle below the level of the intrapleural drain as close to the floor as possible in order to prevent reflux of fluid into the pleural space. Do not clamp the drain unless the doctor has ordered it

  • Intrapleural brain falls out

Nursing action: pull the purse string suture immediately to close the wound. Cover the wound with an occlusive sterile dressing. Inform a doctor. The objective is to minimize the amount of air entering the pleural space. The drain will probably need reinserting. Reassure the patient with appropriate explanations.

WATER SEAL CHEST DRAINAGE – Indications, Objectives, Mechanism, Factors Affecting the Chest Drainage, Water Seal Drainage System, Types of Chest Drainage, Commercially Prepared disposal Drainage Systems, Preparation of the Equipment, Setting Up a Commercially Prepared Disposable System, Managing Closed Chest Underwater-Seal Drainage, Assessment of Proper Functioning, Precautions to be Taken while Replacing Chest Drainage Bottles, Chest Catheter Removal, Discharge Teaching and Common Problems and Suggested Actions (NURSING PROCEDURE)
WATER SEAL CHEST DRAINAGE – Indications, Objectives, Mechanism, Factors Affecting the Chest Drainage, Water Seal Drainage System, Types of Chest Drainage, Commercially Prepared disposal Drainage Systems, Preparation of the Equipment, Setting Up a Commercially Prepared Disposable System, Managing Closed Chest Underwater-Seal Drainage, Assessment of Proper Functioning, Precautions to be Taken while Replacing Chest Drainage Bottles, Chest Catheter Removal, Discharge Teaching and Common Problems and Suggested Actions (NURSING PROCEDURE)

TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY – Purpose, Interfering Factors, Client Preparation, Procedure, After Care, Advantages and Complication (NURSING PROCEDURE)

  • A transesophageal echocardiography is an invasive procedure that uses ultrasound technique to detect enlargement of cardiac chambers and variations in chamber size during the cardiac cycle. It also assesses vascular function, septal defects and pericardial effusion. Although these accomplished with a transesophageal echocardiogram
  • A transesophageal echocardiography permits a better view on the position atrium and aorta. Transesophageal echocardiography is also indicated when a transthoracic approach is inadequate, such as when the client is obese or has chest wall structure abnormalities

PURPOSE

Indications of transesophageal echocardiography include diagnosis of:

  • A thoracic aortic pathological condition, including suspected aneurysm
  • Mitral valve disease
  • Suspected endocarditis
  • Congenital heart diseases for example atrial septal defect
  • Left atrial intracranial thrombi
  • Cardiac tumors
  • It is also used to assess cardiac function during minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) and to assess prosthetic valves

INTERFERING FACTORS

Transesophageal echocardiography should not be performed if the client has a history of irradiation of the mediastinum, esophaged, dysphagia or structural abnormalities

CLIENT PREPARATION

  • Ensure that a signed informed consent form has been obtained
  • Ask the client about any disorder of the esophagus, stomach, throat or vocal cord
  • Inquire if the client has dentures, bridges or plates
  • Report to the physician any history of arthritis of the neck, respiratory problems of anticoagulants therapy
  • Maintain the client on a nothing by mouth starts for 6-8 hours
  • Describe the procedure to the client, especially the need for a mouth guard, positioning and the need to swallow when asked
  • If the client has prosthetic heart valves, prophylactic antibiotics may be prescribed
  • Report any indications in the mouth or throat
  • Administer antianxiety medication as prescribed

PROCEDURE

  • The procedure may also be used intraoperatively where conventional echocardiography is ineffective
  • The client needs to be in bed or on table with ECG leads attached. ECG and BP are monitored
  • The throat is anesthetized and sedation is given
  • Instruct the client to gargle with various lidocaine and then to swallow
  • Warn the client that it will make the tongue and throat feel swollen
  • A mouth guard is placed to prevent the client from biting down on the endoscope
  • The client is positioned on the left side in the chin-chest position. The head may be supported with a small pillow
  • The probe is lubricated with lidocaine jelly and slowly inserted as the client swallows
  • Monitor the client for a vasovagal response from the medication given to dry up secretions
  • Check the client for gagging and observe the oximeter for oxygen saturation is reading

AFTER CARE

  • Assess the client for return of the gag reflex before resuming oral intake
  • Instruct the client to avoid hot liquids or foods for 2 hours
  • If an outpatient, the client should be accompanied home by another person
  • Give lozenges for relief of throat discomfort

