Pneumothorax Pathochart
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55% of NURSING.com users are visual learners, and 35% stop using their textbooks altogether.
The respiratory system is one of my favorite systems to study.
Let me tell you about a couple experiences.
My first patient in the ICU as a brand new grad nurse was on a ventilator. I was pretty overwhelmed thinking about taking care of a patient on a “breathing machine”.
Obviously, I had a great preceptor that was right there with me as I took care of the patient.
Over the years I began to feel more and more comfortable with vents. This increased comfort came from studying and learning all that I could about the respiratory system and vents in general. I would sit down with RTs and ask questions . . . I would ask the provider WHY they were making specific changes to settings.
One of my favorite nurses to this day is a seasoned and experienced Progressive Care RN. She cares about patients and their well being over everything else.
On one occasion she spotted a pulmonary embolism solely on her assessment skills. Where other nurses and providers had missed the signs, she was able to put the puzzle piece together and then prompted the physician to order a V/Q scan . . . (don’t worry that’s covered in the cheatsheet).
Okay . . . with all that said, today’s cheatsheet covers Pneumothorax, an emergent respiratory condition.
