Did you listen to Joey’s story in last week’s mystery episode? If you did and guessed rhabdomyolysis as his diagnosis, congratulations! Joey’s muscle injury from playing a little too hard at football camp resulted in a release of muscle proteins that ultimately caused his kidneys to shut down, which led to his diagnosis and treatment for rhabdomyolysis.In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini examines the complexities of the condition, from its pathophysiology to causes and treatment options. You’ll learn the hallmark signs of rhabdomyolysis, the not so obvious signs and symptoms to be aware of, and what to consider when caring for patients.Tune in for a detailed exploration of rhabdomyolysis!Mentioned in this episode:Rapid Response Academy LinkWanna check out Rapid Response Academy: The Heart and Science of Caring for the Sick? click this link to learn more: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/communityRapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 🫶 Check out my membership: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/community 📚 Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/learnmore 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁 Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Are you ready for some diagnosing fun?! In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini will challenge your diagnostic skills with the mystery case of Joey, a 14-year-old patient who went from playing football at summer camp to being intubated in the ER.Joey presented with an altered mental status, and was tachycardic, tachypneic and febrile. Once in the ER, he went into ventricular tachycardia, his blood pressure dropped significantly, and he required intubation. As Sarah shares more details on his presentation, labs results and medical history, you’ll get all the critical clues needed to solve this intriguing case.So, think you can uncover what’s wrong with the patient? Check back next week when Sarah concludes Joey’s story and reveals his mystery diagnosis!Mentioned in this episode:Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 🫶 Check out my membership: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/community 📚 Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/learnmore 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁 Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

As host Sarah Lorenzini insightfully explains, “think of autonomic dysreflexia symptoms as the body's way of telling you something is wrong.” Autonomic dysreflexia is a medical emergency that occurs in patients with a spinal cord injury, but it can be hard to recognize because of the body’s confusing responses to stimulation. That’s why it’s crucial for nurses to understand this syndrome and prevent patients from developing any life-threatening complications.In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini gives listeners an inside look at a case of autonomic dysreflexia in a quadriplegic patient. She breaks down the patient’s symptoms, medical history and presentation, then shares what helped her recognize the signs of autonomic dysreflexia. As she dives into the pathophysiology of autonomic dysreflexia, you’ll gain a better understanding of this syndrome, including how to manage the symptoms and treat patients.At first perplexed by this case, it was Sarah’s knowledge and critical thinking that led her to suspect autonomic dysreflexia. Tune in now and take notes so you can diagnose autonomic dysreflexia and deliver timely intervention the next time you encounter it!Topics discussed in this episode:The patient’s symptoms and initial assessmentIdentifying the problem and starting treatmentUnderstanding autonomic dysreflexiaCauses and management of autonomic dysreflexiaMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 🫶 Check out my membership: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/community 📚 Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/learnmore 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁 Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Goals of care discussions are among the most difficult to navigate as a nurse, BUT there are ways to provide both comfort and clarity to patients and their families in these emotionally charged situations.In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini and Hospice Nurse AJ share tips and insights on how to approach these challenging discussions with sensitivity and respect, all while keeping patient’s wishes at the forefront of treatment. From how to start the conversation to addressing concerns, they cover strategies for approaching family members in person or on the phone.This episode explores not just the words and phrases nurses should employ, but also the compassion that patients and their families need as they step into the grieving process. AJ and Sarah also discuss how to handle various scenarios, including ones where the family is in disagreement or is struggling to make a decision on care.After listening, you’ll have skills necessary to navigate the nuances of communicating effectively about goals of care and balancing clinical objectives with empathy. Tune in to learn how to have clear, compassionate goals of care discussions!Topics discussed in this episode:How to start the conversation on goals of careThings to say to the family and things to avoidWhat DNR means for end of life careDealing with conflicting family opinionsCommunicating with family by telephonePreparing the family to see critically ill loved onesA nurse’s role in facilitating the family’s grieving processMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 🫶 Check out my membership: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/community 📚 Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/learnmore 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁 Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Orienting as a new Nurse in the ICU is much like climbing your first big mountain — both require basic knowledge, passion, and the ability to learn quickly and adapt in a demanding environment. But without these attributes, you have an arduous, possibly insurmountable journey ahead of you.In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini and Sarah Vance RN delve into the controversial topic of new grads going straight into the ICU after graduation, exploring the challenges and opportunities it presents for new nurses. They discuss the essential skills and mindset needed to thrive in such an intense setting, emphasizing the crucial role of self-care and support for success in the ICU.This episode answers common questions from Rapid Response RN listeners, including “what types of people do well in the ICU, and what types of people struggle? What can I do to prepare for a job in the ICU? What are the most common struggles of nurses in the ICU, and how can they mitigate those challenges?”As a critical care nurse and educator, Sarah’s insights will help you assess your readiness for joining the exciting but challenging world of the ICU. Tune in now!Topics discussed in this episode:The debate around new grads joining the ICUWhat type of people who do well in the ICUChallenges new grads face in the ICUHow to prepare for a job in the ICUNavigating the common struggles of ICU nursesThe importance of learning from your mistakesWatch this episode on The Rapid Response RN YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@therapidresponsern/videosConnect with Sarah Vance!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iseeu_nurse/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iseeu_nurseWebsite: https://iseeunurse.com/Mentioned in this episode:Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 🫶 Check out my membership: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/community 📚 Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/learnmore 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁 Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

What’s your craziest, most shocking nursing story? In this episode, you’ll hear one of host Sarah Lorenzini’s most memorable stories as a rapid response nurse!Sarah recounts her experience treating a severe case of a prolapsed rectum, describing the unconventional yet effective approach that not only resolved the medical dilemma but caught the attention of Rapid Response RN listeners, becoming the most shared episode of the podcast!As Sarah delves into this case of rectal prolapse, she explains the science behind using sugar as treatment and important lessons learned from her experience with these rectal prolapse emergencies. Tune in now!Topics discussed in this episode:How Sarah responded to a patient’s severe case of prolapsed rectumPathophysiology of rectal prolapseUsing sugar to reduce prolapseKey takeaways from Sarah’s experienceMentioned in this episode:Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 🫶 Check out my membership: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/community 📚 Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/learnmore 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁 Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com RRA mid december ad 2023If you want to learn more about the Rapid Response Academy: The Heart and Science of Caring for the Sick... you can click here https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/community to find out more and sign up.

Foreign objects in the bladder, urinary retention, priapism. These are just a few of the urological emergencies host Sarah Lorenzini is discussing with Dr. Shailen Sehgal!Nurses are the first line of defense in treating emergencies and play an important role in managing their care. In this episode, Dr. Shailen Sehgal explores these emergencies and shares great tips and tricks to treat conditions like testicular torsion, assess for hematuria, and troubleshoot catheter insertions, bladder spasms, and more.Sarah’s conversation with Dr. Shailen Sehgal highlights the pivotal role of nurses in treating urological emergencies that require quick intervention. After listening, you’ll have a deeper understanding of common urological challenges and better be able to decide when it’s time to stop troubleshooting and call the urologist.Tune in now to learn from Dr. Shailen Sehgal’s expertise and insights!Topics discussed in this episode:Dr. Shailen Sehgal’s interesting urological casesThe role of nurses in urological emergenciesHow to diagnose and manage testicular torsionTroubleshooting Foley catheters and Coude cathetersTips for female catheter insertionDealing with catheter leakageContinuous bladder irrigation (CBI)Advice on caring for urology patientsDr. Shailen Sehgal attended medical school at Cornell University and did his urology residency at the University of Pennsylvania. His fellowship in robotic/minimally invasive surgery was also completed at the University of Pennsylvania.  His clinical research fellowship was done at the National Institutes of Health.  He is board certified by the American Board of Urology. He practices urology and urologic surgery in Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia.Dr. Shailen Sehgal, MD is one of the founders of UroCoach, a comprehensive library of urology education videos, free to the public. In these videos, urology topics are explained by practicing urologists in easy-to-understand language for patients, nurses, trainees, and anyone interested in urology!https://youtube.com/@UroCoachhttps://www.instagram.com/urocoaches/https://www.tiktok.com/@urocoachhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090540351025Mentioned in this episode:RRA mid december ad 2023If you want to learn more about the Rapid Response Academy: The Heart and Science of Caring for the Sick... you can click here https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/community to find out more and sign up.Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 🫶 Check out my membership: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/community 📚 Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/learnmore 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁 Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word...

Snake bite care: where the cost and long-term complications can sting harder than the bite.Managing snake bites requires quick intervention, making it crucial for nurses to understand how to navigate this type of emergency. So in this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini welcomes Sealy RN to share her firsthand experience of being bitten. As a nurse who has also treated snake bites, she has great insights on the challenges of snake bite care.Sarah and Sealy discuss the use of antivenom, specifically the short and long-term risks of CroFab, what can happen if a snake bite is left untreated, and the role of nurses in snake bite management.Sealy's story highlights the importance of prompt and informed treatment, taking charge of your own care and advocating for patients. Plus, you’ll find out what steps you should (and shouldn’t) take if you get bitten by a snake.Tune in to learn everything you need to know from a nursing and patient perspective!Topics discussed in this episode:Sealy’s snakebite storySnake bite treatment and the recovery processSnake bite symptoms and possible complicationsWhat to do when you’ve been bittenTakeaways from Sealy’s experienceDownload the SnakeBite 911 app:https://crofab.com/crofab-resources/snakebite911Mentioned in this episode:Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 📚Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

