Review of Skills Notes
Review of Skills Notes
Review of Skills Notes
1. Vital Signs
2. Exercise And Massage
3. Positioning
4. Medical Handwashing
5. Urine Collection
6. Stool Collection
7. Sputum Collection
8. Perineal Care
9. Administering Oral Medications
10. Administering Intradermal Injection For Skin Tests
11. Administering Subcutaneous Injection
12. Administering Intramuscular Injection
13. NGT Insertion & Removal
14. Colostomy & Ileostomy Care
15. CBG
16. Eye Irrigation & Instillation
17. Ear Irrigation & Instillation
18. Crutch Walking
19. Seizure Precaution
20. Catheterization
VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 103 Skills Lab)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the module, the student will be able to:
1. Give the indications for NGT insertion.
2. Identify different types of nasogastric tubes.
3. Properly perform NGT Insertion.
4. Describe procedure for NGT removal
5. Apply principles of asepsis & infection control throughout the procedure.
6. Explain rationale for each step of the procedure accurately.
B. Types of Nasogastric Tubes: [may contain a radiopaque line to verify tube placement by x-ray]
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VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 103 Skills Lab)
Nursing Skills to Develop in this Module & Materials/Equipment Needed: [materials/items with an
asterisk (*) are the materials the students should bring during skills laboratory period]
NGT Insertion:
- Nasogastric Tube (normal adult sizes: Fr 12 to 18; international color-coding same with suction
catheters)*
- Facial tissues*
- Adhesive hypoallergenic tape*
- Tongue depressor*
- Water-soluble lubricant [single packet]*
- Sterile gloves*
- Stethoscope*
- Penlight*
- Towel or absorbent pad
- Emesis/kidney basin
- Cup or glass of water with straw or ice chips (if appropriate)
- Asepto syringe
- Rubber band
- Safety pin
- Ordered suction equipment
- Clamp for tubing
NGT Removal:
- Stethoscope*
- Disposable gloves*
- Asepto syringe
- Normal saline solution
- Towel or absorbent pad
- Materials for oral care & lubricant
Procedure Guidelines:
A. NGT Insertion:
1. Ask the patient if he has ever had nasal surgery, trauma, a deviated septum, or bleeding disorder.
2. Explain procedure to the patient, and tell how mouth breathing, panting, and swallowing will help in
passing the tube.
3. Place the patient in a ______________________;
sitting or High-Fowler's pos place a towel across chest.
4. Determine with the patient what sign he might use, such as raising the index finger, to indicate wait a
few moments because of gagging or discomfort.
5. Remove dentures; place emesis basin and tissues within the patient's reach.
6. With sterile package not yet opened, inspect for defects on the tube; look for partially closed holes or
rough edges.
7. Place rubber tubing in ice-chilled water for a few minutes to make the tube firmer. Plastic tubing may
already be firm enough; if too stiff, dip in warm water.
8. Have the patient blow nose to clear nostrils.
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9. Inspect the nostrils with a penlight, observing for any obstruction. Occlude each nostril, and have the
patient breathe. This will help determine which nostril is more patent.
10. Prepare two tapes one long strip that is split lengthwise halfway [see illustration] and a short one.
14. With your dominant gloved hand, coil the first 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) of the tube around your fingers.
Have coworker open the packet of water-soluble lubricant and drop it on nondominant gloved hand
making sure not to contaminate glove.
15. Still holding the coiled tube with your dominant hand, coat its distal end with the lubricant. AVOID
occluding the tube's holes with lubricant.
16. Tilt back the patient's head before inserting tube into nostril, and gently pass tube into the posterior
nasopharynx, directing downward and backward toward the ear.
17. When tube reaches the pharynx, the patient may gag; allow patient to rest for a few moments.
18. Have the patient tilt head slightly forward. Offer several sips of water through a straw, or permit
patient to suck on ice chips, unless contraindicated. Advance tube as patient swallows.
19. Gently rotate the tube 180
___ degrees to redirect the curve.
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20. Continue to advance tube gently each time the patient swallows.
21. If obstruction appears to prevent tube from passing, do not use force. Rotating tube gently may help. If
unsuccessful, remove tube and try other nostril.
22. If there are signs of distress such as gasping, coughing, or cyanosis, IMMEDIATELY remove tube.
23. Continue to advance the tube when the patient swallows, until the mark reaches the patient's nostril.
24. To check whether the tube is in the stomach:
25. After tube is passed and the correct placement is confirmed, attach the tube to suction (if indicated) or
clamp the tube. Remove gloves.
26. Anchor tube with hypoallergenic tape; attach unsplit end of long strip of tape to nose, and cross split
[see illustration below]
27. Anchor the tubing to the patient's gown. Use a rubber band to make a slip-knot to anchor the tubing
to the patient's gown. Secure the rubber band to the patient's gown using a safety pin [see illustration
below]. However, omit this step of the procedure for clients with psychiatric illness & suicidal
ideations.
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VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 103 Skills Lab)
B. NGT Removal:
1. Verify the health care provider's order for removal.
2. Make sure that gastric drainage is not excessive in volume.
3. Make sure, by auscultation, that audible peristalsis is present.
4. Determine whether the patient is passing flatus; this indicates peristalsis.
Semi-Fowler's pos Then drape a towel or absorbent pad across her chest to
5. Help the patient into _______________.
protect her gown and bed linens from spills.
6. Using an Asepto syringe, flush the tube with 20
__ ml of air or normal saline solution to ensure that the
tube doesn't contain stomach contents that could irritate tissues during tube removal.
7. Apply disposable gloves.
8. n and remove tape from nose.
