Assessing Fall Risk and Reducing Falls in the Elderly More than one in four American adults 65 years of age and older have reported falling and one in five sustain a severe fall-related injury, including fractures and traumatic brain injuries (CDC, 2024). Falls are the leading cause of injury...

Assessment and Management of Stroke In the United States, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). Early identification, evaluation and treatment of stroke reduces motor and cognitive...

Atropine Sulfate Atropine is an anticholinergic drug that blocks the action of acetylcholine at parasympathetic sites in smooth muscle, secretory glands, and the central nervous system (CNS). It increases cardiac output and dries secretions. It is a competitive...

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...

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious condition in which coagulation and fibrinolysis are unusually triggered, resulting in continuous clotting, bleeding and/or thrombosis (Leung, 2023). DIC, also known as consumption...

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used for both cardiac and pulmonary failure when conventional measures (i.e., mechanical ventilation, intraaortic balloon pump) are inadequate to support life. While not treatment for the...

Fundoscopic Exam A fundoscopy, also known as ophthalmoscopic, retinal, or funduscopic exam, is a test used to screen for eye disorders, injuries, and diseases. It can be one of the more challenging examination techniques performed during both routine physical...

Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP) The cranium is a rigid bony structure that contains three main components: brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and blood. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) occurs when there is an increase in the volume of one or more components which...

Informed Consent Informed consent is a process of communication between a patient and a health care provider that results in the patient’s agreement to undergo a procedure or treatment. It is both a legal and ethical obligation. The provider educates the...

IV Catheter Sizes and Flow Rates IV catheter selection is determined by the patient’s clinical status and the type/amount of intravenous therapy needed for immediate treatment.Peripheral IV catheters come in different diameters, measured in gauge (G). The smaller the gauge...

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...