How does AFib RVR escalate into a life-threatening situation in just 30 minutes?Join host Sarah Lorenzini as she reflects on a perplexing case of sympathetic crashing acute pulmonary edema, also known as flash pulmonary edema. This patient’s rapid deterioration led to an emergency intubation that perplexed the rapid response team, but the patient's true condition became clear in hindsight.In this episode, Sarah walks us through the case, sharing the patient's presentation and medical history, how the team treated his symptoms, and why their initial interventions failed. She delves into the pathophysiology of SCAPE, the patient’s progression into sympathetic surge, and his ultimate treatment.Tune in to learn from Sarah’s look back at this patient story!Topics discussed in this episode:Sarah’s complex A-Fib RVR patient storyReflecting on the patient’s treatment and hindsight lessonsThe progression of sympathetic crashing acute pulmonary edema (SCAPE)Causes of SCAPE and stopping the spiral towards deathManaging SCAPE (what to and not to use)Case summary and key takeawaysMentioned in this episode:Coming Soon! Rapid Response Academy: The Heart and Science of Caring for the SickClick here to learn more about the community that Sarah is building: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/coming-soon-rapid-response-academy Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 📚Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Host Sarah Lorenzini and Christian Guzman APRN are back to conclude this three-part heart failure series by examining the use of mechanical circulatory support for cardiogenic shock. This episode expands on the topics covered in previous parts, focusing on the application of mechanical circulatory support methods like the intra-aortic balloon pump, Impella, CentriMag, LVADs, and ECMO.Christian and Sarah review the risks and benefits of each device, when to use them, and the key factors that impact these decisions. They also address the ethical challenges of ECMO, including the clinical judgment involved when determining who’s a good candidate and when to escalate care.By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how these devices function, their critical role in managing cardiogenic shock in heart failure patients, and the value nurses bring to a multidisciplinary team.Tune in for a knowledge-packed finale of this comprehensive heart failure series!Topics discussed in this episode:The role of mechanical circulatory support devicesBenefits and risks of the intra-aortic balloon pump and Impella deviceHow to properly use Impella devicesCentriMag and Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs)The evolution of permanent LVADsExtracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiac supportChallenges and ethical considerations of ECMOThe importance of nursing knowledge and confidenceConnect with Christian Guzman APRN on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thenerdynursepractitioner/Watch this episode on The Rapid Response RN YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@therapidresponsern/videosMentioned in this episode:Coming Soon! Rapid Response Academy: The Heart and Science of Caring for the SickClick here to learn more about the community that Sarah is building: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/coming-soon-rapid-response-academy Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 📚Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Building on last week’s introduction to heart failure, this episode explores the nuances in the medical management of cardiogenic shock. Host Sarah Lorenzini and Christian Guzman APRN continue this three-part heart failure series by completing the case study of a patient in cardiogenic shock, and breaking down key treatment concepts and strategies.They discuss goal-directed therapy to optimize heart function, with a specific focus on the vital aspects of contractility, afterload, and preload, and their pivotal roles in patient care. As their conversation progresses, they delve into the use of medical interventions, covering the pros and cons of medications used to treat heart failure at each stage from beginning to extremis.Christian and Sarah go beyond what you’ll read from textbooks, shedding light on the challenges and clinical decision-making process of heart failure care by sharing real life examples and insights.Tune in now to learn how to assess patients for cardiogenic shock and manage their care at every stage of heart failure!Topics discussed in this episode:The treatment of last week’s patientGoal-directed therapy for heart failureMethods to increase contractilityPreload optimizationThe use of inotropes in heart failure managementAssessing patients for cardiogenic shockWhen to use beta blockers for heart failureWhen to pull the trigger for mechanical circulatory supportConnect with Christian Guzman APRN on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thenerdynursepractitioner/Watch this episode on The Rapid Response RN YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@therapidresponsern/videosMentioned in this episode:Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 📚Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com Coming Soon! Rapid Response Academy: The Heart and Science of Caring for the SickClick here to learn more about the community that Sarah is building: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/coming-soon-rapid-response-academy

During a normal day gardening, an active woman in her 60s was suddenly struck with chest tightness. Thinking it was just an asthma attack, she tried to let the pain pass. What she didn’t realize was that she was having a full blown myocardial infarction, and this was only the beginning of her journey.In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini is joined by her friend, Christian Guzman APRN, to discuss this patient story and the pathophysiology of heart failure. As they go through this case study, Christian provides a comprehensive breakdown of the types of heart failure, the classifications of heart failure, and how chronic heart failure can lead into cardiogenic shock.Most importantly, you’ll learn the signs and symptoms of heart failure, including the subtle ones that are key for early detection, and find out what’s important to look at on an echocardiogram.This is just the first installment of a three-part series on heart failure, so be sure to not miss this opening episode. Tune in now!Topics discussed in this episode:Pathophysiology of heart failureCase study of Christian’s heart failure patientMyocardial infarction symptoms in womenTypes of heart failureSymptoms of right vs left heart failureThe difference between systolic vs diastolic heart failureHow chronic heart failure develops into cardiogenic shockEarly signs of heart failureSCAI classifications of cardiogenic shockConnect with Christian Guzman APRN on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thenerdynursepractitioner/Watch this episode on The Rapid Response RN YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@therapidresponsern/videosMentioned in this episode:Coming Soon! Rapid Response Academy: The Heart and Science of Caring for the SickClick here to learn more about the community that Sarah is building: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/coming-soon-rapid-response-academy Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 📚Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Have you ever started a new and promising job, only to discover that it wasn’t the nurturing and supportive space you thought it was? In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini, armed with nearly two decades of nursing experience in various departments and leadership roles, provides a guideline to spotting the red and green flags that can signal a healthy or hostile workplace.Sarah explores what makes a healthy work environment, beyond reputation and first impressions, as she does a deep dive into the American Association of Critical Care Nurses' (AACN) six pillars of a healthy work environment. From communication to authentic leadership, she equips both new and seasoned nurses with strategies to assess key characteristics of prospective employers and identify signs of a healthy culture.For those dedicated to their current organization but seeking a better work culture that allows them to grow in their role, Sarah also reveals how nurses can promote positive change in their current work environment.Tune in to hear the essential interview questions you should be asking to evaluate potential work environments and make an informed career decision!Topics discussed in this episode:The AACN's standards for a healthy work environmentExamples of an unhealthy work environmentHow leaders affect work cultureIdentifying red flags in potential work environmentsIdeas to improve your current work environmentCheck out the AACN’s Healthy Work Environments website: https://www.aacn.org/nursing-excellence/healthy-work-environmentsMentioned in this episode:Coming Soon! Rapid Response Academy: The Heart and Science of Caring for the SickClick here to learn more about the community that Sarah is building: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/coming-soon-rapid-response-academy Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 📚Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

You may already be familiar with the trauma triad… but in this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini is once again joined by her friend and critical care nurse and educator, Sarah Vance to break down a 4th component to trauma resuscitation. Last week, they discussed the treatment of a trauma patient with neuro and respiratory injuries, but today they’re getting into the “blood and guts” of trauma cases as Sarah Vance RN walks us through a multiple gunshot wound case study. Similar to last week’s patient, this case study highlights how the body’s systems all work together, and sometimes against each other, in trauma cases.Sarah’s GSW patient’s injuries resulted in massive blood loss, leading to rounds of MTP (massive transfusion protocol), but treating blood loss is more complex than just replacing blood so we’re diving into the pathophysiology of hypothermia, coagulopathy, hypocalcemia, and acidosis — all components of the trauma diamond of death.As a nursing educator, Sarah Vance RN is the best person to break down these challenging concepts and make them easy to understand. You’ll learn why they happen in trauma cases, how they impact each other, and what you can do to fix these issues and prevent death.By the end of this episode, you’ll have the knowledge you need to manage the treatment of a trauma patient with major blood loss. Tune in now!Topics discussed in this episode:Components of the trauma diamond of deathSarah’s trauma patient and his treatment MTP, or Massive Transfusion ProtocolWhat causes hypothermia in trauma patientsHow to support coagulopathy and why it’s importantHypocalcemia and the role of calcium in the bodyManaging calcium levels in trauma cases Acidosis and its place in the diamond of deathKey lessons from this patient’s caseWatch this episode on The Rapid Response RN YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@therapidresponsern/videosConnect with Sarah Vance!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iseeu_nurse/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iseeu_nurseWebsite: https://iseeunurse.com/Mentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 📚Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

If you hear “trauma” and immediately think of blood and guts, this episode with host Sarah Lorenzini’s friend, critical care nurse and educator Sarah Vance, will show you that there’s so much more to trauma cases. Because even localized injuries can affect the whole body, and issues can pile up and require conflicting treatments. That’s why trauma cases require an advanced level of assessment and critical thinking skills.During this episode, Sarah Vance RN tells the story of a patient who was admitted with a brain bleed, orthopedic, and cervical injuries after a motorcycle accident. Like many trauma cases, the patient’s condition got a lot more complicated as his injuries progressed and he sustained secondary injuries within the respiratory system. The patient had a long list of issues, including traumatic head injury, ARDS, fistulas, necrotizing pneumonia, and MORE.Sarah Vance also goes into more detail on his pathophysiological injuries, as well as how the ICU team assessed and treated his competing issues to lead the patient to a miracle recovery. Tune in to learn about the management of complex multisystem trauma cases!Topics discussed in this episode:Sarah’s career journey and why she took a break from nursingThe trauma patient’s injuries and the initial interventionsThe ICU team’s concerns and how his care evolved as more damage set inWhat prompted them to place an external ventricular drainHow the patient developed ARDSHow the ICU team treated the patient’s opposing issuesThe patient’s long journey to recoveryConnect with Sarah Vance!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iseeu_nurse/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iseeu_nurseWebsite: https://iseeunurse.com/Mentioned in this episode:Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 📚Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Every nurse knows the havoc chemotherapy wreaks on the body, but most nurses aren’t as knowledgeable on how to treat chemo reactions as, say, chemo or oncology nurses. Even host Sarah Lorenzini is slightly intimidated by unpredictable reactions from chemotherapy! That’s why this episode is centered around those super scary chemotherapy reactions and how to treat them.To help us dive further into this topic, Sarah is speaking with another rapid response nurse, Montana RN. He has a dramatic patient story to share about rigors, a chemotherapy reaction that occurs as the body is trying to mount a febrile response to the medication. Not only was his patient visibly struggling, but he was hypoxic and there was no doctor available to prescribe medication to treat the reaction.As Montana and Sarah study this patient’s case, you’ll find out what type of reaction the patient was having and walk away with the knowledge of how to treat chemotherapy reactions and their symptoms, the use of desensitization procedures for reactions to chemo agents, and why it’s important to know your hospital’s chemo reaction protocol.There’s so much to learn about chemotherapy reactions and the nurse’s role in caring for this patient population during a really scary experience.Topics discussed in this episode:What led Montana to become a rapid response nurseHow the patient presented and his initial assessmentWhat rigors looks like and the pathophysiology behind this scary looking symptomTreatment options for rigorsWhy Montana had to bring the patient to the ERHow to treat a reaction and its symptomsThe patient’s treatment and outcomeMontana’s takeaways from this experienceMentioned in this episode:Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸Connect on Instagram 📚Check out my course 🧑‍💻Check out my website 📬Subscribe to my newsletter 🎁Affiliation and discounts SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 💚Leave a rating on Spotify To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

