Reading and writhing

I had to take a break recently on a shift, because I got so tired of hearing everything second hand. Reading charts is a very important thing, especially, for all you new nurses, so you can really find out what's going on. Sometimes it doesn't matter if your facility uses SBAR, recorded, or in-person report, you just don't always get all the information, or you miss out on some interesting consults. Reading the chart will give you a glimpse into these items you missed.

One of our people had a CT scan recently that mentioned fungi balls. This page from an online medical dictionary tells you basics about fungi balls, and this one from the American Rhinological Society talks about sinus ones. (Warning: there are photos).

Another person had a PET scan. We don't have too many of those normally, but since a number of our patients have had cancer diagnosed while they're staying with us, we're seeing more of them done. I felt pretty confused reading the note on the procedure until I read this page (patient education from Cedars-Sinai) on PET scans.

While the material was not always the most comfortable to read, learning more about my patients helps me to take better care of them.