Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a complication that can occur after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant. It is a syndrome that involves multiple organs and occurs when transplanted immune cells identify the recipient cells as foreign invaders. The result is that the transplanted (graft) cells attack the recipient (host) cells. In this episode, you'll learn: Who is most at risk for developing GVHD The basics of HLA typing Signs and symptoms of GVHD Important assessments for a...

RSI is rapid sequence intubation, a procedure performed to emergently intubate a patient with an intact gag reflex in cases of acute respiratory failure and/or cardiovascular collapse. As a nurse working in the emergency department or ICU, you will be obtaining and may be administering the medications used to perform a rapid sequence intubation. Please be aware of your scope of practice and facility protocol regarding the administration of these medications. In some cases, the medications can...

In this episode, Nurse Mo is joined by Dr. Sehgal, a board-certified urologist and founder of the YouTube channel UroCoach where he teaches urology concepts in an easy-to-understand way. In this episode, Dr. Sehgal shares some great tips for troubleshooting Foley catheters and managing them like a pro. Hit the play button and you'll learn: Tips for when your Foley insertion doesn't go as planned How to tell if the catheter not in the bladder and where it could be instead How to ensure you...

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated chronic condition of the central nervous system. It is characterized by the destruction of myelin, which is the protective sheath that covers nerve axons in the brain and spinal cord. When this protective layer is damaged, lesions (plaques) develop throughout the nervous system and nerve impulses slow down.  In this episode, you’ll learn the key things a nurse needs to know about multiple sclerosis, including:  Risk factors for MS The four main...

Epidermal necrolysis refers to severe cutaneous reactions that cause extensive necrosis of tissue and detachment of the epidermis. It encompasses three conditions which are on a continuum of severity and how much of the body’s surface area is affected: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS): Less than 10% of BSA is detached Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) - More than 30% of BSA is detached SJS/TEN overlap: Between 10 and 30% of BSA is detached In this episode you’ll learn:  Epidermal necrolysis...

Two terms you’ve probably heard mentioned are STEMI and NSTEMI, and you may be wondering what the difference between these two cardiac events is. In this episode you’ll learn:  The key differences between STEMI and NSTEMI How to recognize a STEMI on the ECG What “contiguous leads” actually means Signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction Tests utilize to diagnose and evaluate an MI How STEMI and NSTEMI are treated _________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE...

Gestational diabetes is a complication of pregnancy in which individuals with no history of diabetes have persistently elevated glucose levels.  In this episode you’ll learn:  Normal physiology of glucose maintenance during pregnancy Who is most at risk for gestational diabetes Complications of gestational diabetes (both maternal and newborn) Signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes Key assessments for a patient with gestational diabetes Screening and ongoing tests, including the...

In this episode of the Straight A Nursing podcast, we’re breaking down the key things a nurse needs to know about peripheral neuropathy. This is a condition in which the distal nerves of the hands and feet are damaged and unable to transmit messages correctly. The result is numbness, tingling, weakness and pain (often quite severe pain!). In this episode you’ll learn:  The many different causes of peripheral neuropathy and which one is most common Complications of the condition Signs and...

In this episode, Nurse Mo delves into neural tube defects, with a focus on spina bifida and anencephaly. In addition to learning about the key characteristics of these conditions, you’ll also learn:  How neural tubes are formed early in embryonic development Who is most at risk for having a child with a neural tube defect How neural tube defects can be prevented Key assessments for an infant and child with spina bifida Common tests used to diagnose a neural tube defect Treatments for...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...