This Week 4 Advanced Med-Surg and Critical Care episode focuses on intracranial regulation, neurologic injury, and mobility, with an emphasis on preventing secondary brain and spinal cord damage. We review key neurologic diagnostic procedures, intracranial pressure physiology, and evidence-based nursing interventions used to maintain cerebral perfusion and control ICP. The episode also covers acute neurologic conditions such as meningitis, head injury, stroke, and spinal cord injury, along with strategies to prevent complications related to immobility. This review highlights how proactive nursing care directly impacts neurologic outcomes in high-acuity settings.

Source: Week 4 Advanced Med-Surg Lecture: Intracranial Regulation and Mobility

This episode reviews musculoskeletal trauma with a focus on fractures, immobilization, traction, and orthopedic complications. Topics include fracture classification, neurovascular assessment, casting and traction care, and high-risk complications such as compartment syndrome, fat embolism, and osteomyelitis. Designed for nursing students preparing for exams and clinical practice in Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 72

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review spinal cord injuries, including their classification by level and completeness of injury and the resulting effects on motor, sensory, autonomic, and respiratory function. We’ll explain the differences between cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral injuries, with emphasis on high cervical injuries and their impact on ventilation and hemodynamic stability. The episode reviews key risk factors, expected assessment findings, and priority nursing assessments, including early recognition of spinal shock and neurogenic shock.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 17

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review stroke, a medical emergency caused by disrupted cerebral blood flow from ischemia or hemorrhage. We’ll break down the two major classifications of stroke, with emphasis on ischemic strokes as the most common type and the urgency of rapid CT imaging to determine eligibility for thrombolytic therapy. The episode reviews key risk factors and stroke prevention strategies, including hypertension control, diabetes management, smoking cessation, and the FAST method for recognizing early warning signs.

You’ll hear expected neurologic findings based on the affected hemisphere, including aphasia, hemiparesis, visual field changes, neglect, and impaired coordination. Priority nursing care focuses on immediate stabilization, frequent neuro checks, airway and oxygenation support, blood glucose monitoring, seizure precautions, and prevention of increased intracranial pressure. Ongoing nursing management includes dysphagia screening and safe-feeding strategies, communication support, mobility and skin protection, VTE prevention, and psychosocial care. The episode also reviews key medications and procedures used in stroke management and secondary prevention, including alteplase, antiplatelets, anticoagulants, statins, thrombectomy, and carotid interventions. This review provides an exam-ready framework to help nursing students prioritize care and prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia and injury related to unilateral neglect.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 16

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review head injuries, including open and closed head trauma and their classification as mild, moderate, or severe based on Glasgow Coma Scale findings. We’ll cover major types of brain injury such as concussion, contusion, diffuse axonal injury, and intracranial hemorrhage, along with associated risk factors and expected clinical manifestations. The episode emphasizes priority nursing assessments, early recognition of increased intracranial pressure, and critical interventions to maintain airway, oxygenation, and cerebral perfusion. Nursing management related to cervical spine stabilization, diagnostic testing, medication therapy, and prevention of complications such as brain herniation, seizures, and fluid-electrolyte imbalances is highlighted throughout. This focused review helps nursing students apply clinical judgment and prioritize care for clients with traumatic head injuries.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 15

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review meningitis, an acute inflammation of the meninges that can become life-threatening without rapid intervention. We’ll differentiate viral, fungal, and bacterial meningitis, review key risk factors and classic assessment findings, and discuss diagnostic priorities such as cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Nursing responsibilities including isolation and droplet precautions, early recognition of increased intracranial pressure, medication management, and prevention of complications like SIADH and septic shock are emphasized throughout. This episode provides a focused, exam-ready review to help nursing students safely assess and manage clients with meningitis.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 6

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review ATI Chapter 4, which focuses on neurologic diagnostic procedures used to assess brain structure, cerebral blood flow, electrical activity, and overall neurologic function. This episode walks through common neurologic assessments and imaging studies, including cerebral angiography, CT scans, EEGs, Glasgow Coma Scale scoring, lumbar punctures, MRI, PET and SPECT scans, and radiographic imaging. Emphasis is placed on nursing responsibilities before, during, and after each procedure, including informed consent, patient preparation, safety considerations, and complication monitoring. You’ll hear detailed explanations of contrast use, sedation considerations, positioning, and post-procedure assessments, as well as key patient education points that frequently appear on exams. This review is designed to help nursing students confidently prepare patients for neurologic procedures, recognize complications early, and apply evidence-based nursing care in both acute and diagnostic settings.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 4

In this Week 3 episode, we break down alterations in cardiac function with a focused review of perfusion and its impact on critically ill patients. The discussion walks through core cardiovascular concepts including cardiac output, preload, afterload, and mean arterial pressure, then builds into clinical applications such as hemodynamic monitoring, angiography, and invasive cardiovascular procedures. You’ll hear a clear review of dysrhythmia recognition, ECG interpretation, cardioversion and defibrillation, pacemakers and ICDs, and the nursing priorities surrounding acute coronary syndromes. The episode also connects coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, aneurysms, and aortic dissections to real-world assessment findings, diagnostics, and evidence-based nursing interventions. This review is designed to reinforce clinical judgment, prioritization, and safety for managing patients with compromised cardiac perfusion in high-acuity settings.

All information sourced from: Alterations to Cardiac Function – Week 3 Lecture (ATI-aligned course content)

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review ATI Chapter 39, which focuses on aneurysms and aortic dissections, including their pathophysiology, risk factors, and clinical management. We’ll review the differences between aneurysms, which involve dilation of the arterial wall, and dissections, which result from a tear in the inner lining of the vessel. The episode highlights major risk factors such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, along with key assessment findings that may signal impending rupture. You’ll also hear an overview of diagnostic imaging, including CT scans and ultrasound, used to monitor aneurysm size and progression. Nursing priorities related to strict blood pressure control, pain management, and preparation for surgical repair using grafts are emphasized throughout. This episode provides an exam-focused review to help nursing students recognize vascular emergencies early and apply evidence-based interventions to prevent catastrophic complications.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 39

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review ATI Chapter 30, which focuses on pacemakers and implantable cardioverter/defibrillators (ICDs) used to manage cardiac rhythm disturbances. We’ll review the purpose and function of temporary and permanent pacing devices, including pulse generators, leads, and sensing mechanisms. The episode emphasizes key nursing responsibilities such as monitoring cardiac rhythms for pacer spikes and capture, assessing surgical sites for infection or hematoma, and identifying device malfunction. You’ll also hear essential patient education topics, including activity restrictions, incision care, and precautions related to magnetic fields and electronic devices. This episode provides an exam-ready review to help nursing students safely monitor, manage, and educate patients with cardiac pacing and defibrillation devices.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 30