http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Hands-On+Help/Article/list/10745 This column provides you with practical tips to help you brush up on your clinical skills. Past columns have covered such topics as epicardial wires, obtaining blood cultures, and drawing blood for ABGs. 2009-11-21T07:32:43Z http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Hands-On+Help/Arterial-blood-gases-Nurses-guide-to-interpreting-/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/592619?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 Article resumes RN's Hands-on Help instructional series with guide to interpreting arterial blood gas test results. Lists common interpretation of respiratory and metabolic acid/base imbalances, roles and mechanisms of buffer systems in maintaining pH, and provides five questions for nurses to ask while analyzing test results to form a correct interpretation. 2009-04-01T04:00:00Z http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/data/articlestandard/rnweb/152009/592619null XML http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Hands-On+Help/Hot-and-cold-packs/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/394869?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 Cold and heat are simple therapies that can effectively reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms. To take advantage of them, you need to know how each works and how best to apply them. 2007-01-01T05:00:00Z http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/data/articlestandard/rnweb/522006/394869null XML http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Hands-On+Help/Surgical-drains/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/388216?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 You can limit complications by taking this systematic approach to surgical drain care. 2006-12-01T05:00:00Z http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/data/articlestandard/rnweb/482006/388216null XML http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Acute+Care+Focus/Post-mortem-care/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/375514?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 Once a patient is pronounced dead, your job is to prepare the body for the family to view, and then for transport to the morgue. Knowing what to do can make this difficult task just a little easier for you and the patient's family. 2006-10-01T04:00:00Z http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/data/articlestandard/rnweb/392006/375514null XML http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Hands-On+Help/Compression-stockings/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/362277?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 Compression stockings may be low tech, but they're not low risk. This review will help you safeguard your patients. 2006-08-01T04:00:00Z http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/data/articlestandard/rnweb/312006/362277null XML http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Acute+Care+Focus/Inserting-an-NG-tube/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/329124?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 Inserting a nasogastric tube is a common nursing function in many hospitals. This handy step-by-step guide will help you perform this procedure safely and confidently. 2006-06-01T04:00:00Z XML http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Acute+Care+Focus/Drawing-blood-for-ABGs/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/315012?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 The ability to draw an arterial blood gas sample safely and accurately is essential? even when you're under the gun. 2006-04-01T05:00:00Z XML http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Acute+Care+Focus/Obtaining-blood-cultures/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/301781?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 Contaminated samples account for nearly half of all positive blood cultures. Accurate results require your rigorous adherence to proper technique. 2006-02-01T05:00:00Z XML http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Hands-On+Help/Epicardial-wires/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/254822?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 Careful handling of epicardial pacing wires is paramount to your patient's safety. Here are the steps you'll need to take. 2005-12-01T05:00:00Z XML http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Acute+Care+Focus/Sputum-sample-collection/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/182469?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 Collecting an accurate sputum sample is an invaluable skill, and the only way to ensure that patients with respiratory disease get a precise diagnosis. 2005-10-01T04:00:00Z XML http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Acute+Care+Focus/Chest-tube-removal/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/172493?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 Your patient's chest tube is ready to come out. Are you prepared to assist? 2005-08-01T04:00:00Z XML http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Acute+Care+Focus/Lumbar-puncture/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/163346?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 This step-by-step guide will help you fulfill your role during this sensitive procedure—and calm your patient, as well. 2005-06-01T04:00:00Z XML http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Acute+Care+Focus/Cardiac-tamponade/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/153932?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 Being prepared for an emergency pericardiocentesis requires that you have a solid understanding of cardiac tamponade and are able to recognize its signs and symptoms. 2005-04-01T05:00:00Z XML http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Acute+Care+Focus/Placing-an-oropharyngeal-airway/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/144515?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 When a patient stops breathing, inserting an oropharyngeal device is the quickest way to provide a patent airway. Here's a review of this lifesaving measure. 2005-02-01T05:00:00Z XML http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Acute+Care+Focus/Manual-ventilation/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/135255?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 It takes practice to become adept at manual ventilation, but it's a vital nursing skill. Incorrect technique can have dire consequences. 2004-12-01T05:00:00Z XML http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Cardiology/Torsades-de-pointes/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/126073?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 Torsades de pointes is a lethal form of ventricular tachycardia. Your patient's survival may well depend on your ability to spot the warning signs. 2004-10-01T04:00:00Z HTML http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Assessment/Assessing-heart-sounds/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/114145?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 Listening to heart sounds is an art that takes practice to perfect. But with a solid understanding of the cardiac events that produce them and a systematic approach to your assessment, you can quickly gain expertise. 2004-08-01T04:00:00Z HTML http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Acute+Care+Focus/Temporary-pacemakers/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/103200?contextCategoryId=10745&ref=25 This how-to guide will help you to ensure proper functioning of your patient's temporary pacemaker. 2004-06-01T04:00:00Z HTML