Abdominal Assessment for the Correctional Nurse: Lower Abdominal Pain Abdominal pain is perhaps one of the most frequent complaints listed on a sick call/request to be seen slip in the correctional environment. Changes to routine and diet, stress, and the “unmasking” of symptoms as patients become “detoxed” from substances like alcohol and drugs may contribute…
Homeostasis and Electrolytes for the Correctional Nurse Homeostasis refers to the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment in spite of changes that are occurring externally. It is a healthy state that occurs through the constant adjustment of biochemical and physiological mechanisms, also known as the body’s dynamic equilibrium. Variables that impact the maintenance…
Homeostasis and Electrolytes for the Correctional Nurse Homeostasis refers to the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment in spite of changes that are occurring externally. It is a healthy state that occurs through the constant adjustment of biochemical and physiological mechanisms, also known as the body’s dynamic equilibrium. Variables that impact the maintenance…
Inmate Manipulation in Corrections Every day, inmates spend their time watching and waiting. They watch with deep interest all that occurs in the facility, waiting until they identify just the right person to target in their manipulation game. Often, inmates direct their attention to the healthcare staff, as healthcare staff are stereotypically sympathetic and wanting…
Abdominal Assessment for the Correctional Nurse: Constipation and Diarrhea Constipation and diarrhea are common complaints in the correctional environment. In this class, the basic abdominal assessment skills will be reviewed. Constipation and diarrhea will be explained, and potential reasons for each will be discussed. Common nursing interventions for the patient with constipation and diarrhea will…
Abdominal Assessment for the Correctional Nurse: Basic Assessment With this class, we begin a three-part series on Abdominal Assessment for the Correctional Nurse. This first class will include basic abdominal assessment, expected normal findings and potential abnormalities in each region. The second and third class will review abdominal assessment techniques, and will discuss in more…
Wound Care for the Correctional Nurse In the correctional environment, depending upon the population and the type of facility (jail or prison), the wounds typically seen could be acute or chronic, but all require nursing assessment, treatment and monitoring. In this class, both acute and chronic wounds will be discussed. Obtaining the wound history, conducting a…
Inmate Manipulation in Corrections Every day, inmates spend their time watching and waiting. They watch with deep interest all that occurs in the facility, waiting until they identify just the right person to target in their manipulation game. Often, inmates direct their attention to the healthcare staff, as healthcare staff are stereotypically sympathetic and wanting…
Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism for the Correctional Nurse Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein. Typically, these clots form in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but they can also occur in the upper extremities and abdomen. DVTs are often undiagnosed. …
Anticoagulation for the Correctional Nurse In the United States today, anticoagulant therapy is prescribed for individuals who are at risk for deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and stroke due to atrial fibrillation. Historically, and even today, most patients with a blood clotting disorder are treated with warfarin and heparin. These medications require careful monitoring, and…