This isn’t your average hyperkalemia story! Today, host Sarah Lorenzini is sharing the story of Ms. Wanda, a frequent visitor to the ER who came in one day complaining of weakness — and then went into cardiac arrest as she was being examined.In this episode, Sarah walks us through her surprising visit and how she reached the diagnosis of hyperkalemia. You’ll learn the signs of hyperkalemia, how to detect it, and what can cause hyperkalemia.Listen to part one of Ms. Wanda’s story, and tune in next week to learn the treatment for hyperkalemia!Topics discussed in this episode:Background on Sarah’s patient, Ms. WandaWhy her potassium levels were so highHow hyperkalemia can evolve towards cardiac arrestMs. Wanda’s signs of hyperkalemiaProgression of an ECG changes with hyperkalemiaSymptoms of hyperkalemiaCauses of hyperkalemiaSupplement this episode with educational visuals of hyperkalemia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheRapidResponseRN/If you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.comMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini is answering a frequently asked question: How do I prepare for a career as a rapid response nurse?Listeners have been coming to her DMs wanting to know, so Sarah’s breaking down the role of a rapid response nurse and what the day-to-day grind might look like. She goes over the skills and work styles that compliment this role, and who should avoid it.Sarah also shares the two questions she uses to assess every nurse interviewing to join her rapid response team. These two questions don’t just apply to those interested in Rapid Response Nursing… they are helpful to any nurse trying to figure out what type of Nursing role they want to pursue or if it’s time to make the switch to a different specialty.  You want to take the time to answer them for yourself!Rapid response nursing is more than just responding to emergencies, so tune in to find out what the role entails and if it’s right for you.Topics discussed in this episode:The role of a rapid response nurseAspects of the job you might not expectDifferences between the ER, CVICU, and Rapid ResponseSkills you need as a rapid response nurseHow to prepare to be a rapid response nurseThe two interview questions Sarah asks every nurseIf you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.comMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

“As nurses, we care for a lot of patients with anxiety, right? We have to fight not to get jaded and write off our patient's symptoms. It would've been easy for this nurse to just administer some Xanax or Ativan and gone on with her shift. It's not like the patient's vitals were super high or super low, but this nurse tapped into two things: her intuition and critical thinking skills.”You may recall this quote from an earlier episode, but we’re revisiting it today because discerning between a heart attack and anxiety can sometimes be tricky. There’s a lot to learn from this story of a patient that was experiencing a huge myocardial infarction but downplayed her symptoms as "just anxiety."Listen in for a lesson in intuition, critical thinking skills, and MORE!Topics discussed in this episode:Sarah’s patient’s initial complaint and symptomsWhat concerns the primary Nurse had about the patient’s presentationPathophysiology and treatment of inferior wall myocardial infarctionRevisiting the components of “M.O.N.A.”Applying MONA to inferior wall MINursing considerations for managing patients with a STEMIHow the nurse saved the patient’s lifeHow you should respond to a patient with chest painIf you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.comMentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

Imagine a patient with a SPO2 in the 80’s, not in distress, and acting normal. Their echocardiogram shows an atrial septal defect and a pulmonary artery pressure of 95!!! What can we do for this patient?  What could cause such a high PA pressure?Today’s guest Nick McGowan MSN, RN, CCRN, had this experience and is sharing his patient’s story with Sarah. Nick revisits how this case evolved, from getting test results to discovering his shockingly high PA pressure and transferring the patient to the ICU.Many nurses haven’t heard of this condition before, but you’ll understand the pathophysiology of Eisenmenger syndrome and its prognosis by the end of this episode. We also go over the importance of establishing goals of care with patients, and the role of nurses in the ICU.Nick is also a nursing educator, so tune in to learn his helpful tips on treating elevated PA pressures!Topics discussed in this episode:Nick finding his passion in intensive care nursingHow he became a Nursing EducatorInitial assessment of his Eisenmenger syndrome patientThe pathophysiology of Eisenmenger syndromeTreatment optionsWhat to remember when treating elevated PA pressuresLearn more from Nick here:Website: https://www.ccrnacademy.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccrnacademy/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/critical_care_academy/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@criticalcareacademy8312Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCRNacademy/Use the code "RAPID10" to get 10% off his e-learning course just for being a podcast listener! https://www.ccrnacademy.comANDIf you would like to check out Sarah’s 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: http://www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.com