9. Clamp the tube by folding it in your hand.
10. Instruct the patient to _____________________.
take a deep breath and hold it in This maneuver closes the epiglottis.
11. Slowly, but evenly, withdraw tubing and cover it with a towel as it emerges. Covering the tubing helps
dispel patient's nausea. (As the tube reaches the nasopharynx, you can pull quickly)
12. Coil tube around gloved finger. Pull gloves over the coiled tube and discard it.
13. Provide the patient with materials for oral care and lubricant for nasal dryness.
14. Dispose of equipment in appropriate receptacle. Perform hand hygiene.
15. Document time of tube removal and the patient's reaction.
16. Continue to monitor the patient for signs of GI difficulties.
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VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 103 Skills Lab)
Special Considerations:
Similar to suction catheters, the international color code for the sizes of nasogastric & orogastric tubes
are: [NOTE: the larger the number, the larger the lumen]
French 5 (Fr 5) = Gray French 14 (Fr 14) = Green
French 8 (Fr 8) = Blue French 16 (Fr 16) = Orange
French 10 (Fr 10) = Black French 18 (Fr 18) = Red
French 12 (Fr 12) = White
If your patient lies unconscious, tilt her chin toward her chest to close the trachea. Then advance the
tube between respirations to ensure that it doesn't enter the trachea.
While advancing the tube in an unconscious patient (or in a patient who can't swallow), stroke the
patient's neck to encourage the swallowing reflex and facilitate passage down the esophagus.
While advancing the tube, observe for signs that it has entered the trachea, such as choking or
breathing difficulties in a conscious patient and cyanosis in an unconscious patient or a patient without
a cough reflex. If these signs occur, remove the tube immediately. Allow the patient time to rest; then
try to reinsert the tube.
Tincture of benzoin (if iodine allergy is not present) may be used to prep the skin on the bridge of the
_______________
nose. This acts as an adhesive as well as a skin prep.
After tube placement, vomiting suggests tube obstruction or incorrect position. Assess immediately to
determine the cause.
a risk for
secretions from the throat, which could cause respiratory complications. These complications may not
appear until after the tube is removed.
Sore throat or difficulty in swallowing may present as a symptom of inflammation of the insertion area.
This symptom should subside in 1 to 2 days. Lozenges or ice chips can be used to minimize discomfort.
In infants & young children, an orogastric tube (OGT) may be inserted instead of an NGT. Since tube
lumen is too narrow, a 5- or 10-mL luer-lock syringe is used instead of an Asepto.
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VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 112 Skills Lab)
An ostomy is a surgically created opening that diverts stool to the outside of the body through an opening
colostomy
on the abdomen called a ________________. [see illustration below]
ileostomy is a surgically created opening between the ileum (usually the terminal ileum) of the
An ________________
small intestine and the abdominal wall. On the other hand, a colostomy is a surgically created opening
between any segment of the colon and the abdominal wall to allow fecal elimination. Colostomies can be
further classified as to which segment of the colon they are created [see illustration]. Ileostomies &
colostomies are also called bowel diversions.
B C
A
A. ascending colostomy
_________________
B. transverse colostomy
_________________
C. descending colostomy
_________________
D. cecostomy
_________________
E. sigmoid colostomy
_________________
F. ileostomy
_________________
F E
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the module, the student will be able to:
1. Give the indications & complications of colostomy & ileostomy creation or of a bowel diversion.
2. Describe the characteristics of a healthy stoma.
3. Perform ostomy care which includes removal of a soiled ostomy appliance, cleansing of stoma &
peristomal skin and fitting & application of a new ostomy appliance.
4. Explain rationale for each step of the procedure accurately.
5. Discuss the standards of care guidelines in caring for a patient with an ostomy.
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VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 112 Skills Lab)
C. Stoma Classifications:
Loop stoma
2. __________________ = is formed when a loop of
bowel, usually the transverse colon, is pulled to the
outside abdominal wall & a bridge is slipped under
the loop to hold it in place. An incisional slit is made in
the top of the exposed colon to allow stool to exit.
The entire loop of bowel is not cut through.
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VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 112 Skills Lab)
proximal
The _______________ stoma is the
functioning stoma that expels stool
distal
while ______________ stoma expels
mucous.
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VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 112 Skills Lab)
Pouch
Two-Piece
2. __________________ appliance = consists of a separate pouch with a flange and a separate skin
barrier with a flange (also called a wafer) where the pouch fastens to the barrier at the flange. The
pouch can be removed without the skin barrier/wafer.
POUCH WAFER
Flange of skin
Flange of pouch barrier/wafer
(flange of wafer (flange of pouch
fits here) fits here)
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VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 112 Skills Lab)
Materials/Equipment Needed: [materials/items with an asterisk (*) are the materials the students should
bring during skills laboratory period]
- Disposable gloves (2 pairs)*
- Two-piece drainable ostomy appliance (wafer & pouch)*
- Pen or pencil*
- Scissors (preferably curved)*
- Tail closure
- Toilet tissue, washcloth & towel
- Stoma measuring guide
- Stomahesive® paste or any skin barrier paste
- Stomahesive® powder (used if there is skin breakdown around stoma)
- Mild non-oily soap (optional)
- Odor-proof plastic bag
Procedure Guidelines
A. Changing an Ostomy Appliance:
1. Determine the need for an appliance change-
When do you change?
Change when there is a pouch leakage or discomfort @ or around the stoma, change the appliance
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
2. Select an appropriate time to change the appliance.
Avoid times close to meal or visiting hours. Ostomy odor and stool may reduce appetite or
embarrass the client.
Avoid times immediately after meals or the administration of any medications that may
stimulate bowel evacuation. It is best to change the pouch when drainage is least likely to occur.
