Z Z-TRACK INJECTION The Z-track method of I.M. injection prevents leakage, or tracking, into the subcutaneous tissue. It’s typically used to administer drugs that irritate and discolor subcutaneous tissue, primarily…
WXY WALKER USE A walker consists of a metal frame with handgrips and four legs buttressing the patient on three sides. One side remains open. Because this device provides greater…
V VAGAL MANEUVERS When a patient suffers sinus, atrial, or junctional tachyarrhythmias, vagal maneuvers—Valsalva’s maneuver and carotid sinus massage—can slow his heart rate. These maneuvers work by stimulating nerve endings,…
P PACEMAKER, CARE OF PERMANENT A pacemaker is implanted when the heart’s natural pacemaker fails to work properly. It provides electrical impulses to the cardiac muscle as a means to…
U UNDERSTAFFING Understaffing occurs when the facility administration fails to provide enough professionally trained personnel to meet the patient population’s needs. Determining whether your unit has too few nurses or…
T TERMINATION OF LIFE SUPPORT According to the right-to-die laws of most states, a patient has the right to refuse extraordinary life-supporting measures if he has no hope of recovery….
S SECLUSION During seclusion, a patient is separated from others in a safe, secure, and contained environment with close nursing supervision to protect himself, other patients, and staff members from…
R RAPE-TRAUMA SYNDROME The term “rape” refers to nonconsensual sexual intercourse. Rape inflicts varying degrees of physical and psychological trauma. Rape-trauma syndrome typically occurs during the period following the rape…
Q QUALITY OF CARE, FAMILY QUESTIONS ABOUT At times, the family of a patient may have questions about the quality of care that a family member is receiving. These concerns…
D DEATH OF A PATIENT After a patient dies, care includes preparing him for family viewing, arranging transportation to the morgue or funeral home, and determining the disposition of the…
