any suggestions

KIAN · Feb 13, 2002

How do you get certified in pulmonary nursing? I'd like to know.

micro, RN · Feb 13, 2002

me too, I know there are a variety of certifications out there, but will will start exploring.........thx for the writeback

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Feb 13, 2002

When all the alarms are sounding, LOOK AT THE PATIENT FIRST!

If calm not struggling breathe, have time to search for problem.

If in distress bag em or reattach vent/oxygen supply THEN search for alarm problem..if more than 1 minute, CALL FOR HELP.

If you feel your backside massaged in vented patient, STAT ABG's indicated.

Little Morphine goes a long way..read up on Morphine nebulizer treatments.

Trust your gut that someone is going bad and gather supplies, despite what docs say.

TWO persons when changing trach/ET Tape, keep scissors away.

Cough and deep breathe, Cough deep breathe + change position.

Cheap breathing exerciser: blowout roll-up party horn then progress to noise maker type (8 for a $1.00 at dollar store.) More fun than incentive spirometry...then I'd break out party bubbles..........great for a long term resp client.

My home care clients with COPD/MS did will with party horns 4x day, decreased rate of pneumonia. Would change colors, lengths every few weeks. Also used pile of cotton balls on table to get them to blow off when tired /discouraged---SMILE goes a long way.

BAD COPDer still can't breathe? Try oscillating fan on night table...the feeling of air passing their face helps to decrease anxiety.

Draining chest wound from CA/Fistula---cover with ostomy pouch, can measure output and prevent skin excoriation; might need larger size than expect too if drainage heavy to dispurse weight.

Goog Luck.

micro, RN · Feb 17, 2002

my heart is in it.......love the party blowers and soap bubbles.......gotta smile in the middle of the serious stuff.

thx for support:roll :roll :roll

Brownms46 · Feb 17, 2002

Dear NRSKarenRN,

Thanks for the info...I definitely learned something new!

Brownie

foxcreekadams · Aug 15, 2002

Add: Scrupulous mouth care with Peridex or similar every 4 hours

and flush GI tubes with sterile water.

Do not use saline flush to clear ett or trach unless there is

no other option.

shygirl · Aug 16, 2002

Micro,

Sorry, not a pulmonary nurse- just saying "Hi" and good luck on the new position!