Rapid Response RN

This episode covers the two types of orthostatic syncope:

Neurally mediated orthostatic syncope (from conditions with autonomic dysfunction)

and

"non-neurally mediated" orthostatic syncope which is from medications or hypovolemia.

We discuss the diagnostic value and dangers of orthostatic vital signs and how to determine what type of orthostatic syncope your patient has had.

This is part 3 of a 4 part series on syncope so make sure you check out episode #32 and #33.

If you would like to check out the 1hr, 1 CE course, go to:

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To get $22 off the cost of the course now until the end of 2022

Part 2 of a 4 part series on  syncope.

Syncope is one of the top reasons why a rapid response is called... but the question is, what precipitated the syncope?

In this episode we discuss a classic case of vasovagal syncope, in which Annie's patient had a six second pause on his ECG in response to some overwhelming news.  We break down why atropine might not be the best intervention for this patient and some of the treatment options for bradycardia.

This episode is Part 1 in a 4 part series on syncope.

Syncope and seizure can both present with unresponsiveness.  It can be difficult to differentiate between the two very different causes for an unresponsive episode.  Fortunately, there are some things to look for to help rule out seizure or confirm that it is the culprit... and they probably aren't the ones you thought you knew.

If you are a cardiac nurse, this is your nightmare case!  Cardiac Tamponade is a surgical emergency that requires you know more than ACLS to save this patient.  The signs and symptoms are subtle and takes an astute clinician to figure it out.

In this episode we discuss all the classic textbook assessment findings from Beck's Triad to pulsus paradoxus as well as some of the more subtle clues of declining cardiac output. We talk through when you need a pericardiocentesis and when it's time to crack the chest and perform an open arrest.

And who better to discuss this case than the person who taught me about cardiac tamponade, my boss and former Cardiac ICU Nurse; Brian McCain.

If you want to be prepared for the absolute worst case scenario for your post cardiac surgery patient, than you're gonna want to take notes on this one.

This patient was so backed up, his abdomen looked like he was 9 months pregnant!  It was so bad that he was tachycardic and hypotensive.  In this episode we talk about common post-surgical complications from constipation, to an ileus, to a small bowel obstruction.  We break down diagnostics, pharmacological interventions, and surgical options.

Ever given neostigmine?  Then you are gonna want to hear this episode.

Ever heard of Ogilvie's syndrome... if you care for post-surgical patients this is another one you want to be familiar with.

Do you want to listen to an entire episode about poop... than you will love this episode!

It's amazing how inability to poop can cause such severe and even life threatening complications!

Nursing pre-shift anxiety is a thing!  Many of us stress ourselves out so much leading up to our shift that we don't sleep or eat well or we feel overwhelmed by the thought of another 12 hour shift and we haven't even stepped foot in the hospital yet.  But there is hope...

This episode does not have any hacks for erasing pre-shift anxiety... but rather how to face it.

Sarah discusses the 3 things that she has done to work through the  anxiety associated with being a Nurse.

So, if you find yourself dreading your shifts, losing sleep over worry about work, or overly consumed with what could happen, you might want to give this episode a listen.

Do you want to grasp ABGs more?  Arterial Blood Gases are tricky! It's one thing to memorize the normal ranges for each value, but an astute clinician is able to see the combination of abnormal values and determine what led to this derangement and what to do about it.

In this episode, guest Christian Guzman, Critical Care APRN shares an interesting case of...

SPOILER ALERT: Necrotizing Fasciitis

The patient's presentation was concerning but not very clear what was going on initially.  But the Nurse's intuition which led to an ABG helped guide the team towards a diagnosis, prompted Christian to upgrade the patient to the ICU, and ultimately led to the patient making a full recovery.

If you love nerding out with a deep dive into pathophysiology, then you will love this episode.

This episode is jam packed with everything you need to know for your next stroke alert!

I was interviewed by Annie Fulton from the Up My Nursing Game Podcast and we got to talk about all things stroke from differentiating between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke to the life saving interventions of tPA, thrombectomy, ventriculostomies, and the pharmacological interventions for stroke.  We discuss the role of the Rapid Response Nurse and the bedside Nurse during a stroke alert. What to assess for first, what information the stroke team is going to need, what are the priorities, and why all the hustle to get to CT?!

If you want to be prepared, not only to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke, but also anticipate what is next in this patient's course of care from diagnostics to interventions and recovery, this episode is for you!

You can listen to more of Annie's podcasts at https://www.upmynursinggame.com/ and on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/up-my-nursing-game/id1527032817

You can also find Annie on Instagram @UpMyNursingGame

If you would like to check out my course, you can find it at:

www.RapidResponseandRescue.com

Is work life balance even possible as a nurse?

I would say yes... absolutely!  But it takes some effort and intentionality.  

As a full time nurse, wife, mother of 5, and podcast host, I get to do a lot of juggling.

In this episode, I share 2 nuggets of wisdom that have helped me achieve work/life balance.

Find me on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN

Facebook: Rapid Response RN Podcast

Online Course:  www.RapidResponseandRescue.com

What about when the patient refuses care that they consented to just yesterday?

What about when the family disagrees about the patient's wishes?

What all am I supposed to document when something goes wrong?

What is my role as a Nurse in discussing end of life goals of care with the family?

These are questions that I get all the time in my inbox and so I invited someone who has to daily navigate these difficult legal and ethical challenges in healthcare.