Empowering Nurses Across The GlobeDigestive System: Detailed Overview The digestive system, also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) system, is responsible for the ingestion, digestion, absorption, and excretion of food and nutrients. It comprises a series of organs and structures that work together to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste. Major Components of the Digestive System Additionally, several […]
Vasodilators are medications that dilate blood vessels, reducing vascular resistance and blood pressure. They are used to manage various cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, and angina. Types of Vasodilators 2. Calcium Channel Blockers 3. ACE Inhibitors 4. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) 5. Direct Vasodilators Detailed Overview of Vasodilators 1. Nitrates Nitrates are […]
Vasopressors are a class of medications that induce vasoconstriction, thereby increasing blood pressure. They are critical in managing various forms of shock and severe hypotension. Here is a detailed overview of different types of vasopressors, their mechanisms, uses, doses, preferred routes, maximum doses, side effects, and monitoring requirements according to UK standards. Types of Vasopressors […]
Inotropes are a class of medications that alter the force or energy of heart contractions. They are primarily used to manage certain forms of heart failure and other cardiac conditions where the heart’s pumping ability is compromised. Inotropes can be broadly classified into positive and negative inotropes based on their effects on myocardial contractility. Types […]
European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines: standard protocols for the management of cardiac arrest. The primary drugs recommended include epinephrine (adrenaline), amiodarone, lidocaine (as an alternative to amiodarone), magnesium sulfate (for torsades de pointes- is a type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia characterised by oscillatory changes in amplitude of the QRS complexes around […]
The management of cardiac arrest involves following the guidelines provided by the Resuscitation Council UK, tailored for different levels of care: Basic Life Support (BLS), Immediate Life Support (ILS), and Advanced Life Support (ALS). Below is a comprehensive overview of the recommended actions for asystole, pulseless electrical activity (PEA), ventricular tachycardia (VT), and ventricular fibrillation […]
According to the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines, the management of cardiac arrest involves identifying the cardiac rhythm to determine whether defibrillation (shock) is indicated. Rhythms are classified as either shockable or non-shockable. Shockable Rhythms 1. Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)2. Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) Non-Shockable Rhythms 1. Asystole2. Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) Shockable Rhythms 1. Ventricular […]
Pacing: An Overview Pacing is a treatment method used to manage various types of heart blocks and other cardiac arrhythmias by using a pacemaker to deliver electrical impulses to the heart. This ensures that the heart maintains an adequate rate and rhythm. Pacing can be temporary or permanent, depending on the patient’s condition. Types of […]
Both cardioversion and defibrillation are medical procedures used to correct abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). However, they are utilised in different clinical situations and employ different techniques. Cardioversion Cardioversion is used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with certain types of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter, and some types of supraventricular […]
Ectopic beats are early or extra heartbeats originating from the atria (atrial ectopic beats) or the ventricles (ventricular ectopic beats). They are common and usually benign, but frequent ectopic beats can be associated with underlying heart conditions and can lead to more significant arrhythmias. Types of Ectopic Beats Causes Diagnosis Management Prevention and Monitoring