3.
Explain to the client what you are going to do, why it is necessary, and how he or she can cooperate.
Provide for client privacy, preferably in the bathroom, where clients can learn to deal with the ostomy
as they would at home.
4. Assemble materials and equipment. Perform hand hygiene and apply clean gloves.
5. Assist the client to a comfortable sitting or lying position in bed or preferably a sitting or standing
position in the bathroom.
6. Empty the pouch and remove the ostomy skin barrier/wafer.
tail closure
Unclamp the ___________________of the drainable pouch and clean it (using soap & water) for
reuse. (refer to picture)
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VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 112 Skills Lab)
Peel the skin barrier/wafer off slowly, beginning at the top and working downward, while
Stoma size & shape: Most stomas protrude slightly from the abdomen. Newly-created stomas
normally appear swollen or edematous, but swelling generally decreases over 2 or 3 weeks or
for as long as 6 weeks.
If the swelling fails to recede after 6 weeks, what does this indicate?
A problem occuring, such as blockage
_______________________________________________________________________________
Stomal bleeding: Touching the stoma normally causes slight bleeding- True? or False?
False
_________
Status of peristomal skin: Any redness and irritation of the peristomal skin the 5 to 13 cm (2 to
5 in.) of skin surrounding the stoma should be noted. Transient redness after removal of
adhesive is normal.
Amount & type of feces/effluent: Assess the amount, color, odor, and consistency. Inspect for
abnormalities, such as pus or blood.
11. Place a piece of tissue or gauze over the stoma, and change it as needed. This absorbs any seepage
from the stoma while the ostomy appliance is being changed.
VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 112 Skills Lab)
12. Use the measuring guide to determine stoma size [see illustration below].
13. For appropriate size, choose a circle on the measuring guide 1/16 to 1/8 inch
the measuring guide)
14. After choosing the appropriate size on the measuring guide, trace pattern or appropriate circle
carefully onto paper backing of wafer using pen or pencil [see illustration below].
15. Cut the circular opening in the skin barrier. Bevel the edges to keep them from irritating the patient.
[as shown below].
VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 112 Skills Lab)
16. Remove the paper backing from the wafer and moisten it or apply Stomahesive® paste, as needed,
along the edge of the circular opening [see illustration].
18. Center the wafer over the stoma, adhesive side down, and gently press it to the skin. Continue
applying pressure to peristomal skin for 60 seconds (1 minute) to ensure adherence of wafer to skin
and to allow drying of Stomahesive® paste [as shown below].
19. Gently press the flange of the pouch to the flange of the wafer until it snaps into place [as shown].
VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 112 Skills Lab)
20. Fold the bottom opening of drainable pouch once onto the bar of the tail closure. Clamp by joining the
bar & hinge of the tail closure and lock by applying pressure on the finger tab [see illustration below].
Finger Tab
Bar
Hinge
21. Discard of used equipment, remove gloves and perform hand hygiene.
Special Considerations:
Most clinicians agree that an ostomy appliance should be changed at least once a week. If the skin is
erythematous, eroded, denuded, or ulcerated, the pouch should be changed every 24 to 48 hours to
allow appropriate treatment of the skin. More frequent changes are recommended if the client
complains of pain or discomfort.
A drainable pouch should be used for all colostomies or Ileostomies, especially during the first 8 weeks
after surgery.
Nuts
Dried fruits (raisins, figs, apricots)
Chinese vegetables
Meats with casings (sausage, hot dogs, bologna)
Encourage patient to verbalize feelings regarding the ostomy, body image changes, and sexual issues.
Inform patient of community resources, local and mail-order ostomy supply dealers, ostomy specialty
nurses, etc.
Colostomy irrigation is done to regulate bowel movements at a regular time. Candidates for
colostomy irrigation are those with more formed stool (descending or sigmoid portion of colon)
Capillary Blood Glucose (CBG) Monitoring, usually indicated in clients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus,
involves pricking a finger (or other alternate site) with a lancet device to obtain a small capillary blood sample,
applying the drop of blood onto a reagent strip, and determining the glucose concentration by inserting the
strip into a reflectance photometer or more commonly called blood glucose meter or glucometer, for an
au
of specimen and results are obtained instantly (usually in less than 2 minutes).
Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) is a new trend in diabetes management which involves capillary
blood glucose monitoring performed solely by the client or a caregiver, at home & at work, with the objective
of collecting detailed information about blood glucose levels at many time points so as to enable maintenance
of a more constant glucose level by more precise therapeutic regimens. Apart from obtaining blood glucose
levels, SMBG requires the patient to keep a logbook of results (although most modern blood glucose meters
have a built-in memory). These SMBG results can be used by the patient to correct any deviations out of a
desired target range by changing his/her carbohydrate intake, exercising, or using more or less insulin. Client
teaching in SMBG is thus an important role to be played by the nurse.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the module, the student will be able to:
1. Give the indications of CBG monitoring.
2. Perform capillary blood glucose (CBG) monitoring.
3. Apply principles of asepsis & infection control throughout the procedure.
4. Explain rationale for each step of the procedure accurately.
Materials/Equipment Needed: [materials/items with an asterisk (*) are the materials the students should
bring during skills laboratory period]
- Disposable gloves*
- Blood glucose meter* with appropriate test/reagent strip (& calibrator, if needed)*
- Lancet/lancing device*
- Alcohol swab*
- Cotton ball* (& adhesive bandage; however, optional)
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VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 112 Skills Lab)
Procedure Guidelines:
Explain the procedure to the patient and instruct him NOT to eat or drink hours prior to CBG
monitoring. Blood glucose levels are usually monitored three times a day before meals (TID ac) and at
bedtime (q HS).
