🩸 Hyperkalemia Hyperkalemia occurs when potassium levels are >5 mEq/L ⭐️ Potassium Functions ➡️ Balances fluid volume ➡️ Supports nerve transmission ➡️ Regulates muscle functioning ➡️ Maintains heart contractility ‼️Hyperkalemia can quickly lead to lethal dysrhythmias—requiring urgent action! Causes Burns (damaged cells release potassium) Addison’s Disease (low aldosterone decreases potassium excretion) Excessive Intake (IV fluids, supplements, high-potassium foods) Medications (ACE inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics) Decreased Excretion (kidney disease) Symptoms ➡️ Muscle cramps and weakness ➡️ Decreased urine output ➡️ Respiratory distress ➡️ Decreased cardiac contractility ➡️ EKG changes (peaked T waves) ➡️ Decreased reflexes 💬 Comment below if this helped and share with a fellow nursing student! #nursingstudent #nursingschool #hyperkalemia #nursingfundamentals #nursetok #nursingstudents #nursingeducation #nclexreview #nursingstudentsoftiktok #nursingtiktok #nclex #nclexrn #nursetiktok

🩸 Understanding Blood Components In a blood sample, there are three main parts: ⭐️ Plasma 55% of blood volume ➡️ Carries nutrients, hormones, and proteins ⭐️ Buffy Coat 1% of blood volume ➡️ Contains White Blood Cells (WBCs) and Platelets (PLTs) ⭐️ Red Blood Cells (RBCs) 45% of blood volume RBCs: Carry oxygen and remove CO2 📊 RBC Count: Measures the amount of RBCs present 📊 Hematocrit: Measures the percentage of RBCs in blood 📊 Hemoglobin: Protein on RBCs that carries O2 and removes CO2 PLTs: help with clotting 🕒 aPTT: Monitored with heparin 🕒 PT: Used to calculate INR 🕒 INR: Monitored with warfarin WBCs: fight infections ➡️ Fight infections and invaders 🟢 Eosinophils: Fight inflammation and parasites 🔵 Basophils: Part of inflammatory and allergic responses 🟡 Neutrophils: First responders to infections 🟣 Lymphocytes: Recognize antigens and fight viral infections 🟠 Monocytes: Engulf and destroy invaders 💬 Comment below if this helped and share with a fellow nursing student! #nursingschool #nursingstudent #nursesoftiktok #nursing #nursingstudentsoftiktok #nursingstudents #nursingmajor #medsurg #nursingeducation #nursingtiktok

🦵 Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) A deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein in the body. 🩸 How it Forms:
1️⃣ Underlying Cause
From Virchow’s Triad (hypercoagulability, venous stasis, vessel damage)
 2️⃣ Platelets Collect at Valve
Clotting factors activate, producing fibrin → forms a mesh around WBC, RBC, PLT → clot forms and grows
 3️⃣ Clot Can Break Off
➡️ Forms an embolus, which may travel to the lungs and cause a Pulmonary Embolism (PE) 💥 Most Common Sites:
➡️ Calves: Peroneal Vein, Posterior Tibial Vein
➡️ Thighs: Popliteal Vein, Superficial Femoral Vein ⚠️ Risk Factors: Virchow’s Triad
🔴 Hypercoagulability: Increased tendency to clot
➡️ Causes: Sepsis, Dehydration, HIT, Oral Contraceptives, Genetic Factors
 🔴 Venous Stasis: Slowed or stagnant blood flow
➡️ Causes: Immobilization, Sedentary Lifestyle, Surgery, PVD, Pregnancy
 🔴 Vessel Damage: Damage to blood vessel walls
➡️ Causes: Central Lines, IV Lines, IV Drug Use, Trauma, Injury 💬 Comment below if you'd like a Part 2! #nursingstudent #nursingschool #deepveinthrombosis #dvt #nursingeducation #nursesoftiktok #nursetiktok #nurselife #futurenurses #futurenursesoftiktok #nclexrn #nursingmajor

🩺 Hemodialysis Overview Hemodialysis acts as an artificial kidney by filtering waste and excess fluid from the body when the kidneys aren't functioning efficiently. ⭐️ How It Works: Blood is pulled from the patient’s body ⬇️ Blood passes through the dialyzer (filter), cleansing it of waste and toxins ⬇️ Cleansed blood is returned to the body 🕒 Frequency: Usually 3 times a week, with each session lasting 2-5 hours Dialysis Access Options:
To perform dialysis, a large vein is needed for adequate blood flow. Options include: Central Venous Catheter: Temporary IV access ending in the superior vena cava, used for urgent situations AV Fistula: Joins a vein and artery to increase blood flow AV Graft: Uses a surgically placed tube to connect the vein and artery 💡 Quick Tip: Always monitor for signs of infection and check for adequate blood flow at the access site! 💬 Comment below if you’d like to learn more, and share this with a fellow nursing student! #nursingschool #nursingstudent #dialysis #hemodialysis #nclex #nclexrn #nursesoftiktok #nursingstudentsoftiktok #nursingeducation #nursingmajor #nursetok #nurse #nursingtiktok

