Pulse Check with Archer Nursing

In this episode of  Pulse Check with Archer Nursing , Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down intussusception, a pediatric gastrointestinal emergency where one segment of the bowel telescopes into another, cutting off blood flow and causing rapid deterioration if not treated quickly.  We walk through the classic presentation you’re expected to recognize on exams and in real life—and connect...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down placental abruption, a high-stakes obstetric emergency that requires rapid recognition and immediate action. We walk through exactly what happens when the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall—and why this scenario puts both mom and baby at serious risk.  Using a realistic ED to labor & delivery scenario, this episo...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down newborn jaundice, one of the most common (and often misunderstood) conditions you’ll see in mother–baby, pediatrics, and on exams. We walk through why newborns turn yellow, how bilirubin is produced and cleared, and—most importantly—how to recognize when jaundice crosses the line from normal physiology to a true emergency.  Using a re...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome, a true oncologic emergency that nurses must recognize and act on quickly. Using clear anatomy, memorable analogies, and a high-yield case study, this episode walks through why SVC syndrome happens, what it looks like at the bedside, and how to prioritize nursing interventions when the airway is at ri...

In this special episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN shifts the focus from pathophysiology and case studies to something nursing students rarely pause to examine: their own nervous system. Instead of diving into shock, sepsis, or cardiac rhythms, Morgan walks you through how to approach winter break with intention—by giving yourself permission to rest, decompress, and reset without guilt. ...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down multiple sclerosis by zooming in on the nervous system’s “electrical wiring” and what happens when the immune system attacks the myelin coating that keeps signals fast, smooth, and efficient. Through clear analogies and a real case study, you’ll understand why symptoms vary so widely, how relapses and remissions develop, and why heat...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down osteoporosis by starting at the source—how healthy bones remodel themselves through the balance of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and what happens when that balance shifts. You’ll walk through the hormonal players (estrogen, PTH, calcitonin, and vitamin D), why post-menopausal clients are highest risk, and how bone density loss leads to...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down Graves disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, in a way that actually makes sense. In under 15 minutes, you’ll walk through the HPT axis, how autoantibodies hijack the thyroid, why TSH is low when T3 and T4 are high, and how that all translates into classic symptoms like weight loss, heat intolerance, tremors, anxiety, tach...

In this special episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down her proven, go-to strategy for preparing for finals—tools she used through her BSN, DNP, certification exams, and NP boards. If finals are coming fast (and let’s be honest—they always do), this episode gives you a practical roadmap to study effectively  without burning out .  Dr. Taylor shares the exact three-part system she ...

In this high-yield episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down one of the most time-sensitive emergencies in nursing: myocardial infarction. From the moment that coronary artery becomes blocked, the clock starts ticking—and understanding what happens next can literally save a life. In just 15 minutes, you’ll learn the pathophysiology behind an MI, the classic signs to look for, and th...

In today’s episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down one of the most high-stakes dermatology topics you’ll see in practice and on the NCLEX®—melanoma. If you listened to our last episode on basal cell carcinoma, this is the perfect follow-up. We’ll build from the basics and walk through how to recognize melanoma early, why it’s so dangerous, and what nurses must know to intervene qu...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor breaks down basal cell carcinoma, the most common—but least aggressive—form of skin cancer. You’ll learn why early detection matters, how to identify classic signs, and the key teaching points for patient education and prevention.  Basal cell carcinoma may be slow and steady, but it’s not harmless. Catching it early—and teaching patients to protect their skin—can...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor breaks down a high-yield emergency topic: burns. What starts as a skin injury can quickly become a full-body crisis, and understanding the cascade behind it can make all the difference for your patients and your exam scores.  You’ll learn how to recognize the systemic chain reaction that follows capillary damage, prioritize lifesaving interventions, and calculate...