Prepare the finger to be lanced by having the patient wash hands in warm water and soap. Washing in
warm water will increase the blood flow to the finger. Allow to air dry. For convenience, an alcohol swab
may be used to cleanse the finger. Alcohol must dry thoroughly (by air drying) before finger is lanced.
CLINICAL TIP: In diabetic clients with ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion (usually manifested as pallor &
cold clammy fingers), it is necessary to dilate the capillaries prior to obtaining blood sample by applying
warm, moist compresses to the hand for about 10 minutes (or until there is adequate blood flow to
as the earlobe may be used; however, site should NOT
be used when accuracy is critical (i.e., suspected hypoglycemia, before or after exercise, or before driving).
PEDIATRIC ALERT: Select the heel or great toe for an infant to obtain blood sample for CBG.
Don disposable gloves. Turn on the glucose meter. Prepare the meter by validating the proper calibration
with the strips to be used. (This usually involves matching a code number on the strip bottle to the code
registered on the meter.) Errors in glucose readings can result from miscalibrated or improperly coded
meters.
The meter will indicate its readiness for testing blood glucose by message or symbol. Some meters require
that the glucose test strip be inserted at this time.
To collect a sample from the fingertip with a disposable lancet (smaller than 2
mm), position the lancet on the side of the patient's fingertip, perpendicular to
the lines of the fingerprints (this area has lesser nerve endings). Pierce the skin
sharply and quickly to minimize the patient's anxiety and pain and to increase
blood flow. A lancet device or spring-loaded lancing pen may also be used for
convenience [see accompanying illustration].
After puncturing the fingertip, the puncture site to avoid diluting the sample with tissue
fluid. Wipe & DISCARD the first drop of blood to prevent serous fluid from causing a result.
Obtain a large, hanging drop of blood. Most inaccurate readings of blood glucose result from insufficient
blood samples.
Drop (& T smear) the blood carefully to the strip test area (varies by glucose
meter model). Some glucose meters require that the test area be covered
completely for accurate results. Others use only a small drop of blood inserted at
the side of the test strip [see accompanying illustration].
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VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 112 Skills Lab)
11. -
system require that the blood be
wiped off from the test strip with a firm stroke using a cotton ball at the
appropriate end time (usually 60 seconds). The strip is inserted into the meter for
the final result/reading [see accompanying illustration].
12. After collecting the blood sample, briefly apply pressure to the puncture site to prevent painful
extravasation of blood into subcutaneous tissues. Ask the adult patient to hold a dry cotton firmly over
the puncture site until bleeding stops.
13. After bleeding has stopped, you may apply a small adhesive bandage to the puncture site.
14. Do aftercare of equipment and discard used disposable items appropriately. DO NOT recap the used
lancet; discard it in the sharps container.
15. Do appropriate documentation and referral of results. A value of less than 60 mg/dL suggests
hypoglycemia and a value greater than 120 mg/dL suggests hyperglycemia.
16. For SMBG, instruct client to record CBG results on a logbook for future reference [see illustration below].
17. Most blood glucose meters also have an enclosed logbook or blood sugar diary for recording results [see
a sample logbook recording below]. Diabetes management software & online logbook software are also available
*on the insulin column in the example above, the number refers to the amount of insulin taken by the client in units; the h means
Humulin-R &; the L means Lente insulin
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VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 112 Skills Lab)
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VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 112 Skills Lab)
5
Eye Irrigation
Video Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjrCiRMW4Zo
Materials:
• A large syringe or a small receptacle with a pouring spout, such as a feeding cup with
Irrigating fluid, which is normal saline or clean water at room temperature.
• Towel or gauze swabs or cotton balls.
• A bowl or kidney basin.
1. Before beginning this procedure, always perform the following steps to ensure patient
safety.
2. I will make sure that I have read the doctor’s order.
3. I will wash my hands.
4. Ensure patient privacy.
5. I will then introduce myself use two patient identifiers to identify the patient.
6. And then, I will explain to the patient the procedure. Eye irrigation is used to clean the
eyes using normal saline solution.
7. I will also ask the patient if he/she has any allergies
8. I will then raise the patient’s bed as necessary, to a comfortable position for this
procedure.
1. I will double check the medication if I am using the correct solution, check the
medication expiration date and use the 6 rights of medication. These 6 rights include the
right patient, medication, dose, time, route and documentation and do the third check
of the medication at the bedside.
9. I will then position the patient in a supine if lying down, if standing up tilt the patient's
head slightly backward and provide support in patient's head.
10. Drape patient
11. I will perform hand hygiene and wear gloves.
12. Tilt patient's head slightly to the side to be irrigated.
13. Place the kidney basin beside the patient’s face, if patient can hold it then I will ask the
patient support the basin.
14. Assess eyes if there is drainage of sometype, if there is, I can use a wet cotton ball to
clean it from inner to outer canthus.
15. Fill bulb syringe. Hold the upper lid and lower lid apart.
16. Syringe is place a half an inch above the eye and aim it in the lower conjunctival sac. Aim
it from inner to outer. Be careful not to touch patient's eyes as this might bring injury or
spread infection. Then instill solution
17. When all done, I will get a dry cotton ball and wipe it from inner to outer canthus.
18. I will then get the drape, remove my gloves, and perform hand hygiene
19. I will then position the patient comfortably and raise side rails.
20. I will then thank the patient for his/her coordination.
21. I will then discard or store the materials.
22. I will then document as per agency policy, including the date, time, dose, route;
assessment of the eye before and after the irrigation, how much irrigation we used and
with what, how patient tolerated it, and the assessment after irrigation, did the patient
suffer other effects such as the eye being red, irritated, or other responses.
