[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Nursing](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/) › Medical–surgical nursing # Medical–surgical nursing Nursing care of the hospitalised adult, system by system: assessment, monitoring, interventions, teaching and warning signs. 83 pages ## Assessment - [**Acute kidney injury: urine output, fluid balance, potassium and kidney-harming medicines** In acute kidney injury the nurse watches urine output, weight, fluid status and potassium, and…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/acute-kidney-injury-urine-output-fluid-balance-potassium-and-kidney-harming-medi/) - [**After thyroid or parathyroid surgery: airway, bleeding, voice and the signs of low calcium** After neck surgery the nurse watches the airway and the wound for a haematoma, listens to the…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/after-thyroid-or-parathyroid-surgery-airway-bleeding-voice-and-the-signs-of-low/) - [**Allergy history, latex safety and anaphylaxis on the ward: the first nursing response** The nurse records every allergy, keeps latex away from allergic patients and, if anaphylaxis…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/allergy-history-latex-safety-and-anaphylaxis-on-the-ward-the-first-nursing-respo/) - [**Bowel obstruction and ileus: the decompression tube, fluids, abdominal checks and when to call** In obstruction and ileus the nurse decompresses with the tube, replaces fluids, examines the…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/bowel-obstruction-and-ileus-the-decompression-tube-fluids-abdominal-checks-and-w/) - [**Calcium and magnesium imbalances: Chvostek and Trousseau signs, tetany, seizure and ECG watch** Low calcium or magnesium irritates nerves and muscles (tingling, spasms, seizures); high levels…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/calcium-and-magnesium-imbalances-chvostek-and-trousseau-signs-tetany-seizure-and/) - [**Cancer emergencies on the ward: cord compression, SVC syndrome, high calcium and tumour lysis** New back pain, a swollen face, confusion or a falling urine output in a person with cancer can…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/cancer-emergencies-on-the-ward-cord-compression-svc-syndrome-high-calcium-and-tu/) - [**Compartment syndrome and fat embolism: catching them early** Two fracture complications the nurse must catch early: rising pressure inside a muscle…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/compartment-syndrome-and-fat-embolism-catching-them-early/) - [**Dengue, malaria and other tropical fevers on the ward: warning signs, fluid monitoring and vector protection** The nurse counts the days of fever, looks for warning signs at every check, monitors fluids…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/dengue-malaria-and-other-tropical-fevers-on-the-ward-warning-signs-fluid-monitor/) - [**Diabetic ketoacidosis and the hyperosmolar state on the ward: monitoring, fluids, potassium and insulin-infusion checks** On the ward the nurse recognises a hyperglycaemic crisis, starts the first checks, calls early…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/diabetic-ketoacidosis-and-the-hyperosmolar-state-on-the-ward-monitoring-fluids-p/) - [**Hypoglycaemia: recognising it and the nursing response, conscious and unconscious** A sudden change in behaviour in a person with diabetes is a low until proven otherwise: check…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/hypoglycaemia-recognising-it-and-the-nursing-response-conscious-and-unconscious/) - [**Low and high potassium: ECG watch, IV potassium safety and the patients at risk** Too much or too little potassium can stop the heart: the nurse knows who is at risk, watches the…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/low-and-high-potassium-ecg-watch-iv-potassium-safety-and-the-patients-at-risk/) - [**Multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and Guillain–Barré: breathing watch, fatigue and crises** In Guillain–Barré and myasthenia gravis the breathing muscles can fail within hours: the nurse…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/multiple-sclerosis-myasthenia-gravis-and-guillain-barre-breathing-watch-fatigue/) - [**Pneumothorax, haemothorax and rib fractures on the ward: what to watch and when to call** The nurse checks breathing, pain and cough often in patients with chest injury and calls at once…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/pneumothorax-haemothorax-and-rib-fractures-on-the-ward-what-to-watch-and-when-to/) - [**Raised intracranial pressure on the ward and after head injury or brain surgery: signs, positioning, what to avoid** On the ward, the nurse spots rising pressure in the skull early (less alert, headache, vomiting…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/raised-intracranial-pressure-on-the-ward-and-after-head-injury-or-brain-surgery/) - [**Sodium