Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
Caroline Carey*, a 62-year-old woman recently diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, arrives at the emergency department (ED) with fatigue, facial pain, and a…
Rapid Response
Postoperative atelectasis
Early recognition and prompt action achieve a positive outcome. Atelectasis occurs in 90% of patients who receive general anesthesia. Partial or complete collapse of…
Acute mesenteric ischemia
With a mortality rate exceeding 50%, acute mesenteric ischemia requires prompt nursing identification and vascular intervention. Most patients experience acute onset of abdominal pain…
Hypoglycemia and the Rule of 15
The parents of Susie Johnson*, a healthy 8-year-old child, bring her to the emergency department because she’s been experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.…
Hemothorax
Treatment for respiratory distress follows the ABC acronym (airway, breathing, circulation). Responders must first ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation and then perform FAST, a…
Ectopic pregnancy
Courtney Thomas*, a 30-year-old patient, is 6 weeks pregnant with occasional mild lower abdominal pain and vaginal spotting. While in the outpatient lab, she…
Metformin-associated lactic acidosis
Metformin-associated lactic acidosis is associated with a high mortality rate when treatment is delayed or the patient takes an unintentional overdose. Patients at risk…
Adult intussusception
Quick action ensures prompt diagnosis and treatment. Takeaways: Metformin-associated induced lactic acidosis (MALA) is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt, aggressive management. Early recognition…
Recognizing autonomic dysreflexia
Your quick action ensures a good outcome. Takeaways: Autonomic dysreflexia results from a noxious stimulus, such as a distended bladder or bowel. Signs and…
Pleural effusion
Early identification results in prompt diagnosis. Takeaways: Parapneumonic effusions can increase in size despite antimicrobial therapy. Nurses should be attuned to changes in pulmonary…
Atypical myocardial infarction
While Jane*, a 47-year-old woman with no significant medical history, visits her neighbor, Helen, in the hospital, Helen notes that Jane appears pale. Jane…
Amniotic fluid embolus
Immediate treatment to optimize hemodynamic function, cardiac output, respiratory support, combined with aggressive management of volume and coagulopathy, enhances maternal outcome.
Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
Caroline Carey*, a 62-year-old woman recently diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, arrives at the emergency department (ED) with fatigue, facial pain,…
Postoperative atelectasis
Early recognition and prompt action achieve a positive outcome. Atelectasis occurs in 90% of patients who receive general anesthesia. Partial or complete…
Acute mesenteric ischemia
With a mortality rate exceeding 50%, acute mesenteric ischemia requires prompt nursing identification and vascular intervention. Most patients experience acute onset of…
Hypoglycemia and the Rule of 15
The parents of Susie Johnson*, a healthy 8-year-old child, bring her to the emergency department because she’s been experiencing abdominal pain, nausea,…
Hemothorax
Treatment for respiratory distress follows the ABC acronym (airway, breathing, circulation). Responders must first ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation and then perform…
Ectopic pregnancy
Courtney Thomas*, a 30-year-old patient, is 6 weeks pregnant with occasional mild lower abdominal pain and vaginal spotting. While in the outpatient…
Metformin-associated lactic acidosis
Metformin-associated lactic acidosis is associated with a high mortality rate when treatment is delayed or the patient takes an unintentional overdose. Patients…
Adult intussusception
Quick action ensures prompt diagnosis and treatment. Takeaways: Metformin-associated induced lactic acidosis (MALA) is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt, aggressive management.…
Recognizing autonomic dysreflexia
Your quick action ensures a good outcome. Takeaways: Autonomic dysreflexia results from a noxious stimulus, such as a distended bladder or bowel.…
Pleural effusion
Early identification results in prompt diagnosis. Takeaways: Parapneumonic effusions can increase in size despite antimicrobial therapy. Nurses should be attuned to changes…
Atypical myocardial infarction
While Jane*, a 47-year-old woman with no significant medical history, visits her neighbor, Helen, in the hospital, Helen notes that Jane appears…
Amniotic fluid embolus
Immediate treatment to optimize hemodynamic function, cardiac output, respiratory support, combined with aggressive management of volume and coagulopathy, enhances maternal outcome.