ADVANTAGES

  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) gives a higher quality picture of the heart than does a regular echocardiogram
  • It is especially useful in clients who have thickened lung tissue or thick chest walls or are obese
  • TEE allows clear visibility of the heart and its structures it is most useful in diagnosis of cardiac masses, prosthetic valve function and aneurysm

COMPLICATION

  • TEE has several complications that are related to the placement of the probe in the esophagus, including esophageal perforation, transient hypoxia, dysrthythmias and vasovagal response
TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY – Purpose, Interfering Factors, Client Preparation, Procedure, After Care, Advantages and Complication (NURSING PROCEDURE)
TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY – Purpose, Interfering Factors, Client Preparation, Procedure, After Care, Advantages and Complication (NURSING PROCEDURE)

THALLIUM TESTING

THALLIUM TESTING – Purpose, Thallium 201, Findings, Client Preparation, Procedure, After Care and Complication (NURSING PROCEDURE)

Thallium is a radioactive analog of potassium, which is readily taken up myocardial cells. After thallium 201 is given, almost 90% of it is extracted by the myocardium within seconds. For this to occur, two factors are essential: (i) adequate perfusion and (ii) cellular extraction efficiency. Since cellular ischemia does not seem to affect thallium uptake in myocardium, its lack of uptake is an indication of an infraction

PURPOSE

  • Thallium imaging is used to assess coronary blood flow to determine areas of infarction and ischemia
  • To diagnose CAD and assess revascularization following coronary artery bypass surgery

THALLIUM 201

  • Thallium 201 is the most widely used isotope for myocardial perfusion due to its short (73 hours), half-life and low total body radiation dose
  • Thallium 201 is a radioactive analogue of potassium, which is easily extracted by smooth skeletal and cardiac muscle fiber that possess the potassium active transport system
  • A 80% of blood-borne thallium 201 is taken up on its first pass through the heart
  • The amount of thallium 201 found in the myocardium after an intravenous injection depends on the regional myocardial perfusion and the efficiency of cellular extraction

FINDINGS

  • Cold spots indicate and distinguish areas of infarction and ischemia. High concentration of thallium 201 is present in well-perfused cells, and a lower concentration remains in the blood, setting up a concentration gradient for the diffusion on thallium 201
  • Infarcted or scarred myocardium does not extract any thallium 201 showing up as cold spots. If the defective area is ischemic, the cold spots fill in or become warm on the delayed images

CLIENT PREPARATION

  • Ask female clients if they are pregnant or suspected pregnancy, because these studies involve radiation exposure
  • Explain the purpose of the procedure to the client and tell him or what to expect during the procedure
  • Explain that electrodes will be placed on the client and an intravenous line will be inserted for the administration of the radioisotope
  • Generally, total exposure to radiation during these scan is less than or equal to that of one chest X-ray study
  • Instruct the client to wear walking shoes if exercise on the treadmill or bicycle is anticipated
  • Encourage the client to notify the nurse or technologist of any signs of ischemia (chest pain) during or after the procedure
  • Keep the patient NPO for 4-6 hours before the test but may drink water
  • An infusion is started for intravenous access
  • Inform the client, of the need to go to the nuclear medicine department twice
  • If a SPECT scan is planned, check if the client is claustrophobic

PROCEDURE

  • Thallium or adenosine is given intravenously about a minute before the completion of the stress test
  • After the completion of the stress test, the client is placed supine on the table and multiple scintigraphic images are taken
  • The perfusion scanning is performed with a special camera that is capable of showing the source of emitted camera that is capable of showing the source of emitted low-energy photons on a screen
  • Each photon detected by the camera is recorded on film and a computer screen over a half-hour period
  • The computer refines and enhances the images and then provides qualitative information about the myocardial walls
  • Two sets of images are taken 3 hours apart and compared
  • Thallium can be given under a state of no physical demand, which is known as a resting thallium study, or it can be part of a stress test, in which case it is called exercise thallium imaging
  • Exercise thallium imaging distinguishes ischemic sites from infarcted areas
  • Thallium scans are repeated, once during stress testing and then 3-4 hours after thallium was given and the stress test was completed
  • With the second imaging, if a cold spot disappears, it is recognized as an ischemic area

AFTER CARE

  • Assess the client’s response
  • Three to four hours later, the client returns for repeat films

COMPLICATIONS

  • Dysrhythmias
  • Myocardial ischemia
THALLIUM TESTING – Purpose, Thallium 201, Findings, Client Preparation, Procedure, After Care and Complication (NURSING PROCEDURE)
THALLIUM TESTING – Purpose, Thallium 201, Findings, Client Preparation, Procedure, After Care and Complication (NURSING PROCEDURE)