and water imbalances, including SIADH and diabetes insipidus: weights, intake–output and neuro signs** Sodium problems are mostly water problems: the nurse follows weight, intake and output and the…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/sodium-and-water-imbalances-including-siadh-and-diabetes-insipidus-weights-intak/) - [**The diabetic foot: daily inspection, risk screening and foot-care teaching** The nurse examines both feet, tests sensation and pulses, sorts the risk of an ulcer and teaches…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/the-diabetic-foot-daily-inspection-risk-screening-and-foot-care-teaching/) - [**The patient with a fracture: neurovascular checks, elevation, pain and complications** After a fracture the nurse checks the limb beyond the break again and again: colour, warmth…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/the-patient-with-a-fracture-neurovascular-checks-elevation-pain-and-complication/) - [**Upper and lower GI bleeding: recognising it, monitoring, two lines and getting ready for endoscopy** In GI bleeding the nurse spots the signs, watches for shock, places two wide IV lines and gets…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/upper-and-lower-gi-bleeding-recognising-it-monitoring-two-lines-and-getting-read/) ## Safe practice - [**Acute pancreatitis: pain, nothing by mouth, fluids and watching for complications** Acute pancreatitis care: treat the pain early, give fluids with frequent checks, feed early as…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/acute-pancreatitis-pain-nothing-by-mouth-fluids-and-watching-for-complications/) - [**Acute stroke: recognition, the first hours, swallow screening, positioning and neuro checks** In a stroke, time lost is brain lost: spot the signs, note the time they began, call at once…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/acute-stroke-recognition-the-first-hours-swallow-screening-positioning-and-neuro/) - [**Adrenal disorders and long-term corticosteroids: Addison, Cushing, crisis signs and steroid teaching** The nurse watches glucose, blood pressure, infection and mood in patients on steroids, and knows…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/adrenal-disorders-and-long-term-corticosteroids-addison-cushing-crisis-signs-and/) - [**Amputation: stump care, positioning against contractures, phantom pain and getting ready for a prosthesis** After an amputation the nurse protects the wound, shapes the stump, prevents joint contractures…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/amputation-stump-care-positioning-against-contractures-phantom-pain-and-getting/) - [**Arthritis and lupus: joint protection, fatigue, morning stiffness and checks for medicines that suppress immunity** In arthritis and lupus the nurse balances activity and rest, protects joints, eases stiffness…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/arthritis-and-lupus-joint-protection-fatigue-morning-stiffness-and-checks-for-me/) - [**Asthma in adults: assessing an attack, peak flow, inhaler technique and the action plan** The nurse judges how severe an asthma attack is, measures peak flow, checks inhaler technique…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/asthma-in-adults-assessing-an-attack-peak-flow-inhaler-technique-and-the-action/) - [**Back pain and spinal surgery: log rolling, neurological checks of the legs and teaching** After spine surgery the nurse compares leg power and feeling with the baseline, watches bladder…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/back-pain-and-spinal-surgery-log-rolling-neurological-checks-of-the-legs-and-tea/) - [**Bleeding and clotting disorders: haemophilia, ITP and watching for DIC** In bleeding disorders the nurse prevents injury, adapts injections, recognises bleeding early…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/bleeding-and-clotting-disorders-haemophilia-itp-and-watching-for-dic/) - [**Breast cancer surgery: the drain, arm exercises, lymphoedema prevention and body image** After breast surgery the nurse teaches drain care, gentle use of the arm, how to protect it from…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/breast-cancer-surgery-the-drain-arm-exercises-lymphoedema-prevention-and-body-im/) - [**Care after abdominal surgery (appendix, gallbladder, bowel, hernia): drains, return of bowel function and leak warning signs** After abdominal surgery: watch the pulse, the abdomen and the drains, help bowel function…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/care-after-abdominal-surgery-drains-return-of-bowel-function-and-leak-warning-si/) - [**Care after lung surgery and thoracotomy: chest drain, pain, lung expansion and the shoulder** After lung surgery the nurse controls pain so the patient can breathe deeply and cough, watches…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/care-after-lung-surgery-and-thoracotomy-chest-drain-pain-lung-expansion-and-the/) - [**Caring