Darren & Jenny’s
Nursing
Study
Guide
,Darren & Jenny Nursing Study Guide
Nursing Formulas and Conversions
Drugs and Dosage
Formulas and Conversions
Volume
60 minims = 1 dram = 5cc = 1tsp
4 drams = 0.5 ounces = 1tbsp
8 drams = 1 ounce
16 ounces = 1pt.
32 ounces = 1qt.
Weight
60 grains = 1dram 1/60 grain=1mg
8 drams = 1 ounce 15 grains=1g
12 ounces = 1 lb. (apothecaries') 2.2 lbs.=1kg
Household Apothecary
1tsp = 1 dram
1tsp = 60 gtts (drops)
3tsp = 0.5 ounce
1tbsp = 0.5 ounce
Household Apothecary Metric
1tsp=5cc 1fl.dram=4cc 5cc=1tsp
3tsp=1tbsp 4drams=0.5oz 15cc=1tbsp
1tbsp=0.5oz or 15cc 8drams=2tbsp(1oz) 30cc=2tbsp(1oz)
2tbsp=1oz or 30cc 16minims=1cc 1cc=16minims
1pt.=16oz or 480cc 500cc=0.5L or 1pt.
1qt=32oz or 960cc 1000cc=1L or 1qt.
Temp. Conversion
C= F-32/1.8
F= 1.8*C-32
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,Darren & Jenny Nursing Study Guide
NOTES
CARDIOVASCULAR
Arterial Ulcer – Pale, deep base, surrounded by tissue that is cool with trophic changes such as dry,
soluble skin and loss of hair. Cause by ischemia from inadequate arterial blood supply of oxygen and
nutrients .
Venous stasis Ulcer – Dark, red base, surrounded by skin that is brown in color with edema. Caused by
the accumulation of waste products of metabolism that are not cleared due to venous congestion.
Stage I Ulcer – Reddened area with intact skin surface.
Management of DVT – Bed rest, limb elevation , relief of discomfort with warm, moist, heat and analgesics
(Tylenol, not narcotics) prn. Ambulation is contraindicated.
Sclerotherapy – Injection of a sclerosing agent into a varicosity. The agent damages the vessel and causes
aseptic thrombosis that result in vein closure. With no blood flow thru the vessel, distention will not occur.
The surgical procedure for varicose veins is vein ligation and stripping: tying off the varicose veins and
large tributaries and then removal of the vein with the use of hooks and wires via multiple small incisions
in the leg
Cardiac Tamponade – Tachycardia, muffled of distant heart sounds, JVD, a falling BP accompanied by
pulsus paradoxus (a drop in BP on inspiration of more than 10mm Hg)
Self care of an ischemic leg ulcer – Same as Peripheral Arterial Disease / Diabetes Mellitus
Sodium containing – Toothpaste, mouthwash, OTC meds such as analgesics, antacid, laxatives, and
sedatives. Softened water and some mineral water. Fresh fruits and vegetables are low in sodium,
INR – Normal 2.0 – 3.0
Should be 2.0 to 3.0 for anticoagulant therapy (Coumadin)
Should be 2.5 to 3.5 for Mechanical prosthetic heart valve patients and survivors of acute MI
IABP therapy for Cardiogenic Shock. Contraindicated for aortic insufficiency or aortic or thoracic
aneurysms. Not used for CHF or pulmonary edema.
Atrial fibrillation with ventricular rate of 150? Check for hypotension!! Patient is at risk for decreased
cardiac output due to loss of atrial kick. Assessment includes palpitations, chest pain or discomfort,
hypotension, pulse deficit, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, syncope, SOB, and distended neck veins.
RSHF – Peripheral and sacral edema, JVD, and organomegaly.
LSHF – Lung sounds, rales at the bases.
Quinidine Sulfate for treatment of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter – Only given after client has been
digitalized. Take exactly as prescribed, do not chew the extended release capsules or open the
capsules and mix them with food. Wear a Medic-Alert bracelet and to continue taking digoxin as prescribed
PR interval – Impulse from the atrial to the ventricles: Normal is 0.12 to 0.20 seconds
Ventricular tachycardia – Check for client’s unresponsiveness. This way you can determine if the client ifs
affected by the decreased cardiac output caused by the VT state
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, Darren & Jenny Nursing Study Guide
Pneumatic Antishock Garment (PASG) for the treatment of hypovolemic shock provides circulatory
assistance. Used temporarily, because it can compromise blood flow to the lower half of the body. Critical
nursing assessment includes: Vascular status of lower extremities,
Left Atrial Pressure – Normal if 1 – 10mm Hg
Fibrinogen – Normal is 180 to 340mg/dl for males
190 to 420mg/dl for females
Critical Value is less than 100mg/dl
With DIC, fibrinogen levels drops as it is used up in the clotting process
Raynaud’s Disease – PVD characterized by abnormal vasoconstriction of the extremities. Smoking
cessation is one of the important lifestyle changes that the nurse can influence with teaching. The nurse
should emphasize the effects of tobacco on the blood vessels and the principles involved to stop smoking.
Provide community program information.
Lidocaine to PVCs, if allergic to lidocaine, Procanaimide (Pronestyl), Othe drugs used are Bretylol
(Bretylium tosylate) and magnesium sulfate
PVCs are dangerous when they are frequent (more than 6 in a minute), occur in pairs or couplets, are
multifocal (multiform) or fall on the T wave. In each of these cases, the cardiac rhythm could turn into
Ventricular Tachycardia or Ventricular Fibrillation.
Cardioversion – Airway, O2 administration, assessment of vitals signs and level of consciousness, and
dysrrhythmia detection.
Pacemakers –
Atrial – Pacer spike before P waves
Ventricular – Pacer spike followed by QRS complex
Demand – Fires only when needed (when there’s no electrical activity in the client’s
heart).
DVT – Edema distal to the obstruction, warmth and redness on affected leg, tenderness, possible dilated
veins, increased calf circumference. Pedal pulses are unchanged, because this is not an arterial problem, but
a venous.
Buerger’s Disease – Smoking is highly detrimental in clients with this disease
Alpha 1 Receptors – Found in the peripheral arteries and veins, they cause powerful vasoconstriction when
stimulated.
Alpha 2 Receptors – Found in several tissues, contract smooth muscle inhibit lipolysis, and promote
platelet aggregation.
Beta 1 Receptors – Found in the heart and cause an increased heart rate, AV conduction and contractility.
Beta 2 Receptors – Found in arterial and bronchial walls and cause vasodilation and bronchodilation.
Hypothermia – Causes the heart rate and the Blood pressure to decrease.
Vagus Nerve stimulation – Decreases heart rate and contractility.
CK MB – Cardiac muscle
CK MM – Skeletal muscle
CK BB – Brain tissue
Digoxin Therapeutic Level – 0.5 to 2.0 ng/ml. If > than 2.0 Notify Physician after doing an assessment.
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