Nursing Review Questions #1

This week's question :
Q : The doctor orders a medication for which the patient is allergic. The nurse places a call to the physician, but the call is not returned before the first dose is due. Which of the following is the appropriate next step the nurse should take in this situation?

1. Notify the nursing supervisor of the situation.                                     
2. Give the medication as ordered by the doctor.                                       
3. Hold the medication and wait to speak to the physician.                                        
4. Call the pharmacist and discuss the patient’s allergies.                    

Answer: 1

Rationale: The nurse should notify the supervisor of the situation. The patient should not be disadvantaged by the fact that he or she is not receiving medication that is needed. The physician has not returned the nurse’s telephone call, and the supervisor needs to assist and support the nurse. Failing to give the medication or giving a medication to which the patient is allergic would be a medication error. By notifying the supervisor, the nurse will be supported in the decision not to administer the medication.

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers in the world...

8 Foods that Fight Stress

8 Foods that Fight Stress

Chow down on eats that tame hunger and reduce anxiety

Eat It to Beat It

We all know that tension can wreak havoc on our eating patterns. But the right (healthy!) foods can often help tame mindless munching and cravings and, better yet, actually lower overall anxiety and its symptoms. Eight of our favorites:

Dark Chocolate

High in flavonoids, which are lauded for their relaxing properties (chamomiletea is another great source), chocolate also contains phenethylamine, a chemical that enhances your mood. The darker the chocolate, the more healthy substances you're getting in your diet, so look for bars that are 70 percent cacao or higher.

Skim Milk

Turns out that a glass of warm milk really is calming. One study found that women who drank four or more servings of lowfat or skim milk every day were about half as likely to experience stress-related PMS symptoms than those who drank less than one serving a week.

 Oatmeal

Carbs help you produce serotonin, a calming hormone that helps fight anxiety's negative effects-which is probably why many of us crave them when we're stressed. Go with the craving and choose healthy sources. Oatmeal is high in fiber, which means that your body will absorb it slowly. In one fell swoop, you'll prolong the serotonin boost, keeping yourself feeling full for longer (and on less) and making sure your blood sugar's in check.

Salmon

Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids-abundant in fish like salmon-can help reverse stress symptoms by boosting serotonin levels, and that an omega-3-rich diet can also help suppress the production of the anxiety hormones cortisol and adrenaline.

Walnuts

They've been shown to help lower blood pressure, which is critical for those whose hearts are already working overtime thanks to high adrenaline levels. In fact, research so strongly backs their health benefits that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration goes so far as to recommend 1 1/2 oz per day.

Sunflower Seeds

A good source of folate, which helps your body produce a pleasure-inducing brain chemical called dopamine.

Spinach

Studies show that magnesium, which you'll find in leafy greens like spinach, improves your body's response to stress.

Blueberries

Their antioxidants counteract the effects of stress hormones like cortisol on your body.