Ideas for a clinical "cheat sheet" ?

Cherish · Dec 18, 2009

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.

allnurses Guide · Dec 18, 2009

how about the highlights of a head to toe physical assessment (not the 20 minute long detailed one, but the 5 minute headtotoe reassessment)

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Dec 18, 2009

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.

allnurses Guide · Dec 18, 2009

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

studentNURSEwyo · Dec 18, 2009

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.

CharlieT · Dec 18, 2009

I have a small sprial bound book called RNotes. Love it.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Dec 18, 2009

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 :)

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Dec 18, 2009

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.

Music in My Heart · Dec 18, 2009

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.

cheska_rn, ASN, RN · Dec 18, 2009

Not all nursing students are CNA's :)

Great point -- our school does not require CNA certification as a pre-req either.

kcha · Dec 18, 2009

I would suggest all the different codes(the numbers to call and what each particular code means) we go to different hospitals each semester and it can be hard to keep all the codes straight in your head,I can only imagine during your first code you are very nervous and may possibly blank out, having a handy list of codes and what to do would be reassurance.