Medical-surgical Nursing Demystified

(Sean Pound) #1

(^466) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified



  • Temporal wasting, visible ribs, and other bony prominences due to lack of
    body fat

  • Cardiovascular abnormalities due to electrolyte disturbance

  • Gastrointestinal abnormalities due to nutritional deficiency

  • Dizziness due to lack of calorie intake

  • Bradycardia (heart rate below 60 beats per minute)

  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)


INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS



  • CBC—may see anemia of chronic disease if iron, B 12 and folate levels are
    not sufficient to keep up with RBC production.

  • Electrolytes—abnormalities of Na (sodium), K (potassium), Cl (chloride),
    and CO 2 (carbon dioxide).

  • Calcium—abnormality as stores are depleted and intake is insufficient.

  • Magnesium—abnormality as stores are depleted and intake is insufficient.

  • Phosphorus—abnormality as stores are depleted and intake is insufficient.

  • BUN (blood urea nitrogen) elevated if fluid depleted.

  • TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to rule out thyroid dysfunction as cause
    of weight loss.

  • FHS and LH to monitor hormone function to stimulate ovulation.

  • Elevated amylase and normal lipase if vomiting.

  • EKG shows abnormal heart rhythm.


TREATMENT



  • Psychotherapy:

    • Interpersonal therapy.



  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy.

  • Family therapy.

  • Antidepressant medications—selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

  • Medical management of electrolyte imbalance—replacement as needed.

Free download pdf