Soflo_RN

I was still getting the patient ready...I had every intention to call! I was in the room getting the patient ready when the doctor told the other patient her K was critically low and could not participate in physical therapy. But I was going to call!

Can anyone help with when certain IV Fluids are used. Mainly LR and NS vs 1/2 NS. Or are there any suggestions on where I can look it up?

I had a patient the other day who had a potassium level of 3.4 (our lower K+ level is 3.6) and I did not call the doctor right away because I was getting a patient ready to go to the cath lab in 10 mins. The doctor came in at about 730 in the morning and said he couldn't believe no one called about this. (labs were drawn at 600). He also told the patient she could not participate in physical therapy until her potassium was stable and that it was critically low. The patient came in for chest pain but did not have a cardiac history. Did I have my priorities wrong and what exactly does low or high potassium cause, is it just arrhythmias??

They are to be kept closed for patient satisfaction and privacy.

Hello everyone! The hospital where I work has started a new policy to keep all doors on the floor closed. The floor has 23 semi-private rooms. Doors are to be kept closed at all times, with only a few exceptions...basically only if the patient requests to keep the door open. Even if the patient is confused we are to keep the door closed, including those in observation rooms. Baker acts (involuntary psych holds), with sitters, are also to have closed doors, unless the patient is seen being combative. The nurses and PCAs do not feel comfortable closing the doors, but management and administration are very strict on this policy. Is anyone else doing this? Is this safe?