Be sure your knowledge is current. Takeaways: Insulin is a critical part of diabetes management for many people. Insulin types and delivery methods have changed drastically in the…
Although most Americans voice concern about climate change (climate breakdown), many remain unaware that they’re experiencing its effects today. In fact, those born in the 1980s or later…
When you arrive for your afternoon shift, you receive report from the day-shift nurse. He states he just admitted Marc Stevens, age 78, after a colostomy takedown. He…
The renal system comprises the kidneys, ureters, and urethra, which maintain homeostasis via filtration and excretion of waste products, participate in acidbase balance, produce renin for maintaining hemodynamics,…
Suffering—it’s a powerful word that evokes a visceral response. Actually, patient means “one who suffers” in Latin. To reduce patient suffering, we need to consider the experience of nurses and other caregivers, because patient…
Takeaways: Millions of adults in the United States have or are at risk for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD); incidence continues to rise and CKD impacts many aspects…
Assessment is key for optimal management. Takeaways: An early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is decline in cognition, most typically manifesting as short-term memory loss. Early symptoms of Lewy…
Understanding conditions that can cause this disorder will help nurses educate and care for patients. Takeaways: Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a description given to various rare conditions that…
Understand the basics so you can effectively manage your patients. Takeaways: Neuraxial anesthesia is the administration of medication into the subarachnoid or epidural space to produce anesthesia and…
Learn about the symptoms and treatment options, and cultivate a referral network. Takeaways: Anxiety disorders commonly present in primary care settings, and advanced practice RNs (APRNs) will benefit…
All segments of the international population are living longer, and many will experience dementia. Policymakers are focused on the cost estimates of caring for elders with cognitive impairment.…
What’s a nurse to do without an asthma educator? CNE 1.5 contact Hours Learning Objectives 1. Identify triggers associated with asthma. 2. Discuss medications used to manage asthma. 3.…
Keep patients at the center of decision making. Learning Objectives Describe atrial fibrillation and symptoms associated with it. Describe management of atrial fibrillation. Describe how nurses can aid…
Beth T, age 42, is a Caucasian female with a 32-year history of type 1 diabetes and a 15-year history of Crohn’s disease. For the last 12 years, she has…
Learning objectives 1. State how breast cancer is diagnosed and evaluated. 2. Identify the implications of genetics for patients with breast cancer. 3. Discuss targeted therapy for breast…
Survivor care continues long after treatment ends. Takeaways: Long-term effects of breast cancer treatment include fatigue, hot flashes and night sweats, sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbance, weight changes, and fear…
Review of immune checkpoint inhibitor and CAR T-cell therapy adverse effects and treatments. Takeaways: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved several immunotherapy agents to treat cancer,…
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can help reduce readmissions in patients with heart failure (HF). It uses an implanted cardiac device to boost the heart’s efficiency and improve blood…
Empathy and respect open the door to good outcomes. CNE: 1.5 contact Hours Objectives: Describe practices to provide equitable, quality, effective culture-sensitive and patient-centered (CS/PC) care. Discuss relationship building,…
Nurses play a pivotal role in ensuring optimal care. Takeaways: Sickle cell disease is an inherited chronic condition that affects nearly every system in the body. Early recognition…
Standardized care and compassion are key to successful treatment. Takeaways Evidence-based standardized protocols are needed to provide the best treatment for the mother-infant dyad and improve outcomes for…
Understanding options for patients helps you be a more effective caregiver. Takeaways Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement for some patients. Understanding…
Respiratory failure is one of the most common reasons for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and a common comorbidity in patients admitted for acute care. What’s…
Vigilant monitoring will maximize outcomes. Takeaways: After shock is recognized and I.V. fluid resuscitation is initiated, vasopressors and inotropes are used as supportive therapies in critical care settings.…
Nearly 6 million Americans suffer from heart failure (HF). The American Heart Association predicts that the number of individuals diagnosed with HF will increase 46% by 2030. HF can’t be…
Key takeways Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is important to manage symptoms. A combination of biologics and non-drug management of rheumatoid arthritis can slow progression of joint damage…
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) are a significant cause of disability, with profound—and in many cases devastating— consequences. According to recent data, about 12,000 SCIs occur annually in the United States, and up to 250,000 Americans are living…
The nurse’s role at each point of care Takeaways: Central vascular access devices (CVADs) can be essential to accomplishing patient therapeutic regimens. Nurses must be able to recognize…
Addressing climate change through corporate social responsibility is urgent and timely in the COVID-19 disaster recovery period for the nursing profession.