Thinking about NP school—or already mapping your next move? In this bonus chat, Dr. Morgan Taylor sits down with Hiva Kolodrobetz, FNP (12+ years in nursing; 10 as an NP across primary care and multiple specialties) to unpack the  real  RN→NP journey—what works, what’s hard, and how to choose your track with confidence.  This episode is perfect for RNs who are considering NP school in the near fut...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor breaks down Hemophilia A—an X-linked recessive factor VIII deficiency that turns routine bumps into prolonged bleeds. You’ll learn how to spot classic signs (think hemarthrosis and mucosal bleeding), interpret the coag labs that clinch the diagnosis, and know the first-line nursing actions that keep kids safe.  This episode is perfect for: Nursing students and NC...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor unpacks Reye syndrome—a rare but life-threatening condition that every nurse must recognize. You’ll learn why giving aspirin to children recovering from viral illnesses can lead to devastating effects on the liver and brain, and how to act fast when early warning signs appear.  Who should watch: Nursing students, pediatric nurses, and NCLEX preppers who want to c...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor breaks down Kawasaki Disease — a high-yield pediatric condition every nurse should recognize early. From fever and rash to the risk of coronary artery aneurysms, Morgan simplifies how systemic inflammation turns into a cardiac emergency and how nurses play a critical role in preventing long-term complications.  Who should watch: Nursing students and pediatric nur...

Today, Dr. Morgan Taylor demystifies HELLP syndrome—a severe variant of preeclampsia. You’ll learn the meaning behind H-E-L-L-P, the classic symptoms/labs, immediate nursing priorities, and why delivery is the only definitive treatment.  Who should watch: Nursing students, new grad nurses, and L&D/ED nurses who need a clear framework to spot HELLP early and prioritize actions that protect mom...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor breaks down preeclampsia, one of the most high-yield and potentially dangerous pregnancy complications nurses must know. You’ll learn how abnormal placental development leads to vasospasm, leaky vessels, and multi-system damage — and how to recognize early warning signs before the condition escalates.  Who should watch: Nursing students, new grads, and OB nurses...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor breaks down coarctation of the aorta—a congenital heart defect where the body’s main highway for blood flow suddenly narrows. You’ll learn how to recognize this “traffic jam” in circulation, what it looks like at the bedside, and how nurses assess and monitor it from infancy through childhood.    Who should watch: Nursing students and new grads studying pediatric...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor dives into one of the most common congenital heart defects seen in newborns — Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). You’ll learn how this fetal “shortcut” between the aorta and pulmonary artery should close after birth, what happens when it doesn’t, and the hallmark signs every nurse should recognize at the bedside.  Who should watch: Nursing students, new grads on NIC...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor breaks down leukemia—a core NCLEX topic that every nursing student should understand. You’ll learn what happens when the bone marrow goes rogue, how to spot key clinical signs, and what to do when a fever strikes in an immunocompromised client.  What You’ll Learn  Leukemia basics: Bone marrow produces immature “blast” cells that crowd out healthy blood cells  Key...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor simplifies one of the more intimidating oncology topics—lymphoma. You’ll learn the essentials for the NCLEX and clinical practice: how to spot key symptoms, understand staging, and recognize life-threatening complications like tumor lysis syndrome.    What You’ll Learn:  Lymphoma basics: Cancer of the lymphatic system—how rogue lymphocytes form painless swollen n...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor breaks down deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—what it is, why it matters, and how nurses can recognize subtle signs before it becomes a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE). From anatomy review to Virchow’s triad and a bedside story of a post-op client, you’ll walk away with a clear picture of what to do when you suspect a clot.  What you'll learn: Key signs: ac...

Mid-Semester Reset: How to Refocus and Finish Strong! In this special episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor steps away from patho and pharm to tackle something just as important—how to reset when nursing school feels overwhelming. With advice from Archer Review educators, you’ll get practical tools and motivational strategies to push through the toughest stretch of the semester.  What You’ll Learn  Why mid-s...