Quick Guide to Laboratory Values Use this convenient cheat-sheet to help you monitor laboratory values related to fluid and electrolyte status, acid-base balance and hematology. Remember, normal value ranges may vary according to techniques used in different laboratories.  

Recognizing and Managing Adult Viral Respiratory Infections Adult viral illnesses are a common cause of respiratory tract disease, with severity ranging from a mild cold to life-threatening influenza. The mechanisms by which respiratory viruses spread from person to person are variable and include...

Recognizing and Managing Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening systemic allergic reaction, typically rapid in onset with airway, breathing, or circulatory problems, and often associated with skin and mucosal changes (Cardona et al., 2020).  Anaphylaxis is usually...

Recognizing and Managing Influenza In the northern hemisphere, the typical influenza (flu) season starts as early as October and can last until May, affecting individuals in all age groups, with the highest rates of infection among children. There are 4 types of influenza viruses...

Recognizing and Managing Sepsis Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Sepsis can be triggered by bacterial, viral or fungal pathogens. Septic shock is a complication of sepsis and is characterized by...

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) refer to a variety of clinical syndromes and infections caused by pathogens that can be acquired and transmitted through sexual activity. STDs are very common; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...

Surgical Site Infection Prevention Surgical site infections (SSIs) are infections that occur after surgery in the area of the body where the surgery was performed (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2019). SSIs are one of the most common and costly healthcare...

The Health History Always document date and time of the encounter.Include the patient’s identifying information including name, age, date of birth, and gender.Identify the source of information, whether it is the patient, a parent or family member, a...

Thyroid Emergencies Prompt recognition of thyroid emergencies is critical to decrease complications and mortality. Management requires both medical and supportive treatment provided in the critical care setting.

Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) for Acute Ischemic Events Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is approved by the U.S. FDA to treat acute ischemic stroke (AIS), acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to reduce mortality and incidence of heart failure, and acute massive pulmonary embolism (PE). Use the following...

Transporting Critically Ill Patients Critically ill patients are transported within an institution or to other hospitals to obtain additional care that is not available at the current location, such as diagnostic studies, specialized care units, or clinical expertise. Transporting...

Understanding Different Types of Pain Pain is an uncomfortable signal that something hurts. Pain intensity may vary between mild to unbearable and can significantly impact an individual’s psychosocial, emotional, and physical functioning (National Institute of Health, 2023...