Blood Products and Transfusion It is critical for nurses to know and understand the principles of blood transfusion to prevent life-threatening transfusion reactions from occurring. This pocket card reviews the different types of blood products as well as nursing tips for...

Blood Type Compatibility and Transfusion Reactions This pocket card reviews blood type compatibility, the different types of transfusion reactions that can occur, signs and symptoms, and treatment strategies.Blood Type Compatibility (American Red Cross, n.d.) Blood types are determined by...

Common Drug Calculations Medication administration is a core competency for nurses in every clinical setting. The ability to perform accurate dosage calculations is a key skill required to safely dispense drugs. New technologies such as bar coding medication and smart...

Complications of Central Vascular Access Devices Central vascular access devices, or central venous access devices (CVADs), are fundamental in the nursing care of the critically ill, those with chronic conditions (cancer, renal failure), and emergency care. CVADs include central venous catheters...

Complications of Peripheral Intravenous Therapy When administering intravenous (IV) fluids or medications through a peripheral IV (PIV) site, institute preventive measures, be alert for signs and symptoms of complications, and know how to intervene if complications occur.

Enteral Nutrition in the Hospital Hospitalized patients who are not able to eat for extended periods of time require an alternative source of nutrition that can be provided in both enteral (intestinal) and parenteral (non-intestinal) liquid forms. This pocket card provides an...

IV Fluids IV fluids are utilized for resuscitation, to replace fluid losses, and for maintenance hydration in patients who are not able or not allowed to drink water. Like all prescribed medications, IV fluids have benefits and risks. Fluid therapy should...

Preventing and Managing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is defined as a laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (not related to an infection at another site) where a central line was in place within the 48-hour period before the development of...