CHEST PAIN SERIES FOR NURSES

Updated 7/23

Hi nurses,

There is more updated information on chest pain and also
for the layperson. To learn more, simply click on the links
below and enjoy learning:

Chest pain assessment and quiz

Chest pain for the layperson

RED ALERT FOR NURSES

Updated 6/25

Dear nurses, 

      Communication skills

Enjoy the video: Nursing communication

Learn more about: Your Critical Thinking

UNDERSTANDING HYPOTHERMIA

Updated 2/25

Hypothermia regardless of the cause, is considered to be life-threatening. It is defined as a drop in core temperature of less than 95*F(35*C) and may result in death if left untreated.

Symptoms will depend on the degree of hypothermia. A patient may have shivering , cold bluish lips and extremities and slowly lapse into an unconscious state. Trauma and prolonged exposure to cold in the outdoors may lead to hypothermia. Small children and the elderly are also at risk. For more information on this topic, click on the link: Bair Hugger

UNDERSTANDING HYPOTHERMIA

Updated 2/25

Hypothermia regardless of the cause, is considered to be life-threatening. It is defined as a drop in core temperature of less than 95*F(35*C) and may result in death if left untreated.

Symptoms will depend on the degree of hypothermia. A patient may have shivering , cold bluish lips and extremities and slowly lapse into an unconscious state. Trauma and prolonged exposure to cold in the outdoors may lead to hypothermia. Small children and the elderly are also at risk. For more information on this topic, click on the link: Bair Hugger

HYPOTHERMIA

Updated 2/25

Hypothermia increases the body's demand for oxygen and if left
 untreated can lead to a myocardial infarction (heart attack).Cardiac
arrhythmias and alcohol ingestion may also lead to hypothermia. 

      Hypothermia in the outdoors.

HYPOTHERMIA TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

Avoiding hypothermia is the key. Hypothermia can be prevented by understanding the causes and preventing the occasion. THINK AHEAD if going hiking , skiing or other outdoor activities. Carry enough warm clothing and fluids. Keep small children well hydrated and avoid prolonged overexposure of small children to cold weather.

Hypothermia, regardless of the cause, is considered to be life-threatening. It is defined as a drop in core temperature of less than 95*F(35*C) and may result in death if left untreated.

Symptoms will depend on the degree of hypothermia. A patient may have shivering , cold bluish lips and extremities and slowly lapse into an unconscious state. Trauma and prolonged exposure to cold in the outdoors may lead to hypothermia. Small children and the elderly are also at risk. For more information on this topic, click on the link: Bair Hugger

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK ( CASE STUDY )

Hi guys,

Hope you had a good week. I have tried to simplify Cardiogenic Shock

in a case study format. 

Dear nurses,

Updated 3/23 - The case study is no longer available. A You tube

video Sessions 10 explains cardiogenic and septic shock.

Just click on the links: Sessions 10- Cardiogenic and Septic Shock.

Cardiogenic shock- Quiz questions

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK ( CASE STUDY)

Enjoy reading the complete Cardiogenic Shock Case Study.

Dear nurses,

Updated 3/23 - This case study is no longer available.

Enjoy learning about how to recognize the patient in 

Cardiogenic and Hypovolemic Shock.
Simply click on the links : Sessions 10

Cardiogenic shock - Quiz questions

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK (CLINICAL PICTURE)

A  patient, who has sustained a myocardial infarction, involving

the left coronary, may very readily go into cardiogenic shock.

The clinical picture is shown in the image above. The heart loses
its ability to pump blood around the body, resulting in:
-  chest pain, shortness of breath
- hypotension, cool, clammy skin

- EKG changes
- a decrease in urinary output
ICU care and mechanical ventilation become necessary
in the management of these patients.

To learn more about the patient in cardiogenic shock,

simply click on the link:
Diagnostic Tests ( Part 3)
Enjoy reading and learning more.

Updated 4/23

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK ( MANAGEMENT)

            Management of the patient in Cardiogenic Shock

Scenario: In the image above, a patient is admitted to the ICU for treatment of
cardiogenic shock. 

Management of the patient in cardiogenic shock may vary from one ICU to another.
Lab values, EKG, drugs like Dopamine, Dobutrex, Nitroglycerin, oxygen and Morphine
are part of the treatment. A Pulmonary Artery Catheter may or may not be inserted.

To learn more, simply click on the links:
Sessions 10- Cardiogenic shock

Cardiogenic shock-quiz questions

Enjoy learning.

Updated 3/25

Scenario: Jim was admitted to the medical floor, with 
with complaints of abdominal pain. The nurse arrives 
at his bedside, to find him unresponsive.

