🩸 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