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Esophageal varices
Quick action prevents a negative outcome.
Takeaways:
Cirrhosis of the liver causes scaring, shrinking, and hardening.
Complications of cirrhosis include portal hypertension, esophageal varices, hepatic...
Re-expansion pulmonary edema
An uncommon complication with serious consequences
Takeaways:
Re-expansion pulmonary edema is a rare complication of pleural drainage with potentially fatal consequences.
Nurses should suspect re-expansion...
Early detection of acute compartment syndrome
Quick action prevents serious harm.
Takeaways:
Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a surgical emergency that requires early identification to avoid permanent disability of the affected...
Malignant hyperthermia
This potentially lethal condition calls for quick action.
Takeaways:
Malignant hyperthermia is a genetic life-threatening disease that results in an uncontrolled release of calcium that...
Small bowel obstruction
Early identification results in a positive outcome.
Takeaways:
Abdominal pain, bloating and distension, vomiting, and obstipation are warning signs of small bowel obstruction.
Small bowel...
Bradykinin-induced angioedema
Quick treatment results in a good outcome.
Takeaways:
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors can increase the release of bradykinin, which can increase tissue permeability with dilatation of...
Anaphylaxis in the school setting
Quick action results in positive outcome.
Takeaways:
School mealtimes are important for socialization and nutrition, but food allergies can be life-threatening.
Quick assessment and action...
Bacterial meningitis
Rapid recognition prevents patient harm.
Takeaways:
Early recognition of bacterial meningitis decreases morbidity and mortality.
Photophobia, nuchal rigidity (stiff neck), severe headache, fever, and confusion...
Atypical presentation of myocardial infarction
Quickly recognizing unusual symptoms can save lives.
Takeaways
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, but it’s often under-recognized because of atypical...
A case of acute chest syndrome
Quick thinking and anticipating treatment results in a good outcome.
Takeaways:
Patients with sickle cell disease are at high risk for rapid deterioration.
Strong nursing...
Tube feeding aspiration
What would you do in this situation?
Takeaways:
Acute aspiration of tube feeding can result in a respiratory emergency
Know the signs and symptoms of...
Pulmonary atelectasis and retained secretions
Critical thinking averts serious consequences.
Takeaways:
Atelectasis is a serious postoperative pulmonary complication.
Risk factors include advanced age, obesity, upper abdominal or thoracic surgery, smoking...
A complicated case of adenovirus
Immunocompromised patients are at risk for serious complications.
Takeaways:
Adenovirus, which typically presents as a febrile respiratory illness for 1 week, is most commonly found...