In today’s episode, our host Sarah Lorenzini will be discussing a very important topic that all nurses need to know about, acute kidney injury, which is a common occurrence in hospital settings. As a rapid response nurse Sarah has seen acute kidney injuries often, but the treatment isn’t always cut and dry. Sarah tells us a story about a patient she was called to see in a rapid response situation and the steps she took to assess and take action when the patient went from a pre-renal kidney injury to intrarenal. She goes through each detail of the patient’s history, how the nurses relayed information, her interactions with the resident doctors, and why she made the decisions she made to get this patient well enough to be discharged from the hospital.Acute kidney injury is very serious, it exponentially increases their mortality rate and decreases their chances of walking out of the hospital. Every step each health care professional takes with the patient is crucial, like the tedious job of charting those I’s and O’s.Tune in today to dig a little deeper into this case study to learn about signs you should look out for to prevent a full blown acute kidney injury.Topics discussed in this episode:The state Sarah found the patient when she arrivedSteps Sarah took to assess his current situationWhat the patient’s nurse reported to SarahA common dilemma when faced with hypotension rapid response callsWhy Sarah wanted to send the patient to the PCUWhat happened to the patient after being sent to the PCUWhat is systemic vascular resistance (SVR)What is acute kidney injury characterized byThree basic categories for AKI The most common cause of prerenal injuryAcute tubular necrosis, what to look for, and how it’s developedWhat SIRS, Sepsis, and AKI have to do with each otherIf you would like to check out the 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!

It’s a hard conversation, but priapism is a medical emergency!Sarah Lorenzini is joined by her friend and co-worker, Walker, to discuss the symptoms, causes and treatments of priapism. Walker introduces his priapism patient, and walks us through his initial assessment and treatment. You’ll even learn a little bit of its history, and hear Sarah’s firsthand experiences with priapism.They explain why priapism is an emergency situation, and why a fast response is needed to avoid complications. Walker ends the interview with key advice to all nursing professionals, so this is not an episode to miss!Topics discussed in this episode:Walker’s nursing journeyDefining priapismPriapism’s causes and why it’s an emergencySarah’s first priapism patient experience as a new gradTreatments for priapismMaintaining patient dignityIf you would like to check out the 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!

Join your host Sarah Lorenzini as she’s interviewed by Keith Carlson, fellow nursing podcaster at The Nurse Keith Show.With the ability to stay grounded and alert during chaotic situations, Sarah is the epitome of being an anchor in a storm. In this episode, she shares how she found her niche in nursing, why rapid response nursing suits her work style, and how she coaches other nurses through the stress of emergent situations.Sarah gets fulfillment from helping others, and she does this in so many ways — education through storytelling on her podcast, teaching an online course that’s approved by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, and as a nursing educator.Tune in to get a sense of what it’s like to be a rapid response nurse, and learn how you can develop the skills to become a better nurse!Topics discussed in this episode:What drew Sarah to rapid response nursingDiscovering what type of nursing works best with your work styleType of people that do well in rapid response nursingCommon reactions nurses have in a crisis situationHow to train yourself to respond differently to stressPursuing advanced certificationsWhy Sarah loves being a nursing educatorHelping nurses through her podcast and Rapid Response & Rescue courseWhat inspired Sarah to lead a rapid response team during the pandemicPeople that have inspired Sarah in her lifeCheck out this episode of The Nurse Keith Show podcast:https://nursekeith.com/the-excitement-challenges-and-satisfaction-of-rapid-response-nursing/Earn CEs by listening to Sarah and Keith’s podcast through RNegade:https://myportal.pro/view_business_/rapid-response-rn-1668811051095x983153652413497300If you would like to check out the 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!

As health care professionals, it is our job to advocate for our patients, even if our efforts are not well received initially. Especially when we are deeply concerned, or uncomfortable with the situation. This can be tough, but it is essential for the health of the patient. What happens when we are expressing real urgent concern and the provider on the other end doesn’t feel your urgency? On today’s episode, our host and rapid response nurse Sarah Lorenzini, tells us about an experience she had when providing care for a patient with critical limb ischemia where she knew the patient needed immediate surgery, but the primary care doctor didn’t think it was urgent. Sarah goes through real examples of how she spoke with the doctor, the doctor’s responses, intentional language she used to get her urgency across, and what happened thereafter.Sarah also explains the classes of critical limb ischemia, symptoms to look out for in varying severity, how to treat patients in each class, and main takeaways for nurses when they are in a situation where they need to be persistent in their advocacy in a situation like this.Tune in to learn more about critical limb ischemia and what you as a nurse can do to potentially save your patient’s life, or limb. Topics discussed in this episode:An example of expressing concern to a medical providerWords and phrases to use that can help express your concern for the patientThe importance of a doctor being physically present to assess the patientDon’t neglect the basicsThree classes of critical limb ischemia and what to do in each caseOptions for restoring blood flow (revascularization)Range of symptoms to expect from claudication to amputationWhy waiting too long for revascularization is problematicTakeaways for nurses who find themselves in this type of situationIf you would like to check out the 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!

