What is Infiltrated IV Line?

- An infiltrated IV line is one that has dislodged from the vein and is lying in subcutaneous tissue.

What is Insentive Spiromenter?

- An incentive spirometer is used to examine the health of your lungs by measuring inspiratory volume. This means that an incentive spirometer measures how well you are filling your lungs with each breath. Though typically used for people recovering from surgery or with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, an incentive spirometer is used by people who need to exercise their lungs.

*For optimal lung expansion with the incentive spirometer, the client should assume a semi-Fowler’s or high Fowler’s position. The mouthpiece should be covered completely and tightly while the client inhales slowly, with a constant flow through the unit. When maximal inspiration is reached, the client should hold her breath for 2 or 3 seconds and then exhale slowly.

How to monitor Water Seal Chamber?

- The presence of fluctuation of the fluid level in the water-seal chamber indicates a patent drainage system.

With normal breathing, the water level rises with inspiration and falls with expiration.

*Fluctuation stops if the tube is obstructed, if the suction is not working properly, or if the lung has re-expanded.

What if the Chest Drainage System is dislodge from the insertion site?

If the chest drainage system is dislodged from the insertion site;

• The nurse immediately applies sterile gauze over the site and calls the physician.
• The nurse would maintain the client in an upright position.
• A new chest tube system may be attached if the tube requires insertion, but this would not be the next action.

*Pulse oximetry readings would assist in determining the client’s respiratory status, but the priority action would be to call the physician.

What is leflunomide (Arava)?

- It is an immunomodulatory agent and has an anti-inflammatory action.

The medication provides symptomatic relief of rheumatoid arthritis. Diarrhea can occur as a side effect of the medication.

What is Lochia?

- Lochia is the uterine discharge present after birth, initially is bright red and may contain small clots.

During the first 2 hours after birth, the amount of uterine discharge should be approximately that of a heavy menstrual period. After that time, the lochial flow should steadily decrease and the color of the discharge should change to a pinkish red or reddish brown.

*This is a normal as expected occurrence.