2. Before beginning this procedure, always perform the following steps to ensure patient
safety.
3. I will make sure that I have read the doctor’s order.
4. I will wash my hands.
5. Ensure patient privacy.
6. I will then introduce myself use two patient identifiers to identify the patient.
7. And then, I will explain to the patient the procedure, which is to apply drop by
drop administration of medication for eye drops.
8. I will then ask if patient if he/she has any allergies
9. I will also check the medication expiration date and use the 6 rights of medication.
These 6 rights include the right patient, medication, dose, time, route and
documentation and do the third check of the medication at the bedside.
10. I will then raise the bed as necessary.
11. I will then wear don gloves.
12. I will also assess his/her eye for any redness, or drainage.
13. If there is any, I will wash from the inner canthus to outer. I will do this by cleansing the
eyelids and lashes with cotton balls or warm washcloth moistened or soaked with
normal saline or water. Use each cotton ball or one side of the washcloth for only one
stroke, moving from the inner to the outer canthus of the eye).
14. Dry eyes using another cotton ball or cloth
15. In instilling the eyedrops, I will once again perform hand hygiene and apply gloves.
16. I will then ask the patient to look up.
17. With my nondominant hand, I will hold a clean tissue in the cheek bone below the lower
eyelid. I will press down using my thumb or forefinger then to press down against the
bony orbit to expose the conjunctival sac. I will remember to never press down directly
in the eyeball.
18. I will place my dominant hand in the patients forehead.
19. Holding the tip of the container 1-2 cm or 1/2 inch above the conjunctival sac, I will
instill the number of eyedrops. If ever the patient blinks or closes his eyes, and if the
eyedrops land in the outer margin of the eyelid, I will repeat the installation. When
using eyedrops that may have systemic effects, I will use a tissue to apply pressure to
the nasal lacrimal duct for 30-60 secs/eye. Again, I will remember to avoid putting
pressure in the eyeball.
20. Ask the patient to close his eyes gently and briefly.
21. Wipe excess to prevent possible skin irritation.
22. I will then thank the patient for his/her coordination.
23. Discard or store materials
24. I will then document as per agency policy, including the date, time, dose, route; which
eye the medication was instilled into; and patient’s response to procedure.
Ear Irrigation
Video Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBtNcgoqND4
Materials:
*You may have an actual patient or a substitute i.e. pillows for demonstration Bed
• Asepto or bulb syringe with Irrigating fluid (normal saline or clean water at room
temperature).
• Towel or gauze swabs or cotton balls
• A bowl or kidney basin.
1. Before beginning this procedure, always perform the following steps to ensure patient
safety.
2. I will make sure that I have read the doctor’s order.
3. I will wash my hands.
4. Ensure patient privacy.
5. I will then introduce myself use two patient identifiers to identify the patient.
6. And then, I will explain to the patient the procedure, which is to remove earwax that is
obstructing the ear canal or to remove a foreign object lodged in the ear canal, to
cleanse the canal of discharge, to soften and remove impacted cerumen, or to dislodge
a foreign object.
7. I will then ask if patient if he/she has any allergies
8. I will double check the medication if I am using the correct medication, check the
medication expiration date and use the 6 rights of medication. These 6 rights include the
right patient, medication, dose, time, route and documentation and do the third check
of the medication at the bedside.
9. I will perform hand hygiene and wear clean gloves.
10. I will then position the client in a sitting position, and ask him/her to hold the basin
under her ear.
11. I will fill the bulb syringe with solution.
12. Straightening the auditory canal by pulling the pinna down and back for an infant and up
and back for an adult
13. Direct a steady, slow stream of solution against the roof of the auditory canal, using only
sufficient force to remove secretions. Do not occlude the auditory canal with the
irrigating nozzle. Allow solution to flow out unimpeded.
14. Ask client if temperature is also warm? Solution directed at the roof of the canal aids in
preventing injury to the tympanic membrane. Continuous in-and-out flow of the
irrigating solution helps prevent pressure in the canal
15. When the irrigation is completed, place a cotton ball loosely in the auditory meatus and
have the client lie on the side of the affected ear on a towel or an absorbent pad. The
cotton ball absorbs excess fluid. Gravity allows the remaining solution in the canal to
escape from the ear.
16. Discard equipment in appropriate area.
17. Wash your hands.
18. I will then document as per agency policy, including the date, time, dose, route; what
type of irrigation and which ear was irrigated, if left, right or both, assessment of the ear
before and after the application, and if the patient suffered from other responses. I will
also note volume and type of solution and the appearance of the return flow.
1. Before beginning this procedure, always perform the following steps to ensure patient
safety.
2. I will make sure that I have read the doctor’s order.
3. I will wash my hands.
4. Ensure patient privacy.
5. I will then introduce myself use two patient identifiers to identify the patient.
6. And then, I will explain to the patient the procedure, which is to apply drop by
drop administration of medication for the ears.
7. I will then ask if patient if he/she has any allergies
8. I will double check the medication if I am using the correct medication, check the
medication expiration date and use the 6 rights of medication. These 6 rights include the
right patient, medication, dose, time, route and documentation and do the third check
of the medication at the bedside.
9. I will perform hand hygiene and wear clean gloves.
10. Unless contraindicated, I will position the client to the side that is unaffected, exposing
the affected ear.
11. For patients older than 3, gently pull the pinna up and back to straighten the ear canal.
For children below 3, pull the gently pull the pinna down and back
12. If the external canal is occluded by cerumen or drainage, I will gently remove it with a
cotton tip applicator. Taking care not to push down further the cerumen into the canal
13. Hold the dripper 1 cm into the canal or 1/2 inch above ear canal. Do not touch dropper
tip to ear. Touching the ear with the dropper tip will contaminate the dropper and the
medication.
