Critical Care Nursing DeMYSTiFieD

Cynthia L. Terry, CNE, MSN, CCRN, RN Associate Professor of Nursing at Lehigh Carbon Community College, as well as a certified Critical Care Nurse. Faculty, Lehigh carbon Community College Schnecksville, Pennsylvania

Chapter 1: The Critical Care Nurse
Introduction
Education and Experience
Standards, Organizations, and Certification: Promoting Excellence
Communication and Health Care Team Members: Calling the Shots
Defining the Critical Care Nurse
Regulatory Issues that Impact the Critical Care Environment
Future Challenges for the Critical Care Nurse
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 2: Care of the Patient with Critical Respiratory Needs
Anatomy and PhysiologyAssessment Skills for the High-Risk Respiratory Patient
Collaborative Diagnostic Tools
Oxygen Delivery Systems
Advanced Airway Techniques
What is Mechanical Ventilation?
Commonly used Respiratory Medications in Critical Care for the Patient on MV
Respiratory Conditions Requiring Critical Care
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 3: Care of the Patient with Critical Cardiac and Vascular Needs
Anatomy and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
Assessment Skills
Collaborative Diagnostic and Laboratory Tools
Advanced Procedural Skills
Cardiovascular Medications used in Critical Care
Medical CV Conditions Requiring Critical Care
Surgical CV Conditions Requiring Critical Care
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 4: Care of the Patient with Critical Cardiac Rhythm Disturbances Needs
Assessment Skills
Cardiac Electrophysiology
How does Cardiac Monitoring Really Work?
So What do these Systems "See"?
So How does a Nurse do Detective Work on These Rhythm Strips?
Types of Basic Rhythms
Where do 12-Lead ECGs Enter the Picture?
Medications that Help with Rhythm Stabilization
Special Cardiac Devices to Help Maintain the Patient's Rhythm
Cardiac Arrest: Your Worst Nightmare
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 5: Care of the Patient with Neurological Needs
Introduction
Anatomy and Physiology of the Nervous System
Neurological Needs: Assessment
Assessing Motor Movements-Strength and Coordination
Normal Pupils
Assessment of Eye Movements (EOMs)or Extraocular Movements
Oculocephalic Reflex or Doll's Eyes Movements
Oculocephalic Reflex or Cold Caloric Test
Respiratory Patterns
Additional Assessments
Palpation
Percussion-Deep Tendon Reflexes
Other Responses
Auscultation
Collaborative Diagnostic Tools
Medications that Help with Symptoms
Medical Conditions Requiring Complex Care
Surgical Conditions Requiring Complex Neurological Care
Review Questions
AnswersChapter 6: Care of the Traumatized Patient
Introduction
Mechanism of Injury (MOI)
Classification of Injuries
Evaluating Reports from the Field
Trauma Center Levels and Classifications
Medications used in Trauma Care
Fluid Volume Replacement (FVR)
Care of the Patient with Specific Traumatic Injuries
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 7: Care of the Patient with Endocrine Disorders
Introduction
Major Organs of the Endocrine System to be Addressed
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 8: Care of the Patient with Critical Renal Needs
Anatomy and Physiology of the Renal System
Assessment Skills
Collaborative Diagnostic and Laboratory Tools
Medications Commonly used in Critical Care Dialysis
Acute and Chronic Renal Failure
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 9: Care of the Patient with Critical Hematologic Needs
Anatomy and Physiology of the Hematologic SystemAssessment SkillsCollaborative Diagnostic and Laboratory ToolsMedications Commonly used in Critical Care that Affect the Hematologic SystemBlood Products used for Hematologic ProblemsMedical Conditions that Require Critical CareReview QuestionsAnswers