for the hospitalised patient with diabetes: glucose checks, meals, fasting for procedures and illness** In hospital the nurse times glucose checks and insulin to the meals, plans fasting for…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/caring-for-the-hospitalised-patient-with-diabetes-glucose-checks-meals-fasting-f/) - [**Caring for the patient with a laryngectomy: the stoma, humidification, communication and teaching** After a total laryngectomy the patient breathes only through the neck stoma; the nurse keeps it…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/caring-for-the-patient-with-a-laryngectomy-the-stoma-humidification-communicatio/) - [**Caring for the patient with obesity and after bariatric surgery: safe handling, the airway and dumping** The nurse uses lifting equipment, protects breathing during sleep, prevents clots and teaches…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/caring-for-the-patient-with-obesity-and-after-bariatric-surgery-safe-handling-th/) - [**Cataract and retinal surgery: eye drops, the shield, positioning and warning signs** After eye surgery the nurse protects the eye, teaches clean eye-drop technique, helps keep the…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/cataract-and-retinal-surgery-eye-drops-the-shield-positioning-and-warning-signs/) - [**Cellulitis, impetigo, scabies and lice: nursing care, isolation and teaching** The nurse watches cellulitis for spread, stops impetigo, scabies and lice passing to others, and…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/cellulitis-impetigo-scabies-and-lice-nursing-care-isolation-and-teaching/) - [**Chronic kidney disease: fluid and diet limits, protecting the fistula arm, medicines and teaching** In chronic kidney disease the nurse helps the patient keep to fluid and diet limits, protects…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/chronic-kidney-disease-fluid-and-diet-limits-protecting-the-fistula-arm-medicine/) - [**Chronic venous insufficiency and venous leg ulcers: compression, elevation and leg care** Venous ulcers heal with compression, raising the legs, walking and skin care; the nurse checks…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/chronic-venous-insufficiency-and-venous-leg-ulcers-compression-elevation-and-leg/) - [**Cirrhosis: ascites, weight and girth, encephalopathy, variceal bleeding and the skin** Cirrhosis care means daily weights, low-salt meals, a sharp eye for confusion, bleeding and…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/cirrhosis-ascites-weight-and-girth-encephalopathy-variceal-bleeding-and-the-skin/) - [**Diabetes self-management teaching before discharge: monitoring, food, activity and sick-day rules** Before discharge the patient and family learn their medicines, glucose checks, lows, food…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/diabetes-self-management-teaching-before-discharge-monitoring-food-activity-and/) - [**Giving chemotherapy safely: hazardous-drug handling, extravasation, spills and waste** Chemotherapy drugs can harm staff and tissue: the nurse wears the right protection, watches the…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/giving-chemotherapy-safely-hazardous-drug-handling-extravasation-spills-and-wast/) - [**Glaucoma: eye-drop adherence and acute angle-closure as an emergency** The nurse keeps glaucoma drops going in hospital, teaches correct technique and treats a sudden…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/glaucoma-eye-drop-adherence-and-acute-angle-closure-as-an-emergency/) - [**Hearing loss and vertigo: hearing-aid care, communication, ear surgery and fall safety** The nurse adapts how they talk to a person with hearing loss, keeps hearing devices in use and…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/hearing-loss-and-vertigo-hearing-aid-care-communication-ear-surgery-and-fall-saf/) - [**Hip and knee replacement: dislocation precautions, VTE prevention, mobilisation and going home** After a hip or knee replacement the patient gets up early, prevents clots, protects the new…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/hip-and-knee-replacement-dislocation-precautions-vte-prevention-mobilisation-and/) - [**Hip fracture in the older adult: before and after surgery, delirium, positioning and early mobilisation** An older adult with a hip fracture needs pain relief, delirium and pressure-injury prevention…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/hip-fracture-in-the-older-adult-before-and-after-surgery-delirium-positioning-an/) - [**Inflammatory bowel disease: diarrhoea, fluids, nutrition, flares and medicine teaching** In Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis the nurse tracks stools and fluids, supports nutrition…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/inflammatory-bowel-disease-diarrhoea-fluids-nutrition-flares-and-medicine-teachi/) - [**Inpatients