Healthy Notes

  Ambu (Bag-Valve-Mask)  What is an Ambu bag (BVM)? A Bag-Valve-Mask device is a handheld self-inflating bag attached to a face mask (and optionally an oxygen reservoir) that provides positive pressure ventilation to a patient who is apnoeic or hypoventilating. It's a lifesaving, first-line tool in resuscitation, emergency rooms, wards and prehospital care. Why learn the Ambu bag well? It’s used in cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, during induction for airway control, and while awaiting definitive airway placement. Mistakes (too fast, too big breaths, poor seal) cause hypoxia, gastric insufflation, aspiration, or lung injury. Mastery improves patient outcomes and exam confidence. Core components (visual checklist) Self-inflating bag (varied sizes: adult/child/infant) One-way valve / non-rebreathing valve Mask (anatomical masks in several sizes) Oxygen reservoir and inlet (for high FiO₂) PEEP valve (optional; helps oxygenation) Pressu...

Nebulizers 🌬️  ✨ Introduction Nebulizers are medical devices that convert liquid medication into a fine mist (aerosol), which patients inhale directly into their lungs. They are commonly used in treating respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD, bronchitis, and cystic fibrosis . Unlike inhalers, nebulizers are especially helpful for: Children 👶 Elderly patients 👴 Patients unable to coordinate breathing with an inhaler 🔹 What is a Nebulizer? A nebulizer is a drug delivery system that changes liquid medicine → inhalable mist using compressed air, ultrasonic waves, or vibrating mesh . Key point: Direct drug delivery to the respiratory tract ensures faster action with less systemic side effects . 🛠️ Types of Nebulizers 1. Jet Nebulizer (Pneumatic Nebulizer) Works by compressed air or oxygen flow. Produces a fine mist by forcing air through a narrow tube. ✅ Advantage: Cheap, effective. ❌ Disadvantage: Noisy, bulky. 2. Ultrasonic Nebulizer ...

🩺 Pain Level Assessment Pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek medical help. Assessing pain correctly is essential for diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring . Since pain is a subjective experience , healthcare providers must rely on patient feedback, observation, and standardized tools to measure it. 🔍 Why is Pain Assessment Important? Pain assessment is not just about asking “How much does it hurt?” — it’s about understanding: Intensity (mild, moderate, severe) Type (sharp, dull, burning, throbbing) Location Impact on daily life Importance: Guides treatment decisions Helps monitor progress Improves patient communication Provides documentation for legal and medical records 🧠 Understanding Pain Before we assess, we must understand what pain is. Definition (IASP – International Association for the Study of Pain): "Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associa...

50 Emergency Drugs  In emergency medicine, certain drugs are life-saving and must be given quickly and correctly. Every healthcare worker — especially in the ER, ICU, and ambulance services — should know these medicines, their uses, and precautions. This article lists 50 important emergency drugs , their uses , and simple explanations . 1. Adrenaline (Epinephrine) Use: Cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), severe asthma. Explanation: Stimulates heart activity, increases blood pressure, relaxes airway muscles. 2. Atropine Use: Bradycardia (slow heart rate), organophosphate poisoning. Explanation: Blocks parasympathetic activity, increases heart rate. 3. Amiodarone Use: Life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation. Explanation: Controls irregular heart rhythms. 4. Dopamine Use: Shock, heart failure, low blood pressure. Explanation: Improves heart pumping and blood flow to organs. 5. Dobutamine Use...

Nursing Ethics and Professionalism  Nursing is not just about giving medicines or checking vitals — it’s about caring for people with compassion, respect, and honesty . To ensure patients get safe and fair care, nurses must follow Ethics and maintain Professionalism in their work. In this article, we will explain: What Nursing Ethics means Principles of Nursing Ethics What Professionalism in nursing means How ethics and professionalism are applied in daily nursing practice 1. What is Nursing Ethics? Nursing ethics refers to the moral principles that guide nurses in making decisions and providing care. It helps nurses choose right over wrong and ensures patients are treated with dignity. In simple words: It’s the set of rules and values that guide how nurses behave with patients, families, and other healthcare workers. 2. Why Nursing Ethics is Important Protects patients’ rights – ensures fairness, respect, and confidentiality. Builds trust ...

Trauma Care – A Complete Guide in Simple Language Trauma is a major public health concern worldwide and is one of the leading causes of death and disability. In simple words, trauma means an injury or damage to the body caused by an external force — like accidents, falls, burns, violence, or natural disasters. Trauma Care refers to the emergency medical services and treatment given to a person who has suffered such an injury. In this article, we will explain what trauma care is, its importance, steps involved, and key points to remember in a clear and simple way. 1. What is Trauma? Trauma can be: Physical Trauma – Injury to the body (bones, muscles, organs, skin). Psychological Trauma – Emotional or mental injury caused by shocking events. Combination – Both physical and mental effects. Examples of Physical Trauma: Road traffic accidents Industrial accidents Burns and blast injuries Gunshot or stab wounds Sports injuries Falls from height ...