Community-acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is exactly what it sounds like—a lung infection acquired while out and about in the world. The cause may be a virus, bacteria, or fungus.…
Overcome stigma and misconceptions to ensure quality care. CNE: 1.5 contact Hours Learning Objectives: Describe nursing care for patients on an acute medical unit who have comorbid mental illness.…
Concussion, a subset of mild traumatic brain injury, can lead to long-term effects, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy. (See Concussion’s impact.) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)…
Technology aids diabetes self-management and enhances treatment planning. CNE: 1.5 contact hours Learning Objectives: Describe continuous glucose monitor (CGM) device options and the differences between personal and professional devices.…
“I believe we can change the world if we start listening to one another again. Simple, honest, human conversation…a chance to speak, feel heard, and [where] we each…
Mrs. Glenn, a 72-year-old female on a medical-surgical floor, was hospitalized 3 days ago for pneumonia. Since her admission, she has been on continuous pulse oximetry and is…
This dual diagnosis poses challenges for patients—and their nurses. Takeaways: Adults with chronic medical illness have a high prevalence of co-morbid depression. Depression often goes undiagnosed, leading to…
Learn about the vital education patients need to improve their outcomes. Takeaways: Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to multiple complications. The most common complication…
Concentrated insulin and noninsulin medications help patients manage their diabetes. Takeaways: when large volumes of insulin are injected subcutaneously, inadequate absorption, poor adherence, insulin leaking at the site…
Early identification and management are key to good outcomes. Learning Objectives Compare onset, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state. Identify special considerations for…
Nurses are critical to recognizing and managing this life-threatening condition. Learning Objectives Identify the pathophysiology of differentiation syndrome (DS). Compare DS with tumor lysis syndrome. Discuss DS management.…
Enteral feedings deliver nourishment through a tube directly into the GI tract. They’re ordered for patients with a functioning GI tract who can’t ingest enough nutrition orally to meet their…
Assessment, treatment, and self-management Takeaways: Epilepsy is a complex disease that includes seizures that may or may not be active. Recognizing comorbidities can improve health and quality of…
Self-management education is the foundation of osteoarthritis care. Takeaways: · Osteoarthritis is a chronic disorder of the joints that is painful, prevalent, costly, and a leading cause of…
CHEST thoracotomy tubes (CTTs) have been around for centuries, but not until the late 1950s did they become standard of care for treating empyema, pneumothorax, hemothorax, hemopneumothorax, and…
Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is defined as new or increased physical, cognitive, or mental health impairment in a patient after hospitalization in a critical care unit. Similarly, post-intensive…
Nurses can serve as leaders as they help patients and families through a difficult time. Takeaways: All nurses must be competent in providing palliative and end-of-life care. Nursing…
Translating scarce resource management into outcomes with impact. Takeaways: The more resource options available for day-to-day surge events, the more effectively hospital operations can withstand imbalances in supply…
The central dogma of biology (deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA] to ribonucleic acid [RNA] to protein) was first described in 1957, before the current average-aged 50-year-old nurse was born. And it…
Early identification aids proper management. CNE: 1.5 contact Hours Learning Objectives: Describe causes and risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and associated maternal complications and fetal risks. Discuss…
The 2022 heart failure management update includes patient-centric recommendations focused on stages, primary prevention, left ventricular ejection fraction classification, pharmacologic management, and comorbidity management.
Home care is unique, placing nurses and other healthcare professionals in patients’ homes and personal space, and doesn’t include typical healthcare organization requirements.
