1What is a cholecystectomy?
A surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder
2What causes gallstones?
-Cholesterol imbalance
-Bile stasis
-Female sex
-Older age
3What are signs and symptoms of gallstones?
-Sudden, sharp pain in the upper right abdomen, often radiating to the back or shoulder
-Pain that worsens after eating fatty foods
-Nausea and vomiting
-Jaundice
-Fever and chills
-Clay-colored stools
4What diagnostic tests are used to diagnose gallstones?
-Abdominal ultrasound
-Endoscopic ultrasound
-CT
-Blood tests
5What does perioperative nursing care include?
-Preoperative assessment and evaluation
-Patient education and informed consent
-Medication management and optimization
-Nutritional counseling and support
-Psychological preparation and anxiety management
-Surgical site preparation
6What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of diseases involving eye pressure increases that lead to permanent vision loss and blindness due to damage
7What are symptoms of glaucoma?
-Eye pain or pressure
-Headaches
-Red or bloodshot eyes
-Double vision
-Blurred vision
-Gradually developing low vision
-Gradually developing blind spots or visual field defects like tunnel vision
8What are symptoms of closed angle glaucoma?
Sudden severe symptoms such as bulging or enlarged eyeballs, nausea and vomiting, sudden appearance or increase in floaters, sudden vision loss of any kind, and suddenly seeing flashing lights.
9What is Meniere's disease?
A buildup of fluid in the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
10What treatments are used for Meniere's disease?
-Medications: diuretics, anti-vertigo medications, and antihistamines can help reduce fluid bluidup and control vertigo
-Reducing salt intake can help decrease fluid retention
-Hearing aids can help compensate for hearing loss
-Surgery may be needed in severe cases to drain excess fluid
11What factors can trigger Meniere's disease episodes?
-Stress
-Fatigue
-Emotional upset
-Illness
-Dietary factors such as high salt intake, caffeine, and alcohol
12What are clinical manifestations of a migraine?
-Nausea and vomiting
-Light sensitivity
-Strange smells
-Feeling weak prior to a headache
13What are aura symptoms?
-Flashes of light
-Blind spots
-Zigzag lines
-Numbness
-Speech problems
-Muscle weakness
14What are symptoms of paralytic ileus?
-Abdominal pain
-Bloating and distension
-Nausea and vomiting
-Constipation or inability to pass gas
-Absense of bowel sounds
-Loss of appetite
-Possible fever
-Possible diarrhea
15What are common causes of paralytic ileus?
-Surgical procedures
-Infections
-Paralysis
-Medications
-Abdominal injuries and spinal cord injuries
16What are the first priorities for a patient presenting with paralytic ileus?
-NPO
-NG tube placement for gastric decompression
17What is autonomic dysreflexia?
-Also known as autonomic hyperreflexia
-People with spinal cord injuries (more common above T6) are at a higher risk of developing this condition
-It is a potentially life-threatening conditioni characterized by an overreaction of the autonomic nervous system, leading to a sudden and severe rise in blood pressure, often triggered by stimuli below the level of a spinal cord injury
18What are common triggers of autonomic dysreflexia?
-Sexual intercourse
-Surgery below level of injury
-Overfilled bladder
-UTI
19What are early interventions for ischemic stroke?
-Thrombolytic therapy
-Mechanical thrombectomy
-Aspirin
20What are later interventions for ischemic stroke?
-Anticoagulation therapy such as warfarin or heparin
-Statins to reduce risk of future strokes
-Physical and occupational therapy
-Speech therapy
21What is the main medication used to treat an ischemic stroke?
Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)
22Why is it important to monitor a patient's skin color on their lower extremity following surgical repair of a femur fracture?
To detect early signs of complications like infection, poor circulation, or pressure injuries that can lead to delayed healing or further complications
23What are treatments for an embolism in a lower extremity following surgery?
-Early mobilization
-Anticoagulants
-Dangle legs
24What is hyperemesis gravidarum?
Severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
25-First line: non-pharmacological interventions like motion sickness bracelets and ginger candy
-Second line: Vitamin B6 and doxylamine
-Third line: Dimenhydrinate (dramamine), metoclopramide(antiemetic), odansetron (Zofran)
26What are modifiable risk factors for stroke?
-Hypertension
-High cholesterol
-Diabetes
-Obesity
-Physical inactivity
-Smoking
27What are non-modifiable risk factors for stroke?
