Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP) for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Definition/Etiology: Intracranial pressure is… the pressure in the cranium. I mean that’s a simple way of saying it, but it is the sum of the pressure exerted by the brain, blood and cerebrospinal fluid that is housed in the skull. An increase in ICP can occur from a non-traumatic event […]
Meningitis for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Meningitis Definition/Etiology: The meninges is the lining of the brain and spinal cord. When that gets infected, either by a virus or a bacteria, it’s not good. Now viral meningitis isn’t that bad. The symptoms are usually mild and it resolves with supportive care. Now bacterial on the other hand is the one we […]
Seizure Disorders for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Seizure Disorders Definition/Etiology: A seizure is an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. A misfiring of neurons if you will. Seizures can have a few causes. Many are idiopathic or genetic. They can also be caused by trauma, strokes, or a disease process like cancer or meningitis. Of course, we all know […]
Stroke for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Stroke Definition/Etiology: I know that you know this, but a stroke occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. Risk factors for stroke include, but are not limited to: Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, […]
Acute Coronary Syndrome for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Acute Coronary Syndrome Definition/Etiology: Acute Coronary Syndrome Chest pain caused by decreased oxygen supply to the heart (myocardial ischemia) Acronyms: ACS – acute coronary syndrome AMI – acute myocardial infarction = heart attack N-STEMI – non-ST elevation myocardial infarction STEMI – ST elevation myocardial infarction SOB – shortness of breath MONA – morphine, oxygen, nitroglycerin, […]
09.03 Acute Renal (Pre-Renal vs Renal) Failure for CCRN Review
Nursing Points General Differentiating Pre-renal vs. Renal Normal amount of salt in urine = 20-200 –> If there is too much salt in urine their could be kidney problems because they aren’t filtering properly BUN:Creatinine ratio (normal 10:1-20:1) Lasix/Fluid Challenge–> assess the output Pre-renal Urinary sodium less than 20 20:1 BUN:Creatinine ration Lasix/Fluid challenge More […]
09.04 Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy for CCRN Review
Nursing Points General CCRT Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Continuous dialysis therapy Not as aggressive as hemodialysis Removes volume and solutes slowly Corrects electrolytes and metabolic abnormalities Maintain fluid balance CCRT is used in unstable patients with: Fluid overload Acute renal failure Chronic renal failure Electrolyte imbalance Drug overdose Methods for performing CCRT Arteriovenous […]
09.05 Chronic Renal Failure for CCRN Review
Nursing Points General Chronic renal failure Decline in kidney function Stages Diminished renal reserve 50% nephron loss Renal insufficiency 75% nephron loss End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) 90% nephron loss Uremic Syndrome 100% nephron loss Inverse relationship As creatinine level increases GFR decreases Hyperkalemia Causes EKG changes Peak T waves High potassium level of […]
10.01 Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Interpretation for CCRN Review
Overview pH Normal Range → pH 7.35-7.45 Acididosis →pH < 7.35 Alkalosis → pH >7.45 CO2 (Respiratory) → Acid Normal Range 35-45 Acidosis → CO2 > 45 Alkalosis → CO2 < 35 HCO3 (Metabolic) → Base Normal Range 23-27 Acidosis → HCO3 <23 Alkalosis → HCO3 >35 Interpretation Assess the pH Is it acidosis or […]
10.02 Breath Sounds for CCRN Review
Overview Breath sounds by “Normal” location Bronchial → over the trachea Heard on exhalation Harsh If heard in another area other than trachea = not normal Bronchovesicular → Right and left bronchi Heard equal on right and left on inhalation and exhalation Softer than bronchial If heard in another area other than bronchi = not […]