Straight A Nursing

In this episode, we’re exploring the key things a nurse needs to know about pulmonary hypertension (PH). This condition affects the blood vessels in the lungs and can have serious implications on cardiac function. In this episode, we'll explore: Different subgroups of pulmonary hypertension Underlying causes of PH Signs and symptoms associated with PH Key diagnostic tests utilized to diagnose and evaluate a patient with PH Treatments and lifestyle modifications  Important patient education components Whether you're a nursing student or an experienced healthcare professional, this episode will provide you with valuable insights into understanding and caring for patients with pulmonary hypertension. So hit play and let’s dive into pulmonary hypertension together! __________  Full Transcript - Read the article and view references. FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths an

Welcome to another exciting episode of Straight A Nursing! I'm your host, Nurse Mo, and today we'll be diving into a fascinating topic: the relationship between congestive heart failure (CHF) and anemia. Have you ever wondered why so many patients with CHF also have anemia? Well, I certainly have, and today we're going to explore the pathophysiology behind this intriguing connection. So, let's get started and unravel the complexities of CHF and anemia together. In this episode you’ll learn why iron deficiency, decreased erythropoietin levels, chronic inflammation, and activation of the RAAS pathway are all possible causes of anemia in CHF. Plus, we'll also explore the consequences of anemia in heart failure and the treatment options available. Get ready for a knowledge-packed episode that will empower you as a nursing professional. Press play to jump right in! ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you

Postpartum depression (PPD) has been called “the thief that steals motherhood” and is defined as a temporary episode of major depression associated with childbirth. It is one of the most common childbirth-related conditions, affecting 13 to 19% of childbearing women.  In this episode you’ll learn: The complications of postpartum depression for both the mother and the infant Factors that contribute to postpartum depression Which individuals are most at risk  Brief overview of postpartum anxiety, postpartum PTSD, and postpartum psychosis Common signs and symptoms of postpartum depression Important assessments for a new mother and those experiencing postpartum depression Therapies for PPD including pharmacology and psychotherapy Lifestyle modifications that can help manage the symptoms of postpartum depression Important patient education Press play to gain a deeper understanding of this important mental health topic.  ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLA

Welcome back to the Straight A Nursing podcast with Nurse Mo, where we dive into all things nursing school and the bedside. In today's episode, we're tackling ICU clinicals, a topic that can be both exciting and intimidating for nursing students. Nurse Mo shares her experiences and tips to help you approach your ICU rotation with confidence and joy. We'll explore the differences between ICU and MedSurg, the high-tech equipment you'll encounter, and the unique challenges of patient care in the ICU. Nurse Mo also provides valuable safety tips for students working with advanced equipment. So if you're gearing up for your ICU clinicals, this episode is a must-listen. Let's dive in! ________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references Clinical Debrief Template - One of the best ways to fast-track your clinical learning is to debrief after each clinical day so you can apply what you learned to future scenarios. FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class!

Welcome back to the Straight A Nursing podcast! I'm Nurse Mo, and today we have an intriguing topic to discuss. Have you ever wondered about that mysterious blue substance you sometimes see in a patient's urine collection bag after surgery? Well, wonder no more, because today we're diving into the world of methylene blue. This medication, originally developed in the late 1800s, is not only a dye but also has numerous medicinal uses. From treating rare blood disorders to helping map out lymph nodes during cancer surgeries, methylene blue has proven to be a versatile and interesting drug. However, it's not without its risks and potential adverse effects. So join me as I explore the many facets of methylene blue. Press play to listen! ____________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive i

Welcome back to Straight A Nursing, the podcast that provides practical tips and knowledge to excel in your nursing practice. In this episode, we'll be exploring pain fundamentals. In addition to learning about opioids commonly used to treat pain, you’ll learn the significant impact acetaminophen and NSAIDs can have on a patient's pain level, and how these medications can significantly reduce the need for opioids. You’ll also learn the basics of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and the importance of careful medication administration. And don't worry, we won't forget about nonpharmacologic pain therapies, which can actually make a huge difference! But that's not all - we'll also dive into the different types of pain, including nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain, exploring their unique characteristics and treatment approaches. We'll also discuss pain scales, including the well-known Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and the Adult Nonverbal Pain Scale (ANPS), providing insights into how to assess pain in

If you’ve ever dreamed about travel nursing, then you’ll love this episode where I’m talking with Kylee from Passports and Preemies. Kylee is a NICU travel nurse who combines the two things she loves most…caring for teeny tiny babies and traveling the world! In this episode, Kylee shares some of her best tips and advice for nurses and nursing students who are interested in exploring the exciting opportunities that are available with travel nursing. So, if you’ve ever wondered if travel nursing is in your future, this episode is a great place to start! Want to crush your dosage calculations exams with confidence? It starts with Confident Calculations, my step-by-step program that teaches you a foolproof way to solve dosage calculations questions. Learn more about Kylee and travel nursing here: Passports and Preemies Follow the show! Did you love this episode? Be sure to follow the show so you never miss an episode…and share with friends so you can help other nurses thrive! ———————- The information, including b

Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that travel through the bloodstream to specific receptors on cells throughout the body where they elicit a response. Hormones play a key role in many physiologic processes, including metabolism, blood pressure regulation, blood glucose regulation, growth and development, reproduction, the sleep-wake cycle, and mood. This lesson provides a brief overview of key pediatric hormonal disorders: Type 1 diabetes mellitus Type 2 diabetes mellitus Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism Growth hormone deficiency Hyperpituitarism Congenital adrenal hyperplasia Dive deeper into diabetes with episode 305 Get more details about hyperthyroidism in episode 61. Expand your knowledge about hypothyroidism in episode 58. Learn more about adrenal disorders in episode 77. Read the article Pediatric Endocrine Disorders and view references here. Review pediatrics topics with Study Sesh and study on the go! Study Sesh is my private podcast that uses PodQuizzes, Drills, Case Studies and

Cardiomyopathy is a term that describes a disease affecting the heart muscle, and is most commonly related to damage of the myocardium. There are four categories of cardiomyopathy – dilated, restrictive, hypertrophic and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathies. In this episode, you’ll learn the basics about each type, key nursing assessments, how cardiomyopathy is treated and the main tests used to evaluate the condition. View references and read about cardiomyopathy in the article Cardiomyopathy NCLEX Review. Are you looking for an easier way to learn Med Surg? Enroll in Med Surg Solution and get lessons on 57 key topics as well as out-of-this-world study guides! If this episode helped you, please take a moment to rate and review the show! This helps others find the podcast, which helps me help even more people

Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the body’s ability to respond to insulin or produce insulin is impaired. This results in abnormal carbohydrate metabolism and elevated blood glucose levels. In this episode you’ll learn the basic things to know about diabetes so you can feel confident at the bedside or on nursing school exams (including NCLEX!). Hit the play button to learn: Differences between the various types of diabetes Physiology of blood glucose and pathophysiology of diabetes Classic signs and symptoms of diabetes (including the three Ps) Vital nursing assessments for a patient with diabetes Tests utilized in the treatment of diabetes Diabetes treatments including pharmacology and the different types of insulin Other important treatments including foot care, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications Hypoglycemia treatment Important patient/family education For even more information about diabetes, check out Med Surg Solution. Read the article and view references here. If this episode hel

Applying to nursing school can be a complex process, which requires organization and attention to detail. In this episode, we’ll explore what the application process entails and tips for managing it all like a pro. Overview of the application process The difference between merit based, lottery system, and first-come-first-served Overview of the ATI TEAS exam Tips for preparing for the ATI TEAS exam Advice for your nursing school interview Tips for writing an irresistible essay Use promo code SAN2023 to save 15% on ATI TEAS prep materials when you spend $50 or more. Learn more about ATI TEAS prep materials here. Promotion cannot be combined with any other offer. Promotion only available on ATI TEAS prep products, cannot be applied to TEAS testing fees or transcripts. Promotion cannot be applied to past purchases. Offer ends 10/31/2023. If this episode helped you, please take a moment to rate and review the show! This helps others find the podcast, which helps me help even more people

One of the most common lab tests ordered for your patients is the BMP, otherwise known as the basic metabolic panel. This lab test looks at eight different components which provide a wealth of information about your patient’s condition. The components of the BMP are sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, carbon dioxide, glucose, BUN and creatinine. Read the article and view references here. Review lab values and electrolytes when you study with Study Sesh! Study Sesh is my private podcast that uses PodQuizzes, Drills, Case Studies and more to truly change the way you study. Learn more here. If this episode helped you, please take a moment to rate and review the show! This helps others find the podcast, which helps me help even more people

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a hypermetabolic crisis that is fatal if left untreated. It occurs in individuals with a specific genetic condition when they are exposed to certain anesthetic gasses or the medication succinylcholine. In this episode, you’ll learn: Malignant hyperthermia pathophysiology Complications of MH Who is most at risk for experiencing malignant hyperthermia Signs and symptoms Important assessments for a patient with malignant hyperthermia Tests utilized to diagnose and evaluate MH Treatments for malignant hyperthermia (and why you’ve got to act fast and get help!) Key patient education To learn more about DIC, listen to episode 173 To learn more about rhabdomyolysis, listen to episode 251 To learn more about compartment syndrome, listen to episode 119 Read the article about malignant hyperthermia and view references here. If this episode helped you, please take a moment to rate and review the show! This helps others find the podcast, which helps me help even more people

Obsessive compulsive disorder is a chronic mental health condition in which the individual has recurring, unwanted thoughts or fears that cause a significant amount of stress that can only be relieved by performing ritualistic behavior. The recurring thoughts or fears are the individual’s obsessions. The ritualistic activity that alleviates the obsessive thoughts and the associated stress is the compulsion. In this episode you’ll learn: The pathophysiology of OCD and who is most at risk Complications of the condition Key signs and symptoms of OCD Priority nursing assessments How OCD is diagnosed Treatment for OCD, including cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacology Important patient education Read the article about obsessive compulsive disorder and view references here. Change the way you study with Study Sesh. If you’re tired of sitting and staring at a screen or a book, it’s time to check out Study Sesh! If this episode helped you, please take a moment to rate and review the show! This helps oth

