Haiti: Orientation Judy Hafner MS, RN, CNE, CMSRN
Patient Population Newborn to elder Males/Females
Disorders/Diseases/Complaints Scalp/skin Eye Allergies Respiratory infection Cardiac Gastrointestinal Vaginitis/Chlamydia/STI
Lice
Transmission of Lice and Scabies Humid Warm Close living conditions Sleeping together Shared clothing, bedding
Scabies
Ringworm/Tinea
Eye dryness/Vision
Allergy complaints Sneezing Wheezing Nasal congestion Coughing Itchy, watery eyes Runny nose Itchy throat Stomach discomfort
Respiratory Infections Upper respiratory infections Sinus infection-sinus pressure, drainage, cough, temperature Bronchitis-persistent cough, possible wheezing, temperature Lower respiratory infections Pneumonia –cough, SOB, adventitious lung sounds, temperature, fatigue SOB-move to front of the line
Cardiac disorders Vital sign alterations Shortness of breath (SOB) Dizziness Fatigue Edema
Intestinal worms
Vital Signs Temperature Pulse Respirations Blood Pressure Pain
Temperature Normal values C F Many factors that affect temperature
Pulse Rate (60-100) Rhythm (regular) Amplitude/strength Radial/apical seconds
Respirations Rate (12-20) Character Do not let your patient know that you are counting the respirations!!!
Blood Pressure Systole Diastole Affected by… Normal <120/<80 Prehypertensive <130/<89 Hypertensive >140/90
Scabies and Lice Medications Sulfur ointments (Crisco mixture) Ivermectin (must repeat the dose in 10 days to kill eggs) Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra) Wear gloves Do not wash off the ointment Address hygiene issues
Medication Administration Eye drops Normal Saline Do not contaminate the tip of the bottle.
Medication Administration Oral antibiotics Usually 3-5 days Take until GONE! Give first dose in clinic! Side effects-N/V/Diarrhea, rash, Allergic reaction (SOB, hives, swelling of lips or face)
Deworming Mebendazole Ivermectin One tablet treatment (Hide in bread) Side effects-abdominal pain, diarrhea, N/V, dizziness, ringing in the ears