14. And instill how many drops as prescribed.
15. Instruct patient to stay in the unaffected side by a few minutes.
16. Gently apply pressure to tragus of the ear for a few seconds, this help move medication
toward the tympanic ear.
17. If ordered, a cotton ball may be placed loosely in the ear canal. Cotton ball helps
prevent medication from escaping or leaking out from ear.
18. Remove gloves and assist patient to a comfortable and safe position.
19. If using a cotton ball, remember to return for 15 minutes to discard it.
20. Hand hygiene
21. Aftercare instructions: encourage patient to demonstrate self-administration and
provide any reinforcements.
22. I will then document as per agency policy, including the date, time, dose, route; what
medication was used, in what ear if left, right or both, assessment of the ear before and
after the application, and if the patient suffered from other responses.
Crutch Walking
SUMMARY / IMPORTANT:
Definition: Crutches are artificial supports and assists patients who need aid in walking
because of disease, injury, or a birth defect.
Purposes
> To assist client who cannot bear any weight on one leg.
> To assist client who have full weight bearing on both legs.
> Prevent injury to client who has difficulty in ambulation.
Parts
1. Rest Pad - for the axilla of the patient
2. Handle
3. Rubber Tips - to make sure the patient will not slip or slide
Proper Fit
Before a patient uses crutches for the first time, each crutch must be adjusted to the patient’s
height. Each crutch can be adjusted at the top and bottom. Below are some key concepts to
help you tell if the crutches fit your patient properly.
CRUTCH WALKING
1. Inform the client you will be teaching crutch ambulation.
Rationale: Reduces anxiety. Helps increase comprehension and cooperation, promotes
client independence.
2. Assess the client for strength, mobility, ROM, visual acuity, perceptual difficulties
and balance. Note: nurse and therapist often collaborate on this assessment.
Rationale: Helps determine the clients capabilities and amount of assistance required.
2. Four-Point Gait
1. The 4-point gait) is used when the patient can bear some weight on both lower
extremities. this type of gait is similar to the two-point gait BUT the crutch and leg
move SEPARATELY rather than at the same time. Place the patient in the tripod
position and instruct him to do the following.
1. Move the right crutch forward.
2. Move the left foot forward.
3. Move the left crutch forward.
4. Move the right foot forward.
5. Repeat this sequence of crutch-foot-crutch-foot for desired ambulation.
3. Two-Point Gait
1. The 2-point gait (see figure 1-10) is used when the patient can bear some weight on
both lower extremities. the patient will move the injured side’s crutch (example right
crutch) at the SAME TIME as the non-injured leg (example left leg) AND then the
patient will move the non-injured side’s crutch (example left crutch) at the SAME
TIME as the injured leg (example right leg). Place the patient in the tripod position
and instruct him to do the following.
1. Move the right leg and left crutch forward together.
2. Move the left leg and the right crutch forward together.
3. Repeat this sequence for desired ambulation.
In each crutch since there are two, you have a rest pad for your armpit/axilla, then the handles,
and the rubber tips. This is made of rubber to make sure the patient will not slip or slide when
he or she uses the crutches. Also most of the crutches are adjustable already in terms of height.
So there are ways to lengthen the height, and also adjust the handle because it can also be
move up and down.
Supposing the patient is prescribed assistive devices and per the doctor’s order, as a nurse we
will teach a client on how to walk with crutches.
1. Before teaching a patient this procedure, I will still perform the following steps to
ensure patient safety.
2. I will make sure that I have read the doctor’s order
3. I will wash my hands
4. Ensure patient privacy
5. I will then introduce myself
6. I will use two patient identifiers to identify the patient
7. And then explain the purpose to the patient, that I will be teaching him or her how to
walk with crutches.
This gait pattern is used when there's lack of coordination, poor balance and muscle weakness
in both lower extremities, as it provides slow and stable gait pattern
This is indicated for patient who cannot support their upper bodies, or they may have weaker
legs, so to support their balance they have crutches
1. It can be either right or left crutch, but let us begin with the right crutch. If the right
crutch has move, the next one will be the opposite legs so the left leg.
2. Left crutch
3. right leg
4. Then now we are back in the tripod position so, begin again.
5. Right crutch
6. Left leg
7. Left crutch
8. Right leg
9. Right crutch
10. Left leg
11. Left crutch
12. Right leg
B. TWO-POINT GAIT
> This is similar to 4-point gait but instead of 4 different steps, the opposite crutch and the
opposite leg acting together simultaneously.
The crutches and the fractured leg are one point and the uninvolved leg is the other point. The
crutches and fractured limb are advanced as one unit, and the uninvolved weight-bearing limb
is brought forward to the crutches as the second unit . this gait pattern is less stable as only two
points are in contact with floor and good balance is needed to walk with 2 points crutch gait.
This gait pattern is used when one side lower extremity (LE) is unable to bear weight (due to
fracture, amputation, joint replacement etc). It involves three points contact with the floor, the
crutches serve as one point, the involved leg as the second point, and the uninvolved leg as the
third point. Each crutch and the weight-bearing limb are advanced separately, with two of the
three points maintaining contact with the floor at any given time.
There are two types: Three Point Gait Swing To, and Three Point Gait Swing Through
> the patient should not exert or put his weight into the axilla because it may cause having
pressure ulcers into that area
> instead, the strength will be coming from the upper legs and the upper body
The patient steps past the crutches with the weight-bearing lower extremity; the gait assumes a
two-point or three-point pattern.