When students struggle with pharmacology it’s typically because they’re trying to memorize drugs, their indications, important nursing implications, and the many side effects. And while these things are important, they’re only part of the picture. To understand pharmacology, you must do more than memorize and, instead, invest some energy in learning foundation concepts. In this episode, you’ll get a sneak peek into my new program Fast Pharmacology! I’ve taken some of the foundation lessons in that program and compiled them into this overview of key pharmacology concepts to help you be successful in this challenging class. Topics covered in this episode include: Overview of pharmacokinetics: absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion Onset, peak and duration defined and why knowing this information is vital for the nurse The difference between delayed release and extended release formulations The basics of pharmacodynamics The difference between efficacy and potency Pharmacologic classifications

Pleural effusions are defined as a buildup of excess fluid between the pleura and it can occur as a consequence of a wide variety of conditions. In this episode, you’ll learn: The two types of pleural fluid Risk factors for pleural effusion Complications of pleural effusion Signs and symptoms of pleural effusion Priority assessments How pleural effusions are identified and what lab tests are conducted Treatments for pleural effusion Important patient education To review chest tube management, listen to episode 124. To dive deep into respiratory assessment, listen to episode 237. Read the article about pleural effusions and view references here. Grab the FREE Straight A Nursing LATTE template to easily create your own Med Surg study guides. Are you looking for an easier way to learn Med Surg? Enroll in Med Surg Solution and get lessons on 57 key topics as well as out-of-this-world study guides!     If this episode helped you, please take a moment to rate and review the show! This helps others find the

Being able to decipher medical language means understanding the common roots, suffixes and prefixes. For example, if you know “ectomy” means the removal of something…even without recognizing the rest of the word, you at least know the patient had some kind of surgical procedure and something was removed. A great example of this is appendectomy or lobectomy. In this PodQuiz, you’ll test your knowledge of medical terms as you review along with me. If this is your first PodQuiz, here’s how it works: I’ll ask a question, give you time to answer and then tell you the answer. It’s basically like doing flashcards for your ears! If you love this format for reviewing and learning material, then you’ll really love Study Sesh, my audio-based program that allows you to get up from your desk and study on-the-go. Study Sesh includes more than 100 PodQuizzes, covering a wide range of topics (plus, there’s some other really cool stuff in there, too!). Learn more about Study Sesh here…and change the way you study! If

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) occurs when the body has an inadequate response to postural changes and, as a result, is unable to maintain a steady blood pressure when moving from a lying to standing position. It is defined as a decrease in systolic or diastolic blood pressure that occurs within three minutes of moving from a sitting or supine position to a standing position. The parameter for OH is a decrease of 20 mmHg systolic or a decrease of 10 mmHg diastolic. In this episode you’ll learn: * The physiology of orthostatic hypotension * The key difference between acute and chronic OH * How neurogenic OH differs from non-neurogenic OH * Conditions that exacerbate OH * Why drug-induced OH occurs * Medical conditions that can cause an individual to have acute or chronic OH * The complications of orthostatic hypotension * How orthostatic hypotension is diagnosed * How orthostatic hypotension is treated * Pharmacology for OH Read the article and view references here. Are you looking for an easier way to learn

Because of the propensity for gout to occur in the wealthy who lived a lavish lifestyle, gout was once called the “disease of kings.” Today gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that can lead to significant pain and lack of mobility. In this episode, you’ll learn the following about caring for patients with gout: * The pathophysiology of gout * The four phases of gout * Risk factors that predispose someone to gout * Gout signs and symptoms * Tests and treatments for gout * Dietary modifications that can help prevent gout attacks * Key patient education To learn more about allopurinol, one of the most commonly utilized medications for gout, check out All About Allopurinol: Episode 202 while you’re at it! Read the article "Gout NCLEX Review" and view references here. Are you looking for an easier way to learn Med Surg? Enroll in Med Surg Solution and get lessons on 57 key topics as well as out-of-this-world study guides! If this episode helped you, please take a moment to rate and review the s

Pertussis (also known as “whooping cough”) is a respiratory tract infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It is a highly contagious disease that predominantly impacts children. In this episode you’ll learn the key things you know about pertussis: * Pertussis pathophysiology and stages of disease * The pertussis vaccine * Complications of pertussis * Signs and symptoms of pertussis * Key nursing assessments for a patient with pertussis * Tests that will be ordered * Treatments for pertussis * Important patient education information To learn more about respiratory distress in children, listen to Episode 140. And, to dive into ECMO, you can read more about it here. Read the article Pertussis Basics for Nursing Students and view references here. Review pediatric topics on the go with Study Sesh! Study for your nursing school exams and NCLEX on the go with over 90 PodQuiz episodes covering a wide range of topics. Sign up for Study Sesh here! If this episode helped you, please take a moment to