TELEMETRY MONITORING

TELEMETRY MONITORING – Definition, Advantages, Components, Disadvantages, Client Preparation and Procedure (NURSING PROCEDURE)

Telemetry permits the nurse to keep a watch on the client’s heart rate and rhythm during this period of early ambulation. As soon as the client’s condition permits, he may be allowed ambulation. Battery powered and portable, telemetry frees the client from cumbersome wires and cables and lets him be comfortably mobile and safely isolated from the electrical leakage and accidental shock occasionally associated with hardwire monitoring

DEFINITION

Telemetry uses a small transmitter connected to the ambulatory client to send electrical signals to another location, where they are displayed on a monitor screen

ADVANTAGES

  • Telemetry is especially useful for monitoring arrhythmias that occur during sleep, rest, exercise or stressful situation
  • Telemetry can monitor cardiac rate and rhythm during ambulation
  • Telemetry system gives complete mobility as well as freedom from the hardware of the coronary care unit

COMPONENTS

  • Electrodes to be fixed on the client’s chest
  • Telemetry transmitter attached to client’s body
  • Monitoring system in the nurse’s station

DISADVANTAGES

  • This system lies in the frequency of false alarms caused by the client going out of range of telemetry system and by disconnection of electrodes

CLIENT PREPARATION

  • Explain the procedure to the client and provide privacy
  • Expose the client’s chest and select the lead arrangement
  • Remove the backing from one of the gelled electrodes. Check the gel for motions. If it is dry, discard the electrode and obtain a new one

PROCEDURE

  • Apply the electrode to the appropriate site by pressing one side of the electrode against the client’s skin, pulling gently and then pressing the other side against the skin
  • Press your fingers in a circular motion around the electrode to fix properly on the skin
TELEMETRY MONITORING – Definition, Advantages, Components, Disadvantages, Client Preparation and Procedure (NURSING PROCEDURE)
TELEMETRY MONITORING – Definition, Advantages, Components, Disadvantages, Client Preparation and Procedure (NURSING PROCEDURE)

SELECTIVE CARDIOGRAPHY

SELECTIVE CARDIOGRAPHY – Definition, Purpose, Client Preparation, Special Equipment Needed, Procedure and After Care (NURSING PROCEDURE)

DEFINITION

  • Selective cardiography implies injection of contrast medium through a catheter directly into one of the heart chambers, coronary arteries or great vessels in order to obtain the contours of the heart chambers (angiocardiography), coronary arteries (coronary angiography) or aorta (aortography)
  • An angiogram is recorded by means of rapid film changer (cineangiogram) or motion picture camera. Selective angiocardiography requires either right-sided or left-sided cardiac catheterization

PURPOSE

  • To find out the occlusion in the coronary arteries
  • To assess potency of coronary arteries
  • To obtain clear picture of cardiac anatomy prior to heart surgery

CLIENT PREPARATION

  • Prepare the client psychologically for cardiac catheterization
  • Instruct the client that he will be conscious during the procedure and he will experience no pain but some sensation, when the catheter enters the heart
  • Explain the entire procedure including its risks and get a written consent for the procedure
  • Make sure the client has not suffered from any of allergy, the sensitivity test for iodine should be carried out before angiography is done
  • Instruct the client fast 6-8 hours before the procedure
  • Antibiotics are administered to the client just prior the procedure and for a few days after to prevent possibility of infection
  • Administer premeditations as ordered in order to relax the client
  • Keep the IV line patent
  • Mark the site of peripheral pulse with skin pencil; this will help locate the pulse during the procedure
  • Prepare the site (usually femoral site) as for a surgical procedure
  • Follow strict aseptic technique throughout the procedure
  • Keep ready all emergency equipment and drugs for the immediate resuscitation of the client

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED

  • Defibrillator
  • Cardiac monitoring
  • External pacemaker
  • Mechanical ventilator
  • Articles for endotracheal intubation
  • Intravenous fluids and administration set
  • Cardiac drugs, antiallergic drugs and anticoagulants

PROCEDURE

  • Explain the procedure to the client
  • Place the client in comfortable position in the treatment table
  • A radiopaque catheter is passed into the arch of the aorta through the femoral artery and is directed to the base of the coronary arteries under fluoroscopic control
  • Small amount of dye is injected repeatedly in each coronary artery till these are clearly outlined as seen on a closed circuit TV screen
  • The whole study is recorded on a film and reveals complete picture of the coronary arteries