🩸 Anticoagulant Review Part 1: Heparin Anticoagulants (aka blood thinners) help prevent clots from forming or growing larger by interrupting the clotting cascade. As a nursing student, heparin is a must-know! ➡️ How it works: Inactivates thrombin & Factor Xa
➡️ Short-term use only: Given subQ or IV
➡️ Monitor labs: aPTT (clotting time) + Platelets (watch for HIT)
✅ Antidote: Protamine sulfate 🩸 Bleeding Risk:
Bleeding is the #1 side effect of anticoagulants. Watch for: * Oozing from IV sites * Bleeding gums * Nosebleeds * Hematuria (blood in urine) * Melena (dark, tarry stools) 🌟 Lovenox (Enoxaparin) is a LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT heparin, meaning the molecules are smaller and more refined 💬 Comment below if you’d like to learn about other anticoagulants next! 👇 #nursingstudent #nursingschool #nursingstudentsoftiktok #bloodthinners #heparin #pharmacology #nclex #nursingeducation #nursingmajor #nclexrn #nursingstudents #nursetok #nursesoftiktok

🍼 Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Overview Cleft lip and palate are congenital defects leading to openings in the upper lip, roof of the mouth, or both. This occurs when facial structures don’t fully form while in utero. ➡️Partial Cleft Lip: Partial fissure of the upper lip. ➡️Complete Cleft Lip: Full separation of the lip and nasal sill. ➡️Partial Cleft Palate: Separation of the soft palate only. ➡️Complete Cleft Palate: Separation of both the soft and hard palate. ⚠️ Risk Factors: * Genetics (can be inherited from either parent) * Intrapartum Infections * Tobacco, Drug, or Alcohol Use During Pregnancy * Vitamin Deficiencies ✅ Treatment: Surgery is recommended within the first 18 months of life to help correct the defects and promote healthy development 🍼 Feeding Tips: * Use specialized nipples like lamb’s nipples (extra-long) or wide nipples to create a better seal. * For unilateral cleft lip, feed on the unaffected side. * Allow time for swallowing, feed slowly, and burp frequently. 💡 Parent Education is KEY to help the baby feed effectively and for parents to feel supported! 💬 Comment below with other topics you want to review, and share this with your study group! #nursingeducation #nursingschool #nursingstudent #nurse #pediatricnurse #pediatrics #cleftlip #cleftpalate #nursingmajor #nursingstudentsoftiktok #nursingtiktok

🤰 Signs of Pregnancy In nursing school, you’re going to need to know the different signs of pregnancy. Here’s a breakdown to help you study: Presumptive Signs Possible signs of pregnancy—these are all subjective symptoms reported by the patient. ➡️ Fatigue ➡️ Enlarged and sore breasts ➡️ Missed period ➡️ Urinary frequency ➡️ Nausea and vomiting ➡️ Quickening (sensation of fetal movement) 💡 Not definitive signs, as these could also be caused by other underlying conditions! Probable Signs Likely signs of pregnancy—these are all objective findings measured or assessed through tests. ➡️ Positive pregnancy test ➡️ Ballottement (fetal rebound when the uterus is pushed with a finger) ➡️ Chadwick’s Sign (blue/purple discoloration of the uterus) ➡️ Hegar’s Sign (softening of the lower part of the uterus) ➡️ Braxton Hicks contractions ➡️ Enlarged uterus or abdomen Positive Signs Conclusive signs that provide absolute determination of pregnancy. ➡️ Visualized fetus on ultrasound ➡️ Detectable fetal heart rate ➡️ Delivery of baby ➡️ Fetal movement felt by the provider These signs are definitive and can only be attributed to pregnancy! 💬 Comment + Share with a fellow nursing student! #nursingstudent #nursingstudents #nursingschool #nursesoftiktok #nursingstudentsoftiktok #nclex #motherbabynurse #nursetok #nursingmajor #nursingeducation #nclexreview #nurse

