Critical Care

In most hospitals, critical care nurses will stay in the critical care areas to take care of new patients requiring these services. These nurses have very special training, and it is important that they be available to critical patients. However, there... Full Answer

A visit to the ER wouldn’t be complete without some type of test. The basic blood tests you might encounter include:  Complete Blood Count (CBC) — they are ordered “ stat”  STAT comes from the Latin word... Full Answer

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is given through a vascular access device such as a Peripheral Intravenous line, Midline or most preferably a Central Line. The central line is the most common access for TPN administration. Central lines are intravenous... Full Answer

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is used when tradtional oral feeding methods are inappropriate or unachievable.  PN is conducted by feeding a person intravenously, which allows the body to bypass food from the digestive system. The person is receives... Full Answer

Once your baby is taking most of her feedings by nursing, she’ll be offered bottles when you’re not available to breastfeed. Babies often take both breast and bottles without a problem. Keep pumping and bringing your milk to the newborn... Full Answer

Physical therapists help restore abilities to people with health conditions or injuries affecting muscles, joints, bones, or nerves. Their expertise can be valuable if, for instance, you have suffered a lingering sprain or are recovering from a... Full Answer

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is administering all nutrition intravenously. TPN can cause thrombosis (blood clot) in the smaller peripheral veins because it is so concentrated. A central venous catheter, or intravenous (IV) port, is usually placed in... Full Answer

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN), sometimes called intravenous, or IV feeding, is a sterile IV fluid that contains all of the nutritional elements that are needed by the patient. It is intended for people who are unable to absorb nutrients from the... Full Answer

We all have to die someday, but no one likes to talk about the possibility. Yet an end-of-life discussion can help you ensure your values will be respected when that time comes, and make the process a little less painful for your loved ones. In... Full Answer

An advance directive (also known as a living will) is a document in which you announce your personal values about life, health, healthcare, dying, suffering, and quality of life. In this document you can indicate the types of treatment you want as well... Full Answer