with influenza or COVID-19: isolation, oxygen, cohorting and vaccination** The nurse isolates patients with flu or COVID-19, wears the right protection, watches their…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/inpatients-with-influenza-or-covid-19-isolation-oxygen-cohorting-and-vaccination/) - [**Kidney stones: pain, straining the urine, fluids and care after stone procedures** With a kidney stone the nurse controls the pain, strains all urine to catch the stone…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/kidney-stones-pain-straining-the-urine-fluids-and-care-after-stone-procedures/) - [**Leukaemia, lymphoma and stem-cell transplant: nursing care and graft-versus-host warning signs** Blood cancers and transplant mean long periods of low counts: the nurse prevents infection and…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/leukaemia-lymphoma-and-stem-cell-transplant-nursing-care-and-graft-versus-host-w/) - [**Living with epilepsy: medication adherence, triggers, safety at home and status warning signs** Taking anti-seizure medicines daily as prescribed prevents most seizures; the nurse also teaches…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/living-with-epilepsy-medication-adherence-triggers-safety-at-home-and-status-war/) - [**Meningitis and encephalitis: droplet precautions, neuro checks, comfort and contacts** Suspected bacterial meningitis is an emergency: treatment starts at once, droplet precautions…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/meningitis-and-encephalitis-droplet-precautions-neuro-checks-comfort-and-contact/) - [**Neutropenia and low platelets: infection and bleeding precautions, and fever as an emergency** With few neutrophils a fever is an emergency; with few platelets small injuries bleed: the nurse…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/neutropenia-and-low-platelets-infection-and-bleeding-precautions-and-fever-as-an/) - [**Nursing care in acute coronary syndrome: chest pain, the first hour, the ward and secondary prevention** Chest pain is an emergency until proven otherwise: call for help, get a 12-lead ECG within 10…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/nursing-care-in-acute-coronary-syndrome-chest-pain-the-first-hour-the-ward-and-s/) - [**Nursing care in anaemia: fatigue, pacing activity, iron teaching and transfusion** The nurse watches how anaemia affects breathing, heart rate and safety, paces activity, and…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/nursing-care-in-anaemia-fatigue-pacing-activity-iron-teaching-and-transfusion/) - [**Nursing care in atrial fibrillation: apical–radial pulse, stroke warning signs and teaching about anticoagulants** In atrial fibrillation the nurse counts the apical pulse, watches for low cardiac output and…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/nursing-care-in-atrial-fibrillation-apical-radial-pulse-stroke-warning-signs-and/) - [**Nursing care in deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: recognising them, the first response and mobilisation** A swollen, painful, warm leg can be a clot; sudden breathlessness or chest pain can mean it…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/nursing-care-in-deep-vein-thrombosis-and-pulmonary-embolism-recognising-them-the/) - [**Nursing care in HIV: adherence, opportunistic-infection watch, confidentiality and prevention** The nurse helps the person with HIV take treatment every day, watches for infections, keeps the…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/nursing-care-in-hiv-adherence-opportunistic-infection-watch-confidentiality-and/) - [**Nursing care in hypo- and hyperthyroidism, and the warning signs of a thyroid storm or myxoedema coma** The nurse watches heart rate, temperature and mental status, gives thyroid medicines correctly…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/nursing-care-in-hypo-and-hyperthyroidism-and-the-warning-signs-of-a-thyroid-stor/) - [**Nursing care in pneumonia: oxygenation, positioning, fluids and preventing hospital-acquired pneumonia** The nurse watches breathing and oxygen, helps the patient sit up, cough and move, and prevents…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/nursing-care-in-pneumonia-oxygenation-positioning-fluids-and-preventing-hospital/) - [**Nursing care of the inpatient with hypertension and a hypertensive crisis on the ward** The nurse measures blood pressure well, checks before each antihypertensive, recognises very…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/nursing-care-of-the-inpatient-with-hypertension-and-a-hypertensive-crisis-on-the/) - [**Nursing care of the patient with COPD: exacerbations, controlled oxygen, breathing techniques and inhaler teaching** The nurse spots a COPD flare-up early, gives oxygen to a lower target, teaches calm