Nova Scotia Health Authority. Emergency Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2019.

Pamphlet Number

0368

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Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs that causes the air sacs in the lungs to get inflamed. This pamphlet explains the symptoms of pneumonia, who is at risk, and how pneumonia is diagnosed and treated. Tips to help you recover quickly and prevent pneumonia are included. Symptoms that need further medical attention are listed. The French translation of this pamphlet 2061, "Pneumonie" is also available.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Angiography Unit, Nova Scotia Health Authority. Diagnostic Imaging. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0001

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During this special X-ray test, a colourless dye is injected into your blood vessels so that they can be seen on X-ray. An angiogram can be used to X-ray blood vessels in various parts of the body. This pamphlet describes getting ready for the test, how the test is done, and care after the test.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Cardiology. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0006

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Telemetry is a way of recording your heart’s rate and rhythm. A transmitter is used to send this information to a monitor at the nurses’ station. The recording happens while you are awake as well as while you are asleep. This pamphlet answers questions such as why telemetry is done, where and how it is done, and what to do if you have any problems. The French version of this pamphlet 1893, "Télésurveillance", is also available.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Non-Invasive Vascular Diagnostics Lab. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0007

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The Vascular Lab has special testing equipment that can tell us about the pressure and amount of blood flowing through your arteries and veins. Tests described in this pamphlet include: Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) blood flow test, treadmill exercise test, arterial duplex test, carotid duplex evaluation, venous duplex ultrasound, and blood flow evaluation of fingers and/or toes.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Halifax Infirmary. Minor Procedures. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0422

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This test is sometimes called a spinal tap. There is a space around your spinal cord that is filled with fluid. In a lumbar puncture, a small amount of fluid is taken from this space. The cells in the fluid are studied under a microscope in a lab to check for any problems. This pamphlet explains what a lumbar puncture is, how long it takes, how the test is done, and what will happen after the test. A list of symptoms that require medical attention is included.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Heart Health. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0019

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A pacemaker is used to prevent your heart from beating too slowly. It can also be used to make your heart beat faster to suit your activity. You will need to have surgery to have the device placed in your body. This pamphlet explains how your heart beats, what happens if you have problems with your heartbeat, what a pacemaker is, how the procedure is done, what will happen after your procedure, and your care at home. A list of symptoms that require you to call 911 is included. The French versi…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0140

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Your eyes are filled with a fluid made by the ciliary body. This fluid flows through the pupil, in front of the lens, and then out through a drain called the trabecular meshwork. Glaucoma is a disease where increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve. It usually happens when the trabecular meshwork (drain) does not work and fluid cannot drain from the eye. Fluid buildup in the front part of the eye increases pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. This damage may at first caus…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. GI Unit. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2018.

Pamphlet Number

0040

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A gastroscopy is an exam of the esophagus (throat), stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small bowel). We have described getting ready for the test, how it is done, care after the test, and possible complications. If sedation is given, you must not do certain activities for 24 hours after the test. The French version of this pamphlet 1504, "Gastroscopie", is also available. The Arabic version of this pamphlet, 1477, is also available.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. GI Unit. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2018.

Pamphlet Number

0038

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An ERCP is an examination of the common bile duct, gallbladder, and the duct of the pancreas. The doctor will do this test with a flexible tube with a light at the tip. We have described getting ready for the test, how it is done, care after the test, and possible complications. As you will be given sedation, you must not do certain activities for 24 hours after the test. The French version of this pamphlet 1503, "CPRE (Cholangiopancréatographie rétrograde endoscopique)", is also available. The…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Division of Neurosurgery. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2017.

