In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review ATI Chapter 29, which focuses on electrocardiography and the nursing management of cardiac dysrhythmias. We’ll break down how ECGs are used to monitor the heart’s electrical activity and identify ischemia, injury, and rhythm disturbances. The episode reviews common cardiac monitoring methods, including bedside ECG monitoring, continuous telemetry, and Holter monitoring, with emphasis on appropriate lead placement and rhythm interpretation. You’ll also hear an overview of life-threatening dysrhythmias and the emergency interventions required to manage them, including defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, and the use of temporary or permanent pacemakers. Priority nursing responsibilities such as rhythm recognition, patient safety, and rapid intervention are emphasized throughout. This episode provides an exam-ready review to help nursing students confidently monitor cardiac rhythms and respond to dysrhythmias in acute care settings.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 29

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review ATI Chapter 28, which focuses on cardiovascular diagnostic and therapeutic procedures used to assess cardiac function, perfusion, and hemodynamic stability. We’ll review key diagnostic tools such as cardiac enzyme testing, echocardiograms, and stress testing, with an emphasis on what abnormal findings indicate and how nurses monitor patients before and after testing. The episode also covers invasive and noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring, as well as angiography to evaluate coronary circulation and vascular blockages. You’ll hear an overview of therapeutic access devices, including vascular access devices such as PICC lines and implanted ports, along with essential nursing responsibilities related to insertion, maintenance, and complication prevention. This episode provides a focused, exam-ready review to help nursing students safely manage cardiovascular procedures and apply evidence-based cardiac care.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 28

In this Advanced Med-Surg Week 2 lecture review, we take a deeper dive into the respiratory system and the advanced nursing care required to maintain effective oxygenation and ventilation. This episode focuses on how gas exchange is assessed through arterial blood gases and oxygen saturation monitoring, and how those findings guide clinical decision-making. We’ll review escalating levels of respiratory support, including oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation such as CPAP and BiPAP, and mechanical ventilation for patients in respiratory failure.

You’ll also hear a focused discussion on critical nursing responsibilities, including chest tube management, prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia through consistent oral care, and the safe use and titration of sedation to support ventilated patients. Emphasis is placed on recognizing early signs of respiratory deterioration, preventing complications, and applying evidence-based interventions in high-acuity settings. This episode is designed to help nursing students connect Week 2 lecture concepts with real-world critical care practice and exam expectations.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on Week 2 Advanced Med-Surg Lecture Notes

In this Week 1 Advanced Med-Surg episode, we break down the core concepts introduced in the first lecture and connect them directly to high-yield ATI content reviewed throughout the week. This episode focuses on emergency nursing priorities, including triage systems, rapid decision-making, and the primary survey using the ABCDE framework to identify and intervene in life-threatening conditions. We’ll walk through critical emergencies such as heat- and cold-related injuries, submersion injuries, bites, stings, and poisonings, with an emphasis on early stabilization before definitive diagnosis.

You’ll also hear an integrated review of respiratory and cardiac emergencies, including ventilation versus oxygenation, chest trauma, cardiac rhythms, and ACLS priorities. Key physiologic concepts such as shock, mean arterial pressure, fluid shifts, acid-base balance, and electrolyte disturbances are explained in a clinical, exam-focused way. The episode concludes with an introduction to critical care nursing concepts, including vasopressor use, hemodynamic monitoring, and the importance of combining technology with hands-on assessment. This episode is designed to help nursing students understand how Week 1 lecture content forms the foundation for advanced clinical judgment in high-acuity settings.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on Week 1 Advanced Med-Surg Lecture Notes 

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review ATI Chapter 46, which focuses on acid-base imbalances and how the body maintains physiologic homeostasis through chemical, respiratory, and renal buffering systems. We’ll break down the mechanisms of compensation, explaining how the lungs regulate carbon dioxide and how the kidneys manage bicarbonate to stabilize arterial pH. The episode reviews the four primary acid-base disorders—respiratory acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis, and metabolic alkalosis—highlighting their causes, clinical manifestations, and priority nursing interventions. You’ll also hear a step-by-step approach to interpreting arterial blood gas results to accurately identify each imbalance. Potential complications, including respiratory arrest, dysrhythmias, and altered level of consciousness, are emphasized throughout. This episode provides an exam-ready framework to help nursing students assess, monitor, and manage acid-base disturbances safely and effectively.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 46