In this episode of Rapid Response RN, host Sarah Lorenzini is joined by Casey BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC, CFRN, CTRN, CEN, TCRN, CPEN, CNRN, NRP. And yes, you read her title right — Casey has a whopping eight certifications and is one of the few nurses with ALL five BCEN certifications. And she’s using her knowledge and skills to advocate for her patients and teach others.Today, Casey tells the story of a patient who came into the ER after a fall and was later diagnosed with a basilar skull fracture. Complicating the case even more is that the patient was a child under the age of 2, so it was more difficult to assess the signs of his injury. Casey’s hospital provider dismissed the fall as normal childhood injury, but she did what any good nurse would do and followed her hunch that something more was going on.Casey shares how the patient presented, how they arrived at the diagnosis and treated him. You’ll also learn the telltale signs and symptoms of basilar skull fracture, and how to check for signs of abuse if you see a pediatric head injury.Tune in for a lesson in pediatric basilar skull fractures, and advocating for your intuition as a new nurse!Topics discussed in this episode:Casey’s nursing journey to earn so many certificationsWhy Casey’s patient came into the ER and how he presentedWhat made her think something more was going onResults of the patient’s CT and their diagnosisClassic signs and symptoms of basilar skull fracturesHow to assess mental status in childrenDetermining if injury is a sign of child abuseHow they treated the patient for a basilar skull fractureWhat nurses need to prioritize when treating a basilar skull fractureConnect with Casey:https://www.instagram.com/criticalcarecasey/Mentioned in this episode:Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 📚Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Intubation is a life-saving intervention, but it can also kill your patient! That’s why this follow-up episode to last week’s patient story is covering the process of intubation, what can go wrong and how nurses can mitigate risk factors to avoid bad outcomes like cardiac arrest.In part two of this intubation series, host Sarah Lorenzini details proper intubation preparation and the role of nurses during intubation. She walks through the entire process from assembling a team to what supplies and medications you need, and how to use them so that you reduce harm to the patient. You’ll hear about key factors to consider when giving patients sedative or paralytic agents, as well as how to prepare for a blood pressure drop after intubation.This episode is full of useful information that will help you during your next intubation, such as pre-oxygenation strategies, RSI (rapid sequence intubation) vs when to opt for DSI (delayed sequence intubation), and how to mitigate some of the negative side effects that go along with these drugs.Plus, find out how Sarah’s patient story from last week’s episode ends. Tune in for all this and more!Topics discussed in this episode:The dangers of intubation, such as peri-intubation cardiac arrestWhat it means to intubate and how to prepare for intubationWhy and how to preoxygenate your patientSupplies and equipment needed for intubationThe medications we use for intubation and what to expect once you push themThe pathophysiology of why BP drops after intubationHow to prepare for a drop in blood pressure post-intubationWhen to opt for delayed sequence intubationThe intubation story of last week’s patientMentioned in this episode:Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseIf you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

Patients get intubated in every department of the hospital… not just the ICU.  So it’s important that every nurse know the signs and symptoms of when it’s time to intubate.Our host Sarah Lorenzini, has been asked the same type of questions about intubation multiple times this week, so we felt it was necessary to address them. Sarah’s extensive knowledge and experience in critical care and rapid response situations has prepared her to be able to provide expertise and insights on this topic, which she wants to share with all of you today!In this episode, Sarah addresses some common questions related to intubation: how to know when it's time to intubate a patient and what it means when a patient is not protecting their airway.She shares a story from her own experience to illustrate the importance of recognizing the signs that indicate the need for intubation and walks through some of the obvious, and not so obvious signs that it’s time to intubate.This episode is packed with experiential knowledge that you don’t want to miss. So tune in for this and more!Topics discussed in this episode:Signs to look for to determine when to intubateHow to recognize when a patient is not protecting their airwayWhat to do when patients are working too hard or not hard enough to improve their oxygen saturationRecognizing patients who cannot oxygenate or ventilate on their ownLooking beyond the vital signs and focusing on the clinical presentation to determine if a definitive airway is neededThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.comMentioned in this episode:Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseIf you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

September is Sepsis Awareness Month, so host Sarah Lorenzini is throwing it back to one of the earliest Rapid Response RN podcast episodes with guest Yesha APRN. This episode tells the story of a patient with sepsis, and it’s one of Sarah’s favorite episodes because it exemplifies all of the classic signs and symptoms of sepsis as well as the important role the nurse plays in caring for septic patients.Last week, you learned about fluid resuscitation and the potential harm of fluid overload in the treatment of sepsis. In this episode, you’ll hear how Sarah and Yesha’s patient responded to fluid boluses and what made them advocate for a different treatment approach.Sarah then goes deeper into the pathophysiology of sepsis, indicators of sepsis using SIRS criteria and the qSOFA score, and more indicators any nurse can test without a tool. You’ll also find out how to treat a patient with sepsis, which diagnostics to run, and what you can do to promote a return to homeostasis in your patient.Tune in to learn the signs and symptoms of sepsis and septic shock, and how to facilitate early detection. Plus, hear Yesha’s takeaways from this patient story that will benefit all nurses in their treatment of sepsis!Topics discussed in this episode:Yesha’s nursing journey and updates on her careerHow Yesha’s patient presented and his response to fluid administrationWhat made her decide to call a rapid response nurse, SarahSarah’s assessment of the patient and how they treated himThe pathophysiology of sepsisSIRS criteria and qSOFA score for prediction of sepsisWhat happens in the “septic inflammatory cascade of awfulness”How to detect sepsis earlyTreatment and management of a sepsis patientRead the article, “Fluid selection & pH-guided fluid resuscitation” by Dr. Josh Farkas, here:https://emcrit.org/ibcc/fluid/Mentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course! Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseIf you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!

Often when a patient’s blood pressure has dropped, we administer fluids without truly knowing the exact reason for the change. Does the patient have low volume, were they vasodilating, or is their heart not squeezing effectively? Fluid resuscitation is not always the answer, but there’s no clear guideline to assess patients without advanced tools that take time and specialists. Enter the FloPatch from Flosonics, an innovative device that quickly measures blood flow in real time.Fluids can cause damage when given in excess, so it’s crucial for nurses to understand why blood pressure isn’t an adequate indicator of fluid responsiveness, and how a patient can show signs of fluid responsiveness but cardiac output is not increasing. That’s why host Sarah Lorenzini is speaking with Corinne RN to find out more about how Flosonics is helping nurses guide their fluid resuscitation using the portable FloPatch device.In this episode, Corinne shares patient stories to exhibit how FloPatch can improve patient outcomes, especially in those with sepsis. Corinne and Sarah also discuss the concept of Frank-Starling’s law, the components of stroke volume, and MORE.FloPatch can help you assess patients and provide precise care. Tune in to find out how it works, the benefits of the product, and why you want to use it at your hospital!Topics discussed in this episode:How Corrine RN became so passionate about fluid resuscitationWhy blood pressure isn’t the best tool for determining cardiac outputFactors that influence blood pressureThe relationship between preload, afterload, and contractilityThe consequences of fluid overloadExamples of how FloPatch can improve patient careFloPatch is a game-changing advancement in precision fluid management for critical care, particularly in the management of sepsis. As the world's first wireless, wearable Doppler ultrasound technology, it provides real-time, non-invasive assessments of arterial and venous blood flow. FloPatch empowers clinicians at the bedside to make rapid, data-driven decisions on fluid resuscitation, mitigating risks of complications such as pulmonary edema and acute kidney injury. FloPatch holds the potential to transform the way clinicians approach and manage hemodynamic assessments, paving the way for increased clinical confidence for more efficient, effective, and patient-centered care.Visit their website to learn more and request a demo: https://flosonicsmedical.com/Share this podcast episode with your colleagues to spread the word about FloPatch.Follow FloPatch on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and clinical insight:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flopatch_/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Flosonics/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flosonics-medicalHave questions for Corinn? Email her at czehner@flosonicsmedical.comJoin the Sepsis Alliance Summit 2023 during Sepsis Awareness Month! This virtual event is hosted on September 27th to 28th. Learn more here: https://learn.sepsis.org/virtual-conferenceMentioned in this episode:Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseIf you would...

