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Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance is a cornerstone of medical care, as homeostasis—the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment—depends heavily on it. One of the most widely used nursing interventions that directly influences this balance is intravenous (IV) therapy. Intravenous therapy involves the direct introduction of fluids and electrolytes into a patient’s vein, a practice often necessitated by conditions such as severe dehydration, hyperemesis gravidarum, diarrhea, or post-operative recovery (Parthasarathy et al., 2021). While IV therapy is lifesaving in many situations, its improper administration, particularly the neglect of drop rate calculation, can result in severe complications, including fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance. This blog post aims to shed light on the critical importance of drop rate calculation, its current state of application in Ghana, and the urgent need for consistent adherence to this fundamental nursing practice. The Import...

Intravenous (IV) therapy is an essential component of modern healthcare, enabling the delivery of fluids, medications, and nutrients directly into a patient’s bloodstream. As common as this procedure is, one critical step that often determines its success is the act of flushing the IV line before and after medication administration. Flushing IV lines may seem like a simple process, but it is a vital part of patient care, preventing complications and ensuring the accurate delivery of medications. In this post, I’ll take a deep dive into why flushing IV lines is necessary, the risks of neglecting it, and best practices in line flushing. Why Flush an IV Line? At its core, flushing an IV line is a safety measure . The purpose of flushing is to maintain IV patency (openness) and ensure that medications are fully delivered into the bloodstream without any lingering drug remnants, blockages, or air bubbles in the line. To fully appreciate the significance of this, let’s explore some of the k...

9 minutes read The initial clinical encounter often begins with the seemingly simple act of measuring vital signs. Yet, beyond the routine collection of data lies a complex dialogue between the clinician and the patient's physiological state. Mastering the art of vital sign assessment empowers nurses and midwives to unlock crucial insights into patient health, informing clinical judgment and ultimately optimizing care. Part 1 : Unveiling the Physiological Fabric: Our exploration begins with the five cardinal signs: Body Temperature: This core thermoregulatory parameter, measured orally, axially, tympanically, or rectally, serves as an early indicator of infection, inflammation, or altered metabolic states. Age, activity level, and environmental factors can influence readings, demanding vigilance in interpretation. Remember to ensure correct probe placement and avoid taking measurements immediately after exercise or in environments with extreme temperatures. Pulse Rate: The rhyt...

Introduction: Have you ever pondered the potential ramifications when nursing and midwifery students overlook the critical step of double-checking medication doses during their clinical attachments? This discourse endeavors to illuminate the profound gravity of this issue, underscoring its severe implications for patient safety. As burgeoning healthcare professionals, nursing and midwifery students bear the responsibility of comprehending the significance of meticulous medication dose verification. Join us on this exploration as we delve into the perils associated with this lapse and delineate strategies aimed at preventing such errors. Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to the pinnacle of patient safety within our clinical practice. The Weight of Medication Errors: Medication errors are instances where planned medication usage results in harm to the patient or used contrary to professional standards. They constitute a formidable threat to patient safety, with potential life-thre...

Introduction:   In recent times, a disconcerting trend has emerged within the healthcare sector of Ghana — a noteworthy exodus of skilled nurses and midwives seeking greener pastures abroad. This mass migration raises serious concerns about the resilience of Ghana's healthcare system and the future of its nursing and midwifery fraternity. This discourse aims to explore the intricate reasons behind this migration, underscoring the pivotal need for these healthcare professionals to remain at home and spearhead the campaign for improved salaries and conditions of service.  https://citinewsroom.com/2023/09/exodus-of-nurses-due-to-poor-conditions-of-service-grnma/   The Global Nursing Exodus:   The siren call of international opportunities, promising superior financial remuneration and professional advancement, has prompted a notable surge of Ghanaian nurses and midwives seeking opportunities overseas. This global exodus has left the Ghanaian healthcare system grappling w...

  Introduction: As nursing and midwifery students and professionals, it is crucial to develop a deep understanding of medication administration to ensure patient safety and optimal therapeutic outcomes. In this post, we will delve into the correct method of diluting Rocephin, a commonly used antibiotic(Cephalosporins), to prevent the loss of a significant amount of the drug. By following these guidelines, you will be equipped with the knowledge to confidently administer Rocephin via IV push, adhering to the recommended administration time of at least 5 minutes. Understanding the Dilution Process: Rocephin(Brand Name), also known as Ceftriaxone(Generic Name), is available in various strengths. For the purpose of this post, we will focus on the 2-gram strength. To prepare the correct dilution, you will need 10 mL of normal saline (NS) for each gram of Rocephin. Step-by-Step Guide to Diluting Rocephin: 1. Before starting the dilution process, gather all the necessary supplies. ...