Learn Nursing 101

In this Advanced Med-Surg review, we break down hypothyroidism, including primary, secondary, and tertiary causes, expected clinical findings, and key laboratory changes in T3, T4, and TSH. This episode highlights priority nursing assessments, thyroid hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine, and patient education for safe lifelong management. We also review myxedema coma, a life-threatening complication requiring rapid recognition and critical care intervention. This focused review prepares nursing students to identify hypothyroidism early, prevent complications, and apply safe, evidence-based care.

Source:

All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 80.

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review hyperthyroidism, with a focus on Graves disease, assessment findings, diagnostic testing, and evidence-based nursing management. We cover medication therapy, radioactive iodine treatment, thyroidectomy care, and priority interventions for life-threatening complications such as thyroid storm and airway obstruction. This concise, exam-focused review strengthens clinical judgment and prepares nursing students to safely manage clients with hyperthyroid disorders.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 79

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review pituitary disorders affecting both the anterior and posterior lobes. Topics include acromegaly, diabetes insipidus (DI), and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), with emphasis on hormone regulation, assessment findings, diagnostic testing, and priority nursing interventions. We break down growth hormone excess, ADH imbalance, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, and postoperative care following hypophysectomy. This focused review strengthens clinical judgment and prepares nursing students to recognize endocrine instability and prevent life-threatening complications.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 78

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review endocrine diagnostic procedures used to evaluate hormone excess, deficiency, and receptor dysfunction. Topics include posterior pituitary testing for diabetes insipidus and SIADH, adrenal cortex and medulla testing for Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, and pheochromocytoma, carbohydrate metabolism studies such as fasting glucose, glucose tolerance testing, and HbA1c, and thyroid function testing including TSH, T3, T4, and thyroid scans. Emphasis is placed on nursing preparation, monitoring, interpretation of results, and prevention of complications. This episode provides a focused, exam-ready review to strengthen clinical judgment in endocrine assessment.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 77

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