Mr. Owens is a 52 year old gentleman with a history of diabetes and hypertension who was mostly non-adherent to medication and follow-up in the community. At the facility, he is prescribed metformin 500 mg BID and lisinopril 20 mg QD. he has been incarcerated for about 10 weeks, and his blood sugars have been averaging 140 mg/DL and his…
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Ms. Burns, a 23 year old woman submitted a Health Service Request form for cold symptoms that had been ongoing for 2-3 days. She arrives for Nurse Sick Call and you immediately note two things – she is wearing “eye-liner” and her eyes are bloodshot. Ms. Burns tells you that she has been having symptoms for the last 48 hours,…
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Mr. Stone is a 32 year old male who arrived at the prison about 3 months ago from the county jail, where he had been incarcerated for the past 18 months. There, he was diagnosed with hypertension and anxiety, and has been adherent to his medication regimen of amlodipine and fluoxetine. He was enrolled in the facility chronic disease clinic…
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Mr. Sigmund History: 45 years old No history of Chronic Disease or past cardiac problems Tobacco smoker for 30 years, 1 pack per day Cocaine use “many years ago” Denies over-exertion like vigorous exercise or playing basketball on the yard Incarcerated 6 months Worked as a laborer on the street Symptoms: Started this afternoon Feeling pressure on chest Anxious –…
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To assist nurses, employers and patients, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has developed a Scope of Practice Decision-Making Framework to be used when determining whether a particular nursing activity is within the nurse’s scope of practice. It is very straightforward. Most states have implemented/recommended this decision-making algorithm, and I encourage all nurses to use it in…
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