She presses the code button, to alert the code team. 
She then begins CPR. 
Learn more : CPR

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK SIMPLIFIED

The heart is a pump which supplies blood to all the body's
cells. The heart is a small organ that has a lot of work to do.
If the heart becomes damaged by injury such as myocardial
infarction, trauma or cardiomyopathy ( weakness of the heart
muscle), a state of shock may occur.

 Hemodynamics refers to blood flow.

 The heart is a pump, which pumps blood around the body.
 If there is damage, like a myocardial infarction, the heart's
 function will be impaired.

Signs and symptoms include: chest pain,
shortness of breath and EKG changes.

Clinical picture of the patient in Cardiogenic Shock

Cardiogenic Shock / Quiz questions

HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK

Hi guys,

Hope you had a good week. I have tried to simplify Hypovolemic Shock (Sessios 9)

Just click on the link:

http://www.dearnurses.net/the_clinical_setting_step_by_step

(Chapter 1, 7 and 14).

Enjoy learning!

HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK

Updated 2/25

                                           In the Emergency Room

The clinical  scenario above shows a patient who
is in the ER following a traumatic event. The nurse
does an assessment and notices significant
changes in vital signs.

When an assessment is done, suspect hypovolemic
shock if there has been a large volume of blood loss,
following trauma. 

Warning signs

- decrease in oxygen saturation, blood pressure or
   level of consciousness
- rapid respirations or heart rate
- cool, clammy skin

                                    What causes hypovolemic Shock? 

Hypovolemic Shock results from excessive fluid loss and 
inadequate circulating volume. The circulatory system collapses
and organs such as the kidneys, brain and lungs, are deprived of 
blood. Causes include : blunt and penetrating trauma, massive 
blood loss, cardiac tamponade, excessive vomiting and more 
listed above.

Complications such as ARDS or renal failure may
occur as a result of Hypovolemic Shock.

HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK

   Clinical picture of the patient in Hypovolemic Shock

Updated 10 /24

The patient in Hypovolemic Shock may present the following clinical picture:

- Altered mental status ( restlessness and disorientation may be present)

- Dyspnea - due to lack of red blood cells which carry oxygen

- Cool, clammy skin due to blood loss

- Hypotension ( a drop in blood loss due to a decrease in blood volume)

- Decreased urinary output due to low fluid volume

Fluid replacement therapy for the patient in Hypovolemic Shock is 
 necessary, to reverse the signs and symptoms. This may include blood transfusion.

To learn more about this topic, just click on the links:

Hypovolemic Shock

About Hypovolemic Shock

Enjoy learning.

HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK

Hypovolemic Shock is a life threatening emergency.
Trauma patients commonly experience Hypovolemic Shock.
Quick management and replacement of the fluid loss brings
about good results. 

Fluid replacement, either with blood / blood products or
  IV fluids will depend on the amount of fluid lost and the

 trauma team's decision.

Updated 2/25

CHEST PAIN MANAGEMENT

Updated 6/25

Dear nurses,

Master Your Clinical Skills is no longer available.
New images and links have been added below.

Mrs. K has an overly demanding boss. Not only is she
experiencing chest pain related to stress, but her heart 
is having PVC's ( premature ventricular contractions),
as reflected in the EKG.

Learn more about: Chest pain

Here are some diagnostic tests that are done frequently.
Follow the links below:

1. Chest X ray
2. CAT scan
3. EKG
4. MRI scan
5. Ultrasound
6. Echocardiogram

SPINAL SHOCK (CASE STUDY)

Updated 8/23

The case study is no longer available. See below for new info.

Injury to the spinal column may not be easy to diagnose at the scene of the accident. The spinal column has a high network of nerves which control blood pressure. Injury to the spinal cord will result in blood flow being affected and ultimately a change in blood pressure. IV Fluid
replacement therapy and drugs such as Dopamine may be necessary to correct hypotension.
*Steroids in an IV solution may be given in a drip form, to decrease swelling around the spinal cord and reduce futher damage.

 Just click on the link :

Emergency Room experience

Enjoy learning!

SPINAL SHOCK

Updated  8/23

The patient above, has sustained a spinal injury.
To learn more about this topic,
please click on the link:

An Emergency Room experience
Enjoy learning.

SPINAL SHOCK

                                        Injury to the spinal cord may result in mild to severe damage.Ventilatory 

                                 support may be necessary for injuries involving C-3 and above.

Injury to the spinal cord following trauma may result in shock.
For more helpful information, enjoy the video:

Emergency room experience.

SPINAL SHOCK (WHAT IS IT )

 Updated 2/24

 Dear nurses,

 We are updating our information. Please click on the link:

 Cranial nerves for more information.

Hi guys,

Hope you had a good week. 

For more helpful information on Spinal Shock and other traumatic events,
simply click on the link: An Emergency Room experience

and enjoy learning.

Have a good week.