🧠 Personality Disorders Personality disorders are mental health conditions that affect a person’s thinking, functioning, and behavior towards others, situations, and their environment. Let’s break down what you need to know: ⭐️ 3 Main Clusters:
Personality disorders are grouped into three clusters based on similar characteristics: Cluster A, Cluster B, and Cluster C. Cluster A: Odd or Eccentric 1️⃣ Paranoid: Suspicious and distrusting, believes others intend to harm them
2️⃣ Schizoid: Emotionally detached and disinterested in social relationships
3️⃣ Schizotypal: Magical thinking, odd behavior, and an eccentric appearance Cluster B: Dramatic and Emotional 1️⃣ Antisocial: Disregard for others, aggressive, lacks empathy, often charming 2️⃣ Borderline: Instability of identity, fear of abandonment, and manipulative behaviors
3️⃣ Histrionic: Attention-seeking, overly extroverted, and focused on appearance 4️⃣ Narcissistic: Arrogant, egocentric, with a grandiose sense of self Cluster C: Anxious and Insecure 1️⃣ Avoidant: Fear of rejection and anxiety in social situations, avoids interaction
2️⃣ Dependent: Excessive dependence on others, clingy, and fears separation
3️⃣ Obsessive-Compulsive: Perfectionist, rigid, and stubborn Understanding these types and classifications will help you recognize signs and plan nursing interventions for patients effectively. 💬 Comment below if you found this overview helpful and share with a nursing friend! #nursingeducation #nursingschool #nursingmajor #psychnurse #nursingstudent #nursingstudentsoftiktok #nursingtiktok #nursingstudents #nclex #nclexrn #nclexstudying #nclexreview

🧠 Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development Erikson’s Theory outlines 8 stages of psychosocial development. Each stage is marked by a conflict between a person’s psychological needs and their social environment. Successfully resolving each conflict leads to healthy development. Stages to Know: 1️⃣ Infancy (Birth - 2 years)
Conflict: Trust vs. Mistrust
➡️ If needs are met: Develops trust in caregivers and the environment 2️⃣ Early Childhood (2-3 years)
Conflict: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt
➡️ If needs are met: Gains independence and self-confidence 3️⃣ Preschool (3-6 years)
Conflict: Initiative vs. Guilt
➡️ If needs are met: Learns to assert oneself and make decisions 4️⃣ School Age (6-12 years)
Conflict: Industry vs. Inferiority
➡️ If needs are met: Develops a sense of competence and confidence 5️⃣ Adolescence (12-18 years)
Conflict: Identity vs. Role Confusion
➡️ If needs are met: Forms personal identity and values 6️⃣ Young Adulthood (18-40 years)
Conflict: Intimacy vs. Isolation
➡️ If needs are met: Establishes meaningful relationships while maintaining a sense of self 7️⃣ Middle Adulthood (40-65 years)
Conflict: Generativity vs. Stagnation
➡️ If needs are met: Finds purpose through contributions to society 8️⃣ Maturity (65 years - Death)
Conflict: Integrity vs. Despair
➡️ If needs are met: Reflects on life with a sense of fulfillment and acceptance 💬 Comment below if you’re studying this right now, and share this with your nursing study buddies! #nursingschool #nursingstudent #nursingmajor #pediatrics #nclex #nursesoftiktok #nursetok #nursingtiktok #nursingstudentsoftiktok #nclexrn #nclexreview

🦋 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) SLE, or Lupus, is an autoimmune disease that causes systemic inflammation of the connective tissues. * Phagocytosis → Body’s process of “eating” apoptotic cells. * In SLE, phagocytosis is impaired. The body mistakes apoptotic cells for antigens (foreign substances), creating antigen-antibody complexes that lodge into connective tissues and cause inflammation. ⚠️ Symptoms ⭐️ Hallmark Sign: Butterfly rash 🦋 A rash across the cheeks and nose resembling butterfly wings Other Symptoms to Watch For: ➡️ Fatigue ➡️ Fever ➡️ Joint pain, stiffness, swelling ➡️ Hair loss ➡️ Oral lesions ➡️ Anemia symptoms ➡️ Sun sensitivity ➡️ Raynaud’s phenomenon 📚 Patient Education: * Prevent flare-ups by: * Avoiding excess sun (wear sunscreen!) * Getting adequate sleep * Managing stress * Regular exercise * Avoiding sick people to prevent infections 💬 Comment below if you'd like a part 2 and share with a fellow nursing student! #nursingschool #nursingstudent #nursingmajor #nclex #nursesoftiktok #nursetok #nursingtiktok #nursingstudentsoftiktok #nclexrn #lupus #medsurg #nursingeducation