Acute Kidney Injury Formerly known as acute renal failure, acute kidney injury (AKI) is a reversible rapid reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or kidney function, resulting in an increase in serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and metabolic waste...

Affirming Care for Patients who are LGBTQIA2+ Affirming care recognizes the significant impact of sexual and gender minority (SGM) status on a person’s health and is critical to ensuring SGM patients receive culturally competent and clinically appropriate care (McElwain & Carr, 2021...

Amenorrhea The menstrual cycle is an important indicator of a female’s health. Disruptions of this cycle are a common complaint seen by both women’s health and primary care providers. Amenorrhea is the absence of menses and can occur for a...

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis The arterial blood gas (ABG) measures the acid-base balance (pH) and oxygenation of an arterial blood sample. An ABG is a tool used to assess respiratory compromise and medical conditions that cause metabolic abnormalities (such as sepsis...

Assessing Fall Risk and Reducing Falls in the Elderly More than one in four American adults 65 years of age and older have reported falling and one in five sustain a severe fall-related injury, including fractures and traumatic brain injuries (CDC, 2021). Falls account for 56% of injury-related...

Assessment and Diagnosis of Heart Failure Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome resulting from any structural or functional impairment of ventricular filling or ejection of blood. Heart failure symptoms include those related to fluid retention, such as leg swelling...

Assessment and Management of Stroke In the United States, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). Early identification, evaluation and treatment of stroke reduces motor and cognitive...

Atropine Sulfate Atropine is an anticholinergic drug that blocks the action of acetylcholine at parasympathetic sites in smooth muscle, secretory glands, and the central nervous system (CNS). It increases cardiac output and dries secretions. It is a competitive...

Breast Assessment Breast examination is an important aspect of the detection, diagnosis, and surveillance of breast diseases. Current guidelines for frequency of female clinical breast examination are outlined below. Patient reports of breast pain, lumps, nipple...

Cancer Treatment Strategies Great progress has been made in the treatment of cancer. This pocket card provides a general overview to help you understand the various therapeutic options available.BONUS: Discounted CE Collection "Cancer". Earn 6.5 contact hours for...

Cardiovascular Assessment Focused cardiovascular assessment begins with taking a health history. While doing so, observe carefully for signs of inadequate perfusion or circulation, such as cyanosis, skin changes, dyspnea, or edema. Order of examination is performed as...

Caring for the Mechanically Ventilated Patient Mechanical ventilation is utilized in intensive care and long-term care settings to assist patients who require additional respiratory support. This handy reference guide provides critical patient care essentials, tips for trouble-shooting...