Complex Care Nursing Week 2

Some things I've covered in this subject this week . . .

Lectures
• The Coronial Process – special lecture from the Coroner

Drugs:
• Clopidogrel – antiplatelet, prevents clotting
• Perhexiline – antiangina, decreases heart’s oxygen demand
• Lignocaine – local anaesthetic injection, but can also be taken orally for heart arrhythmia
• Perindopril – ACE inhibitor, lowers blood pressure
• Frusemide – loop diuretic, lowers blood pressure and reduces oedema (build up of fluid in the tissues)
• Prazosin – blocks alpha-1 receptors which are responsible for the vasoconstrictive action of norepinephrine, which would normally raise blood pressure. By blocking these receptors, prazosin reduces blood pressure.
• Atenolol - is a selective β1 receptor antagonist belonging to the group of beta blockers, works by slowing down the heart and reducing its workload, thus reducing hypertension
• Caltrate - used for relief of the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. The active ingredient, calcium carbonate, neutralises excess acid produced by the stomach.
• Trimethoprim - antibiotic used for the treatment of urinary tract infections , traveler's diarrhea, respiratory and middle ear infections
• N-Acetyl-Cysteine – mucolytic (mucus dissolving) agent used in respiratory conditions with excessive and/or thick mucus production, such as emphysema, bronchitis, tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, amyloidosis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis and COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also used to treat paracetamol overdose.

Labs
• Head to Toe Assessment
• Central Venous Line Management

• Respiratory Assessment
• Tracheostomy care and suctioning


Online Modules
• Chest Drainage 101

Videos
• Oasis Dry Suction Chest Drains Parts 1 - 4
• Atrium’s Ocean Chest Drain Set Up and Operation Parts 1 - 5 – indication for chest drains - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn0SHGuUVak&feature=related
• Central Venous Catheter Connectors Positive Displacement
• Central Venous Catheter Negative Pressure in Catheter Lumens
• Tracheostomy Care
• Tracheostomy Suctioning
• Intubation and Mechanical Ventillation - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8VIw0fk4X0