Empowering Nurses Across The GlobeBlood Pressure Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of the arteries, which are the major blood vessels in the circulatory system. It is a critical vital sign and an essential indicator of overall cardiovascular health. Blood pressure is usually expressed with two numbers: Blood pressure is recorded as […]
Pulse pressure (PP) is the difference between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). It is an important hemodynamic parameter that can provide insights into the state of the cardiovascular system. Pulse pressure is calculated using the formula: Pulse Pressure = Systolic Blood Pressure – Diastolic Blood Pressure Pulse pressure = 120 mmHg […]
Neurological Status in the ICU In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), assessing a patient’s neurological status is crucial for monitoring brain function, detecting changes, and guiding treatment. This assessment is vital for patients with head injuries, stroke, seizures, or those under sedation and mechanical ventilation. The following are key components and methods of assessing neurological […]
Skin turgor is a clinical sign used to assess the elasticity and hydration status of the skin. It is a quick, simple, and non-invasive method to evaluate fluid balance in patients. Here’s an overview of skin turgor, including its significance, how to assess it, interpretation, and clinical implications. Significance of Skin Turgor How to Assess […]
Limb Temperature Limb temperature is an important clinical parameter used to assess peripheral circulation, vascular health, and overall perfusion status. Changes in limb temperature can indicate various physiological and pathological conditions. Here’s an overview of the significance, methods of measurement, and clinical implications of limb temperature. Significance of Limb Temperature Methods of Measuring Limb Temperature […]
Capillary refill time (CRT) is a quick and simple clinical test used to assess the circulatory status and perfusion in patients. It involves measuring the time it takes for colour to return to a capillary bed after it has been compressed and then released. This test is commonly performed in emergency and critical care settings […]
The heart’s conduction system is a network of specialised cardiac muscle cells responsible for initiating and conducting electrical impulses throughout the heart. This system ensures that the heart beats in a coordinated and efficient manner to pump blood effectively. Here is an in-depth overview of the conduction system, including its components, pathway of electrical impulses, […]
Assessing both central and peripheral pulses is crucial for evaluating a patient’s cardiovascular health. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding and assessing these pulses: Central Pulses Central pulses are closer to the heart and provide information about the heart’s direct output and major blood vessel health. Peripheral Pulses Peripheral pulses are located farther from the […]
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a graphical representation of the heart’s electrical activity. The key components of the ECG waveform are the P wave, QRS complex, ST segment, and T wave. Here’s a detailed assessment: Components of the ECG Waveform
Pulse Assessment Assessing the pulse involves evaluating the heart rate, rhythm, and quality, which provides information about cardiovascular health and hemodynamic stability.