StudentOfHealing

NS with anything added isn't alway hypertonic. If you have 0.9 NaCl (aka NS) with D5W then you have an isotonic fluid because as you said the dextrose is metabolized and the 0.9% NaCl is isotonic to blood/plasma. D5 1/2 NS is HYPOtonic. Whyyy? Because dextrose is metabolized and what's left is 1/2 NS which is hypotonic. This is great for NPO pts as it pushes fluids into the cells and gives the cells energy (dextrose).

As stated before, a patient being NPO for this long would be started on TPN. In my specialty, most of my post op patients that experience this have abdominal distention, no bm, and possible vomiting. We'll usually drop an NGT on these folks, if it doesn't progress by POD 2 then they'll be started on TPN. Some people's bowels I suppose take longer to wake up. They also have to r/o any obstructions or leaks.

Yeah, some RNs will refuse to teach. Just the way the cookie crumbles. When the RNs fail to teach you - go help the CNAs ... they'll appreciate it and as a first year student you'll gain patient care experience

They're NPO meaning nothing by mouth. It doesn't what goes through their IV. I give D5 1/2 NS + 20K every single day to NPO patients.

I'm a nurse and I'm in and out of every room a lot more than every 4 hours. I usually check everything automatically every time I'm in there. Not sure what nurse let's 6 hours go by without checking their patients - not a very prudent nurse... or a nurse with a 7+ patient load.

Well over 10 cc ... Most air dissolves. People, surprise (we have blood gases).

I'm sure your patient is alive. Breathe ... Relax ... Glass of wine ... Chinese takeout. Breathe & ...... Repeat. Honestly chances are your nurse caught it. She or he... SHOULD be flushing both ports every four hours.

****He's definitely at risk for sepsis and idk if that's a nursing dx (graduated a few months ago). Watch out for decreased UOP, elevated WBC, chills/fever, diaphoresis, and/or confusion. **** Risk for post op complications... immobility and everything that comes with it. Can you name a few ill effects of immobility and what we do to prevent them? What about teaching? Will they be d/c with the drain? (I'm guessing it's either a woundvac or JP). Pain is a big one ... but not bigger than risk for sepsis... you MUST keep an eye on the UOP. The surgeons will viciously bite your head off if you don't. =)

It only takes a few seconds to check everything. You have to check your IV insertion site anyway. By the way, there is no needle - the needle is removed and what's left is the plastic catheter you thread. =)

I'm gonna skip every comment.... Using murse... so so SO annoying. I would never like to be called a murse. It's a pet peeve of mine. It sounds so unprofessional and belittling.

You do not need an MSN to specialize. As of 2014 you need a license aka RN to practice nursing is ANY speciality. This can range from OB to ER to ICU to Medsurg to Peds to NICU to Cardiac. Anything. You can become an RN by getting: An associate degree in nursing A bachelor degree in nursing. Then you take NCLEX and wham you're an RN. Associate and Bachelor programs have mandatory clinicals. Usually one 12 hr clinical a week. BSN and ADN clinicals both geared toward preparing you to be an RN. The MSN clinical will most likely depend on what the MSN track you're on. FNP will be clinicals following an NP, MD, or PA learning how to function as such. Nicu (neonatal NP) clinical experience will be following neonatologists and maybe pediatricians and learning to function within the scope of a "mid level". I know it's a little crazy.

You are a rock star in my eyes. You are valiant for taking on this enormous task of becoming a professional nurse ... ON TOP of being a mother. You're cognizant of your feelings and your limitations as a first semester student, you are aware of the work it's going to take. I can tell you're grounded and your head isn't in the clouds. Will this be tough? Heck yeah! Will you cry in the utility closet sometimes? Of course! Will you miss out on some family time? Possibly! But you know what? There's nothing some good organization, time management, time for yourself, and encouragement can't get you through. I say this with all sincerity... you've got support here! Also, reach out to your fellow student nurses. Reach out to your family. Give yourself "me time". Do what you enjoy. Crochet, woodwork, fishing, reading, gardening. Eating Chinese food? (My guilty stress relief ... lol). (((((HuGS)))))

Some MDs will want you to have relevant RN experience. Keep that in mind. I couldn't imagine practicing as an NP having had only my pre licensure education with some advanced patho, advanced pharm, and NP clinical. If you don't have plans to work as an RN, some hospitals have residency programs for NPs and PAs. I've heard that they really put you up to speed if you've had little actual clinical experience such as being an RN or Paramedic would provide.

Thank You Esme! I knew you'd post the link. =) and I'm glad you're back and in full swing on AN. Hope you're getting stronger everyday.

OP I think ... I think ... means where the displayed symptoms are in actuality the cause/etiology themselves. The last part regarding the nursing dx isn't coming across to me/making sense yet