breathing…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/nursing-care-of-the-patient-with-copd-exacerbations-controlled-oxygen-breathing/) - [**Nursing care of the patient with heart failure: daily weights, fluid balance, warning signs and teaching** In heart failure the nurse catches fluid build-up early: the same-scale morning weight, intake…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/nursing-care-of-the-patient-with-heart-failure-daily-weights-fluid-balance-warni/) - [**Parkinson's disease: medicine timing, falls, swallowing and communication** In hospital, Parkinson's medicines must be given on the patient's own schedule; the nurse also…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/parkinson-s-disease-medicine-timing-falls-swallowing-and-communication/) - [**Patients on anticoagulants: bleeding watch, monitoring tests, interactions and teaching** Anticoagulants and antiplatelets prevent clots but cause bleeding: the nurse checks the right…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/patients-on-anticoagulants-bleeding-watch-monitoring-tests-interactions-and-teac/) - [**Patients with a pacemaker or ICD: care after implant, wound and arm care, device teaching** After a pacemaker or defibrillator implant, the nurse watches the rhythm and wound, limits the…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/patients-with-a-pacemaker-or-icd-care-after-implant-wound-and-arm-care-device-te/) - [**Peptic ulcer and reflux: teaching, medicines and the warning signs of perforation** Nursing care in ulcer and reflux: medicines at the right time, no NSAIDs, no tobacco or alcohol…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/peptic-ulcer-and-reflux-teaching-medicines-and-the-warning-signs-of-perforation/) - [**Peripheral artery disease and acute limb ischaemia: limb checks, positioning and foot care** In artery disease the leg gets too little blood: the nurse compares pulses, colour and warmth…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/peripheral-artery-disease-and-acute-limb-ischaemia-limb-checks-positioning-and-f/) - [**Radiation therapy: skin care, fatigue, and safety with implants and radioactive sources** The nurse protects the treated skin, eases the side effects of the treated area and follows…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/radiation-therapy-skin-care-fatigue-and-safety-with-implants-and-radioactive-sou/) - [**Side effects of cancer treatment: nausea, mucositis, hair loss, fatigue and appetite** The nurse asks about, prevents and eases the common effects of cancer treatment, and knows which…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/side-effects-of-cancer-treatment-nausea-mucositis-hair-loss-fatigue-and-appetite/) - [**Spinal cord injury: spinal precautions, log rolling, autonomic dysreflexia, bladder and bowel** After a spinal cord injury the nurse keeps the spine aligned, turns the patient in one piece…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/spinal-cord-injury-spinal-precautions-log-rolling-autonomic-dysreflexia-bladder/) - [**Stroke rehabilitation nursing: the weak side, shoulder, neglect, aphasia, continence and the family** Rehabilitation starts on the ward: position the weak side, protect the shoulder, help with…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/stroke-rehabilitation-nursing-the-weak-side-shoulder-neglect-aphasia-continence/) - [**Tuberculosis nursing: airborne isolation, directly observed treatment, contacts and adherence** The nurse isolates the patient with infectious tuberculosis, protects staff with a respirator…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/tuberculosis-nursing-airborne-isolation-directly-observed-treatment-contacts-and/) - [**Urinary tract infection and pyelonephritis: the clean specimen, fluids, teaching and catheter-related infection** In a urinary infection the nurse takes a clean sample, encourages fluids, gives the antibiotics…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/urinary-tract-infection-and-pyelonephritis-the-clean-specimen-fluids-teaching-an/) - [**Viral hepatitis: precautions by type, vaccination, rest, nutrition and teaching** In viral hepatitis the type sets the precautions: stool for A and E, blood for B, C and D…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/viral-hepatitis-precautions-by-type-vaccination-rest-nutrition-and-teaching/) - [**Ward care after heart surgery (bypass, valve replacement): sternal wound, lungs, mobilisation and going home** After heart surgery the ward nurse protects the breastbone, helps the lungs expand, walks the…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/ward-care-after-heart-surgery-sternal-wound-lungs-mobilisation-and-going-home/) ## Procedure - [**Assisting paracentesis: before, during and after** Paracentesis drains ascitic fluid with a needle: the nurse prepares, keeps the field