AFTER CARE

  • On completion of the procedure, when the catheter is removed, a sterile sponge is placed on the site and firm pressure is applied for 10-15 minutes to prevent bleeding from the puncture site and formation of hematoma
  • Continue cardiac monitoring till the vital signs have stabilized
  • Instruct the client to take complete bed rest for 12-24 hours
  • Watch for the skin color, temperature and peripheral pulses to detect early signs of complication
  • Keep the effected extremity straight to prevent clot formation in the vessel. The extremity may be immobilized on an arm board
  • The puncture site is checked for bleeding, swelling or hematoma formation
  • Watch for allergic reactions to the dye injected. These may include flushing, nausea, vomiting, numbness, tingling, diaphoresis, urticaria, fall in blood pressure, etc
SELECTIVE CARDIOGRAPHY – Definition, Purpose, Client Preparation, Special Equipment Needed, Procedure and After Care (NURSING PROCEDURE)
SELECTIVE CARDIOGRAPHY – Definition, Purpose, Client Preparation, Special Equipment Needed, Procedure and After Care (NURSING PROCEDURE)

CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY PERITONEAL DIALYSIS

CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY PERITONEAL DIALYSIS – Patient with End-Stage Renal Disease, Equipment, Preparation of the Equipment, Major Steps of Continuous Peritoneal Dialysis, Role of Nurse in Infusing the Dialysate for CAPD, Steps to Clean the Peritoneal Catheter in Case of Patient with CAPD before Dialysis, Post-Procedure Care for CAPD (temporarily) and Complication (NURSING PROCEDURE)

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a procedure that requires insertion of permanent peritoneal catheter (Tenckhoff) which is sutured under local anesthetic and its distilled portion is tunneled subcutaneously to the skin surface to circulate dialysate in peritoneal cavity constantly the dialysate flows in and out of peritoneal cavity by gravity

PATIENT WITH END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE

Advantage of CAPD

  • It is an alternative to hemodialysis and gives the patient more independence and it requires less travel for treatment
  • Provide more stable fluid and electrolyte level
  • Helps resume normal daily activities between solution changes
  • Less expensive than hemodialysis

Disadvantages

  • Condition that prohibit CAPD
  • Recent abdominal surgery, abdominal adhesions
  • Infected abdominal wall diaphragmatic, tears
  • Respiratory insufficiency

EQUIPMENT

  • Prescribed amount of dialysate (2 liter bags)
  • Basin of hot water
  • Three face masks
  • The 42” connective tubing with drain clamp
  • Six to eight package of sterile 4” multiply 4” gauge pads
  • Labeled specimen container
  • Povidone-iodine solution
  • Sterile basin
  • Container of alcohol
  • Sterile gloves
  • Belt or fabric pouch
  • Two sterile water proof paper drapes
  • Optional syringes

PREPARATION OF THE EQUIPMENT

  • Check the concentration of the dialysate, expiry date and appearance of the solution
  • Warm the solution to body temperature with heating pad
  • Wash the hand and put surgical mask
  • Remove the dialysate from; the warming setup and remove the protective wrapper. Squeeze the bag firmly and check for any leak
  • Add any prescribed medication to the dialysate using sterile technique, if ordered
  • Disinfect multiple dose vials for five minute with povidone-iodine soak
  • Insert the connective tubing into the dialysate container
  • Open the drain clamp to prime the tube, then close the clamp
  • Place the povidone-iodine sponge on the dialysate container’s port
  • Cover the port with dry gauze pad and secure it with tape
  • Remove and discard the surgical mask
  • Tear the tape to secure the new dressing

MAJOR STEPS OF CONTINUOUS PERITONEAL DIALYSIS

  • The bag of dialysate is attached to the tube entering the patient’s abdominal area, so the fluid flows into the peritoneal cavity
  • As the dialysate remain in the peritoneal cavity the patient can roll up the bag and place under his or her shirt and can perform the normal activities
  • Unroll the bag and the suspending it below the pelvis allow the dialysate to drain from the peritoneal cavity back into the bag