We often are looking for an acidosis when patients present with lethargy but what about when it’s an alkalosis!? In last week’s episode with Annie Fulton RN of the “Up My Nursing Game” podcast, she and host Sarah Lorenzini presented a patient story but left the diagnosis a mystery.  You heard why Annie’s patient was admitted and her initial assessment, what caused her to think something more was going on, and why she ruled out sepsis as a diagnosis. Now, find out what her diagnosis was and how she was treated! Hint: today, we’re talking all about diuretic induced metabolic alkalosis.To start off this episode, Annie recaps her patient’s story, walks us through the patient’s VBG results, and how they arrived at a diagnosis of metabolic alkalosis. Sarah then breaks down the pathophysiology of diuretic induced metabolic alkalosis, including what causes it at the cellular level and how to treat the condition. They specifically talk about contraction alkalosis, and how it’s possible for a patient to be both intravascularly dry but extravascularly still fluid volume overloaded.Sarah and Annie also discuss the patient’s mild leukocytosis, the clinician’s decision to NOT prescribe antibiotics after a positive urinalysis, and their thoughts on antibiotic stewardship and critical thinking in diagnostics.Listen to part two of this mystery series to find out how to treat metabolic alkalosis from diuretics, and find out if there’s anything you can do to look out for its symptoms! Topics discussed in this episode:How Annie’s patient presented and her initial treatmentThe results of the patient's VBGWhat can cause metabolic alkalosis and its symptomsIntravascular vs extravascular fluid volume statusContraction alkalosis and how to treat itHow Annie’s patient was treatedThe right time to stop and start diuresis on a patientWhy the patient’s clinician declined to give antibioticsThe debate on sepsis mimicsListen to Annie Fulton’s Up My Nursing Game Podcast: http://www.upmynursinggame.com/Connect with Annie Fulton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upmynursinggame/Mentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course! Rapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseIf you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!

Can you guess what was causing this patient’s unexpected symptoms?This episode is a little different from the rest, thanks to you, our listeners, for submitting your suggestions and ideas for how these episodes should go, because we are all ears!One of our listeners suggested we do a mystery episode (thanks Shannon!), and we thought it was brilliant! So, on today’s episode, our host Sarah Lorenzini invites back, podcast host of Up My Nursing Game, registered nurse, friend, and former Rapid Response RN Podcast guest, Annie Fulton, to unravel a patient case study of one of Annie’s patients, but we won’t be revealing the diagnosis just yet.Sarah and Annie discuss why the patient was admitted to the hospital, Annie’s initial analysis of the patient, medications that were administered, the patient’s vital signs, and physical assessment findings, as well as when and why Annie became concerned for the patient and why she had ruled out sepsis from the diagnosis.In this mystery episode, we won’t be giving away the actual diagnosis.  Instead, for this week we will be leaving you all to try and guess what you think the diagnosis is, and we will reveal the answer in next week’s episode!Tune in to hear about Annie’s patient, and be sure to check out next week’s episode for the diagnosis reveal! Topics discussed in this episode:A little bit about Annie and how her and Sarah metWhat Annie’s patient was admitted forAnnie’s initial assessment of her patientWhat caused Annie to realize something was wrong with her patientThe patient’s vital signs and how she was flagged for SIRSWhy Annie didn’t think the patient had sepsisListen to Annie Fulton’s Up My Nursing Game Podcast: http://www.upmynursinggame.com/Connect with Annie Fulton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upmynursinggame/

“If you look for the bad, you’ll always find it. If you look for the good, you’ll always find it.” - Sarah’s grandmotherIn the second part of our two part series on nursing burnout, our host Sarah Lorenzini continues her conversation with Nurse Burnout Coach Janna Holterman, where they discuss how to reframe your mindset as a nurse to deal with burnout.We go to nursing school because we want to help people who are suffering and provide care on a heart centered level, not just by fulfilling tasks and making sure patients are getting their medication on time. It’s easy to lose sight of that if you’ve been at it for a while, so reminding yourself to look for those special moments to create beauty in your job as a nurse, is crucial to avoiding burnout and staying fulfilled.This is what Sarah and Janna discuss in today’s episode to hopefully provide some insight for those who are experiencing burnout or are almost there. Being aware of burnout and how to deal with it is important, not only for you as a nurse to provide the best care possible, but for your own health, longevity, and overall quality of life.So tune in for a discussion on how to find the beauty in nursing again so you can be the much needed light in a dark room.Topics discussed in this episode:How to balance being passive vs. taking a stancePracticing feeling neutralThe need for nurses to see their patient get betterImportance of looking for the beauty in nursingThe difference between a life coach, therapist, counselor, and fitness trainerWhat Janna has to say to nurses who are burnt outLearn more about Nurse Janna and her burnout coaching services on her website! www.jannaholterman.comConnect with Nurse Janna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jannaholtermancoaching/

Nurses are trained to put their patients first, and that oftentimes results in forgoing their own needs. Skipping out on fundamental needs like sleeping and eating healthy meals lead nurses to feel emotionally and physically exhausted, eventually leading to burnout and loss of love for the job.Nurses spend so much time advocating for patients but forget that it’s equally as important to advocate for themselves. As today’s guest will remind you, “what you resist persists.” Even if you have the ability to push your own needs to the side, they will always catch up with you, whether it’s in the form of an emotional breakdown or apathy towards other parts of your life.Host Sarah Lorenzini is speaking with Nurse Burnout Coach Janna Holterman in a special two-part series! In this first episode, Janna shares her personal experience with burnout, the symptoms of burnout, and how she helps clients address them.Janna and Sarah go over tools for overcoming burnout, and how to recognize you’re experiencing burnout and not just normal stress.If you’re in search of the “perfect” nursing job, stop looking now because there isn’t one. However, YOU have the power to love nursing again and leave work with enough energy to live a happy, healthy life.Tune in now to learn how to get started!Topics discussed in this episode:Janna’s nursing career and experiences with burnoutHow she dealt with her own burnout and became a coachStress versus burnoutSigns of burnoutHow to decide when it’s time to leave a jobThe first step to fighting burnout4 tools for burnout recovery and healingLearn more about Nurse Janna and her burnout coaching services on her website! www.jannaholterman.comConnect with Nurse Janna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jannaholtermancoaching/Mentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

Welcome to part two of our series on benzodiazepines where we will be discussing the other side of benzodiazepines: the challenges of withdrawal.As healthcare providers, you are taught that benzodiazepines are in fact safe, but our host Sarah Lorenzini wants to offer a different perspective. Do we really need to be administering benzodiazepines as freely as we are taught in school? Of course for life or death situations it is a no brainer, but what about those moments when your patient is just anxious and can’t calm down?  Are there other ways to calm your patient down without giving them medication?These are the questions Sarah wants to explore in the second part of this series, as well as how severe benzodiazepine withdrawal can be. Sarah presents an example of a patient who was going through benzodiazepine withdrawal and how the symptoms were so severe it almost looked like the patient was experiencing a heart attack.Learn more about benzodiazepines and how you can play an important role in preventing benzodiazepine dependance.Tune in for this and more!Topics discussed in this episode:The signs and symptoms Sarah’s patient was experiencingHow Sarah concluded the patient was in benzo withdrawalMild, moderate, and severe benzodiazepine withdrawal symptomsSarah’s change of perspective on benzodiazepinesHow someone is weaned off of benzodiazepinesWhat to do if your patient is prescribed benzodiazepinesAlternative interventions to treat an anxious patient

In part one of the two part series on benzodiazepines, our host Sarah Lorenzini presents us with a case study about how she treated a benzodiazepine overdose during her time working as an ER Nurse. She walks us through the state her patient was in when she arrived at the hospital and the steps she took when assessing the patient and how to treat her, as well as her thought process along the way.Benzodiazepine overdoses are a little tricky. All the pieces of the puzzle matter, so having good detective skills and asking the right questions to get a full picture is crucial to treating the patient effectively, which is what Sarah wants to share in today’s episode.In this episode, you will hear which questions Sarah asked in order to understand the patient’s situation and medical history, as well as the critical thinking required at each step to give you a better idea of how the pieces of the puzzle are found and how they’re put together. You will also hear what type of treatment works for benzodiazepine overdose and what doesn’t, and much more!You don’t want to miss this one!Topics discussed in this episode:The state the patient arrived to the ER and Sarah’s initial assessmentQuestions Sarah asked the patient’s roommateHow working in medicine requires being an investigator and counselorHow Flumazenil works and why it was not administeredA list of the signs and symptoms of a benzodiazepine overdoseTips on how to treat a benzodiazepine overdose

One facet of nursing that we don’t learn much about in nursing school is organ donation. It’s such a rewarding experience to help give a person back their life, as you’ll hear from our host and today’s guest.In this episode, Sarah is speaking with Nurse Sean, organ procurement nurse and host of the “Nurse Dose Podcast.” He goes over the process of organ donation from start to finish, including procuring organs from a patient who is brain dead and also from donors after cardiac death (DCD).  Together they discuss the procedures that optimize organs for procurement and transplant, and how they’re allocated.Nurse Sean has a ton of knowledge about this not so well known aspect of Nursing.  By the end of this interview you’ll know how long organs can be preserved after procurement, the best way to approach a family about organ donation, and MORE. Plus, he’s debunking myths about what makes a good candidate for organ donation, and what misconceptions families may need to be educated on.Tune in to find out what the role of an organ procurement nurse really is, and hear Nurse Sean’s top tips for patient advocacy and approaching families!Topics discussed in this episode:What led Nurse Sean into nursing and the transplant ICUThe process of getting a person ready for organ donationHow organs are allocated and teams coordinatedWhat causes the “dry run”Procurement of organs in brain dead patients vs DCD patientsThe important role of nurses in organ donationMemorable experiences with organ donation from Sean and SaraWhat nurses should know about organ donationEducating families on the organ donation experienceHow to (not) bring up organ donation to your patient/their familyWhat honor walks mean to patients, families and staffHow to be a patient advocate for organ donationConnect with Nurse Sean at www.nursedose.org!Listen to Sean’s podcast, "Nurse Dose Podcast", on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4M47ev6YzUfXrpuPvSzZQn?si=77327f23e05d4ff9Check out his Etsy for device cheat sheets and ICU resources: www.etsy.com/shop/nursedosepodcast

