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: name, date of birth, and gender.Identify the source of information, whether it is the patient, a parent or family member, a consultant, or someone...

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...

Understanding Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism The thyroid gland produces and secretes hormones which regulate metabolism and body temperature as well as promote normal growth and development in children. Disorders of thyroid function are common in primary care and a contributing factor in...

Understanding Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) and Diabetes Insipidus (DI) SIADH and DI are both disorders of water regulation affecting the activity or systemic release of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH). ADH secretion is normally inhibited in response to water intake. In SIADH, ADH is not suppressed resulting in water...

Urinary Incontinence Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, significant enough to be considered a problem. It is a very common and undertreated condition affecting close to 50% of adult women (Lukacz, 2023) and up to 34% of men aged 65 and older...

Workplace Incivility Also referred to as horizontal violence or nurse bullying, workplace incivility in nursing can contribute to consequences varying from work absenteeism to medical errors. Incivility should not be tolerated nor accepted in the professional...