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review ATI Chapter 27, which focuses on respiratory failure and related critical conditions, including acute respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and SARS-CoV-2–associated respiratory complications. We’ll review key pathophysiologic changes that impair gas exchange, along with major risk factors such as advanced age, chronic illness, and prolonged hypoxemia. The episode emphasizes priority diagnostic findings, including arterial blood gas interpretation and imaging studies. You’ll also hear an in-depth review of nursing interventions such as mechanical ventilation strategies, PEEP management, patient positioning, and the use of medications including neuromuscular blockers and antivirals. Potential complications such as barotrauma, ventilator-associated infections, and hemodynamic instability are addressed throughout. This episode provides an exam-focused review to help nursing students recognize respiratory failure early and deliver safe, evidence-based critical care.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 27

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review ATI Chapter 26, which focuses on the assessment and management of acute thoracic injuries, including pneumothorax, hemothorax, and flail chest. We’ll review how trauma or underlying pathology can lead to lung collapse, impaired ventilation, or chest wall instability, with particular emphasis on the rapid recognition and treatment of tension pneumothorax. The episode highlights priority nursing assessments such as respiratory distress, asymmetrical chest movement, diminished or absent breath sounds, and changes in oxygenation. You’ll also hear an overview of key medical and nursing interventions, including chest tube placement, thoracentesis, mechanical ventilation, and pain management strategies using analgesics and sedatives. Patient-centered care and discharge education are emphasized to support recovery and prevent complications. This episode provides an exam-ready review to help nursing students recognize life-threatening thoracic conditions and deliver timely, evidence-based care.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 26

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review ATI Chapter 25, which focuses on the assessment and management of pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening cardiovascular and respiratory emergency. We’ll review major risk factors such as surgery, prolonged immobility, pregnancy, and hypercoagulable states, with special attention to increased risk in older adults and certain post-COVID patients. The episode covers priority diagnostic studies including CT pulmonary angiography and ventilation–perfusion scans, along with key laboratory findings. You’ll also hear an overview of pharmacologic management with anticoagulants and thrombolytic therapy, as well as nursing responsibilities related to oxygen administration, respiratory and hemodynamic monitoring, and prevention of bleeding complications. Preventive strategies, patient education, and advanced interventions such as embolectomy are emphasized throughout. This episode provides an exam-ready review to help nursing students recognize pulmonary embolism early and deliver safe, evidence-based care.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 25

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review ATI Chapter 20, which focuses on respiratory management and the use of mechanical ventilation to support oxygenation and airway patency. We’ll break down supplemental oxygen delivery systems, including nasal cannulas, simple masks, nonrebreather masks, and Venturi masks, with an emphasis on appropriate selection and nursing monitoring. The episode also covers advanced airway management, including endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, reviewing common ventilator modes, settings, and alarms. You’ll hear priority nursing actions related to recognizing early and late signs of respiratory distress, preventing complications such as oxygen toxicity, skin breakdown, and ventilator-associated infections, and ensuring patient safety in both acute and chronic care settings. This episode provides a clear, exam-focused review to help nursing students manage respiratory failure and deliver evidence-based respiratory care.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 20

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review ATI Chapter 19, which focuses on chest tube insertion and the ongoing nursing management required to maintain effective lung expansion. We’ll break down the purpose of chest tubes and how they restore normal intrathoracic pressure by removing air, blood, or fluid from the pleural space. The episode reviews the components and function of three-chamber drainage systems, including collection chambers, water seals, and suction control. You’ll also hear key nursing responsibilities related to patient safety, such as maintaining proper system positioning, monitoring for air leaks, assessing drainage, and identifying complications. The episode concludes with nursing considerations for chest tube insertion, troubleshooting, and safe removal. This review provides a clear, exam-focused approach to chest tube management and patient monitoring.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 19