Sequential Compression Therapy Safe, effective, and noninvasive, sequential compression therapy helps prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in surgical patients. This therapy massages the legs in a wavelike, milking motion that…
Self-Catheterization Self-catheterization is performed by many patients who have some form of impaired or absent bladder function. The two major advantages of self-catheterization are that the patient maintains independence and…
Seizure Management Seizures are paroxysmal events associated with abnormal electrical discharges of neurons in the brain. Partial seizures are usually unilateral, involving a localized or focal area of the brain….
Rotation Beds Rotation beds—such as the Roto Rest—promote postural drainage and peristalsis and help prevent complications of immobility and ventilator—associated pneumonia.1,2,3 Because these beds hold the patient motionless, they’re especially…
Ring Removal A ring can become excessively tight on a patient’s finger after an injury such as a sprain or from some other cause of swelling such as the swelling…
Restraint Application The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and The Joint Commission define restraints as devices that immobilize or reduce the ability of a patient to move the…
Respiration Assessment Controlled by the respiratory center in the lateral medulla oblongata, respiration is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and body cells. External respiration, or…
Rectal Tube Insertion and Removal Whether GI hypomotility simply slows the normal release of gas and feces or results in paralytic ileus, inserting a rectal tube may relieve the discomfort…
Rectal Suppositories and Ointments A rectal suppository is a small, solid, medicated mass, usually cone-shaped, with a cocoa butter or glycerin base. It may be inserted to stimulate peristalsis and…
Radioactive Iodine Therapy Because the thyroid gland concentrates iodine, radioactive iodine 131 (131I) can be used to treat thyroid cancer. Usually administered orally, this isotope is used to treat postoperative…
