Category: Asthma - TABLE

Establishing Asthma Severity 3-2-1

Category: Smart phone and PDA - TECHNOLOGY

Medcalc is still my "go-to" freeware medical calculator, and for my needs is still is the best.
A complimentary alternative free calculator is Archimedes from Skyscape.
http://www.skyscape.com/estore/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductId=227
Skyscape is a leader in mobile medical information. Their huge catalogue of "for sale" and some free specialty content is impressive.

Category: Airway - ACRONYM

Describing Clinical Characteristics of a Tracheotomy Tube
Airway lumens
a) Single lumen
b) Dual lumen
c) Is connecting adaptor (15mmOD) removed with inner cannula out?

Brand & Composition
a) Company of manufacture
b) Metal – stainless steel, silver
c) Plastic – PVC, silicone

Cuff
a) Cuffed or not cuffed
b) Inflated or deflated
c) Characteristics of the cuff (high vol low press, low vol high press, foam)

Diameter and Dimensions of tube
a) Inner diameter (I.D.)
b) Outer diameter (O.D.)
c) Length of tube (standard, short or long length)

FEnestration
a) Fenestration open
b) Fenestration closed
c) Position and construction of fenestration

Category: Inhaled Medication - BUNCHING

Category: Physical Assessment - FLOWCHART

Classifying Adventitious Lung Sounds

Category: Quiting Smoking - BUNCHING

When You Quit Smoking — Health Benefits, pointing out the positive.

• Around 20 minutes after quitting: Your heart rate and blood pressure begins to drop.
• Around 20 hours after quitting: The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to near normal.
• Around 20 days after quitting: Your circulation improves. Coughing and shortness of breath decrease. Cilia (tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs) begin to regain function, increasing their ability to clean the lungs.
• Around 20 weeks after quitting: Your risk of heart disease begins to drop.
• Around 200 weeks after quitting: Your stroke risk as well as cancer risk begins to drop.

Category: Medication - BUNCHING

Helping Patients With the Change to H.F.A. Metered Dose Inhalers (MDI)
Teaching Points for administration of the new HFA MDI:

1. HFA inhalers require multiple priming sprays, periodic cleaning of the actuator boot, and longer agitation prior to first use and when unused for a number of days. Refer to the package insert with each individual MDI for specific recommendations.


2. HFA inhalers have substantially less taste. Patients associated the bitter taste of CFC powered MDIs with effectiveness and the relief of symptoms.


3. HFA inhalers create a lower plume velocity, which results in less oral and pharyngeal deposition. Patients associated the more vigorous spray of CFC powered MDIs with relief of symptoms and effectiveness.

Terminology:

1. Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI): A small pressurized metal canister in a plastic actuator that releases a mist of medicine to inhale when pressed.


2. Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC): A fluorocarbon with chlorine; formerly used as a refrigerant and as a propellant.


3. Hydroflouroalkane (HFA): The new alternative propellant created to replace CFCs, and the standard for MDIs starting in 2009.