> crutches will move followed by both legs sliding/swinging beyond the level of the crutches
Crutches in front
Legs through or beyond the crutches
Crutches
Through
Crutches
Through
When you are going down, you want to lead with your injured side. This is because when going
down, the leg staying on the step is doing all the work. It is the one lowering you down
When going up the steps, you want to step up with your uninjured side so you can power
yourself up. This is using a "step to" approach where each foot touches each step.
After I'm done the teaching the client,, I will thank him/her for participating, do hand hygiene
and I'm going to go back to the clients record to document the activity.
Seizure Precautions
SUMMARY / IMPORTANT:
Seizure Precaution is needed to prevent any injury that may happen from seizures or
convulsions, such as falling off the bed, or worse, airway constriction
Indications:
Patients who have eclampsia
Various medical surgical cases
Procedure:
1. Perform handhygiene
2. Introduce yourself to the patient
3. Verify the identity of the patient
4. Inform the patient about what you are going to do
5. Check the following things:
• Make sure that the bed as pillow (For comfort, and to make sure that the head
is tilted)
• Make sure that the side rails are raised and add some pillows as well.
• Make sure that the bed is in the lowest position (In the event the patient falls
down, The height from the bed to the floor is not that high)
6. After preparing the bed, do not forget to prepare a few things
• Suction Machine - You should have it set already with its proper catheter
Oxygen
We will institute seizure precautions for patients who may have conditions such as in the
maternal-child nursing, for our eclampsia, for medical-surgical cases.
There are various reasons why patient have seizure, so it is best to prevent any injury that may
happen from seizure or convulsions, such as falling off the bed or worse, your airway aspiration.
1. Before beginning this procedure, always perform the following steps to ensure patient
safety.
7. And then explain to the patient that I am here for patient seizure precautions and I am here
to make sure that the environment is a safe place should any seizure occurs.
8. First, make sure the bed has a pillow, aside from the fact that it gives comfort, the pillow will
help in making sure that the head is slightly tilted, because if it’s flat, chances are that patient
may have secretions that may occlude the airway thus causing to have airway obstruction.
10. Supposedly and ideally the side rails already have an attached cushion to protect the
patient so that the patient will not be hurt by the hardness of the side rails.
11. But mostly here in our setting given that we don't have pads, so we put pillow.
12. If there are no side rails, we can place a pillow on both sides of the patient, and we can also
place the bed beside the wall so that it can be like a side rail, and we just have to put one more
pillow in the other side.
13. Next, make sure that the bed is in the lowest position. Purpose is to ensure that in an event
where a patient falls down during the seizure activity, the height from the bed to the floor is
not that high, minimizing the chances of acquiring injuries. Second, it is also useful for us nurses
when we are working because we don't have to bend to much or reach out too much when
taking care of them in seizure activities.
14. So apart from preparing the bed, we should prepare several things.
a. Suction machine, we should set it already with its proper catheter in place. This is needed for
when after the patient has a seizure, to remove any secretions.
b. Oxygen machine
A single seizure can have many causes, such as a high fever, lack of oxygen, poisoning, trauma,
a tumor, infection, or after brain surgery. Most seizures are controlled with medication.
11. In the event of seizure, we should take note what time it happened, how long, and what
time it ended, and of course the interventions we have done.
12. Make sure that there aren’t any sharp or hard objects in the patient’s place.
13. Ensure that airway is open by placing the patient in a side lying position.
14. Make sure to secure the head and back to prevent injuries.
15. And make sure is clothing is loosen, or not too fit or constricted.
16. If necessary, insert an oral airway and use suction to remove secretions. In event the need
of suctioning, you can do it already, whether it is oral and nasogastric if there is a need but
most of the time the oral suctioning will suffice.
17. After the seizure, assess him for respirations and a pulse. If they're present and he's
unresponsive, turn him onto his side to help keep his airway patent.
19. And there is also a practice in the earlier days, that we use spoon or tongue depressor, this
is not anymore applicable this time.
20. If the patient has a prescription or standing order of diazepam ,we can already use it during
this time, take note that diazepam is not mostly given during seizure activities, but it is a way to
insure that the airway is open and patent.
PATIENT EDUCATION
Treatment of Seizures
Medicine can control most seizures. The right medicine at the right dose prevents seizures in
most people and lets them lead normal lives. The patient’s health care provider will prescribe
medicine based on his/her age and health history, how often he/she has seizures, and how
severe they are. The medicines might make him/her feel tired or dizzy and cause vision
problems at first.
To prevent seizures, encourage the patient to take his/her antiseizure medicine as directed and
never stop taking it abruptly. Get enough sleep, avoid alcohol, and learn relaxation techniques.
Don't play computer or electronic games for long periods because the flickering lights could
trigger a seizure. Avoid swimming or cooking alone, climbing to high places, or bathing in a
bathtub; a seizure during these activities would be very dangerous.
He/she may have an aura or another type of warning that he/she is going to have a seizure. If
so, immediately lie down in a safe place. Tell the patient to call his/her health care provider
after the seizure ends.
VELEZ COLLEGE COLLEGE OF NURSING (Nursing Care Management 103 Skills Lab)
Urinary Catheterization
bladder via his or her urethra to allow urine to drain freely among other purposes.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the module, the student will be able to:
1. Give the indications of urinary catheterization.
2. Discuss the types of urinary catheterization.
3. Describe urinary catheter & closed drainage system maintenance and care.
4. Describe how a catheterized urine specimen is obtained.
5. Perform indwelling catheter insertion on a male & female patient.
6. Perform indwelling catheter removal.
7. Perform condom catheter application.
8. Apply the principles of asepsis and infection control throughout the procedure.
9. Explain rationale for each step of the procedure.
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catheterization involves the use of a straight plastic or rubber catheter
that is inserted into the urethra every 3 hours or more to empty the bladder. Once the bladder is empty,
the catheter is removed.
catheterization makes use of a latex or rubber catheter (condom catheter or also known
as Texas catheter) that fits over the penis and connects to a drainage bag.