Feeding tubes are used for various indications in patients with either acute or long-term needs. Critical care, acute care, long-term, and home care nurses provide nutrition and hydration…
Following the current guidelines helps ensure patients achieve treatment goals. Takeaways Hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure of ≥130 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of ≥80 mmHg.…
Take a strategic approach to translating research into practice. Takeaways Implementation is a major step in the evidence-based practice (EBP) process that’s often underappreciated and under-resourced, resulting in…
Key takeways Bladder conditions are common, costly, and hidden. With adequate information, individuals can participate in self-care for treatment and prevention. Nurses serve important roles in their professional…
Understanding these rapidly evolving treatments will help you advocate for patients and manage side effects. By Beth Boseki, MSN, RN, OCN, CCRP; Lauren FInaldi, BSN, RN, OCN; Samantha Siegel,…
CNE: 1.5 contact Hours Learning Objectives: Describe causes and risk factors of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), related health assessments, diagnostic tests that may be recommended by providers, and patient education…
Jill Smith, a 58-year-old waitress in a local bar, comes to the clinic complaining of shortness of breath and a persistent cough for the last month. She reports…
Key takeways Patients may experience cancer pain even after their cancer has been adequately treated and is in remission or cured. Proper assessment is key to pain management…
Managing pain in any older adult poses unique challenges. But older adults who are frail are more likely to experience chronic pain, acute pain, or both. What’s more, they stand a greater chance that…
Nurses can help patients make smart decisions by educating themselves. Takeaways: Nurses frequently treat patients who use or are considering using cannabis as a medicine. Finding and validating…
Bridging the gap requires nurse intervention. Individuals within underserved populations face many hurdles to healthcare. They lack access, experience disparities in health literacy, and must consider how they…
Early detection and intervention is key for higher survival rates. Takeaways: Late identification and recognition of melanoma lead to worsening health outcomes. Nursing patient education requires that nurses…
Identification, prevention, and management CNE: 1.5 contact Hours Learning Objectives Describe causes and risk factors for moisture-associated skin damage (MASD). Describe the pathophysiology related to the four most common…
Knowledge can help reduce stigmatization and improve access to care. Takeaways: Cases of human Mpox had been considered rare, but current data show rapid spread from human-to-human transmission.…
New treatment modalities for lung cancer, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy, have contributed to improved patient survival rates. However, these treatments come with unique adverse effects. The nurse’s…
Combine medication and counseling with shared decision-making to treat addiction. Takeaways: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), an evidence-based intervention for opioid use disorder and withdrawal symptom management, combines medication with counseling…
The body’s systemic response to an infection, sepsis can progress to severe sepsis and, in some cases, to septic shock. More than 1 million Americans suffer from severe sepsis annually. This number may grow in the…
Through shared governance, nurses are encouraged to participate in organizational decision-making to satisfy professional obligations. Incorporating ethical competence and professional development into everyday nursing practice is imperative to…
Marcy Taylor*, a 48-year-old woman, visits her nurse practitioner, Bryan Thomas, to discuss weight loss management. Marcy is 62 inches tall, weighs 182 lbs, and has a body…
Understanding how and why anesthesia providers select analgesic agents. Takeaways: Many options exist for managing intraoperative and postoperative surgical pain. Medications used for pain management can be broken…
Stay-up-to-date to avoid complications and achieve the best treatment for patients. Takeaways: This article discusses the use of oral anticoagulants. Indications, side effects and dosing of oral anticoagulants. …
Fran, a triage nurse in a busy primary care office, receives a call from Marla Rodriguez, whose mother is a long-time patient. Marla says her mother has an intense red rash over most of her…
Controlling symptoms and preventing exacerbations are the key to patient quality of life. Takeaways: Nurses must be able to identify patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) early…
Takeaways: Pain assessment in older adults is best guided by a systematic framework, such as the Hierarchy of Pain Assessment. Nonpharmacologic treatment strategies are equally as important as…
Application of genetics and genomic science to health care is emerging in full force and having a powerful effect on nursing practice. Genomic medicine—using an individual’s genomic information to…
A bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear, acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common childhood infection in the United States for which antibiotics are prescribed. It’s…
An individualized, multimodal, and interprofessional approach is key for success. Takeaways: Many pediatric patients experience unnecessary pain because of undertreatment and inadequate pain management after surgery. Barriers to…
According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about 6,000 women in the United States enter menopause every day. During menopause (which is defined as the cessation…
Follow the evidence to improve outcomes. Takeaways: High quality healthcare is established using evidence-based practice in nursing protocols and procedures. To decrease pressure injury (PI) rates in long-term…
Fall prevention “bundles” applied to all patients are ineffective; fall prevention interventions must be tailored to each individual patient’s fall risk factors.
