Skill 71 Subcutaneous Injections Subcutaneous injections involve depositing medication into the loose connective tissue underlying the dermis. Because subcutaneous tissue does not contain as many blood vessels as muscles, medications…
Skill 13 Chest Tube Care A chest tube is a large catheter inserted through the thorax to remove fluid (effusions), blood (hemothorax), and/or air (pneumothorax). The location of the chest…
Skill 50 Parenteral Medication Preparation Ampules and Vials Ampules contain single doses of injectable medication in a liquid form. An ampule is made of glass with a constricted, prescored neck…
Skill 83 Venipuncture Collecting Blood Specimens and Cultures by Syringe and Vacutainer Method You are often responsible for collecting blood specimens; however, many agencies have specially trained phlebotomists who are…
Skill 69 Sterile Gloving Sterile gloves help prevent the transmission of pathogens by direct and indirect contact. Nurses apply sterile gloves before performing sterile procedures such as inserting urinary catheters…
Skill 57 Postoperative Exercises Structured preoperative teaching has a positive influence on a surgical patient’s recovery (Lewis et al., 2011). You will provide information and teach skills to help patients understand…
Skill 67 Sequential Compression Device and Elastic Stockings A patient may develop a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) for many reasons. Some common risk factors include injury to a vein from…
Skill 59 Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment The goal in preventing the development of pressure ulcers is early identification of an at-risk patient and the implementation of prevention strategies. The overall…
Skill 75 Suture and Staple Removal Sutures and staples are removed generally within 7 to 14 days after surgery if healing is adequate (Whitney, 2012). Retention sutures usually remain in…
Skill 77 Tracheostomy Care A tracheostomy is a 51- to 76-mm (2- to 3-inch) curved metal or plastic tube inserted into a stoma through the neck and into the trachea…