“Leadership is not a title. Leadership is influence.”Our host Sarah Lorenzini wants to highlight a question that nurses are regularly asking her to answer on the Rapid Response Podcast: how can we be better leaders during resuscitation where a fast coordinated effort is necessary?Knowing your place as a leader, knowing how to delegate and communicate, as well as having the ability to channel your inevitable fight or flight response into peak performance, may feel daunting to a lot of nurses, especially those just starting out. However, you don’t necessarily need years of experience under your belt to be a great leader in a code situation, which is what Sarah wants to share with you all today!In this episode, you will hear a detailed example of what a good leader in a resuscitation situation embodies, what their role is, what tasks are needed, the level of importance of each task, and how to delegate tasks, as well as how to debrief your team.This information is invaluable to anyone who is in healthcare, even if you are still in nursing school or just starting your nursing career and you don’t necessarily think of yourself as a leader, this episode is still for you! Tune in for this and more!Topics discussed in this episode:The last thing you should be doing as a leaderRescuer one, two, three methodLess crucial, yet important tasks that need to be assignedClosed loop communication and why it is importantWhy you should think out loud as a leaderThe importance of giving kudos even in an emergency situationDebriefing as a priority and how to do itHow to lead a moment of silence (or honor) after an unsuccessful codeUsing your sympathetic nervous system to your advantageMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

Last week, Sarah shared the story of a patient who was finally diagnosed with infective endocarditis after presenting with several symptoms, including fever, tachypnea, chest pain, hypotension and more. In this episode, she’ll further explain how the patient was diagnosed and the pathophysiology of this type of infection.Sarah goes over how septic emboli form, and the clinical manifestations that result when they travel in the body as well as the risks and signs of valvular damage to look out for when you’ve diagnosed infective endocarditis.You’ll also learn the areas of the body that can be affected by endocarditis, the diagnostic criteria, and what conditions can predispose a patient to infective endocarditis. Sarah covers the critical role that nurses can play in treating these at-risk patients and how education and compassion can make the biggest difference in the patient’s long term outcome.Make sure you’re prepared to recognize the signs and symptoms of infective endocarditis and tune into this episode now!Topics discussed in this episode:What predisposes a patient to infective endocarditisWhy and how bacteria starts to formWhat happens after bacteria has invaded the bodyHow endocarditis can lead to dysrhythmiasThe formation of mobile septic emboli and their dangerHow infective endocarditis presents in a patientCommon symptoms of infective endocarditisHow the diagnosis of infective endocarditis is madeThe two treatment options for infective endocarditisThe Nurse’s role in caring for this patient populationMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

In part one of this two part series, our host Sarah Lorenzini shares a story about a patient she was called to see who was under the care of nurse Clayton, a trusted colleague and previous Rapid Response Podcast guest, after he saw a drop in the patient’s blood pressure and had a gut feeling something wasn’t right. Sarah walks us through her assessment and how the team came to the conclusion that this patient had infective endocarditis.In part two of this series, Sarah will elaborate on this case by explaining how bacteria or fungus grows inside the cardiac muscle, how infective endocarditis presents itself in patients, and the different diagnostic criteria for endocarditis.Topics discussed in this episode:Clayton’s concern over a patient’s drop in blood pressureSteps Sarah took to assess the patientWhat they found after calling for an expedited echo for the patientWhat is infective endocarditis?Introduction into infective endocarditisMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

Our nursing professors cautioned us about the risk of not using proper technique when removing central lines, their warnings sometimes seeming dramatic and unlikely. That’s why this previously released interview with Nurse Marissa is such an important story, because sometimes those rare cases DO happen!In this episode, Marissa tells the story of a patient that was admitted for her mental status, lethargy and hyperkalemia. She seemed to improve but then became unresponsive, and the rapid response team was called. What followed was the surprising discovery of air in her brain, and a probe into how it happened.At the end of Marissa’s story, host Sarah Lorenzini shares her research on air embolisms, including how air gets into the bloodstream, what happens when it travels to each part of the body, and the level of risk associated with each scenario.By the end of this episode, you’ll know the steps you can take if your patient pulls their central line just like Marissa’s patient, what signs to look for, and how to treat a cerebral embolus if it occurs. Tune in now!Topics discussed in this episode:Marissa’s journey from Med-Surg nurse to Cardiac ICU to Rapid ResponseHer patient’s presentation and patient historyWhat the patient’s CT showedHow they treated the patient for air in the brainHow air gets into the bloodstreamThe risk associated with air embolismsWhat to do if your patient pulls their own central lineThings to remember about air embolismsLearn more about the pathophysiology of air embolism in the brain in this article by the American Heart Association, called Accidental Air Embolism: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/STROKEAHA.119.025340Mentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

When we speak about narcotic overdoses, the first thing we think about is the administration of Narcan or Naloxone. However, our host Sarah Lorenzini shares how that shouldn’t always be the first thing we reach for.Sarah wants to share why Narcan is her absolute last resort, and why she tries to avoid administering it at all cost. Narcan, or Naloxone, is used to counteract the effects of opioids in the system and while it may help the patient breathe faster, it also blocks the effects of the narcotic that was managing their pain.  In some cases, it is totally necessary to use Narcan, but not every time a patient is lethargic or minimally responsive does Narcan need to be administered.In today’s episode, you will hear a story of a patient Sarah dealt with where she made the decision to administer Narcan, the very first course of action when dealing with an overdose patient, what to look for in an overdose patient, and some pro tips on how to administer Narcan when/if necessary.This episode is crucial to understanding and changing perspectives on overdose patients that could make a big difference in a life or death situation.Tune in for this and more!Topics discussed in this episode:Why Sarah was alarmed after the quick assessment of the patientHow Sarah delegated to her team of nursesThe list of medications the patient was givenThe risk of high CO2 in the systemHow to measure a patient’s CO2 levelWhat symptoms to look for in an overdose patientWhat to do first when you discover respiratory depressionWhy Sarah tries to avoid Narcan at all costsPro Tips on how to administer Narcan (if necessary)Mentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

Nurses are trained to treat and save lives, but hospice nurses focus on a different set of skills. As host Sarah says in this episode as she speaks with Hadley Vlahos, RN, “fixing isn’t the only great thing we can do as nurses.”In this episode and her new book, The In-Between, Hadley shares what it’s like to care for patients that are dying and what she’s learned from their end of life wisdom. She offers insight into what to expect as a patient is passing, what type of vernacular to use with grieving families, and lots more.Hadley and Sarah also discuss hard-to-describe things like the energy shift that happens after a patient passes, and an often unexplainable final burst of energy many patients have when they are close to dying. Plus, Sarah shares her life-changing first experience with a dying hospice patient in the ER.Whether you plan to work in hospice or not, tune in to hear tips on how you can be a better nurse to dying patients and their families!Topics discussed in this episode:Misconceptions about hospice nursingWhat you can expect when a patient is dyingSigns that a patient is passingHow nurses can make patients more comfortable in their final daysThat final burst of energy before deathHadley’s most life-changing patientWhat you feel after a patient passesHow you can be compassionate towards patient’s loved onesTips for speaking to family members about death and dyingUsing the words “death” and “dying”Lessons Hadley has learned from her patientsTo purchase Hadley's Book "The In-Between":https://www.amazon.com/dp/059349993XFollow Nurse Hadley on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/nurse.hadley/Mentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses hosts an annual conference called NTI.  Sarah and her team were able to attend NTI 2023 and they’re all recapping their experiences at the 4-day event in the episode!Sarah is joined by her team, Walker, Elisabeth, and Ashley, as well as special guest, ICU Nurse Sarah. They recorded each night to share the key takeaways from each day of the conference, from the wonderful people they met and inspirational speakers to the educational lessons in their sessions.You’ll hear highlights from NTI 2023, including how artificial intelligence is being used in the medical field, life-changing products and technology, the importance of mentorship, and LOTS MORE.Tune in as Sarah and her fellow nurses discuss what’s new in the world of nursing, and how NTI’s upcoming virtual sessions can help you become a better nurse!Topics discussed in this episode:Everyone’s experiences in the pre-conference cadaver labThe valuable role that mentorship plays in shifting the culture of NursingWhat everyone learned during the first day’s super session and classesExciting events from day 2… including the “Critical Care Challenge”Walker’s discoveries talking to sepsis researchersThe effect of COVID-19 on nursingRebuilding after COVID and our path forward as NursesGet more information on AACN's National Conference NTI and the upcoming virtual event on June 12-14th!https://www.aacn.org/conferences-and-events/nti?tab=NTI%20VirtualConnect with our guest, ICU Nurse Sarah's, Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/iseeu_nurse/Mentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

Arterial Blood Gas interpretation is tricky if you aren’t regularly looking at them, and a lot of the information out there makes it really confusing. In today’s episode, you will hear a palatable explanation on what you need to know when looking at ABGs, how the kidneys and lungs work together to maintain pH balance, and examples that will help you wrap your head around all of it.If you have been looking for a simple explanation of ABGs, this is definitely the episode for you. So be sure to tune in!Topics discussed in this episode:How Sarah learned about ABG interpretationValues to memorize when looking at an ABGDetermining whether the ABG is acidotic or alkaloticInterpreting the First, Middle, and Last name of the ABGExamples of metabolic and respiratory derangements Do you always need an ABG?This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.comMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

Concluding this two-part series on acute respiratory distress syndrome, Sarah and Christian Guzman APRN focus on the treatment options of ARDS and how you can make a difference in the outcome of ARDS patients.They cover the pros and cons of deep sedation, early paralysis, inhaled vasodilators, steroids and more.  You’ll also learn about the rationale for prone position therapy and ECMO.Topics discussed in this episode:Pharmacological interventions for ARDSPros and Cons to sedation and paralytics for patients with ARDSThe controversial use of steroids and more medicationsBenefits of prone position therapyThe role of fluid managementHow Christian treated his ARDS patientDetermining when to cannulate for ECMO and when take a patient off ECMOChristian’s tips on recognizing and treating ARDSIf you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.comMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