Mistakes involving medications are among the most common healthcare errors. Medication errors lengthen hospital stays, increase inpatient expenses, and lead to more than 7,000 deaths annually in the…
Implementing a fundamental nursing skills bundle can reduce risk. Takeaways: Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is a serious complication of an acute care admission, particularly for patients noted to be…
Preventable medication errors cost the U.S. healthcare system more than $21 billion annually, according to the National Priorities Partnership and National Quality Forum. This number has risen significantly…
Adults with psychiatric conditions who are admitted as inpatients need to be assessed carefully to ensure they receive the best possible care. Although staff nurses don’t make the diagnosis, your assessment can help the psychiatrist…
Reduce complications with thorough nursing assessment and close monitoring. Takeaways Pulmonary embolism risk severity varies. Patients at high risk require close monitoring and an individualized prevention plan. Patient…
Good outcomes require early identification and prompt treatment. Takeaways: Early reperfusion and medical therapy have drastically reduced acute myocardial infarction complications. Despite advanced therapies, complications continue to arise.…
Click here to download the PDF. Despite life-sustaining medical management for patients with critically worsening symptoms, heart failure (HF) prevalence continues to rise. An estimated 5.7 adult Americans…
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2023 over 1.9 million individuals will receive a diagnosis of some form of cancer. Many will seek care for oncologic emergencies…
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to blunt or penetrating head injury that disrupts normal brain functioning, causing impaired thinking and memory, personality changes, and possible sensory and motor changes. Some people recover completely with no cognitive deficits;…
Is your practice up-to-date? Takeaways: Recent studies have shown that more than 88% of nurses are using non-evidence based methods for verification of nasogastric tube placement leading to…
A preventable and treatable lung disorder of adults, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common causes of hospitalizations and readmissions. It affects 15 million Americans; nearly one in five hospital patients older than age…
Recognizing those at risk and exploring evidence-based strategies Takeaways: Stroke prevalence is projected to rise significantly by 2030 and increasing survivorship will lead to increased hospital discharges and…
Give the right side of the heart the attention it’s due. Takeaways: In right-sided heart failure, ventricular independence (between the right and left ventricles) can lead to systemic…
Every 40 seconds, a stroke occurs in the United States. This translates to approximately 795,000 strokes annually; of these, about 25% are recurrent strokes. Although stroke has declined…
The nurse’s role at point of care Takeaways: Short peripheral and midline catheters can be essential to accomplishing patient therapeutic regimens. Nurses must be competent to recognize signs…
Skin failure or skin changes associated with dying are a recognized factor in skin breakdown, particularly toward end of life, but also with acute, chronic, and dermatologic conditions.
Dr. Rafael Pelayo, a sleep physician from Stanford University, shared this insight into how he explains the sleeping brain: “My mother worked in a factory sewing clothes and…
Research, prevention programs, and open discussion are required to reduce nurse suicide. Takeaways: Suicide is a challenging concern for healthcare professionals. The lack of data related to suicide among…
Continuing Nursing Education Learning objectives 1. Differentiate between enteral and parenteral nutrition. 2. Discuss how to manage hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes who are receiving supplemental…
It’s your worst nightmare: At 8 A.M., you walk into the room of Laura M, a 35-year-old patient who had surgery yesterday, for your morning assessment. She’s unresponsive. The…
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than 795,000 Americans experience a stroke each year, and first-time strokes account for over three-quarters of them. An acute stroke,…
Avoidable hospital admissions are a key patient safety and quality concern. A significant cause of preventable readmissions is poor communication and coordination of care during transitions. Transitions between…
Nurses can help avoid negative effects of opioids while ensuring patient pain is managed. Takeaways: Pain management can be complicated by individual patients’ previous pain experiences, genetics, ability…
While relaxing at home at about 4 PM, Alan Sarangelo, a retired 62-year-old respiratory therapist, feels the left side of his face growing numb. His wife, a nurse, suspects he may be having…
May Grossman, age 57, is admitted for elective surgery to reverse a colostomy from a previous surgical procedure. Her health has been good except for occasional diverticulitis bouts.…
Urinary tract infection (UTI) continues to attract clinical attention as one of the world’s most prevalent infections. UTI broadly describes several clinical conditions, including cystitis, pyelonephritis, and renal…
Engage patients to help prevent this possibly deadly condition. Takeaways: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is responsible for more deaths annually than AIDS, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and motor vehicle…
Prompt, proper care will help reduce complications and improve quality of life. Venous ulcers are the most common lower extremity wounds in the United States. Patients experience poor…
Learning objectives 1. Differentiate the three tiers used to identify ventilator-associated events (VAEs). 2. Identify key elements of VAE surveillance. 3. Discuss the practice implications of VAEs. Purpose/goal:…
Essential (primary) hypertension is one of the most important preventable contributors to illness and death in the United States. Frequently termed the silent killer, hypertension progresses with few…
Distinguishing between the two conditions can help ensure prompt and appropriate treatment. CNE: 1.5 contact Hours Learning Objectives Describe how to differentiate delirium and dementia and assess for delirium…
Understand women’s unique risks and symptoms to ensure early identification and treatment of CVD. Takeaways: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality in women; women of…
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