What tools are needed for nursing?
Nursing is a profession that requires a variety of tools in order to provide safe and effective care to patients. Some of the tools that are essential for nurses include:- Stethoscope: A stethoscope is used to listen to a patient's heart, lungs, and bowels. It can also be used to measure blood pressure.
- Blood pressure cuff: A blood pressure cuff is used to measure the blood pressure of a patient. It consists of a cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm and an inflatable bulb that is used to inflate the cuff.
- Thermometer: A thermometer is used to measure the temperature of a patient. There are various types of thermometers, including oral, rectal, and axillary thermometers.
- Pulse oximeter: A pulse oximeter is used to measure the oxygen saturation of a patient's blood. It is a small device that clips onto the fingertip and transmits a light through the finger.
- Glucometer: A glucometer is used to measure the glucose level of a patient's blood. It is a small device that requires a drop of blood from a fingertip.
- Syringe: A syringe is used to inject medications or fluids into a patient's body. It consists of a plunger and a barrel that holds the medication or fluid.
- Needle: A needle is used to puncture the skin and inject medications or fluids into a patient's body. Needles come in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on their intended use.
- Sterile gloves: Sterile gloves are worn by nurses to prevent the spread of infection. They are made of latex or other synthetic materials and cover the hands and wrists.
- Face mask: A face mask is worn by nurses to prevent the spread of infection. It covers the nose and mouth and helps to reduce the risk of inhaling microorganisms.
- Bedpan: A bedpan is used to collect urine and stool from a patient who is unable to use the toilet. It is placed under the patient's buttocks and emptied after each use.
- Urine bottle: A urine bottle is used to collect urine from a male patient who is unable to use the toilet. It is shaped like a bottle and has a funnel-shaped opening.
- Catheter: A catheter is a thin tube that is inserted into a body cavity or passage to drain fluid or administer medication. There are various types of catheters, including urinary catheters, nasogastric (NG) tubes, and central venous catheters.
- Ventilator: A ventilator is a medical device that is used to support breathing. It provides mechanical ventilation to patients who are unable to breathe on their own.
- Infusion pump: An infusion pump is a medical device that is used to deliver medication or fluids into a patient's body at a regulated rate. It consists of a pump that drives a plunger that advances the medication or fluid through a tubing into the patient's body.
- Vital signs monitor: A vital signs monitor is a medical device that is used to monitor a patient's vital signs, which include blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, and temperature.
- Computer: Nurses use computers to document patient care, communicate with other members of the healthcare team, and access patient information.
These are just some of the many tools that are used by nurses to provide safe and effective care to patients. The specific tools that a nurse uses will vary depending on the patient's condition and the setting in which the nurse is working.