-Increases with age
-Sex: risk for stroke and heart disease increases after menopause
-Race and ethnicity: African or South Asian heritage clients have a higher risk of stroke and heart disease
-Family history: close relative that has had a stroke, heart disease, or TIA at an early age increases risk
-Oral contraceptive use
28What causes Parkinson's disease?
*Exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors
-Genetic factors: family history is a significant risk factor
-Environmental: Exposure to toxins, head trauma, air pollution, rural living
-Age: More common in older adults
-Sex: Men are at a higher risk
29How do you prevent TIA?
-Dietary modifications: eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, limiting saturated and trans fats, reducing sodium intake, choosing whole grains over refined carbohydrates
-Exercise regularly
-Smoking cessation
-Limit alcohol consumption
-Manage stress effectively
-Monitor and control blood pressure
-Effectively manage diabetes if applicable
30What can cause hearing loss?
-Presbycusis: gradual decline in hearing with age due to the deterioration of the inner ear structures
-Exposure to loud noises over time which damages the delicate hair cells in the inner ear
-Infections can damage hearing structures
-Trauma such as concussions or ruptured eardrums
-Genetics
-Medications
-Other factors including low birth weight, allergies, autoimmune disorders, vascular problems, and environmental toxins
31What are signs and symptoms of delirium?
-Confusion and disorientation
-Difficulty concentrating and paying attention
-Memory problems, expecially with recent events
-Altered sleep patterns
-Hallucinations or delusions
-Fluctuating level of consciousness
-Changes in speech
-In severe cases seizures
32What can cause delirium?
-Infections
-Substance abuse
-Older age
-Being in a new environment
33What is Alzheimer's disease?
A progressive, degenerative brain disorder that causes a decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills, ultimately leading to dementia
34What is used for the treatment of Alzheimer's?
*Currently incurable, but there are treatments available to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease
-Cholinesterase inhibitors: (donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine) increase levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory and learning
-Memantine: Modulates glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in brain communication, and can help improve cognitive function
-Aducanumab and lecanemab: Target amyloid plaques which are believed to be a key factor in Alzheimer's disease
35What are signs and symptoms of DVT?
-Swelling, especially in one leg
-Pain or tenderness, often described as a cramping or throbbing sensation
-Redness or discoloration of the skin
-Visible enlarged veins
-Warmth in the affected leg
36-Anticoagulants
-Compression stockings
-Leg elevation
-Procedures like a thrombectomy
37What is a time out before surgery?
*A mandatory pause that occurs before the start of any surgical procedure to ensure patient safety
-Verify the correct patient, procedure, and surgical site
-To review and confirm all relevant information
-To ensure that all necessary equipment and supplies are present
-To communicate any potential risks or complications
38What diagnostic imaging tests are used for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes?
-Initial imaging typically involves a non-contrast CT scan to quickly identify bleeding
-MRI is more sensitive for detecting ischemic changes
39What is peripheral neuropathy?
A condition that damages the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It can affect the nerves in the feet, legs, hands, arms, or other parts of the body
40What causes peripheral neuropathy?
-Diabetes (most common cause)
-Alcohol abuse
-Vitamin deficiency (B12, B6)
-Autoimmune disorders
-Infections
41What are symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?
-Numbness or tingling in the feet, legs, hands, or arms
-Burning or prickling sensations
-Pain, especially at night or when walking
-Muscle weakness or cramping
-Difficulty with balance or coordination
42What are triggers for headaches?
-Alcohol (especially red wine and beet)
-Caffeine
-Nicotine
-Stress
-Lack of sleep or changes in sleep patterns
-Skipping meals
-Dehydration
-Bright lights or strong smells
-Hormonal fluctuations
43What are cluster headache triggers?
-Alcohol
-Smoking
-Nitroglycerin
-Strong odors
-Napping
-Circadian rhythms (often occur at night)
-Family history
-Gender: men are more likely to experience cluster headaches
-Head injury
44What are early symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?
-Missed period
-Vaginal bleeding or spotting
-Abdominal or pelvic pain, often one-sided
-Breast tenderness
-Nausea or vomiting
45What are later symptoms of ectopic pregnancy?
-Severe abdominal or pelvic pain, which may radiate to the back or shoulder
-Vaginal bleeding that may be heavy or clotted
-Dizziness or lightheadedness
-Shoulder pain
-Rectal pressure or pain
-Fever
46What are signs of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy?
