EMERGENCY INTERVENTIONS If generalized pallor suddenly develops, quickly look for signs of shock, such as tachycardia, hypotension, oliguria, and a decreased level of consciousness (LOC). Prepare to rapidly infuse fluids…
EMERGENCY INTERVENTIONS If the patient displays abdominal distention, quickly check for signs of hypovolemia, such as pallor, diaphoresis, hypotension, a rapid thready pulse, rapid shallow breathing, decreased urine output, and…
EXAMINATION TIP How to Elicit Babinski’s Reflex To elicit Babinski’s reflex, stroke the lateral aspect of the sole of the patient’s foot with your thumbnail or another moderately sharp object….
Rupture of the appendix causes sudden cessation of pain. Then, signs and symptoms of peritonitis develop, such as severe abdominal pain, pallor, hypoactive or absent bowel sounds, diaphoresis, and a…
EMERGENCY INTERVENTIONS If you detect carpopedal spasm, quickly examine the patient for signs of respiratory distress (laryngospasm, stridor, loud crowing noises, cyanosis) or cardiac arrhythmias, which indicate hypocalcemia. Obtain blood…
EMERGENCY INTERVENTIONS Your first priority is to ensure a patent airway. Insert an artificial airway, and institute measures to prevent aspiration. (Don’t disrupt spinal alignment if you suspect spinal cord…
Chronic angle-closure glaucoma is usually asymptomatic until pain and blindness occur in advanced disease. Sometimes, halos and blurred vision develop slowly.With chronic open-angle glaucoma, halo vision is a late symptom…
Special Considerations For the patient with a disorder involving the fovea centralis (or the area surrounding it), teach him to periodically use the Amsler grid to detect progression of macular…
EXAMINATION TIP Using an Otoscope Correctly When the patient reports an earache, use an otoscope to inspect ear structures closely. Follow these techniques to obtain the best view and ensure…
To prevent further tearing of the mucous membranes and infection, never suction or pass a nasogastric tube through the patient’s nose. Observe the patient for signs and symptoms of meningitis,…
