Full Course Description

Module 1: Getting the Most Out of the Complete Blood Count

So much more than just the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, the CBC provides a complete picture of all blood formed elements. In this session you will learn about the pathophysiology and differential diagnosis of a variety of conditions. Go beyond the numbers and finally understanding what is causing the abnormal findings.

Program Information

Objectives

Integrate Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, and Indices into a comprehensive assessment.
Analyze a Complete Blood Count with Differential and discuss clinical applications.
Determine the role of differentials assistance in determining differential diagnosis.
Evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of Platelet dysfunction and other coagulopathies.

Outline

Components of the CBC
What do the Numbers Mean?
Anemia
Polycythemia
Pearls of Wisdom
Understanding Shifts to the Left & Right
Using the Differential Clues
Platelet Abnormalities
Panic Values

Target Audience

Nurses
Advanced Practice Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nurse Midwives
Pharmacists
Nurse Practitioners
Physician Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Dietitians
Physical Therapists
Other Healthcare Professionals

Copyright : 02/16/2017

Module 2: Beyond the Basics of the Basic Metabolic Panel: Understanding Life-Threatening Electrolyte Levels

You will learn to look beyond the numbers and see that the “Basic” Metabolic Panel (BMP) is anything BUT basic! Your patients’ levels may not be where you think they are, or “normal” may represent anything but homeostasis. Understand important implications for renal health and a proactive approach to patient management. You will also advance your skills in electrolyte interpretation and gain the confidence you need to manage the next life-threatening emergency.

Program Information

Objectives

Calculate the classification of renal insufficiency and failure.
Analyze pre-renal, intrinsic renal, and post-obstructive causes of renal failure using lab findings and other tests.
Integrate expected changes to the EKG with life-threatening potassium levels.
Formulate Chvostek’s sign and Trousseau sign and the relationship to electrolyte status.

Outline

Components of the BMP
Renal Failure & Lab Clues
GFR
Acute Kidney Injury
Acute Tubular Nephrosis
Rhabdo
Hemodialysis
Life-Threatening Electrolyte Imbalances
Hypo and Hypernatremia
Hypo and Hypercalcemia
Hypo and Hypermagnesemia

Target Audience

Nurses
Advanced Practice Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nurse Midwives
Pharmacists
Nurse Practitioners
Physician Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Dietitians
Physical Therapists
Other Healthcare Professionals

Copyright : 02/16/2017

Module 3: Liver and Labs in Detail Along with Coagulation Complications

Finally master the clotting cascade and be prepared to recognize the changes that indicate a potentially life-threatening complication. In this session you will also learn about common markers for hepatic dysfunction as well as the etiology and treatment strategies. Outpatient or Inpatient, Acute or Chronic, Hepatic disorders are common to every practice environment and this course provides you with the tools needed to succeed.

Program Information

Objectives

Assess what parts of the clotting cascade are measured by the APTT and the INR.
Categorize expected findings on the labs for a patient with DIC.
Investigate the pathology behind Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia.

Outline

Liver Function Tests
Clues to the Injured or Sick Liver
Hepatic Failure
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Coagulation Studies
The Clotting Cascade
INR Goals
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy (DIC)
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)

Target Audience

Nurses
Advanced Practice Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nurse Midwives
Pharmacists
Nurse Practitioners
Physician Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Dietitians
Physical Therapists
Other Healthcare Professionals

Copyright : 02/16/2017

Module 4: Must Know Cardiac and Respiratory Lab Tests

CKMB? BNP? Troponins? Learn what they all mean and understand why we order them and how they integrate into a comprehensive cardiac assessment. Understand the wherefores and whys of cardiac workup…Time is Muscle! Examine oxygenation, ventilation, acid-base status and more. No matter the setting you work in you will benefit from gaining understanding through application to case studies. Both Inpatient and Outpatient applications will be addressed along with patient monitoring, and practice guidelines for optimizing therapy.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine when the Troponin implies a myocardial infarct and what else can cause modest elevation to this cardiac marker.
Use the differences between ST elevation and ST depression on the EKG as it relates to cardiac insult.
Analyze four abnormal findings on the ABG and common causes of each.
Utilize a tool for easy analysis of ABG findings

Outline

Acute Coronary Syndrome
Components of Cardiac Lab Tests
BNP and Pro-BNP
Congestive Heart Failure
Blood Gases: Arterial and Venous
Acid/Base Compensation

Target Audience

Nurses
Advanced Practice Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nurse Midwives
Pharmacists
Nurse Practitioners
Physician Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Dietitians
Physical Therapists
Other Healthcare Professionals

Copyright : 02/16/2017

Module 5: Everything Endocrine: Responding Appropriately to Critical Lab Findings

Therefore, no matter what specialty, healthcare providers need to be ready for diabetic emergencies. Prevention, and rapid recognition and appropriate treatment can be life-saving. Understanding what causes diabetic emergencies can be key to prevention of complications. Insulin is a lifesaving hormone, but is one of the most confusing yet dangerous medications especially in our hospitalized patient. Insulin is a powerful tool if used correctly and healthcare providers armed with knowledge can make a big difference. This session will provide essential tools for patient safety, even if diabetes is not your specialty.

Program Information

Objectives

Divide DKA and HHS from the lab findings.
Assess symptoms and expected lab findings for Diabetes Insipidus.
Formulate why calcium levels can be dangerously low with severe pancreatitis.

Outline

Hypoglycemia
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic States (HHS)
Hgb A1C
Conversion Rates
Diabetes Insipidus
SIADH
Thyroid Labs
Thyroid Crisis
Acute Pancreatitis
Pearls of Wisdom

Target Audience

Nurses
Advanced Practice Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nurse Midwives
Pharmacists
Nurse Practitioners
Physician Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Dietitians
Physical Therapists
Other Healthcare Professionals

Module 6: Preventing and Treating Infection: Sepsis and Microbiology Lab Tests

You will learn to correctly diagnose a broad spectrum of possible infectious agents through a review of systems, sources of infection, diseases, and treatments. Through understanding of both common and uncommon, yet still vital, diagnoses you will improve your treatment level through this important course.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the role lactate levels serve in identifying and treating sepsis.
Evaluate the components of the 3-hour and 6-hour bundles in the Surviving Sepsis Guidelines.
Inspect the findings in a urinalysis that support the diagnosis of an UTI.
Assess spinal fluid findings to differentiate between viral and bacterial meningitis and encephalitis.
Propose two ways the gram stain and sensitivity can guide selection of antibiotics.

Outline

SIRS
Surviving Sepsis Guidelines
Sepsis Lab Findings
3-hour and 6-hour Bundles
Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
Lumbar Puncture
Meningitis
Encephalitis
CSF Headache
Cultures & Sensitivity
Gram Stain
Choosing Antibiotics
Urinalysis

Target Audience

Nurses
Advanced Practice Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nurse Midwives
Pharmacists
Nurse Practitioners
Physician Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Dietitians
Physical Therapists
Other Healthcare Professionals