weinerdog1

Has anyone ever measured abdominal girth by marking a vertical line at each side of patient and measuring from point to point only? I had a patient last week that had abdominal paracentesis. There was no order for girth measurements; however, I wanted to monitor the ascites in this patients abdomen so I measured from side to side to track the decrease in ascites. Has anyone else seen this done? As long as each point is used consistently for measurement for each shift, couldn't we track it this way? Any input is greatly appreciated!

My LPN student had a patient this week that had just finished abdominal paracentesis. In order to minimize the patients discomfort, I instructed the student to measure abdominal girth from side to side, marking the measurement points for consistency. As long as the markings are used consistently for each shift when measured, is this an acceptable alternative to measuring the entire girth? Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you. Any reference material would also be appreciated!

I recently had a discussion with an intern at our hospital over a patient with a blood glucose of 364 (according to the lab value) vs an accu check done within minutes of the lab draw. The accu check was 312. Which should you treat for? I said the lab draw is probably the most accurate and was promptly told that we treat the accu check result of 312. If that's the case, why bother ordering a blood draw? Wanted to know what everybody's thoughts were about this. Thank you!

Hi There.....I know exactly what you mean about being angry and frustrated with IV's. I work in a small community hospital on the med/surg unit. When we get surgeries for 0730, we have to admit them (they arrive at 0600 when everybody is BUSY!!), start their pre-op IV with no smaller than an 18 gauge and they cannot be put in the ante-cubital area PLUS an antibiotic run 1/2 hour before surgery. Needless to say, I am frustrated with everything from the policy (18 gauge is the smallest) to the admission process. I have used a venoscope without much success; however, others on my floor say they find it helpful. The best thing I have found is to have the patient lay in the bed and dangle their arm over the bedside. Apply the tourniquet and that usually distends the veins enough in the hands to slip the IV in. Good luck!

In this particular case, the patient stated she would accept the NG tube if she was unable to drink the prep. Of course, if the patient refused then I would notify the physican. I always advise patients that they have the right to refuse any procedure ordered for them.

I received an order from a physician to put an NG tube in a patient and begin giving Go-Lytely (prep for colonoscopy) through the NG. My question is: How fast should I be giving the prep (there is a gallon of liquid)? Should I give at intervals of 20 minutes per 8 oz? Fortunately I spoke with the patient and she agreed to drink the prep versus the NG tube (smart woman!) I would like to get some feedback for future reference. Thank you!