Background Renal ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the kidneys. The images are two-dimensional pictures of the kidneys that evaluate their size, shape, architecture, and location. It can also be…
Background Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear medicine test that provides a measurement of the metabolic activity of the cells in body tissues. Positron comes from the combination of English words “positive” and “electron.” The test is commonly called…
Background Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a modality of renal replacement therapy using a patient’s peritoneal cavity and extensive capillary vasculature as a dialysis membrane. The concept is exactly the same as hemodialysis (HD); both involve the transport of solutes and…
Background Gastrostomy tube placement is used in patients who are unable to maintain adequate oral intake yet have an otherwise intact digestive system. This type of enteral tube is used for patients who will need long-term enteral feeding, generally defined…
Background Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a mainstay of treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD). There are approximately 18 million Americans with CAD, and one American will have a myocardial infarction (MI) approximately every 40 seconds. A patient will classically…
Background Pain management through patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) allows patients to self-administer predetermined doses of analgesic medication, typically through a computerized pump, eliminating the need for administration by a nurse or healthcare practitioner. This facilitates delivery of analgesia at shorter intervals…
Background The practice of oxygen supplementation for hospitalized patients generally does not follow any standardized protocols. It is often a hospital norm that patients are provided supplemental oxygen regardless of their blood oxygen saturations (SaO 2 ). Until recently, many…
Background Percutaneous nephrostomy tubes (PCNs) are placed through the skin directly into a portion of the kidney, hence the name (percutaneous = pertaining to through the skin; nephrostomy = making an opening in the kidney). This procedure has four broad…
Background Nasogastric (NG) tubes are commonly called Salem sumps TM or abbreviated and called NG tubes. These tubes vary in diameter and length and can serve many purposes. NG tubes are inserted through the nare, down through the oropharynx, to…
Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an imaging technique that uses a strong magnetic field, radiofrequency waves, and nuclear resonance to produce highly detailed images of the body. You’re Reading a Preview Become a Clinical Tree membership for Full access…