Sarah is welcoming back Christian Guzman APRN on the show for a two-part series on acute respiratory distress syndrome, otherwise known as ARDS. Don’t know how to properly diagnose ARDS, or treat it without further damaging the lungs? This episode will answer your questions!Christian shares the case of a patient who presented with abnormal symptoms for his age, and how they reached an ARDS diagnosis. ARDS is a secondary diagnosis, so you’ll also hear how to differentiate between ARDS and other conditions like pneumonia, aspiration, congestive heart failure, viral infections, etc.In this episode, Christian gives a history of ARDS, how our treatment methods have changed, and why lung protective ventilation is essential for care. He also details the 3 types of trauma that can occur with ventilation, including atelectotrauma, barotrauma and volutrauma, plus one newer trauma that’s showing up in the literature.For a breakdown of the history, pathology, and treatment for ARDS, listen to this conversation!Topics discussed in this episode:Christian’s career in critical careHis patient’s unusual presentation in the ERWhat the patient’s tests showed and what was concerningThe cause of the patient’s pleural effusionDiagnostic criteria for ARDSThe progression of ARDSHow we treat ARDSTypes of ventilation traumaHow to prevent harm and promote resting of the lungsIf you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.comMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

It’s a huge shift in mindset and level of responsibility to go from introducing yourself as “Hi! I’m the nursing student” to “Hi! I will be your Nurse today”.  This episode is not just for Nurses who are making that transition from student to “The Nurse” but also for anyone who will be precepting and mentoring new Nurses.  Sarah welcomes Stephanee Beggs to the show for an important discussion on how to successfully make this transition.Stephanee Beggs, BSN, RN, has made the Forbes 30 Under 30 List since leveraging her business background with a new nursing career as CEO of RNExplained. Her company provides fellow nurses and students with educational resources, and her social media content has attracted a large following. After graduating from an accelerated nursing program, Stephanee thought the hardest part of transitioning from student to nurse would be applying the skills taught in simulation labs. In reality, the toughest aspect of the job proved to be very different.Stephanee shares how she balanced gaining new knowledge and developing her skills in the busy environment of the ER as a new nurse. We also go over the flaws in nursing education, how nursing schools can improve, and the most effective way to train new grads.If you want to prepare for the transition from nursing student to nurse, including how to deal with tough personalities and what you have to learn on the job, tune in now!Topics discussed in this episode:Stephanee’s career journey and nursing educationHer fears and the hardest parts of becoming a nurseHow to get the most out of your new Nurse orientationNavigating nursing culture and Stephanee’s approach to dealing with “bullies”How nursing school education could be improvedWhat hospitals can do to better help nurses transition into their careerStephanee’s advice to preceptors training the new wave of gradsOur best advice to new nursesConnect with Stephanee Beggs:https://www.instagram.com/stephaneebeggs/https://www.tiktok.com/@stephbegghttps://www.youtube.com/@rnexplainedhttps://www.etsy.com/shop/RNExplainedIf you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.com

Aspiration Pneumonia can come from a variety of sources and sometimes it is difficult to put your finger on when you didn't see your patient aspirate. As the lungs begin to react to the foreign substance, the symptoms start accumulating and it becomes undeniable that aspiration has occurred.Rapid Response RN always emphasizes the importance of advocating for our patients because patient advocacy is a crucial responsibility that can make the difference in a patient’s health and recovery.In this episode, Nurse Mo of the Straight A Nursing Podcast shares how she advocated for a patient with aspiration pneumonia. She details what clues led her to believe the patient had a serious issue, why aspiration pneumonia is such a serious condition and how to diagnose it.We also talk about nursing pet peeves, how to advocate for your patient when there’s opposition, the ins and out of bronchoscopy procedures, and more.Tune in to learn how you can prevent aspiration, what signs and symptoms to look for, and the best way to advocate for your patient!Topics discussed in this episode:Who is Nurse Mo?Nurse Mo’s initial assessment findings on her patientHow she documented her findings in her notesWhat tests the doctor ordered and how they led to the diagnosis of ARDSBenefits of using a noninvasive cardiac output monitoring deviceSurprising findings during the patient’s endoscopyHow they treated the patientWhy aspiration pneumonia is a big issueWhat a bronchoscopy is and a nurse’s role during the procedureHow nurses can prevent patients from aspiratingConnect with Nurse Mo and listen to her show, Straight A Nursing Podcast!https://straightanursingstudent.com/https://www.instagram.com/straightanurse/If you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.com

Delirium is acute brain failure.  It’s not just an unavoidable consequence of being hospitalized, it is a condition that can be prevented and treated! That’s why Rapid Response RN has teamed up with some of our favorite nursing podcasts for a pod crawl devoted to delirium.In this episode, Kati Kleber, MSN RN and host of the FreshRN® Podcast, joins our discussion on treating patients with delirium and avoiding its long-term effects. We go over the ABCDEF bundle, common mistakes new nurses make in regards to delirium, and the importance of family engagement in its treatment.You’ll also hear an inspiring story of how host Sarah Lorenzini used creative solutions, combined with a nurse’s secret weapon (their intuition!), to get a patient with delirium out of the ICU and away from the harmful effects of sedation.Listen to this stop on the pod crawl for a lesson in delirium treatment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient advocacy!Topics discussed in this episode:Difficulties with Sarah’s delirium patientHow she overcame tough circumstances and helped the patientThe ABCDEF bundle to prevent deliriumBenefits of family engagementWhy you shouldn’t undervalue physical therapyHow nurses can work together as a team to help patientsWhether or not we should keep intubated patients sedatedChanging procedures with new researchImportant advice Sarah has for new nursesNursing culture on social mediaTo hear the rest of the episodes in this podcrawl go to upmynursinggame.com/podcrawlKati Kleber, MSN RN is a nurse educator, author, national speaker, host of the FreshRN® Podcast, and owner of FreshRN® – an online platform created to educate, encourage, and motivate newly licensed nurses in innovative ways.You can find her at https://www.instagram.com/kati_kleber/If you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.comMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

Would you know how to identify a blood transfusion reaction? This is one of those nightmare cases because we just expect that when we give blood transfusion, the patient will get better… but what about when they get worse?Host Sarah Lorenzini has dealt with situations where a blood transfusion reaction took place, but it is so rare. So she wants to share evidence-based research to shed some light and insight into this very rare, but potentially life threatening situation.In today’s episode, Sarah goes over a case study of one of a rapid response patient she dealt with where she discovered there was a blood transfusion reaction when it wasn’t readily apparent. You will hear how the patient was reacting, how she assessed the situation, and how the patient was treated.You will also hear Sarah’s cliff notes from what she researched detailing what kind of blood transfusion reactions to look out for, their treatment, what TACO and TRALI stand for along with their symptoms and treatment.This episode is full of information that you may not learn in nursing school, but is SO useful when treating a patient that is having a blood transfusion reaction.Tune in to hear this and more!Topics discussed in this episode:Synopsis of a rapid response patient after a blood transfusion reactionFirst thing to do when you discover a blood transfusion reactionBlood transfusion reactions in order of prevalenceWhat does TACO stand for?Treatment for each blood transfusion reactionsWhat does TRALI stand for?Symptoms TACO vs. TRALI and how they are treatedIf you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.comMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

We are so excited to be joined by Nurse Alice Benjamin, cardiac clinical nurse specialist, family nurse practitioner, Chief Nursing Officer of Nurse.org, host of the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, and media health expert known as “America’s favorite nurse.”Highlighting the power of nurses’ intuition, Nurse Alice shares an interesting story of a patient found unresponsive and how her initial assessments led her to call a CODE STROKE.  In discussing this case, we cover the difference between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, what a brain bleed looks like on a CT, and the importance of advocating for our patients.During her 23 years as a nurse and community educator, Nurse Alice has picked up a lot of knowledge that helped her treat this patient quickly and notice less common signs of stroke that other medical professionals missed.Tune in to hear how Nurse Alice cared for this patient, and take note of her best nursing advice!Topics discussed in this episode:Nurse Alice’s nursing education and professional journeyHer journey to become a media health expertHow Nurse Alice’s 80-year-old patient presented in the ERAssessment and diagnosis for hemorrhagic strokeWhat you’ll see for an ischemic versus hemorrhagic strokeHow the Monro-Kellie doctrine informs intervention methodsWays to decrease ICP (increased cranial pressure)Why you need to pay attention to trends and Cushing’s triadNurse Alice’s tips for treating brain bleedsHer best nursing adviceLearn more about Nurse Alice on her website: https://asknursealice.com/Check out her podcast, Ask Nurse Alice: https://nurse.org/articles/ask-nurse-alice-podcast/Connect with Nurse Alice:https://www.instagram.com/asknursealice/https://www.facebook.com/AskNurseAlice/https://twitter.com/AskNurseAlicehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/asknursealice/If you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.comMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

Today we are diving deeper into hyperkalemia cardiac arrest as we present you with part two of last week’s episode where we talked about our hyperkalemia case study Ms. Wanda. If you haven’t already, we highly recommend you check out episode 46!Ever heard of the hyperkalemia cocktail? This cocktail, when administered in the correct order and the correct way, can help temporarily shoot the potassium back into the cell and lower the serum potassium. Disclaimer here, this treatment does not fix your patient’s potassium, it only buys you time.In today’s episode you will hear what these cocktails of drugs are, when and how to administer them, how they affect potassium excretion, and much more!Tune in for some sciency fun and helpful nursing tips! Topics discussed in this episode:Treating the source and options for potassium excretionCocktail of drugs that shift potassium out of the bloodstreamThe order to administer the cocktail of drugs and what each one doesHow calcium prevents hyperkalemia induced arrhythmiasNursing considerations for calcium administrationTips for IV insulin administrationWhen to consider re-dosing the patient with the cocktailHow much albuterol to administer and its effectsBest way to administer bicarb to an acidotic patientThey normal saline vs lactated ringers debate for fluid resuscitationIf you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.comMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