Pamphlet Number

0059

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Sterotactic surgery is used to diagnose or treat several types of brain-related conditions, such as movement disorders, pain syndromes, and brain tumours/tumors. A biopsy is when a small sample of tissue is taken. A pathologist (a doctor who diagnoses changes in body tissues or fluids) will look at the tissue sample and make a diagnosis. What to expect before, during, and after surgery are stated.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Same Day Surgery. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0064

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This pamphlet answers common questions about care at home after surgery. Topics include: how you will feel, activities, what to eat, managing pain, dressing(s) care, driving, etc. Specific instructions are given for patients with sleep apnea, and patients who use CPAP machines. The pamphlet includes a list of symptoms that need medical attention right away.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. CT Service Advisory Provincial Committee. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2020.

Pamphlet Number

0067

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Computed Tomography (CT) scans are images made by a computer and X-ray machine. CT scans give more detailed pictures of bones and soft tissue organs than regular X-rays. These images will help your doctor recommend the best treatment for you. Topics include: how you get ready for the scan, what happens during the scan, questions about breastfeeding after the scan, side effects, how long it will take, when to expect results, and where to send your feedback. A list of hospital contact info is pro…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Cardiology. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0393

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Cardioversion is used to treat heart rhythm problems. During a cardioversion, an electrical shock is given to your heart. Getting ready for the procedure, how the procedure is done, and recovery are outlined. Before the procedure, you will be given medication to make you comfortable, relaxed, and sleepy. It will be in your body for 24 hours. It includes a list of things to avoid for 24 hours after your procedure. The French version of this pamphlet 1726, "Avant et après une cardioversion", is a…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0465

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Laser treatment uses a strong beam of light (laser) that can be focused to treat certain diseases of the retina. The 3 most common diseases treated with a laser are – retinal holes or tears, diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy), and other problems with retinal blood vessels. The pamphlet describes getting ready for a laser treatment, what will happen during treatment, and care after.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Emergency Department. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2018.

Pamphlet Number

0117

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Some specific instructions for how to take care of fibreglass and plaster casts are described. Instructions for caring for all other types of casts are also provided. How to keep your cast dry and what to do if you have any problems are listed. The French version of this pamphlet 1108, "Comment prendre soin de votre plâtre," is also available.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Emergency Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0119

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The abdomen is the area from the bottom of your rib cage to your pelvic (hip) bones. Abdominal pain can be caused by many things, including: indigestion, constipation (not being able to poop), gas, infection (either bacterial or viral), food poisoning, ulcers, appendicitis, gallbladder or liver disease, kidney stones, bladder infections, menstrual pain, and muscle spasms (muscle movements you cannot control). Most abdominal pain goes away without treatment. This pamphlet gives instructions for …

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0134

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This pamphlet explains how to get ready for eye surgery. Topics include where to go, cancelling your surgery, and getting ready (what you can eat and drink, medications, and what to do if you have diabetes). Information about scents, valuables, and what to bring to the hospital is included. What to expect if you are having a local anesthetic or a general anesthetic is given. A map of the QEII Health Sciences Centre is included. The French version of this pamphlet 2014, "Préparation en vue de la…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0141

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If the pressure inside your eye stays too high after using drops and/or laser treatments, you will need surgery to treat your glaucoma. You may have a trabeculectomy or a shunt procedure. This pamphlet explains what a trabeculectomy and a shunt procedure are, and what will happen after the surgery. Instructions for your care at home are provided, including discomfort, wearing an eye shield, using eye drops, and activity. A list of symptoms that require immediate medical attention is provided. T…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Cardiac Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2017.

Pamphlet Number

0152

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This booklet describes the symptoms, causes, management, and treatments of heart failure. The main focus of the booklet is on managing symptoms. Information is provided on eating less salt, drinking less fluid, and a variety of medicines and exercise. Lists of community resources and symptoms that need immediate medical attention are listed.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Vascular Surgery. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0158

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During an endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), your surgeon will put an endovascular stent graft in your aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in the body. This pamphlet explains what an aneurysm is and how it is treated. EVAR is an alternative to open abdominal surgery. The pamphlet outlines the advantages, disadvantages, and possible complications of EVAR compared to open surgery. What will happen before, during, and after surgery is explained. A list of symptoms that requir…