Category Archives: Uncategorized

An intramuscular injection deposits medication into well-perfused muscle tissue. The vascularity of muscle aids the rapid absorption of the medication into the systemic circulation. Intramuscular injections are used to deliver medications that would otherwise be absorbed too slowly or made ineffective if taken orally; when intravenous access is difficult; or if other routes are contraindicated. […]

A urethral catheter is a flexible plastic or latex tube which is inserted into the bladder via the urethra to drain urine, or instill medications into the bladder. When selecting the type of catheter, do so considering the reason for insertion, and the intended duration required. Aim to use the smallest size which will allow […]

Managing an ECG Monitor involves setting up a continuous recording of the electrical activity of the heart, ensuring the recorder is functioning correctly, and interpreting the tracing. An electrocardiography monitor, or cardiac monitor, can be used to observe cardiac rhythm. It displays a single lead trace on a screen, in real time. ECG monitoring should […]

Patients have a fundamental legal and ethical right to determine what happens to their bodies. Consent must be taken before performing any examination, procedure or treatment on a patient who has capacity. If consent is not taken, the examination or procedure can be viewed as battery and is liable to prosecution. Taking consent negates the […]

Administering a blood transfusion is the process of giving blood, or components of blood, into the vein of a patient. When undertaking this procedure, it is essential to ensure that the right component is given to the right patient, at the right time, and for the right reason. The procedure can only be performed by […]

The pulse rate is a peripheral measure of the heart rate. It can be measured using manual techniques or automatic electronic devices. The pulse rate is a simple measurement that clinicians can use to assess patients’ physiological status. Serial measurements are useful in monitoring patients, and identifying changes in a patient’s condition. Examples of electronic […]

The pulse rate is a peripheral measure of the heart rate. It can be measured using manual techniques or automatic electronic devices. The pulse rate is a simple measurement that clinicians can use to assess patients’ physiological status. Serial measurements are useful in monitoring patients, and identifying changes in a patient’s condition. Examples of electronic […]

An arterial blood gas is performed to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, as well as the acid-base balance in the arterial circulation. The radial artery site is commonly used to obtain a sample, as it is superficial and easily accessible. The accurate determination of blood gas and acid base status is an extremely important […]

Measuring blood glucose involves using a hand held device, a blood glucose meter, to instantly measure the glucose level in a drop of capillary blood. This is usually taken from the patient’s finger tip.

This episode looks at the procedure of Intravenous Cannulation. A cannula is a flexible plastic tube, which is inserted into a vein to allow medication and or fluid to be administered intravenously. When choosing the cannula size, you must take into account the intended use for the cannula and the accessibility of the patient’s veins. […]