Rapid Response RN

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 advantage

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 population

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 endocarditis

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.119.025340

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)

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/

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/

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.com

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.com

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.com

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.com

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.com

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.com

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.com

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.com

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.com

“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.com

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.

Here is the link to the youtube video if you prefer to watch the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1qSfXjx_Zg&t=141s check out more from Cup of Nurses here:Cup of Nurses: https://fanlink.to/CONsite Frontline Warriors: https://fanlink.to/FWsite Apple https://fanlink.to/Applepodcast Spotify https://fanlink.to/Spotifypodcast

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.