As a nurse, you never know when an emergency will strike. That’s why it’s essential to be prepared with a nurse survival kit.
But what should you put in your equipment?
Overview Of Article
Here are some essential items:
A stethoscope: This is one of the most essential tools for a nurse. It helps you listen to heartbeats and breathing patterns.
A blood pressure cuff is another essential tool for monitoring patients’ vital signs.
A thermometer: A thermometer is crucial for taking patients’ temperatures.
Nurses are some of the hardest-working professionals around. They often don’t get paid enough or receive the recognition they deserve.
That’s why I decided to create a nurse survival kit. This guide contains items that nurses should always have on hand.
Let’s Dive For What To Put In A Nurse Survival kit?
What To Put In A Nurse Survival kit?
As a nurse, you are responsible for the lives of your patients. You need to be prepared for anything and everything. Here is a list of items that every nurse needs in their kit:
- A stethoscope is one of the essential tools a nurse has. It listens to heartbeats, breathing, and other bodily sounds.
- A blood pressure cuff is another essential item. This is used to measure a patient’s blood pressure.
- A thermometer is used to take a patient’s temperature.
- An otoscope is used to look at a patient’s ears.
- A sphygmomanometer is used to measure blood pressure and pulse rate manually.
- A glucometer is used to test a patient’s blood sugar level.
- A tongue depressor is used to help in the removal of excess material from a patient’s mouth.
- A penlight checks a patient’s eyes and ears for signs of infection or damage.
Stethoscope
A stethoscope is one of the most essential tools a nurse has. It listens to heartbeats, breathing, and other bodily sounds. It can also be used to measure blood pressure. A good stethoscope should be durable and have a good warranty.
There are many different types of stethoscopes on the market, so choosing one that is comfortable for you is essential. If you are a nurse who works in a hospital, you may want to consider an electronic stethoscope. These types of stethoscopes are more expensive, but they offer more features and better sound quality.
Blood Pressure Cuff
A blood pressure cuff is another essential item for any nurse. This is used to measure a patient’s blood pressure and can help to identify any potential problems. Blood pressure cuffs come in various sizes, so choosing one that will fit the patient’s arm is essential.
Thermometer
A thermometer is an essential tool for taking a patient’s temperature. There are many different thermometers, but the mercury thermometer is the most common. Mercury thermometers are made of glass and filled with mercury. The mercury expands as the temperature increases and contracts as the temperature decreases.
To use a mercury thermometer, the tip of the thermometer is placed under the tongue, in the armpit, or in the rectum. The thermometer is left in place for two to three minutes to allow enough time for an accurate reading. Once the time has elapsed, the thermometer is removed, and the mercury level is read.
Mercury thermometers are considered one of the most accurate ways to take a person’s temperature. However, they can be dangerous if they break.
Otoscope
An otoscope is a medical instrument that looks into a patient’s ears. It is used to examine the ear canal and tympanic membrane (ear drum) for signs of infection, injury, or other disorders.
An otoscope consists of a handle, a light source, and an eyepiece. The handle contains batteries that power the light source. The light source shines through the ear canal and reflects off the eardrum. This allows the examiner to see the eardrum.
The eyepiece magnifies the eardrum image so it can be examined closely. Most otoscopes have a disposable speculum (earpiece) inserted into the patient’s ear canal. This helps to keep the ear canal open during the exam.
Sphygmomanometer
A sphygmomanometer, a blood pressure cuff, is a medical device used to measure blood pressure and pulse rate. To use a sphygmomanometer, the cuff is wrapped around the upper arm and inflated until the artery is compressed.
The health care professional then listens with a stethoscope for the return of blood flow and slowly releases the air from the cuff. The systolic blood pressure (the top number) is recorded when the first heart sound is heard, and the diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) is recorded when the last heart sound is heard.
The pulse rate can be determined by counting the number of times the heart beats in one minute.
A sphygmomanometer is essential for nurses because it helps them assess a patient’s cardiovascular status.
Glucometer
A glucometer is an essential tool for nurses, especially those in diabetes care. This handheld device is used to test a patient’s blood sugar level, and it can provide critical information for both the nurse and the patient.
There are a few things that nurses need to keep in mind when using a glucometer. First, it is essential to ensure the device is calibrated correctly. Second, the nurse should clean the finger before taking the sample. Finally, it is necessary to interpret the results correctly and take appropriate action based on those results.
Overall, a glucometer is a valuable tool for nurses who work with patients with diabetes. By using this device correctly, nurses can help their patients stay healthy and avoid serious complications.
Tongue Depressor
A tongue depressor is a small, thin piece of wood or plastic shaped like a paddle. It is used to help in the removal of excess material from a patient’s mouth. The tongue depressor is placed under the tongue and then pressed down, which helps to move the tongue out of the way so that the material can be removed.
A tongue depressor is an essential tool for nurses responsible for patients’ oral health. It helps to ensure that the mouth is clean and free of debris, which can lead to infection. A tongue depressor can also assist in examining the mouth and throat.
Penlight
A penlight is an essential tool for nurses. It is used to check a patient’s eyes and ears for signs of infection or damage. A penlight can also check for bruises, cuts, and other wounds.
A penlight is usually small and portable, making it easy to carry wherever you go. Having a penlight in your nurse survival kit is essential so that you are always prepared.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a nurse survival kit should include items that will help with communication, documentation, organization, and relaxation. By having these items on hand, nurses can be better prepared to handle any situation that comes their way.
