The World of Critical Care

The following episode covers the basics of correctly setting up arterial lines, interpreting waveforms, troubleshooting, and removal. 

The following episode covers the critical physiological functioning of magnesium. The episode covers lab values, hypomagnesemia and Hypermagnesemia.    For further reading: I highly recommend Ak lectures for a serious physiological deep dive. https://aklectures.com https://emcrit.org/ibcc/hypomagnesemia/ https://emcrit.org/ibcc/hypermagnesemia/  

The following episode covers the basics of managing hyperkalemia in the ICU.        For further reading: https://emcrit.org/ibcc/hyperkalemia/  

Specific considerations of hypokalemia in the CVICU/CICU. 

The following episode covers the basics of hypokalemia. The episode discusses the three primary causes of hypokalemia, the clinical manifestations, and general resuscitation guidance.    For further reading: https://emcrit.org/ibcc/hypokalemia/  

The following episode covers the basics of potassium as an electrolyte in critical care. 

Nurse lead spontaneous breathing trials is a common aspect of recovering hearts in the CVICU. But SBT's are common in a wide variety of ICU settings. This episode covers the basics of successful SBT's. 

Hypernatremia occurs in up to one fourth of ICU patients. The following episode covers the basics of understanding the critical factors in hypernatremia.    For further reading: https://emcrit.org/ibcc/hypernatremia/  

One of the most common lab values I have questions about from new nurses is the SvO2 and how it is used as an approximation for cardiac output. As a followup up to the episode on taking hearts this episode considers one of the most common lab values used in critical care to approximate cardiac output. 

Caring for post operative CVOR patients can be one of the most rewarding and challenging shifts for a CVICU/ICU nurse. The following episode covers the basics of pre-operative assessment, intra-operative analysis, and post-operative care. By no means comprehensive, the episode seeks to cover the basics and provide a steady foundation for growth. 

The following episode covers the basics of hyponatremia. This episode is a bit longer than most but the prevalence of hyponatremia in critical care warrants a slightly longer conversation.  For further reading on hyponatremia: https://emcrit.org/ibcc/hyponatremia/  

The following episode covers the action potential in cardiac muscle cells with specific attention on the role of sodium.      For further learning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUbgcqo_IOg  

The following episode covers the action potential in a neuron. Specific attention is paid to the critical role of electrochemical gradients and concentration gradients established by sodium and potassium. This episode also serves as an overview of the action potential generally. 

The following episode provides part one of sodium physiology examining how the body regulates sodium levels via the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.    One of my favorite lectures on this topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMWaKdO76NQ    

The following episode introduces the electrolyte sodium. Lab collection, general overview of physiological processes, and defining critical terms. The next episode will cover in depth the physiological processes dependent upon sodium. 

The following episode covers the basics of anti-platelet therapy. 

Massive transfusion can be a highly stressful event in the ICU. The following episode covers the basics of carrying out massive transfusion protocol.    For further reading: https://emcrit.org/ibcc/mtp/  

This episode covers the basics of the oral anticoagulant Eliquis. The episode covers the indications, mechanism of action, common dosing, reversal, and a comparison to Coumadin. 

This episode covers the history, mechanism of action, lab monitoring, indications, reversal and special considerations for Warfarin or otherwise known as Coumadin. One of the most common oral anticoagulants seen in critical care.    For further reading: https://emcrit.org/ibcc/coag/ https://emcrit.org/emcrit/reversal-safe-smart/ https://emcrit.org/ibcc/reverse/  

The following episode covers the basics of direct thrombin inhibitors. Specific attention is given to Argatroban and Bivalirudin. The episode covers mechanism of action, monitoring labs, and specific use cases. 

The following episodes provides clarity on the use of aPTT vs Xa lab vales for determining levels of heparin activity. 

The following episode begins the discussion of anticoagulation. The discussion includes the mechanism of action, routes of administration, dosing, initiation consideration, lab values (aPTT vs Xa), side effects, and reversal. The episode also examines the difference between heparin and low molecular weight heparin.    For further reading: https://emcrit.org/ibcc/heparin/ https://emcrit.org/ibcc/re...

The following episode specifically focuses on the role of platelets in coagulation. This episode builds upon the previous episode, which focused on the clotting cascade, with a detailed discussion of the formation of the platelet plug and its unique interaction with the fibrin mesh produced by the clotting cascade. The stage is now set for a discussion of anticoagulants. 

The following episode provides a general overview of the clotting cascade. Focus is given to understanding terms such as clotting factors, zymogens, enzymes, cofactors, and proteases. Emphasis is given to understanding the extrinsic, intrinsic, and common pathway. Below are a list of helpful visual explanations of the clotting cascade I have found beneficial over the years. As always I appreciate...

The following episode covers the basics of platelet administration in critical care. The episode focuses on the general function, measurement, and administration of platelets. Platelets have several unique administration requirements that need to be remembered! Next weeks episode will cover the clotting cascade and platelet function in much greater detail. Below are two valuable links to dive into...