A cardiac pacemaker is an electronic device that delivers direct electrical stimulation to stimulate the myocardium to depolarize, initiating a mechanical contraction. The pacemaker initiates and maintains the heart rate when the heart’s natural pacemaker is unable to do so. Pacemakers can be used to correct bradycardias, tachycardias, sick sinus syndrome, and second- and third-degree heart blocks, and for prophylaxis. Pacing may be accomplished through a permanent implantable system, a temporary system with an external pulse generator and percutaneously threaded leads, or a transcutaneous external system with electrode pads placed over the chest.
Continue reading “Pacemaker- Cardiac Pacing (Reading & Sharing)”Tag: nursing
Metformin- Oral Antidiabetic Drug (reading & sharing)
Metformin (Glucophage) is currently the only biguanide oral antidiabetic drug. It works by inhibiting hepatic glucose production and increasing the sensitivity of peripheral tissue to insulin. Because its mechanism of action differs from that of sulfonylurea drugs, it may be given along with these drugs.
Continue reading “Metformin- Oral Antidiabetic Drug (reading & sharing)”Cystic Fibrosis (Reading & Sharing Part 2)
Bronchiectasis develops early in the course of cystic fibrosis, being detectable in infants as young as 10 weeks of age, and is persistent and progressive. Recent data reveal that neutrophil elastase activity in BAL fluid in early life is associated with early bronchiectasis in children with cystic fibrosis.
Nursing Assessment
Continue reading “Cystic Fibrosis (Reading & Sharing Part 2)”Cystic Fibrosis (Reading & Sharing)
Systic fibrosis is an inherited autosomal recessive disease in which abnormally thick mucus affects the reproductive, gastrointestinal, and respiratory tracts. Cystic fibrosis causes respiratory disease, characterized by chronic infection, obstructive airway disease, and progressive decline in lung function. Death is most commonly the result of respiratory failure. The life expectancy of patients with cystic fibrosis has increased to the mid-30s as a result of advances in treatment. Adult palliative care providers will be caring for more patient with cystic fibrosis as life expectancy of these patients continues to increase.
Continue reading “Cystic Fibrosis (Reading & Sharing)”Hospice – Eligibility (Reading & Sharing)
Hospice is an all-encompassing service available for patients with a prognosis under 6 months. Under the Medicare hospice benefit, patients eligible for hospice are greater than 65 years or receiving Medicare disability payments. At the start of care, two physicians must sign a statement certifying that the patient’s life expectancy is six months or less based on their best estimate of the patient’s medical prognosis. While hospice benefit was originally designed for Medicare recipients, most insurance providers cover hospice care for patients not eligible for Medicare. But hospice eligibility depends on more than only a physician determining a prognosis of six months or less until death.
Continue reading “Hospice – Eligibility (Reading & Sharing)”