This isn’t your average hyperkalemia story! Today, host Sarah Lorenzini is sharing the story of Ms. Wanda, a frequent visitor to the ER who came in one day complaining of weakness — and then went into cardiac arrest as she was being examined.In this episode, Sarah walks us through her surprising visit and how she reached the diagnosis of hyperkalemia. You’ll learn the signs of hyperkalemia, how to detect it, and what can cause hyperkalemia.Listen to part one of Ms. Wanda’s story, and tune in next week to learn the treatment for hyperkalemia!Topics discussed in this episode:Background on Sarah’s patient, Ms. WandaWhy her potassium levels were so highHow hyperkalemia can evolve towards cardiac arrestMs. Wanda’s signs of hyperkalemiaProgression of an ECG changes with hyperkalemiaSymptoms of hyperkalemiaCauses of hyperkalemiaSupplement this episode with educational visuals of hyperkalemia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheRapidResponseRN/If you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.comMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini is answering a frequently asked question: How do I prepare for a career as a rapid response nurse?Listeners have been coming to her DMs wanting to know, so Sarah’s breaking down the role of a rapid response nurse and what the day-to-day grind might look like. She goes over the skills and work styles that compliment this role, and who should avoid it.Sarah also shares the two questions she uses to assess every nurse interviewing to join her rapid response team. These two questions don’t just apply to those interested in Rapid Response Nursing… they are helpful to any nurse trying to figure out what type of Nursing role they want to pursue or if it’s time to make the switch to a different specialty.  You want to take the time to answer them for yourself!Rapid response nursing is more than just responding to emergencies, so tune in to find out what the role entails and if it’s right for you.Topics discussed in this episode:The role of a rapid response nurseAspects of the job you might not expectDifferences between the ER, CVICU, and Rapid ResponseSkills you need as a rapid response nurseHow to prepare to be a rapid response nurseThe two interview questions Sarah asks every nurseIf you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.comMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

“As nurses, we care for a lot of patients with anxiety, right? We have to fight not to get jaded and write off our patient's symptoms. It would've been easy for this nurse to just administer some Xanax or Ativan and gone on with her shift. It's not like the patient's vitals were super high or super low, but this nurse tapped into two things: her intuition and critical thinking skills.”You may recall this quote from an earlier episode, but we’re revisiting it today because discerning between a heart attack and anxiety can sometimes be tricky. There’s a lot to learn from this story of a patient that was experiencing a huge myocardial infarction but downplayed her symptoms as "just anxiety."Listen in for a lesson in intuition, critical thinking skills, and MORE!Topics discussed in this episode:Sarah’s patient’s initial complaint and symptomsWhat concerns the primary Nurse had about the patient’s presentationPathophysiology and treatment of inferior wall myocardial infarctionRevisiting the components of “M.O.N.A.”Applying MONA to inferior wall MINursing considerations for managing patients with a STEMIHow the nurse saved the patient’s lifeHow you should respond to a patient with chest painIf you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.comMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

Imagine a patient with a SPO2 in the 80’s, not in distress, and acting normal. Their echocardiogram shows an atrial septal defect and a pulmonary artery pressure of 95!!! What can we do for this patient?  What could cause such a high PA pressure?Today’s guest Nick McGowan MSN, RN, CCRN, had this experience and is sharing his patient’s story with Sarah. Nick revisits how this case evolved, from getting test results to discovering his shockingly high PA pressure and transferring the patient to the ICU.Many nurses haven’t heard of this condition before, but you’ll understand the pathophysiology of Eisenmenger syndrome and its prognosis by the end of this episode. We also go over the importance of establishing goals of care with patients, and the role of nurses in the ICU.Nick is also a nursing educator, so tune in to learn his helpful tips on treating elevated PA pressures!Topics discussed in this episode:Nick finding his passion in intensive care nursingHow he became a Nursing EducatorInitial assessment of his Eisenmenger syndrome patientThe pathophysiology of Eisenmenger syndromeTreatment optionsWhat to remember when treating elevated PA pressuresLearn more from Nick here:Website: https://www.ccrnacademy.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccrnacademy/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/critical_care_academy/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@criticalcareacademy8312Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCRNacademy/Use the code "RAPID10" to get 10% off his e-learning course just for being a podcast listener! https://www.ccrnacademy.comANDIf you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.com

In today’s episode, our host Sarah Lorenzini will be discussing a very important topic that all nurses need to know about, acute kidney injury, which is a common occurrence in hospital settings. As a rapid response nurse Sarah has seen acute kidney injuries often, but the treatment isn’t always cut and dry. Sarah tells us a story about a patient she was called to see in a rapid response situation and the steps she took to assess and take action when the patient went from a pre-renal kidney injury to intrarenal. She goes through each detail of the patient’s history, how the nurses relayed information, her interactions with the resident doctors, and why she made the decisions she made to get this patient well enough to be discharged from the hospital.Acute kidney injury is very serious, it exponentially increases their mortality rate and decreases their chances of walking out of the hospital. Every step each health care professional takes with the patient is crucial, like the tedious job of charting those I’s and O’s.Tune in today to dig a little deeper into this case study to learn about signs you should look out for to prevent a full blown acute kidney injury.Topics discussed in this episode:The state Sarah found the patient when she arrivedSteps Sarah took to assess his current situationWhat the patient’s nurse reported to SarahA common dilemma when faced with hypotension rapid response callsWhy Sarah wanted to send the patient to the PCUWhat happened to the patient after being sent to the PCUWhat is systemic vascular resistance (SVR)What is acute kidney injury characterized byThree basic categories for AKI The most common cause of prerenal injuryAcute tubular necrosis, what to look for, and how it’s developedWhat SIRS, Sepsis, and AKI have to do with each otherIf you would like to check out the 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!

It’s a hard conversation, but priapism is a medical emergency!Sarah Lorenzini is joined by her friend and co-worker, Walker, to discuss the symptoms, causes and treatments of priapism. Walker introduces his priapism patient, and walks us through his initial assessment and treatment. You’ll even learn a little bit of its history, and hear Sarah’s firsthand experiences with priapism.They explain why priapism is an emergency situation, and why a fast response is needed to avoid complications. Walker ends the interview with key advice to all nursing professionals, so this is not an episode to miss!Topics discussed in this episode:Walker’s nursing journeyDefining priapismPriapism’s causes and why it’s an emergencySarah’s first priapism patient experience as a new gradTreatments for priapismMaintaining patient dignityIf you would like to check out the 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!

Join your host Sarah Lorenzini as she’s interviewed by Keith Carlson, fellow nursing podcaster at The Nurse Keith Show.With the ability to stay grounded and alert during chaotic situations, Sarah is the epitome of being an anchor in a storm. In this episode, she shares how she found her niche in nursing, why rapid response nursing suits her work style, and how she coaches other nurses through the stress of emergent situations.Sarah gets fulfillment from helping others, and she does this in so many ways — education through storytelling on her podcast, teaching an online course that’s approved by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, and as a nursing educator.Tune in to get a sense of what it’s like to be a rapid response nurse, and learn how you can develop the skills to become a better nurse!Topics discussed in this episode:What drew Sarah to rapid response nursingDiscovering what type of nursing works best with your work styleType of people that do well in rapid response nursingCommon reactions nurses have in a crisis situationHow to train yourself to respond differently to stressPursuing advanced certificationsWhy Sarah loves being a nursing educatorHelping nurses through her podcast and Rapid Response & Rescue courseWhat inspired Sarah to lead a rapid response team during the pandemicPeople that have inspired Sarah in her lifeCheck out this episode of The Nurse Keith Show podcast:https://nursekeith.com/the-excitement-challenges-and-satisfaction-of-rapid-response-nursing/Earn CEs by listening to Sarah and Keith’s podcast through RNegade:https://myportal.pro/view_business_/rapid-response-rn-1668811051095x983153652413497300If you would like to check out the 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!

As health care professionals, it is our job to advocate for our patients, even if our efforts are not well received initially. Especially when we are deeply concerned, or uncomfortable with the situation. This can be tough, but it is essential for the health of the patient. What happens when we are expressing real urgent concern and the provider on the other end doesn’t feel your urgency? On today’s episode, our host and rapid response nurse Sarah Lorenzini, tells us about an experience she had when providing care for a patient with critical limb ischemia where she knew the patient needed immediate surgery, but the primary care doctor didn’t think it was urgent. Sarah goes through real examples of how she spoke with the doctor, the doctor’s responses, intentional language she used to get her urgency across, and what happened thereafter.Sarah also explains the classes of critical limb ischemia, symptoms to look out for in varying severity, how to treat patients in each class, and main takeaways for nurses when they are in a situation where they need to be persistent in their advocacy in a situation like this.Tune in to learn more about critical limb ischemia and what you as a nurse can do to potentially save your patient’s life, or limb. Topics discussed in this episode:An example of expressing concern to a medical providerWords and phrases to use that can help express your concern for the patientThe importance of a doctor being physically present to assess the patientDon’t neglect the basicsThree classes of critical limb ischemia and what to do in each caseOptions for restoring blood flow (revascularization)Range of symptoms to expect from claudication to amputationWhy waiting too long for revascularization is problematicTakeaways for nurses who find themselves in this type of situationIf you would like to check out the 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!

