Healthy Notes

Bladder Washing (Bladder Irrigation) – Procedure, Indications, and Nursing Care Introduction Bladder washing (also called bladder irrigation or bladder lavage ) is a medical procedure used to clean the urinary bladder by flushing it with sterile fluid. It helps remove blood clots, mucus, debris, pus, or other unwanted materials from the bladder. It is commonly performed through a Foley catheter or a three-way urinary catheter in patients with urinary retention, post-surgical bleeding, or certain bladder infections. Purpose of Bladder Washing To remove blood clots , debris, or pus from the bladder. To prevent or relieve catheter blockage . To treat or prevent infection by flushing the bladder with antiseptic or antibiotic solutions. To maintain catheter patency in patients with continuous bladder drainage. To control bleeding in post-TURP (Transurethral Resection of Prostate) or bladder surgery patients. To collect samples for diagnostic testing (e.g., ...

Ryle's Tube Insertion: Step-by-Step Procedure, Purpose & Precautions Ryle's Tube Insertion (also known as Nasogastric Tube Insertion ) is a common yet critical clinical procedure used to access the stomach through the nose. It plays a vital role in patient care, especially in those who are unconscious, cannot swallow, or need gastric decompression or feeding. This article provides a detailed guide to the Ryle’s tube insertion procedure, including indications, preparation, insertion technique, verification, and post-care , all in a structured, nursing-friendly manner. 🔍 What is a Ryle’s Tube? A Ryle's tube is a thin, flexible plastic tube inserted through the nose (or mouth) into the stomach. Named after the British physician John Alfred Ryle , it is a type of nasogastric (NG) tube used primarily for: Enteral feeding Decompression of the gastrointestinal tract Gastric lavage Administration of medication Aspiration of stomach contents ✅ Indica...

Placenta Previa  Definition Placenta previa is a placental implantation abnormality in which the placenta is partially or completely implanted in the lower uterine segment , thereby covering the internal os of the cervix. Classification / Types Placenta previa is classified into four main types based on the degree of coverage of the cervical os: Type I (Minor): Low-Lying Placenta Placenta is implanted in the lower uterine segment but does not reach the internal os. Type II (Marginal) The lower edge of the placenta reaches the internal os but does not cover it. Type III (Partial) The placenta partially covers the internal os. Type IV (Major/Complete) The placenta completely covers the internal os. 🔴 Types III and IV are considered major placenta previa and are more likely to require cesarean delivery. Incidence Occurs in approximately 0.3–0.5% of all pregnancies . More common with: Multiparity Advanced maternal age (...

Oxytocin 🌸  📌 Introduction Oxytocin is a hormone and neuropeptide that plays an important role in reproduction , childbirth , and lactation . It is also known as the "love hormone" because of its role in social bonding and emotional connection. 🧠 Where is Oxytocin Produced? Produced by: Hypothalamus Stored and released by: Posterior pituitary gland (neurohypophysis) 🧬 Chemical Nature Oxytocin is a peptide hormone . It is made up of 9 amino acids (nonapeptide). 🎯 Main Functions of Oxytocin 1. Role in Labor (Childbirth) Stimulates uterine muscle contractions . Helps in dilation of the cervix during labor. Enhances rhythmic contractions for delivery of the baby. Positive feedback mechanism : More oxytocin = stronger contractions. 2. Milk Ejection Reflex (Let-down reflex) After birth, oxytocin helps in ejection of milk from mammary glands. When the baby suckles the nipple: Nerve signals go to the brain. Oxytocin i...

Heparin 🩸   1. Introduction Heparin is a naturally occurring anticoagulant (blood thinner). It is used to prevent and treat blood clots in veins, arteries, or lungs. Heparin does not dissolve clots but prevents their growth and formation of new clots. 2. Classification Category Details Pharmacological Indirect thrombin inhibitor Therapeutic Anticoagulant Source Extracted from animal tissues (porcine intestinal mucosa or bovine lung) 3. Mechanism of Action (MOA) Heparin binds to antithrombin III (AT III). This enhances AT III's ability to inactivate thrombin (factor IIa) and factor Xa . As a result: Inhibits conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin . Prevents the formation and propagation of clots. 🧠 Mnemonic : "Heparin Helps Antithrombin Halt Clotting" 4. Types of Heparin Type Details Unfractionated Heparin (UFH) Standard form, IV or SC administration Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) e.g., ...

🩺 Types of Masks  🔹 1. Cloth Mask Material : Made of cotton or fabric. Use : For general public use (non-medical). Protection Level : Low. Reusable : ✅ Yes (washable). Features : Reduces spread of droplets. Not suitable for healthcare settings. 🔹 2. Surgical Mask / Medical Mask Material : 3-layer (non-woven fabric). Use : Worn by medical staff during surgeries and patient care. Protection Level : Moderate (against large droplets, splashes, sprays). Reusable : ❌ No (single-use). Features : Loosely fitting. Protects others from wearer's respiratory emissions. Fluid-resistant. 🔹 3. N95 Respirator Mask Material : Electrostatic non-woven polypropylene fiber. Use : For healthcare workers in high-risk settings. Protection Level : High (filters ≥ 95% airborne particles). Reusable : ❌ No (single-use; some models allow limited reuse). Features : Tight-fitting. Filters both large and small particles. Prote...