sterile…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/assisting-paracentesis-before-during-and-after/) - [**Assisting thoracentesis and caring for the patient with a pleural effusion** The nurse prepares and positions the patient, keeps them still and monitored while the doctor…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/assisting-thoracentesis-and-caring-for-the-patient-with-a-pleural-effusion/) - [**BPH and prostate surgery: continuous bladder irrigation, clots, TUR syndrome and continence** After prostate surgery the nurse keeps the catheter draining with irrigation, watches the urine…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/bph-and-prostate-surgery-continuous-bladder-irrigation-clots-tur-syndrome-and-co/) - [**Care after cardiac catheterisation and PCI: access site, distal pulses, bleeding and lying-flat time** After a catheter through the groin or wrist, the nurse checks the site, the pulse and colour of…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/care-after-cardiac-catheterisation-and-pci-access-site-distal-pulses-bleeding-an/) - [**Cast and splint care: drying, checks, skin, itching and teaching** A new cast or splint is kept dry and uncovered while it sets, the limb is raised and checked…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/cast-and-splint-care-drying-checks-skin-itching-and-teaching/) - [**Giving insulin safely: types by action, pens and syringes, sites, rotation and storage** Insulin is a high-alert medicine: the nurse checks the glucose, the product and the meal before…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/giving-insulin-safely-types-by-action-pens-and-syringes-sites-rotation-and-stora/) - [**Haemodialysis: caring for the fistula, graft or catheter, and before and after a session** The ward nurse checks the dialysis access every day, weighs and assesses the patient before and…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/haemodialysis-caring-for-the-fistula-graft-or-catheter-and-before-and-after-a-se/) - [**Parenteral nutrition: line care, glucose checks, refeeding risk and monitoring** Parenteral nutrition runs through a central line by pump: strict asepsis, scheduled glucose…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/parenteral-nutrition-line-care-glucose-checks-refeeding-risk-and-monitoring/) - [**Peritoneal dialysis: exchanges, the exit site and the signs of peritonitis** In peritoneal dialysis fluid goes into the abdomen through a catheter and drains out; the nurse…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/peritoneal-dialysis-exchanges-the-exit-site-and-the-signs-of-peritonitis/) - [**Traction and external fixators: alignment, weights hanging free and pin-site care** In traction the weights hang free, the body stays aligned and the pin sites are watched for…](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/traction-and-external-fixators-alignment-weights-hanging-free-and-pin-site-care/) ## A to Z - [A](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/a/) - [B](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/b/) - [C](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/c/) - [D](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/d/) - [E](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/e/) - [F](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/f/) - [G](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/g/) - [H](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/h/) - [I](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/i/) - [J](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/j/) - [K](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/k/) - [L](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/l/) - [M](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/m/) - [N](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/n/) - [O](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/o/) - [P](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/p/) - [Q](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/q/) - [R](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/r/) - [S](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/s/) - [T](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/t/) - [U](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/u/) - [V](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/v/) - [W](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/w/) - [Y](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/a-z/y/) [← Nursing: fundamentals and procedures](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/) Educational content for students; it does not replace your institution's protocols, supervised clinical training or a prescriber's order. Dose-calculation examples use made-up numbers: they are educational, not a clinical order. Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/nursing/areas/med-surg/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/nursing/areas/med-surg/