Learn Nursing 101

This episode delves into the structures, functions, and assessment of the urinary system, as outlined in Chapter 49 of Medical-Surgical Nursing by Lewis. We explore the key roles of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra in fluid regulation, blood pressure control, and waste elimination. Listeners will gain insight into the physiology of urine formation, age-related changes in the urinary system, and strategies for conducting a...

In this episode, we explore a range of renal and urologic conditions, focusing on urinary tract infections, pyelonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and obstructive uropathies. Learn about the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and interprofessional management of these conditions, as well as the nursing interventions essential for promoting patient outcomes. This episode provides insights into key diagnostic studies, treatment pr...

This episode provides an in-depth exploration of coagulation disorders, including idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and hemophilia. We’ll discuss their pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and essential nursing care. Whether you’re studying for exams or enh...

In this episode, we explore the critical concepts of fluid imbalances, including dehydration, hypovolemia, and fluid volume excess. Learn about the body’s mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis, the clinical manifestations of fluid imbalances, and essential nursing care interventions. We cover risk factors, diagnostic tests, and management strategies to help you provide optimal patient care. This episode is ideal for nursing studen...

This episode dives into the critical topic of electrolyte imbalances, covering conditions like hyponatremia, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia. We’ll explore their risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic findings, and essential nursing interventions. Learn how to identify and manage these imbalances, which are vital for maintaining cellular function, nerve transmission, and overall...

In this episode, we explore the critical aspects of hepatitis and cirrhosis, including the causes, types, and clinical manifestations of these liver conditions. Learn about viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E), the impact of chronic liver inflammation, and the complications of cirrhosis, such as hepatic encephalopathy and esophageal varices. We also discuss nursing care strategies, patient education, and treatment options, including liv...

This episode focuses on the key aspects of kidney transplantation, including indications, pre- and post-procedure care, and potential complications. Learn about the evaluation of end-stage kidney disease, the surgical process, and the importance of immunosuppressive therapy to prevent organ rejection. We also discuss dietary and activity recommendations, patient education, and management strategies for complications such as infecti...

Explore the complexities of kidney disorders, including Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). This episode dives into the causes, stages, and management of these conditions, highlighting the kidneys’ essential role in fluid balance, waste elimination, and electrolyte regulation. Learn about diagnostic procedures, nursing interventions, and treatment options such as dialysis an...

In this episode, we dive into the world of central nervous system (CNS) depressants, covering essential pharmacologic agents such as sedative-hypnotics, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and melatonin agonists. We explore the effects of these medications on sleep stages, anesthesia, and sedation, discussing how different drugs like barbiturates and nonbenzodiazepines work, their mechanisms of action, and appropriate nursing interventi...

In this episode, we explore the pharmacologic approaches to managing neuromuscular disorders and muscle spasms, with a focus on myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis. We’ll cover the pathophysiology of these conditions and discuss key medications like acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, used in treating myasthenia gravis, and immunomodulators, used in multiple sclerosis management. Additionally, we’ll delve into the role of muscle ...

In this episode, we delve into the mechanisms, uses, and nursing considerations of antiinflammatory drugs, focusing on nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). We’ll discuss how these medications manage inflammation, pain, and fever and explore their roles in treating musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions. Key topics include the nursing process for patien...

In this episode, we cover essential analgesics used in pain management, including nonopioid options like NSAIDs and acetaminophen, and delve into opioids such as morphine, meperidine, and hydromorphone. We’ll discuss the mechanisms of these drugs, their appropriate uses, and the nursing process related to each. Learn about patient-controlled analgesia, transdermal options, and opioid antagonists for overdose management. This compre...

In this episode, we examine a range of CNS medications essential for various clinical applications, including neuromuscular blocking agents like succinylcholine and vecuronium, muscle relaxants such as diazepam and baclofen, and the muscarinic agents bethanechol and oxybutynin. We’ll discuss their pharmacological actions, therapeutic uses, complications, and critical nursing interventions, from managing spasticity in conditions lik...

In this episode, we explore sedative-hypnotic medications, focusing on their use in reducing anxiety and inducing sleep. Covering major classes like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and benzodiazepine-like drugs, we discuss their pharmacological actions, therapeutic uses, and key nursing considerations. Additionally, we’ll examine IV anesthetics used in surgical settings for rapid induction and their unique administration requirement...

In this episode, we explore pharmacologic management for connective tissue disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and fibromyalgia. Learn about disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), NSAIDs, glucocorticoids, and specialized medications used to alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression. We’ll discuss the role of each medication, potential complications, and essential nursi...

In this episode, we discuss essential medications for managing bone disorders, with a focus on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Covering calcium and vitamin D supplements, selective estrogen receptor modulators, bisphosphonates, and calcitonin, we explain how these medications help maintain bone density, prevent fractures, and manage conditions like hypercalcemia. We also dive into common complications, contraindicatio...

In this episode, we discuss non-opioid analgesics, including NSAIDs and acetaminophen, which are essential for managing pain, inflammation, and fever. We’ll cover the pharmacological actions, therapeutic uses, and important nursing considerations for these medications, highlighting the differences between first-generation and second-generation NSAIDs and acetaminophen’s unique benefits. Tune in to learn about potential complication...

This episode covers opioid analgesics, focusing on opioid agonists, agonist-antagonists, and antagonists. These medications play a crucial role in pain management, but they come with significant risks and considerations, including the potential for respiratory depression, dependency, and interaction with other CNS depressants. Learn about the pharmacologic actions, therapeutic uses, and key nursing interventions for opioid medicati...

This episode explores adjuvant medications used to enhance pain management alongside opioid agonists, providing improved pain relief and reducing opioid doses. We cover various adjuvant classes, including tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, CNS stimulants, antihistamines, glucocorticoids, bisphosphonates, and NSAIDs. Learn how these medications—originally developed for other conditions—help target pain through different mec...