Critical Care Nursing Demystified

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 Physiology

Assessment 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 Disturbance 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

Oculovestibular 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
Answers

CHAPTER 6 Care of the Traumatized Patient

Introduction

Mechanisms 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

According to the ABCs of Trauma Assessment

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

System

Assessment Skills

Collaborative Diagnostic and Laboratory Tools
Medications Commonly Used in Critical Care That

Affect the Hematologic System

Blood Products Used for Hematologic Problems

Medical Conditions That Require Critical Care

Review Questions

Answers

Final Exam Questions

Correct Answers and Rationales

Index

A fun, streamlined way to learn the major concepts and theories of critical care nursing - and how to apply them to real-world patient situations

Valuable to professional nurses who wants to transition into critical care nursing or students seeking to excel in their advanced studies, Critical Care Nursing Demystified, Second Edition is the book they need to quickly and easily understand the key concepts and advanced trends of this specialty.

In order to make the learning process as quick and effective as possible, each chapter contains lesson objectives, key terms, NCLEX (R)-style Q&A, and vignettes of nursing situations you are likely to encounter in the workplace. You will also find a comprehensive final exam and coverage that includes overviews of basic anatomy and physiology of target organ systems, detailed health assessments using the body systems approach, diagnostic studies utilized to confirm an illness, common critical procedures performed, current medications used in the treatment of the critical care patient, and implementation of the nursing process to identify and solve patient concerns.

Simple enough for students but challenging enough for professional nurses considering a switch from their current field to this specialty, Critical Care Nursing Demystified is the book you need to make your transition or entry into the field as smooth and painless as possible.

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