ROLE OF NURSE IN INFUSING THE DIALYSATE FOR CAPD

  • Check the patient’s weight
  • Assemble all the equipment to patient’s bedside
  • Explain the procedure in detail
  • Do surgical hand washing
  • Prepare a sterile field using a waterproof sterile paper as drape and place near the patient, maintain the drapes sterility
  • Fill the snap-top container with povidone-iodine solution and place the snap top and the basin on the sterile field
  • Take four pairs of sterile gauze pad soak it in povidone-iodine solution and place it in the sterile basin
  • Place the remaining gauze pads on the sterile field
  • Remove the alcohol containers cap and place it near the sterile field
  • Put on a clean surgical mask and provide one for the patient
  • Remove the dressing covers of the peritoneal catheter and discard it
  • Be careful not to touch the catheter or skin
  • Check the skin integrity at the catheter site, any signs of infection
  • Put on sterile gloves and palpate the insertion site and subcutaneous tunnel route for tenderness or pain
  • Record the type and amount of fluid instilled and returned for each exchange, time, duration, patient’s weight, blood pressure and pulse rate and any medications added
  • Note the color of the returned fluid and check for any pus, mucus and blood

STEPS TO CLEAN THE PERITONEAL CATHETER IN CASE OF PATIENT WITH CAPD BEFORE DIALYSIS

  • Wrap one gauze pad dipped in povidone-iodine solution at the distal end of the catheter and keep it for five minutes
  • Clean the catheter, insertion site in concentric circles away from the insertion site
  • Use straight strokers to clean the catheter beginning at insertion site and moving forward
  • Use clean area of the pad for each stroke
  • Clean the exposed area of the catheter cap by loosening it
  • Place each used pad to the base of the catheter which acts as a support
  • Place the fenestrated paper drape around the base of the catheter
  • Remove the povidone-iodine sponge on the catheter cap, the cap clean the end of the catheter hub. Attach the connective tubing from dialysate container to the catheter
  • Ensure that the luer-lock connector is tight
  • Open the drain clamp of the dialysate container and allow the solution to enter the peritoneal cavity for 5-10 minutes
  • Leave small amount of fluid in the bag to make the folding easier
  • Close the drain clamp
  • Fold the bag, secure it with belt or tuck it in the patient’s clothing
  • After 4-6 hours unfold the bag, open the clamp and allow the peritoneal fluid to drain back into the bag
  • Attach new bag of dialysate when the drainage is complete to repeat the infusion
  • Discard the used bag appropriately

POST-PROCEDURE CARE FOR CAPD (Temporarily)

  • Wash the hands. Put on the surgical mask and glove; give one mask to the patient
  • Explain the procedure to the patient in detail
  • Remove and discard the dressing from the peritoneal catheter
  • Set-up a sterile field to patient by covering a clean dry surface with a water proof drape
  • Place all the equipment on the sterile field
  • Take 4” multiply 4” gauze pad, soak it and squeeze it with povidone-iodine solution and place it in the sterile field
  • Tape the dialysate tubing to the side rail
  • Now change to another pair of sterile gloves, place one fenestrated drape around the base of the catheter
  • Clean the dialysis tubing using a povidone-iodine sponge for one-minute, moving in one direction away from the catheter, clean it moving from the insertion site to the junction of the catheter and the dialysis tubing
  • Place the used sponge at the base of the catheter to prop it up
  • Place the second fenestrated paper drape over the first at the base of the catheter
  • Clean the junction of the catheter and the dialysate tubing for one minute
  • Disconnect the dialysate tubing from the catheter
  • Take the catheter tube and attach to the catheter
  • Ensure that both the notches of the heart plastic catheter tip fix properly
  • Clean the insertion site with povidone-iodine sponge from the insertion site to outward
  • Allow the skin to air-dry before applying the dressing
  • Discard the used one appropriately

COMPLICATIONS

  • Peritonitis
  • Septicemia
CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY PERITONEAL DIALYSIS – Patient with End-Stage Renal Disease, Equipment, Preparation of the Equipment, Major Steps of Continuous Peritoneal Dialysis, Role of Nurse in Infusing the Dialysate for CAPD, Steps to Clean the Peritoneal Catheter in Case of Patient with CAPD before Dialysis, Post-Procedure Care for CAPD (temporarily) and Complication (NURSING PROCEDURE)
CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY PERITONEAL DIALYSIS – Patient with End-Stage Renal Disease, Equipment, Preparation of the Equipment, Major Steps of Continuous Peritoneal Dialysis, Role of Nurse in Infusing the Dialysate for CAPD, Steps to Clean the Peritoneal Catheter in Case of Patient with CAPD before Dialysis, Post-Procedure Care for CAPD (temporarily) and Complication (NURSING PROCEDURE)
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