Fast Facts for the Medical- Surgical Nurse [electronic resource] : Clinical Orientation in a Nutshell.

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Cover; Title Page; Copyright Page; Contents; Preface; Share Fast Facts for the Medical-Surgical Nurce; Part I: Overview of the Medical-Surgical Nursing Orientation; 1. Orientation: Welcome to Your New Role as a Medical-Surgical Nurse; "A Good Nurse Knows What She Does Not Know"; Medical-Surgical Nursing; Orientation Tips; A Preceptor Checklist; Finding a Mentor; Taking Responsibility for Your Orientation; 2. Patient Safety: From Preventing Adverse Drug Events to Infection Control; The Partnership for Patients; ADEs and How to Prevent Them; The Rights of Medication Administration

Medication ReconciliationHigh-Alert Medications; Unit Safety; Infection Control; 3. Nursing Assessment Basics: Focused Assessment and the PQRST System; Initial Assessment; A Focused Assessment; The PQRST System; Assessment Tips for the Beginning of Your Shift; Communication Among Health Care Professionals; Phone Skills; Part II: Common Medical-Surgical Conditions and Emergencies; 4. Neurological Deficits in the Medical-Surgical Patient: Altered Mental Status Can Occur in Any Patient; Neurological Assessment Background; A Focused Neurological Assessment

Common Neurological Disorders Seen on the Medical-Surgical Unit5. Assessment Skills to Differentiate Signs and Symptoms of a Cardiac Event From Other Possible Conditions; Cardiac Assessment Background; A Focused Cardiac Assessment; Common Cardiovascular Disorders Seen on the Medical-Surgical Unit; 6. Common Respiratory Conditions and Emergencies; Respiratory Assessment Background; A Focused Respiratory Assessment; Common Respiratory Disorders Seen on the Medical-Surgical Unit; Methods of Oxygen Delivery; 7. The Treatment of Common Gastrointestinal Conditions

Gastrointestinal Assessment BackgroundA Focused Gastrointestinal Assessment; Common Gastrointestinal Conditions Seen on the Medical-Surgical Unit; NGT User Hints; Care of Patients with NGTs; 8. Promoting Safety and Preventing Infection in Patients With Genitourinary Alterations; Genitourinary Assessment Background; A Focused Genitourinary Assessment; Risk Factors for Genitourinary Disorders; Common Genitourinary Disorders Seen on the Medical-Surgical Unit; Prevention of Catheter-Associated UTI; 9. Promoting Healing, Preventing Altered Skin Integrity, and Preventing Wound Infection

Integumentary Assessment BackgroundA Focused Integumentary Assessment; Common Integumentary Disorders Seen on the Medical-Surgical Unit; 10. Prevention and Treatment of Hip Fracture Along With Orthopedic Surgery Postoperative Care Tips; Musculoskeletal Assessment Background; A Focused Musculoskeletal Assessment; Common Musculoskeletal Conditions Seen on the Medical-Surgical Unit; 11. Commonly Seen Endocrine Disorders and Care Tips; Endocrine System Assessment Background; A Focused Endocrine System Assessment; Common Endocrine System Conditions Seen on the Medical-Surgical Unit

Part III: Must-Have Resources for the Medical-Surgical Nurse

Written for registered nurses in orientation, this concise, user-friendly resource provides a complete picture of all components of excellent patient care on a busy medical-surgical nursing unit. It covers assessment, key clinical skills/procedures, and documentation of care in an easily digestible, bulleted format. Time-tested guidance about new nurse orientation to professional practice includes "proven pearls for success." Content is current and evidence-based, and reinforces previously mastered skills in "key points to remember" sections. The theme of "the big picture" of patient care is a consistent thread throughout. Clinical chapters-organized by body system for easy reference--present common conditions seen in medical-surgical nursing and unit emergencies, along with focused assessments, lab work overview, related procedures and skills, a documentation guide, and common medications including those for pain management. Chapters also cover pre-operative and post-operative care for all conditions. Several "must-have sections" include an orientation guide describing what new nurses can expect as they embrace their new role. This section addresses co-workers and supervisors, finding a mentor, hourly rounding, HIPAA reminders, and telephone skills/customer relations. Another section is devoted to all aspects of infection control, and an appendix provides a wealth of resources and supporting information of particular value to the new nurse. Key Features: Provides concise, user-friendly, evidence-based guidance about the "whole picture" of nursing on a medical-surgical or sub-acute unit Presents a unique orientation section offering "proven pearls for success" Contains focused assessment guides, skills overview, documentation tips, and medications for common medical-surgical conditions and emergencies Addresses pre- and post-operative care and pain control Covers important protocols regarding infection control.