Nurses, for the most part, spend significantly more time with patients compared to physicians. Regardless, it can be difficult for nurses to have their voice heard. For instance, how many times have YOU found yourself apologizing to a physician for just doing your job?The education from nursing school teaches a lot of vital skills, but one that’s ignored is the need to effectively communicate with other members of an interdisciplinary team. How do you make a physician take into account your concerns for your patient? And, what if you’re dealing with a rude physician?During this episode of Rapid Response RN, Sarah Lorenzini shares multiple communication strategies she uses when trying to advocate for patients. She also discusses the nurse/physician relationship, and the patience required to work with medical residents and interns.Tune in to gain a better understanding of how to deal with this issue through her real-life examples!Topics discussed in this episode:Power dynamics between nurses and doctorsThe SBAR techniqueExamples of non-urgent and urgent communicationHow to deal with an professional or rude physicianUsing the CUS communication methodHow to ask “Why” without putting others on the defensiveIf you would like to check out the 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://podcastboutique.com

One Sunday during football season, after being pressured by his wife, a reluctant patient gave in and decided to finally come into the ER. His calcium levels were high, but his EKG came back normal, he was experiencing no pain, and seemed healthy and responsive — until he wasn’t.Telling her story of treating this patient is host Sarah Lorenzini’s friend and fellow nurse, Kisha RN, CEN. She details her experience with this patient, starting from convincing him to stay for further tests, to shocking him 19 times after he coded, and reuniting months later.Tune in to learn why it wasn’t obvious this patient was about to experience cardiac arrest, and how medical professionals should address similar cases. You’ll also hear from Kisha and Sarah about the emotional impact of working on a patient who has coded as they fight for their life that is in your hands.Kisha has helpful takeaways and advice from this case to share, so don’t miss this episode!Topics discussed in this episode:What drew Kisha to ER nursingKisha tells an ER story of a seemingly healthy patientThe moment Kisha’s patient codedHow Kisha was affected by this patientSkills that nursing school can’t teachExplaining hypercalcemia and what causes it“Stones, bones, groans, moans, and psychiatric overtones”Routine treatments for hypercalcemiaWhy this patient was so memorableKisha’s biggest lessons from this caseIf you would like to check out the 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!

We are all praying for Buffalo Bills’ safety, Damar Hamlin, after he was hit, causing a cardiac event, sending him to the ICU. This is a nightmare for any athlete, and disheartening for family, friends and fans.As nurses, medical students, even parents, when viewing these types of tragic events, it is natural to think about what you would do in an emergency situation like this. Especially a parent attending a child’s sporting event, having the knowledge and ability to help out in an emergency can start to feel more important than ever.On today’s episode, rapid response nurse and our host, Sarah Lorenzini, has invited guest Dr. Jeremy Alland, the official physician for the Chicago Bulls basketball team, to help us unravel what happened to Damar Hamlin on the football field, and how we can better prepare ourselves for cardiac events as medical professionals in non-medical settings.We go over sports medicine doctor’s roles, common cardiac events that occur in sporting events, how to treat them, and how to stay vigilant (not paranoid) in situations where there is a possibility of a cardiac event.This episode isn’t only for medical professionals or students, this is also for anyone who wants to be prepared and helpful in emergency situations.Tune in today to hear practical information and advice that could potentially help save someone’s life. Topics discussed in this episode:Dr. Alland’s role as the Chicago Bulls team physicianWhat happened to Damar Hamlin?What is commotio cordis?Explanation of the how sports related cardiac events occur for non-nursesA possibility of what happened to Damar HamlinWhat happens when a player collapses on the field? What is an emergency action plan in sports medicine?Why AEDs are important in an emergencyHow was Damar Hamlin able to stand up and collapse again after he was hit?Advice for lay people and medical professionals witnessing a sports emergencyA free app to download to locate AEDs in your area: Pulse Point AEDhttps://apps.apple.com/app/id867150971Who is the best person to do CPR in an emergency?To connect with Dr. Jeremy Alland, head to his instagram page @JeremyAllandMD or check out his podcast by visiting www.yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com!

The most concerning type of syncope!  When a patient suddenly passes out from either an arrhythmia or a structural abnormality of the heart... this needs to be investigated and treated... next time they might not wake up from it!If you love learning from other people's mistakes, you will love this episode of when I didn't realize my patient was in V-tach and walked him back to his room!We discuss all of the reasons the heart might cause you to pass out and a little about the challenges of being an ER Triage Nurse in this final episode of the year and the last episode in a 4 part series on syncope.  So make sure you also check out episode #32, #33, and #34 to learn seizure vs syncope, reflex syncope, and orthostatic syncope. If you would like to check out the 1hr, 1 CE course, go to:www.rapidresponseandrescue.comyou can use coupon code: PODCAST22To get $22 off the cost of the course now until the end of 2022

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:www.rapidresponseandrescue.comyou can use coupon code: PODCAST22To 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 FasciitisThe 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/id1527032817You 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 @TheRapidResponseRNFacebook: Rapid Response RN PodcastOnline 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.

Ever heard of "broken heart syndrome"?... it's a real thing. It's also called Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy or stress induced cardiomyopathy. In this episode we discuss a case of a patient who developed this unexpectedly, came very close to death, but made a full recovery. We break down the cause, presentation, and pathophysiology of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy as well as treatment and prognosis.

How do you know where you would enjoy working and where you would thrive as a nurse? Well, having worked both ED and ICU and having spent a fair amount of time on the Med-Surg units, I have a lot of observations and perspectives to share. In this episode we talk about what makes each specialty great, what makes it challenging, and what types of nurses do well in each environment. If you are just starting out or been at it a while and are considering making a change, this episode is for you!

Lets talk through the pathophysiology of Atrial Fibrillation, why it's a problem, and how to treat it. Guest Dr. G the NP, a Cardiology Nurse Practitioner helps drop some knowledge about this very common arrhythmia

Ever wondered what you can do in a code? You are not alone! The most common question I receive regarding emergencies is, "What can I do to be helpful in a code blue situation? I don't want to get in the way". Well, there are a lot of important roles you can take on. In this episode we break down all the roles available and what is expected from each one.

A conversation with COVID ICU, PCU, and Med/Surg Nurses about their experiences during the pandemic. We discuss some of our memories from this challenging season, the lessons we have learned, and how it has changed us as nurses.

Two very different presentations of anaphylaxis help provide an introduction to how to make the diagnosis of anaphylaxis, what to expect from the clinical presentation and evolution towards shock, the pathophysiology of anaphylaxis, and how to treat it.

DKA is so complicated... especially when the patient presents with a normal blood glucose! This case really sets the stage for explaining all of the dangerous aspects of DKA and the multifactorial approach to treating it. Christian and Sarah discuss the pathophysiology... down to the cellular level... of what's happening when patients go into DKA, some of the tests used to diagnose DKA like ABGs, and the delicate balance of fluid status and electrolytes that must be maintained when correcting this metabolic acidosis.

What started as pancreatitis, turned into massive transfusion protocol and a visit to interventional radiology. In this episode, Sarah, Katleen, and Marissa discuss a case that took an unexpected turn for the worse. They break down the pathophysiology of pancreatitis, it's treatment, and the nurse's role in the patient's recovery.

Supraventricular tachycardia can present very stable, but this patient rapidly declined.  In this episode we explain what exactly is happening with SVT, and go through all the different treatment modalities from vagal maneuvers, to medications, to synchronized cardioversion.

Surprising case that initially sounded like septic shock, but upon further investigation, the patient had a huge abdominal aortic aneurysm that was dissecting.  Learn about the clinical presentation, emergent interventions, and the nurse's role in saving this patient's life. 

Pulmonary Embolisms can pop up out of nowhere.  This episode breaks down the pathophysiology of PE and what interventions are needed to stop the PE spiral of death.

Air embolism to the brain is one of those rare complications of having vascular access. But just like your professor warned you, if you don't pull out the central line properly, you could cause an air embolus!!! Joining me for this episode is Rapid Response Nurse Marissa sharing her experience responding to a patient with altered mental status who had a large cerebral embolus.

Young healthy momma gets COVID and becomes critically ill 3 days after her baby is born. But after weeks on the ventilator, she recovers and is re-united with her baby. This podcast breaks down the disease progression of COVID and oxygen delivery modalities at each level. It draws back the curtain to see a glimpse of what COVID nurses have been facing for almost 2 years, and reminds all healthcare workers of the reason we keep fighting for these patients... to see them recover!

Great story of a classic presentation of Tachy Brady Syndrome that highlights the important role the bedside nurse plays in monitoring and intervening on the patient's behalf.

My first encounter with a true emergency as a nursing student taught me so much about increased intracranial pressure and the valuable role the nurse plays in detecting changes in the patient. In this episode we discuss the signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, including Cushing's triad.

What would you do if you found yourself on the catching end of a birth?  In this episode we will discuss what to do if you must deliver a baby with minimal resources outside of the birthing room.  Interview with Ronnie Jo, Certified Nurse Midwife to share her passion and expertise in birthing babies.

In this episode, we talk about the number one diagnosis that leads to mortality in hospitalized patients. Signs and symptoms of sepsis and how to treat it is something that every nurse needs to know about. Guest Yesha RN shares about a patient that she just "had a bad feeling about" who ended up going into septic shock and required transfer to the ICU.Check out Dr. Josh Farkas' post about fluid selection and pH balanced fluid resuscitation for  a more in depth understanding of why normal saline isn't always your patient's best option for fluid resuscitation.https://emcrit.org/ibcc/fluid/

To learn more about the haldane effect check out this great resource:https://derangedphysiology.com/main/cicm-primary-exam/required-reading/respiratory-system/Chapter%201142/haldane-effect and for more details on VQ mismatch check out this site:https://derangedphysiology.com/main/cicm-primary-exam/required-reading/respiratory-system/Chapter%200732/effects-ventilation-perfusion-mismatch-gas-exchange 

Part 1 of a two part episode about how I simultaneously embarrassed myself and effectively advocated for the patient.

A career first... pouring sugar on my patient's rectum... all in a day's work!

A brief summary of this episode

This patient had the trifecta of factors that can cause hypercapnia and the nurse recognized his somnolence as more than him just being due for a nap.

On this episode, the patient was having a huge myocardial infarction but downplayed her symptoms as "just anxiety." But the primary RN followed her intuition, advocated for her patient, and saved her life!

My very first rapid response call ever as a rapid response nurse. This patient developed the classic signs and symptoms of peritonitis and turned the corner rather quickly toward septic shock.