Ectopic Pregnancy for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Ectopic Pregnancy Definition/Etiology: Embryo implants at a site other than endometrium of uterus Typically, in fallopian tube, will eventually rupture Usually appears in 6th week of gestation 2% of all pregnancies in the U.S. Clinical Presentation: Late or irregular period; abnormal vaginal bleeding Sudden onset of severe, unilateral pelvic pain Abdominal tenderness, guarding Palpable […]
Hemorrhage (Postpartum Bleeding) for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Hemorrhage (Postpartum Bleeding) Definition/Etiology: Excessive vaginal bleeding after delivery (or abortion) for up to 6 weeks Losses greater than 500 mL within 24 hours of delivery Primary postpartum hemorrhage – Within 24 hours Four Ts- Tone — uterine atony Trauma — tearing at vagina, perineum, rectum Tissue — retained products of conception Thrombin — […]
Anxiety Disorders (PTSD, Anxiety, Panic Attack) for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Anxiety Disorders: (PTSD, Anxiety, Panic Attack) Definition/Etiology: Anxiety is a person’s response to an impending threat, real or imagined. Fear is a natural response to an actual or potential threat. Anxiety usually involves a faceless, non-specific threat. Anxiety disorders include: Panic disorders Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder PTSD Generalized Anxiety Disorder Phobias Pathophysiology: Anxiety mediators in the […]
Mood Disorders (Bipolar, Depression) for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Mood Disorders (Bipolar, Depression): Definition/Etiology: Bipolar is characterized by unpredictable phases of euphoria (or mania), and depression. These can occur for varied amounts of time and there can be long periods of no episodes between them. Pathophysiology: While Bipolar does have a hereditary component, it is believed to be caused by a combination of […]
Aneurysm and Dissection for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Aneurysm and Dissection Definition/Etiology: Aneurysm – abnormal bulging, stretching, or thinning of the wall of an artery Dissection – aortic wall layer separation Risk factors: Hypertension, atherosclerosis >60 yoa Cardiac surgery Connective tissue disease Cocaine use Smoking Congenital defects Trauma Pathophysiology: Aneurysm – pressure of blood passing through weakened artery wall = bulge (forming […]
Cardiopulmonary Arrest for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Cardiopulmonary Arrest: Definition/Etiology: -Cessation of adequate heart function and respirations -Without reversal will result in death -Heart is not beating, lungs aren’t breathing Causes: Cardiac MI, other Respiratory Obstruction, airway disease (asthma, COPD) PE Muscle weakness Trauma Hemorrhage and shock (poor prognosis) Structural damage Spinal cord injury >60% of cardiac arrests caused by acute myocardial […]
Dysrhythmias for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Dysrhythmias Dysrhythmia Types: Bradycardia Tachycardia Supraventricular arrhythmias Ventricular arrhythmias Heart block Brady- impaired or delayed electrical impulse (SA node or CNS activation); <60bpm 100bpm (unstable >150bpm) Coronary artery disease Aging Respiratory (pediatrics) Cardiac defects Drugs (beta/calcium channel blockers, digoxin, clonidine) Causes: Coronary artery disease Aging Respiratory (pediatrics) Cardiac defects Drugs (beta/calcium channel blockers, digoxin, clonidine) Presentation: […]
Heart Failure for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Heart Failure Definition/Etiology: Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) is typically below 40% Systolic heart failure: inability to pump effectively Diastolic heart failure: inability to adequately fill Can be a complication of any type of cardiac disease Most commonly caused by CAD, chronic HTN, and diabetes Pathophysiology: Inadequate cardiac output and oxygen delivery to tissues […]
Pericardial Tamponade for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Definition/Etiology: When enough fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac compressing the heart. This causes a decrease in ventricular filling which leads to a decrease in cardiac output and shock. Trauma is the number one cause and usually from penetrating injuries such as gunshots or stab wounds. Pathophysiology: When the fluid within the pericardium builds […]
Thromboembolic Disease- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Thromboembolic Disease- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Definition/Etiology: Thromboembolic disease is the formation of blood clot which blocks a blood vessel. Clots can form due to hereditary or acquired factors. Patients often have multiple causes. Veins are a low-pressure system, and any blood that pools or stagnates can clot. Long flights or sedentary periods (post-op bedrest) […]