Eardrop Instillation
Eardrop Instillation Eardrops may be instilled to treat infection and inflammation, soften cerumen for later removal, produce local anesthesia, or facilitate removal of an insect trapped in the ear by…
Dying Patient Care
Dying Patient Care A patient needs intensive physical support and emotional comfort as he approaches death. Signs and symptoms of impending death include reduced respiratory rate and depth, decreased or…
Drug and Alcohol Specimen Collection
Drug and Alcohol Specimen Collection Specimen collection for drug and alcohol testing is performed to identify a patient’s drug or alcohol use. It’s performed for several reasons, including obtaining evidence…
Droplet Precautions
Droplet Precautions Droplet precautions prevent infectious pathogens from traveling from the respiratory tract of an infectious person to the mucous membranes of a susceptible host.1 These pathogens, which are carried…
Doppler Use
Doppler Use More sensitive than palpation for determining pulse rate, the Doppler ultrasound blood flow detector is especially useful when a pulse is faint or weak. Unlike palpation, which detects…
Documentation
Documentation Documentation is the process of preparing a complete record of a patient’s care and is a vital tool for communication among health care team members. Accurate, detailed charting shows…
Defibrillation
Defibrillation The standard treatment for ventricular fibrillation, defibrillation involves using external pads or paddles to direct an electrical current through the patient’s heart. The current causes the myocardium to depolarize;…
Crutch Use
Crutch Use Crutches remove weight from one or both legs, enabling the patient to support himself with his hands and arms. Typically prescribed for the patient with lower-extremity injury or…
Cricothyrotomy, Assisting
Cricothyrotomy, Assisting When endotracheal intubation or a tracheotomy can’t be performed quickly to establish an airway, an emergency cricothyrotomy may be necessary. Performed rarely, this procedure involves puncturing the trachea…