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Nursing Skills to Develop in this Module & Materials/Equipment Needed: [materials/items with an asterisk
(*) are the materials the students should bring during skills laboratory period]
Procedure Guidelines:
A. Indwelling Catheter Insertion (male & female):
1. Assess if patient has allergy to povidone-iodine solution. If positive, use another antiseptic solution.
2. Check the order on the patient's chart to determine if a catheter size or type has been specified.
3. Perform hand hygiene.
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17. Have coworker partially open package of sterile indwelling or Foley bag catheter. Grasp catheter and
remove it from its package using aseptic technique.
18. Inflate the indwelling catheter balloon with sterile water to inspect it for leaks. To do this, attach the
sterile water-filled syringe to the luer-lock (you will need the needle on the syringe if catheter inflation
port is not luer-lock), then push the plunger and check for seepage as the balloon expands. Aspirate
the sterile water to deflate the balloon. Also inspect the catheter for resiliency. Rough, cracked
catheters can injure the urethral mucosa during insertion, which can predispose the patient to
infection. Always make sure not to contaminate the catheter.
19. After checking, place sterile water-filled syringe on paper enclosure of sterile gloves (which will now
be called your sterile field). The catheter should still be on your gloved hand.
20. Have coworker partially open the drainage collection bag or closed drainage unit. Grasp entire unit
and remove it from its package. Secure tubing of the bag to the drainage port of the indwelling
catheter. Make sure all tubing ends remain sterile. Also make sure the clamp at the emptying port of
the drainage bag is closed to prevent urine leakage from the bag.
21. Have coworker hold the bag of the closed drainage unit (which is considered not sterile), as you hold
the catheter (now with tubing of closed drainage unit attached).
22. With your dominant gloved hand, coil the catheter (not including the tubing of the closed drainage
unit) around your fingers. Have coworker open the packet of water-soluble lubricant and drop it on
nondominant gloved hand making sure not to contaminate glove. Still holding the coiled catheter with
your dominant hand, coat its tip with the lubricant.
23. For the female patient, separate the labia majora and labia minora as widely as possible with the
thumb, middle, and index fingers of your nondominant hand (part of the gloved hand touching the
labia is now considered not sterile) so you have a full view of the urinary meatus. [see illustration
below]
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24. For the male patient, hold the penis with your nondominant hand. If he's uncircumcised, retract the
foreskin. Then gently lift and stretch the penis to a 60- to 90-degree angle. Hold the penis this way
throughout the procedure to straighten the urethra [see illustration below].
25. Prepare to insert the lubricated catheter tip into the urinary meatus. To facilitate insertion by relaxing
the sphincter, ask the patient to cough as you insert the catheter. Tell him to breathe deeply and slowly
to further relax the sphincter and spasms. Hold the catheter close to its tip to ease insertion and control
its direction.
26. NURSING ALERT: NEVER force a catheter during insertion. Maneuver it gently as the patient bears down
or coughs. If you still meet resistance, stop and notify the physician. Sphincter spasms, strictures,
misplacement in the vagina (in females), or an enlarged prostate (in males) may cause resistance.
27. For the female patient, advance the catheter 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) while continuing to hold the
labia apart until urine begins to flow [see illustration below]. If the catheter is inadvertently inserted into
the vagina, leave it there as a landmark. Then begin the procedure over again using new supplies.
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28. For the male patient, advance the catheter to the bifurcation and check for urine flow [see illustration
below]. If the foreskin was retracted, replace it to prevent compromised circulation and painful swelling.
29. When urine stops flowing, attach the saline-filled syringe to the luer-lock.
30. Push the plunger and inflate the balloon to keep the catheter in place in the bladder [see illustration
below].
31. NURSING ALERT: NEVER inflate a balloon without first establishing urine flow, which assures you that
the catheter is in the bladder.
32. Hang the collection bag below bladder level to prevent urine reflux into the bladder, which can cause
infection, and to facilitate gravity drainage of the bladder. Make sure the tubing doesn't get tangled in
the bed's side rails.
33. Tape the catheter to the female patient's inner thigh to prevent possible tension on the urogenital
trigone [see illustration below].
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34. Secure the indwelling catheter to the male patient's abdomen or upper outer thigh [see illustration
below]. Properly securing the catheter prevents catheter movement and traction on the urethra.
Securement to the abdomen in males may prevent pressure on the scrotal-penile junction.
12. Position the rolled condom at the distal portion of the penis and unroll it, covering the penis and
double-sided strip of adhesive. Leave a 1- to 2-inch space between the tip of the penis and the end of
the condom.
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15. Determine that the condom and tubing are NOT twisted.
16. Cover the client.
17. Dispose of the used equipment in appropriate receptacle and wash hands.
18. comfortable or appropriate
position.
19. every 4 hours. Remove gloves and
wash hands after procedure.
20. Remove the condom once a day to clean the area and assess the skin for signs of impaired skin
integrity.
Special Considerations:
Erection may occur as a normal physical response during the catheterization. This can be an embarrassing
moment for the male client. Deal with the situation professionally. Withhold the procedure and leave the
room; come back in 10 to 15 minutes to finish the procedure.
If the area for taping to secure the indwelling catheter is hairy, prepare and shave the area to prevent any
tion, and
possible erection during sleep.
DO NOT reattach a condom catheter if it falls off. It will not stick any better the second try. Start over with
a new strip and catheter.
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