Anna Curran, RN, BSN Cellulitis is an acute bacterial skin infection causing redness, warmth, and swelling. Nurses must identify early signs and apply evidence-based interventions to prevent complications such as sepsis or tissue necrosis. Nursing Care Plans for NCLEX … View nursing guide
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a cardiac emergency involving reduced blood flow to the heart, typically from plaque rupture or thrombosis. For NCLEX and clinicals, nurses must identify priority nursing diagnoses, interventions, and patient outcomes … View nursing guide
A Knowledge Deficit Nursing Diagnosis (also known as Deficient Knowledge or Inadequate Health Knowledge) refers to a situation where a patient lacks the information or skills needed to manage their health condition effectively. This gap … View nursing guide
Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardial sac, causing sharp chest pain and a pericardial friction rub. Nurses play a vital role in early recognition, pain relief, and monitoring cardiac function. Key Cues to Remember: … View nursing guide
Cardiac tamponade is a true emergency: excess fluid in the pericardial sac compresses the heart, limits diastolic filling, and causes a rapid fall in cardiac output. Patients can decompensate quickly into shock. Nurses must recognize … View nursing guide
Cues and Priorities Cause: Most often follows an extensive myocardial infarction (MI) causing pump failure. Other causes include severe cardiomyopathy or mechanical defects (e.g., valve rupture). Key signs: Hemodynamics: Cardiac index <2.2 L/min/m² and PCWP … View nursing guide
Aortic dissection typically presents with sudden, severe, tearing chest or back pain that may radiate to the neck or abdomen. Assessment may reveal unequal blood pressures or pulses between limbs and signs of shock such … View nursing guide
Pulmonary edema is a rapid accumulation of fluid in the lungs that leads to acute respiratory distress. This quick-reference guide is designed for nursing students preparing for exams or clinicals – covering the essential cues, … View nursing guide
A myocardial infarction (MI), or heart attack, happens when blood flow to the heart muscle is abruptly cut off, causing tissue damage. It’s a medical emergency – “time is muscle.” Nurses must act quickly by … View nursing guide
Tachycardia is a rapid heart rate over 100 bpm that can lead to signs of reduced perfusion. Nursing priorities for tachycardia focus on stabilizing circulation, ensuring adequate oxygenation, and alleviating causes. Key assessment cues include … View nursing guide