Today was a great day in clinical.  I was assigned to a postpartum nurse and we had three patients.  Two in the beginning then we added one when we were discharging one of the other.  I was able to two two head to toe assessments of  newborns and one head to toe assessment on a postpartum mother.  I also got to mix and hang some antibiotic. I know that is not in itself a big deal but it was my first ever mix and hang of IV drugs so it was a big deal to my. My virgin bag IV drugs. My teacher said I did a good job except I didn’t let the alcohol dry long enough on the hub of the IV.

Karin was my nurse.  She was super friendly and taught me a lot.  She quizzed me on all the reasons one might have a C section So now I have that in my head.  I also learned about Accelerations, Variations and late decelerations in fetal monitoring.

She asked me as I left for post conference if this was somewhere I would like to work.  Before today I would have said no but after today I would seriously consider it.  I had a great day.  I so enjoyed caring for the babies and the moms.  I had great moms and cute babies.  I’ve gotten good at counting baby heart rates from doing it so much and taking axillary temperatures too. This unit problems as sinple as nausea are quickly addressed. Which is really nice to see because I’ve seen it take much longer to address some stuff on the general floor.

E-MAR  (drug of the day)

Percocet (oxycodone/ acetaminophen)

• Therapeutic classification – opioid analgesics
• Pharmacologic; classification: opioid agonists/ monopioid analgesic combinations.
• Indications: moderate to severe pain.  Effects: decreases pain.
• Action: Binds to opiate receptors in the CNS.  Alters the perception of and response to painful stimuli.
• Half life – 2-3 hours.
• Adverse reactions / side effects: Confusion, sedation, dizziness, dysphoria, euphoria, blurred vision, diplopia, Constipation, nausea, vomiting, physical dependence. hepatotoxicity (acetaminophen)  Increased CNS depression with alcohol, antihistamines and hypnotics.
• Dose (adults) 5-10mg q 3-4 hrs.
• More info