Nurses, for the most part, spend significantly more time with patients compared to physicians. Regardless, it can be difficult for nurses to have their voice heard. For instance, how many times have YOU found yourself apologizing to a physician for just doing your job?The education from nursing school teaches a lot of vital skills, but one that’s ignored is the need to effectively communicate with other members of an interdisciplinary team. How do you make a physician take into account your concerns for your patient? And, what if you’re dealing with a rude physician?During this episode of Rapid Response RN, Sarah Lorenzini shares multiple communication strategies she uses when trying to advocate for patients. She also discusses the nurse/physician relationship, and the patience required to work with medical residents and interns.Tune in to gain a better understanding of how to deal with this issue through her real-life examples!Topics discussed in this episode:Power dynamics between nurses and doctorsThe SBAR techniqueExamples of non-urgent and urgent communicationHow to deal with an professional or rude physicianUsing the CUS communication methodHow to ask “Why” without putting others on the defensiveIf you would like to check out the 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://podcastboutique.com

One Sunday during football season, after being pressured by his wife, a reluctant patient gave in and decided to finally come into the ER. His calcium levels were high, but his EKG came back normal, he was experiencing no pain, and seemed healthy and responsive — until he wasn’t.Telling her story of treating this patient is host Sarah Lorenzini’s friend and fellow nurse, Kisha RN, CEN. She details her experience with this patient, starting from convincing him to stay for further tests, to shocking him 19 times after he coded, and reuniting months later.Tune in to learn why it wasn’t obvious this patient was about to experience cardiac arrest, and how medical professionals should address similar cases. You’ll also hear from Kisha and Sarah about the emotional impact of working on a patient who has coded as they fight for their life that is in your hands.Kisha has helpful takeaways and advice from this case to share, so don’t miss this episode!Topics discussed in this episode:What drew Kisha to ER nursingKisha tells an ER story of a seemingly healthy patientThe moment Kisha’s patient codedHow Kisha was affected by this patientSkills that nursing school can’t teachExplaining hypercalcemia and what causes it“Stones, bones, groans, moans, and psychiatric overtones”Routine treatments for hypercalcemiaWhy this patient was so memorableKisha’s biggest lessons from this caseIf you would like to check out the 1hr, 1 CE course, go to: www.rapidresponseandrescue.comTo get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST!

We are all praying for Buffalo Bills’ safety, Damar Hamlin, after he was hit, causing a cardiac event, sending him to the ICU. This is a nightmare for any athlete, and disheartening for family, friends and fans.As nurses, medical students, even parents, when viewing these types of tragic events, it is natural to think about what you would do in an emergency situation like this. Especially a parent attending a child’s sporting event, having the knowledge and ability to help out in an emergency can start to feel more important than ever.On today’s episode, rapid response nurse and our host, Sarah Lorenzini, has invited guest Dr. Jeremy Alland, the official physician for the Chicago Bulls basketball team, to help us unravel what happened to Damar Hamlin on the football field, and how we can better prepare ourselves for cardiac events as medical professionals in non-medical settings.We go over sports medicine doctor’s roles, common cardiac events that occur in sporting events, how to treat them, and how to stay vigilant (not paranoid) in situations where there is a possibility of a cardiac event.This episode isn’t only for medical professionals or students, this is also for anyone who wants to be prepared and helpful in emergency situations.Tune in today to hear practical information and advice that could potentially help save someone’s life. Topics discussed in this episode:Dr. Alland’s role as the Chicago Bulls team physicianWhat happened to Damar Hamlin?What is commotio cordis?Explanation of the how sports related cardiac events occur for non-nursesA possibility of what happened to Damar HamlinWhat happens when a player collapses on the field? What is an emergency action plan in sports medicine?Why AEDs are important in an emergencyHow was Damar Hamlin able to stand up and collapse again after he was hit?Advice for lay people and medical professionals witnessing a sports emergencyA free app to download to locate AEDs in your area: Pulse Point AEDhttps://apps.apple.com/app/id867150971Who is the best person to do CPR in an emergency?To connect with Dr. Jeremy Alland, head to his instagram page @JeremyAllandMD or check out his podcast by visiting www.yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com!

