NURSING TOOL BOX SERIES

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS Various nursing intervention for deep-vein thrombosis are in the following: Position and rest 1.  Keep the affected leg elevated and comfortable position. 2.  Keep the head up of bed. 3.  Immobilize the patient and initiate bed rest to reduce risk of clot mobilization. 4.  Discourage positions that compromise blood flow. 5.  The foot of the bed is elevated if there is marked swelling, additional elevation is provided with extra pillows or a foam wedge. Observation 7.  Check and monitor any sign of bleeding. 8.  Check any sign of complication (Pulmonary embolism). 9.  Be aware of the signs of signs of excessive bleeding, such as frequent and bilateral epitasis, hematuria (blood in the urine) and deep tissue bruising (purpura).   10.  Check any sign of excessive bleeding complication of warfarin therapy. 11.  Patient education 12.  Discuss with patient the need to change method of contraception, if applicable (as oral contraceptives increase DVT risk). 13.  Provide a

THE RECTUM AND ANAL CANAL   1.  Haemorrhoids- Painful anal condition characterisd by protrusion of the anal mucosa. It is caused by constipation associated with passage of hard stool. Predisposing factors include; ·  Food low in fibre ·  Taking less oral fluids ·  Disease conditions such as cancer of the colon and HIV/AIDS ·  Other painful anal conditions which might cause patient to avoid defeacation e.g fissure in ano,fistula in ano, peri ano warts etc ·  Pregnancy usually in second and third trimesters Classified into 3 types (i). First degree haemorrhoids -  The haemorrhoids are internal (localized in the anal canal).They do not come out during defeacation. (ii). Second degree haemorrhoids-  These come out during defeacation but return into the anal canal thereafter. (iii).Third degree haemorroids-  These haemorrhoids come out and remain trapped outside the anal canal.They have a tendence to thrombose.   Complications ·  Bleeding ·  Thrombosis ·  Ulceration   Treatment First and se

  CHICKENPOX Chickenpox, a common childhood disease. Those who do not develop this disease may fall prey later on in life. Red, itchy, blisters all over the body are common signs of chickenpox. DEFINITION Chickenpox is a viral skin infection caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV) characterized by an itchy rash that makes the child very uncomfortable and fever. It is very contagious and spreads through coughing, sneezing, touching as well as breathing. This infection is however preventable with the help of chickenpox vaccine. CAUSES By a virus varicella zoster virus (VZV). MODE OF SPREAD It infects a healthy body by inhaling droplets or touching the fluids from a chickenpox blister. As it is very contagious, anyone who does not have immunity towards the virus can get infected. The infection lasts for about 5-10 days. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Chickenpox is known for some of its classic symptoms. These include:  ·  Fluid-filled, itchy blisters ·  Clear fluid-filled blisters become cloudy in 24-