Ideas for a clinical "cheat sheet" ?

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  1. This is a discussion on Ideas for a clinical "cheat sheet" ? in General Nursing Student, part of Nursing Student ... I am in the process of putting together a clinical "cheat sheet" for my first semester students....

    by Guide Dec 17, '09
    I am in the process of putting together a clinical "cheat sheet" for my first semester students. What information would you have loved to have had in a miniature booklet for clinicals? So far, I have:
    normal vitals by age range
    normal labs for adults
    ABG info (trying to make it something they will use in later semesters)
    mini skills review cards (injections, NG tubes, cath, etc)
    small map of the floor they will be working on
    helpful facility phone numbers
    objectives for that rotation
    my cell phone number

    Any other suggestions??
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    by AOx1 Dec 17, '09 7:10 pm
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  2. 74 Comments so far...

  3. Dec 17, '09 by
    Will they be going through Pharm at the same time? Maybe some common meds with generic/brand names for the type of patient population you will be dealing with.
    AOx1 likes this.
  4. Dec 17, '09 by
    how about the highlights of a head to toe physical assessment (not the 20 minute long detailed one, but the 5 minute headtotoe reassessment)
    AOx1 likes this.
  5. Dec 17, '09 by
    Can you send one to me when your done LOL adding the head to toe sounds good. Maybe some helpful websites as well and some common medical terminology if it's not required beforehand oh and abbreviations.
    AOx1 likes this.
  6. Dec 17, '09 by
    Here's the one I use for lab in Phys Assessment:
    General Survey: facial expression, position, LOC, color, nutritional status, speech, hearing, hygeine
    Vital Signs: Temp, Pulse(rate/reg), Resp effort, BP (avoid the IV), Sat (RA or on 02), Pain scale
    Neuro: GCS, PERRL, muscle strength (R vs.L), ptosis, facial droop, sensation, communication, swallowing
    needs? assist with eating or communication?
    RespSys: 02use, resp effort, CTA?, cough, characteristics of mucus
    needs? Incen Spirometer, cough and deep breath?
    Cardio: peripheral pulses, RvsL, apical pulse (rate/reg), cap refill, ankles and shins for edema, IV sol & rate
    needs? elevate feet, change IV site or tubing
    Abd: contour, BSx4, palpate for tenderness, bowel and bladder hx
    needs? stool softener, BSC, catheter care?
    Skin: color, temp, w/d, turgor, integrity, lesions, surgical sites, dressings, check Teds or sequential stockings
    needs? frequent linen changes, bathing, turning
    Activity: bedrest to independence, toleration of movement, balance, SOB, equipment needed, trapeze, walker, cane
    misdetermined and AOx1 like this.
  7. Dec 17, '09 by
    I agree with the head to toe assessment. I don't think you need normal vitals or lab values - vitals should be expected to be known as a CNA, and normal lab values usually accompany the blood work.
    AOx1 likes this.
  8. Dec 17, '09 by
    I have a small sprial bound book called RNotes. Love it.
    heart_for_you and AOx1 like this.
  9. Dec 17, '09 by
    Quote from studentNURSEwyo
    I agree with the head to toe assessment. I don't think you need normal vitals or lab values - vitals should be expected to be known as a CNA, and normal lab values usually accompany the blood work.
    Not all nursing students are CNA's
    D.R.A., StayLost, and Chapis like this.
  10. Dec 17, '09 by
    Quote from CharlieT
    I have a small sprial bound book called RNotes. Love it.

    I have that one to and quick facts from Incredibly Easy series that looks like the other one, or maybe I have Med/Surge notes. I just ordered them and haven't looked through them yet.
  11. Dec 18, '09 by
    Quote from LiveToLearn
    I am in the process of putting together a clinical "cheat sheet" for my first semester students. What information would you have loved to have had in a miniature booklet for clinicals? So far, I have:
    normal vitals by age range
    normal labs for adults
    ABG info (trying to make it something they will use in later semesters)
    mini skills review cards (injections, NG tubes, cath, etc)
    small map of the floor they will be working on
    helpful facility phone numbers
    objectives for that rotation
    my cell phone number

    Any other suggestions??
    No suggestions but serious kudos. You sound like a fabulous instructor.