-Severe abdominal pain: typically sharp, sudden, and intense, often localized to one side
-Vaginal bleeding: may range from light spotting to heavy bleeding
-Shoulder pain: pain radiating to the tip of the shoulder, caused by blood irritating the diaphragm
-Dizziness or lightheadedness due to blood loss
47What is methotrexate?
-The most common drug used to treat ectopic pregnancy
-Stops cells from growing, which ends the pregnancy
-The pregnancy is then absorbed by the body over 4-6 weeks
*Does not require the removal of the fallopian tube
48Diabetes that develops during pregnancy
49How is gestational diabetes treated?
-First line includes dietary changes and exercise and regular blood glucose monitoring
-If lifestyle modification is not effective, medication may be prescribed (metformin or glyburide and insulin)
50What are complications of gestational diabetes?
-Type 2 diabetes for the mother
-Preeclampsia
-Gestational hypertension
-Preterm birth
-Large babies
-Newborn hypoglycemia
-Increased risk of obesity for the baby
51What is type one diabetes?
An autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
*Insulin dependent
52What are symptoms of type one diabetes?
-High blood sugar
-Frequent urination
-Excessive thirst
-Excessive hunger
-Weight loss
-Fatigue
-Blurred vision
-Slow-healing wounds
53What is the onset, duration, and peak of rapid acting insulin?
Examples: Aspart, lispro, glulisine
-Onset: 5-15 minutes
-Peak: 30 minutes
-Duration: 3-5 hours
54What are examples of rapid acting insulin?
Aspart, lispro, and glulisine
55Example: Regular (Humilin R, Novolin R)
-Onset: 30 minutes
-Peak: 2-3 hours
-Duration: 6-8
56What are examples of short acting insulin?
Humulin R, Novolin R
57What is the onset, duration, and peak of intermediate acting insulin?
Examples: NPH
-Onset: 1-2 hours
-Peak: 4 hours
-Duration: 16-24 hours
58What is an example of an intermediate acting insulin?
NPH
59What is the onset, duration, and peak of long acting insulin?
Examples: Detemir, glargine
-Onset: 1-2 hours
-Peak: None
-Duration: Detemir - 20 hours, Glargine - 24 hours
60What are examples of long acting insulin?
Detemir, Glargine
61What should be monitored for a patient with urinary retention?
-Urinary output
-Vital signs
-Renal function
-Check for signs of infection
-Assess hydration status
62What is a UTI?
An infection of the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, urethra, and kidneys
63What are risk factors for UTI?
-Sex: females are at a higher risk due to a shorter urethra
-Sexual activity
-Diabetes
-Weakened immune system
-Recent surgery or hospitalization
-Use of a urinary catheter
64What are symptoms of a UTI?
-Frequent urination
-Pain or burning during urination
-Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
-Blood in the urine
-Lower back pain
-Fever (in severe cases)
65What are renal calculi?
*Kidney stones
Hard deposits that form in the urinary tract, typically in the kidneys. They are composed of various minerrals and salts, such as calcium oxalate, uric acid, and struvite.
66What causes renal calculi?
-High levels of calcium, oxalate, uric acid, or cystine in the urine
-Dehydration
-Obesity
-Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, gout, and hyperparathyroidism
-Family history
67What are symptoms of renal calculi?
-Severe pain in the flank, lower back, or groin that may radiate to the front
-Nausea and vomiting
-Blood in the urine (hematuria)
-Frequent urination
-Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
68What diagnostic tests are used for renal calculi?
-Physical exam
-Blood and urine tests
-Imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds
69What does treatment for renal calculi include?
-Small stones may pass spontaneously with increased fluid intake
-Larger stones may require medical intervention, such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, or open surgery
70How do you prevent renal calculi?
-Drink plenty of fluids
-Reduce salt intake
-Limit oxalate-rich foods (e.g. spinach, rhubarb)
-Manage underlying medical conditions
-Take prescribed medications to prevent stone formation
71What is atrial fibrillation (AFib)?
A common heart rhythm disorder where the upper chamgers of the heart (atria) beat irregularly and rapidly
72What are symptoms of atrial fibrillation?
-Many people are asymptomatic
-Others may experience palpitations, tachycardia, shortness of breath, or light-headedness
73What is the treatment for atrial fibrillation (AFib)?
-Antiarrhythmics: to control the heart rhythm and prevent irregular beats
-Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers to slow the heart rate
-Anticoagulants to prevent blood clots
-Electrical cardioversion, ablation, or maze procedure
74What is asthma?
Chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways with mucus production
75What are triggers for asthma?
-Environmental: smoke, pollen, perfume, cool or dry air, allergens
-Stress: emotional and exercise
-Illness
76What are signs and symptoms of asthma?
-Chest tightness
-Dyspnea/SOB
-Wheezing
-Anxiety
-Mucus production
-Retractions
-Tachypnea
-Tachycardia
-Air trapping
-Cough
77What does the treatment for asthma include?
-Peak flow meter
-Bronchodilators: Rapid (albuterol), long-acting (salmeterol)
-Corticosteroids: long term management
-Anticholinergics: Ipratropium
78What is status asthmaticus?
-Life threatening asthma complication where airway obstruction is not responsive to traditional treatments
-Symptoms include labored breathing, inability to speak, decreased LOC, cyanosis
-Treatments include O2, IV fluids, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, epinephrine
79What is pneumonia?
Lower respiratory tract infection that causes inflammation of the alveoli/lung tissue leading to impaired gas exchange
80What are symptoms of pneumonia?
-Abnormal breath sounds (crackles)
-Hypoxia
-Fever, chills, diaphoresis
-Neuro changes especially in elderly
-Increased heart rate, respiratory rate, CO2, WBC
-Productive cough
-Muscle aches
81How is pneumonia diagnosed?
-Chest x-ray
-Labs
-Sputum culture
82What is the treatment for pneumonia?
-Antipyretics, antivirals, antibiotics, bronchodilators, cough suppressants, mucolytic agents
-Increase fluids to thin mucus secretions
-Semi or high fowler's to increase lung expansion
-Incentive spirometer
83What is COPD?
-Emphysema and chronic bronchitis
-Progressive pulmonary disease causing chronic airflow obstruction
84What does the treatment of COPD include?
-Medications: bronchodilators (-terol), then corticosteroids (-sone)
-Oxygen therapy **USE CAUTION, Too much oxygen can make patient stop breathing
-Breathing techniques: pursed lips, diaphragmatic, huff coughing
85What are symptoms of emphysema?
-*"pink puffer"
-Alveoli are damaged and enlarged which causes loss of lung elasticity
-Results in loss of lung tissue recoil and air trapping
-Pink skin, barrel chest, weight loss, tachypnea, dyspnea, SOB
-Older in age w/thin body and pink skin
-Will tripod to get air exchange
86What are symptoms of chronic bronchitis?
-"blue bloater"
-Chronic productive cough and sputum production
-Younger, overweight w/cyanosis
-Peripheral edema, cough, crackles/wheezing, recurrent infection
-Leads to right-sided heart failure causing edema
-Airway obstruction, mucus secretion
87What is PVD?
A condition that affects the blood vessels in the extremities causing pooling of blood in extremities and edema
88What are signs and symptoms of PVD?
-Dull, constant, aching pain
-Pulse may not be palpable due to edema
-Warm temperature
-Stasis dermatitis (brown/yellow skin color)
-Venous stasis ulcers (usually around ankles)
89What does treatment of PVD include?
-Elevation of legs
-Medications: aspirin or clopidogrel and statins
90What causes PVD?
-Smoking
-Diabetes
-Hyperlipidemia
-Hypertension
91What is PAD?
A condition where the arteries that carry blood to the legs, arms, and other parts of the body become narrowed or blocked
92What are signs and symptoms of PAD?
-Possible ischemia, necrosis, gangrene
-Weak or almost absent pulse
-Cool temperature
-Pale, hairless, dry, shiny, thin skin from low oxygen
-Sharp pain
-Round would with "punched out" appearance and minimal drainage
93What is the treatment for PAD?
-Dangle extremity
-Medications: Vasodilators, antiplatelets
94What is TPA?
A medication used to treat ischemic stroke
-Thrombolytic agent
-Symptoms that started within 4.5 hours
-For those who have a confirmed blood clot on brain imaging
95What nutrients are required for wound healing?
-Protein: helps build muscle, skin, and other tissues
-Vitamin A: Helps repair tissue damage and keep skin healthy
-Vitamin C: Helps make collagen and supports tissue health and repair
-Zinc: Helps fight and prevent infection and make wound tissue stronger
-Iron: Helps fight and prevent infection and makes wound tissue stronger
-Carbohydrates: Provides energy for white blood cells
96What things other than nutrients are required for wound healing?