The most concerning type of syncope!  When a patient suddenly passes out from either an arrhythmia or a structural abnormality of the heart... this needs to be investigated and treated... next time they might not wake up from it!If you love learning from other people's mistakes, you will love this episode of when I didn't realize my patient was in V-tach and walked him back to his room!We discuss all of the reasons the heart might cause you to pass out and a little about the challenges of being an ER Triage Nurse in this final episode of the year and the last episode in a 4 part series on syncope.  So make sure you also check out episode #32, #33, and #34 to learn seizure vs syncope, reflex syncope, and orthostatic syncope. If you would like to check out the 1hr, 1 CE course, go to:www.rapidresponseandrescue.comyou can use coupon code: PODCAST22To get $22 off the cost of the course now until the end of 2022

This episode covers the two types of orthostatic syncope:Neurally mediated orthostatic syncope (from conditions with autonomic dysfunction)and"non-neurally mediated" orthostatic syncope which is from medications or hypovolemia.We discuss the diagnostic value and dangers of orthostatic vital signs and how to determine what type of orthostatic syncope your patient has had.This is part 3 of a 4 part series on syncope so make sure you check out episode #32 and #33. If you would like to check out the 1hr, 1 CE course, go to:www.rapidresponseandrescue.comyou can use coupon code: PODCAST22To get $22 off the cost of the course now until the end of 2022

Part 2 of a 4 part series on  syncope.Syncope is one of the top reasons why a rapid response is called... but the question is, what precipitated the syncope?In this episode we discuss a classic case of vasovagal syncope, in which Annie's patient had a six second pause on his ECG in response to some overwhelming news.  We break down why atropine might not be the best intervention for this patient and some of the treatment options for bradycardia.

This episode is Part 1 in a 4 part series on syncope.Syncope and seizure can both present with unresponsiveness.  It can be difficult to differentiate between the two very different causes for an unresponsive episode.  Fortunately, there are some things to look for to help rule out seizure or confirm that it is the culprit... and they probably aren't the ones you thought you knew.

If you are a cardiac nurse, this is your nightmare case!  Cardiac Tamponade is a surgical emergency that requires you know more than ACLS to save this patient.  The signs and symptoms are subtle and takes an astute clinician to figure it out.In this episode we discuss all the classic textbook assessment findings from Beck's Triad to pulsus paradoxus as well as some of the more subtle clues of declining cardiac output. We talk through when you need a pericardiocentesis and when it's time to crack the chest and perform an open arrest.And who better to discuss this case than the person who taught me about cardiac tamponade, my boss and former Cardiac ICU Nurse; Brian McCain.If you want to be prepared for the absolute worst case scenario for your post cardiac surgery patient, than you're gonna want to take notes on this one.

This patient was so backed up, his abdomen looked like he was 9 months pregnant!  It was so bad that he was tachycardic and hypotensive.  In this episode we talk about common post-surgical complications from constipation, to an ileus, to a small bowel obstruction.  We break down diagnostics, pharmacological interventions, and surgical options.Ever given neostigmine?  Then you are gonna want to hear this episode.Ever heard of Ogilvie's syndrome... if you care for post-surgical patients this is another one you want to be familiar with.Do you want to listen to an entire episode about poop... than you will love this episode!It's amazing how inability to poop can cause such severe and even life threatening complications!

Nursing pre-shift anxiety is a thing!  Many of us stress ourselves out so much leading up to our shift that we don't sleep or eat well or we feel overwhelmed by the thought of another 12 hour shift and we haven't even stepped foot in the hospital yet.  But there is hope...This episode does not have any hacks for erasing pre-shift anxiety... but rather how to face it.Sarah discusses the 3 things that she has done to work through the  anxiety associated with being a Nurse.So, if you find yourself dreading your shifts, losing sleep over worry about work, or overly consumed with what could happen, you might want to give this episode a listen.

Do you want to grasp ABGs more?  Arterial Blood Gases are tricky! It's one thing to memorize the normal ranges for each value, but an astute clinician is able to see the combination of abnormal values and determine what led to this derangement and what to do about it.In this episode, guest Christian Guzman, Critical Care APRN shares an interesting case of...SPOILER ALERT: Necrotizing FasciitisThe patient's presentation was concerning but not very clear what was going on initially.  But the Nurse's intuition which led to an ABG helped guide the team towards a diagnosis, prompted Christian to upgrade the patient to the ICU, and ultimately led to the patient making a full recovery.If you love nerding out with a deep dive into pathophysiology, then you will love this episode.

This episode is jam packed with everything you need to know for your next stroke alert!I was interviewed by Annie Fulton from the Up My Nursing Game Podcast and we got to talk about all things stroke from differentiating between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke to the life saving interventions of tPA, thrombectomy, ventriculostomies, and the pharmacological interventions for stroke.  We discuss the role of the Rapid Response Nurse and the bedside Nurse during a stroke alert. What to assess for first, what information the stroke team is going to need, what are the priorities, and why all the hustle to get to CT?! If you want to be prepared, not only to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke, but also anticipate what is next in this patient's course of care from diagnostics to interventions and recovery, this episode is for you! You can listen to more of Annie's podcasts at https://www.upmynursinggame.com/ and on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/up-my-nursing-game/id1527032817You can also find Annie on Instagram @UpMyNursingGame If you would like to check out my course, you can find it at:www.RapidResponseandRescue.com