Cheryl's Blogspot

My first test in college anatomy we were given a piece of paper with numbered lines, 1-206.  Instructions were simple:  Name the 206 bones in the body.  I made 100% - thank you. Learning anatomy of all the body systems, and the physiology of how they interact is my love in the medical field.  The science of it all fascinates me. There is a logical physiologic reaction to bodily injury, and a RN Case Manager's critical thinking skills help anticipate symptoms and complaints.   If you hit your thumb hard with a hammer, we know you will have pain, and probably stiffness; and if you smashed it good enough, you could have "sympathetic" stiffness of adjoining fingers in the hand.  That is a known physiologic response. Stacy Mathis, RN has a patient with multiple injuries has begun to relate all aches and pains to his MVA.  The problem is, not all his complaints can be physiologically connected to the injury.  This is quite common in catastrophic injuries, but also ha

Fresh out of nursing school I worked in a busy Internal Medicine physician group.  I had thought it would be my dream job, but after several months went by, for me it actually became a daily dull-drum of  scheduling tests, refilling prescriptions, and  tearing table paper.  I remember getting excited when a patient needed a joint injection so I could prep and assist with a procedure!  I know that sounds creepy to some.  It's a nurse thing; some don't understand. Nowadays as a Case Manager, it's still a thrill when an injured worker needs a joint injection, or a trigger point injection in clinic; Because I know this is something that will likely give that patient quick relief from their pain, and at the very least be diagnostic to clarify the pain generator.  These injections typically consist of a lidocaine, an anesthetic to numb the area, and a steroid, which acts to reduce inflammation and promote healing.  This is a wonderful thing.   One of the tools we