-Oxygen
-Proper care
-Smoking cessation if applicable
-Stay hydrated
97What are the four stages of wound healing?
1. Hemostasis: immediately after injury, blood vessels constrict to stop bleeding; platelets form a clot to protect the wound
2. Inflammation: white blood cells arrive to fight infection and remove debris; wound becomes red, swollen, and tender
3. Proliferation: new blood vessels and granulation tissue form; fibroblasts produce collagen which strengthens the wound; epithelialization
4. Remodeling: collagen is reorganized and strengthened; scar tissue matures and becomes less noticeable
98What diagnostic tests are used for heart failure?
-Echocardiograms
-Chest x-rays
-EKGs
-Blood tests
-Potentially cardiac catheterization or MRI to evaluate the heart's structure, function, and electrical activity
99What are signs and symptoms of fluid overload?
-Swelling (edema), especially in the legs, ankles, feet, and hands
-Weight gain
-Shortness of breath
-High blood pressure
-Rapid heartbeat
-Pulmonary edema
-Headache, confusion, and seizures (in severe cases)
-Electrolyte imbalances
100What is the mechanism of action of captopril?
-ACE inhibitor
-Blocks conversion of angiotensin I to the potent vasoconstrictor angiotension II resulting in vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure
101What are adverse effects of captopril?
-Dry cough
-Proteinuria
-Renal insufficiency
-Neutropenia
-Angioedema
-Tachycardia, chest pain, and palpitations
-Hypotension
-Hyperkalemia
102What are indications for use for digoxin?
-Atrial fibrillation
-Symptomatic management of heart failure
103What is the mechanism of action of digoxin?
Inhibits the sodium-potassium ATPase pump within the cardiac muscle cell which leads to an increase in intracellular calcium concentration resulting in a stronger force of cardiac contraction and increased cardiac output while also slowing the heart rate
104What are side effects of digoxin?
-Allergic reactions
-Digoxin toxicity: confusion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, change in vision such as blurry or yellow vision, fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat
-Slow heartbeat: dizziness, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness
-Stomach pain
-Unexpected breast tissue growth
105What is permissive hypertension?
A treatment strategy used in the management of acute ischemic stroke that aims to maintain a higher blood pressure than usual in the immediate hours after an ischemic stroke to improve blood flow to the affected area of the brain
*220/120
106What is pericarditis?
Inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane that surrounds and protects the heart
107What are signs and symptoms of pericarditis?
-Sharp, stabbing pain in the center or left side of the chest
-Pain may worsen with deep breathing, coughing, or lying down
-Pain may radiate to the neck, shoulder, or back
-Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down
-Fever
-Fatigue
-Nausea and vomiting
108What does the treatment of pericarditis include?
-Medications: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, antibiotics
-Rest
-Pericardiocentesis
-Pericardectomy
109What causes pericarditis?
-Infections
-Autoimmune disorders
-Heart conditions
110What foods should be avoided with GERD?
Alcohol, caffeine, spicy food
111Why is oral hygiene important with GERD?
Acid can damage enamel
112What is a common complication associated with GERD?
Barret's esophagus
113How should you speak to a patient that is hard of hearing?
Face patient and speak with a normal voice
114How can cerabral perfusion pressure be maintained constant for a patient experiencing increased ICP?
BP is regulated by constriction/dilation of vessels in the brain which helps to maintain the BP that is safe for the patient
115What are modifiable risk factors for stroke?
-Smoking
-Hypertension
-Hyperlipidemia
-Diabetes
116What are symptoms of a migraine aura?
Tingling of the face and blind spots in the eyes
117Which spinal cord tract transmits info from the CNS to neurons in the muscles?
-Descending tract carries motor information from CNS to neurons in muscles
-Ascending tract delivers info from sensory receptors to the CNS
118What actions should be done for a patient with absent bowel sounds?
-Notify provider
-Insert NG
-Place on NPO
119What occurs when the spinal cord is transected?
Paralysis and loss of sensation below injury level, impacting motor/sensory function
120What are common signs and symptoms of DVT?
-Warmth of extremity
-Inflammation
-Calf irritation
-Edema
121What are the initial steps when assessing a patient with a potential brain injury?
-Neuro assessment
-CT scan
-BIIIIG DONUT
122What is delirium?
State of confusion and rapid changes in brain function, often characterized by reduced awareness of surroundings, difficulty focusing, altered perception
123What is the intention of Alzheimer's medications?
Slow down disease progression