Peritoneal Lavage, Assisting
Peritoneal Lavage, Assisting Used mainly as a diagnostic procedure in a patient with blunt abdominal trauma, peritoneal lavage helps detect bleeding in the peritoneal cavity. When possible, abdominal ultrasound should…
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal Dialysis Peritoneal dialysis is indicated for patients with end-stage renal disease who are looking for an alternative to renal replacement therapy. Peritoneal dialysis can also be used in patients…
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Peripheral nerve stimulation assesses and monitors the depth of neuromuscular blockade in patients receiving neuromuscular-blocking drugs, which are administered to produce paralysis. Neuromuscular-blocking drugs may be given…
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Use
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Use A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is a catheter that’s inserted percutaneously into a peripheral vein. The catheter tip resides in the lower one-third of…
Perineal Care
Perineal Care Perineal care, which includes care of the external genitalia and the anal area, should be performed during the daily bath and, if necessary, at bedtime and after urination…
Pericardiocentesis, Assisting
Pericardiocentesis, Assisting Pericardiocentesis is a needle aspiration of pericardial fluid. This procedure is both therapeutic and diagnostic. It can be performed as an emergency measure to relieve cardiac tamponade and…
Passive Range-of-Motion Exercises
Passive Range-of-Motion Exercises Used to move the patient’s joints through as full a range of motion (ROM) as possible, passive ROM exercises improve or maintain joint mobility and help prevent…
Patient-Controlled Analgesia
Patient-Controlled Analgesia Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a drug delivery system providing IV analgesia, usually morphine, when the patient presses a call bell at the end of a cord. Analgesia is…
Parenteral Nutrition Monitoring
Parenteral Nutrition Monitoring Parenteral nutrition requires careful monitoring. Because the typical patient is in a protein-wasting state, parenteral nutrition therapy causes marked changes in fluid and electrolyte status and in…
Parenteral Nutrition Administration
Parenteral Nutrition Administration When a patient can’t meet his nutritional needs by oral or enteral feedings, he may require IV nutritional support, or parenteral nutrition. The patient’s diagnosis, history, and…
