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…
Correctional Nurse Basics:The Musculoskeletal System The Musculoskeletal System is a complex network of tissues, including bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints, that work together to provide structure, support, movement, and protection to the human body. Bones are the framework of the body, providing structure, support, and protection for organs. Bones also store minerals and produce…
Human Trafficking for the MDOC Correctional Nurse According to the Department of Health and Human Services in Michigan, human trafficking affects individuals across the world, and in Michigan. It is commonly regarded as the second largest criminal enterprise after drugs. Human trafficking affects every community in Michigan across age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds. The…
Update 2024: Pain Management for the Michigan Correctional Nurse According to the 2023 Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Opioide Annual Report, Michigan has a serious problem with prescription drug misuse, most notably, opioids and benzodiazepines, but the incidences of overdose has steadily improved when compared to national statistics. In fact, Michigan went from…
A Thyroid Primer for the Correctional Nurse More than 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime (American Thyroid Association, 20217). An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. Up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition. Women are five…
Correctional Nursing Basics:The Cardiovascular System Statistics from 2019 (latest information available) indicate that cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in corrections, with suicide being the first. In addition, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease like hypertension in the correctional population is more than three times that found in the general population. Thus, it…
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…
Correctional Nursing Basics:The Digestive System The Digestive System is a complex physiological system responsible for the ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination of food and waste products. It consists of a series of organs, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, each with unique functions that contribute to the overall…
Sprains and Strains for the Correctional Nurse In the correctional facility, patients often incur strain and sprain injuries as they work or are active on the rec yard. While most facilities have nursing protocols to care for these injuries, it is important for correctional nurses to be able to identify the presentation of a strain…
Seizure Disorder for the Correctional Nurse Some days, it seems like everyone we care for in corrections has a seizure disorder. Seizures may be the result of childhood epilepsy, trauma and traumatic brain injury, drug and alcohol use, brain tumors, or any combination of these conditions. The prevalence of seizure disorder in the correctional facilities…