67 Sequential Compression Device and Elastic Stockings
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…
57 Postoperative Exercises
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…
59 Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment
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…
43 Nasoenteral Tube
Skill 43 Nasoenteral Tube Placement and Irrigation Tubes used specifically for feeding are composed of either silicone or polyurethane. They are softer and more flexible than nasogastric tubes used for…
77 Tracheostomy Care
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…
75 Suture and Staple Removal
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…
37 Isolation Precautions
Skill 37 Isolation Precautions In 2007 the Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published revised guidelines for isolation precautions (Box…
64 Restraint Application
Skill 64 Restraint Application A physical restraint is any manual method, physical or mechanical device, material, or equipment that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a patient to move his…
60 Pressure Ulcer Treatment
Skill 60 Pressure Ulcer Treatment The principles of managing patients with pressure ulcers include systematic support of patients, reduction or elimination of the cause of skin breakdown, and management of…
46 Oral Medications
Skill 46 Oral Medications Patients are usually able to ingest or self-administer oral medications with few problems. If oral medications are contraindicated (e.g., inability to swallow, gastric suction), take precautions…
