Full Course Description

Point of Care Ultrasound Course: Diagnose the Critical Issues Faster!

In the fast-paced setting of healthcare, you have limited time to make critical evaluations. Precious minutes tick away while you order and transport the patient for imaging.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is changing the way that advanced practice health professionals evaluate their incoming patients. Imagine if you had the ability to identify a patient’s internal problem – on the spot! Point-of-care ultrasound gives you this ability.

The days of relying solely on the stethoscope are outdated – you don’t have to rely on listening and looking alone. Take off the blindfold that has been preventing you from dynamically observing tissues in vivo! With this game changing technology, you will create a new standard of evaluation:

Detect fluid in the pericardium
Identify abdominal aortic aneurysms as early as possible
Catch a DVT before it has a chance to embolize

This recording will walk you through everything you need to know to begin using point-of-care ultrasound imaging – from primary care settings to emergent care. With this tool, you’ll be able to quickly identify a diagnosis AND cut down on unnecessary radiation.

Learn why this technology is taking the medical world by storm!

Program Information

Objectives

Explain the indications for specialized point-of-care ultrasound examinations.
Critique ultrasound images of anatomy appropriate for point-of-care examination.
Compare normal vs abnormal ultrasound appearances for specialized point-of-care ultrasound.
Analyze ultrasound images for specialized point-of-care ultrasound examinations.
Discuss how point-of-care ultrasound findings can be utilized in patient management.
Utilize appropriate techniques for reporting results of point-of-care ultrasound examinations.

Outline

Point-of-Care Ultrasound vs Traditional Imaging: What You Need to Know

Dynamic vs static imaging
Bilateral comparison
Differentiation of solid vs fluid
Sound waves vs radiation

Get Comfortable with the Device

Determine appropriate transducer and placement/pressure
What do all the knobs do?
Gray vs white vs black – Echogenicity of tissue and structures

Image Interpretation and Assessments

Step-by-step guide for evaluation
Optimal patient positioning and scanning protocol
Spot the abnormality!

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Asymptomatic and easy to miss without POCUS
Prevention – who is most at risk?
Screening protocol for primary care

Abdominal Trauma

The ticking time bomb – internal bleeding
The easy target: liver damage via blunt force trauma
Frequent source of bleeding: spleen

Hepatobiliary

Primary culprit of abdominal pain: gallbladder
Biliary dilation, gallbladder attack

Cardiac and Lung

Pleural and pericardial effusions
Cardiac overload
Collapsed lung

Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis

Spot the warning signs early: Leg pain, swollen legs
Catch them before they embolize

Obstetrics – First Trimester

Is what you’re seeing indicative of normal outcomes?
Identify embryologic structures
Ectopic and tubal pregnancies

Forging a new frontier

Risks and limitations
When to proceed with additional imaging
Billing and coding
Tips for bringing this service into your wheelhouse

Target Audience

Physicians
Nurse Practitioners
Physician’s Assistants
Registered Nurses
EMT/Paramedics
Sonographers

Copyright : 03/02/2020

Advanced Lab Interpretation: Master the Hidden Clues

The lab work you have been anxiously waiting for, comes back normal. That wasn’t what you expected... But now what?

You could just as easily be assigned to care for a patient with a change in blood gases, renal failure, liver functions, coagulation concerns, early sepsis or a diabetes crisis during your next shift. Are you confident in your interpretation of the results? What about those subtle lab shifts that might make you wonder what lies ahead for the patient?

The blood results may just be the tip of the iceberg. A critical event could be on the horizon, if you don’t initiate the appropriate interventions. This opportunity will elevate your lab analysis critical thinking to detect the hidden clues from the results and anticipate your patient’s presentation as the values deteriorate or improve.

This video-based training from a nationally recognized critical care/emergency expert will provide you the advanced skills, proven strategies and understanding you need NOW. This is one training that you will immediately put to use. Day in and day out with the patients you care for!

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the results of coagulation studies (PT/INT and PTT).
Plan patient interventions based upon complete blood count findings.
Determine the clinical implications based upon the metabolic panels.
Distinguish between life-threatening electrolyte imbalances, to detect causes and remedies.
Prepare for renal function implications based upon BUN, Creatinine, BUN/CR ratio, and GFR.
Analyze blood gases and pertinent clinical implications.
Differentiate between bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis based on lumbar puncture findings.

Outline

Getting the Most Out of the CBC

Identify the cause of abnormal findings
The significance of LFTs
Left shift explained
Transfusions and unplanned complications

Beyond the “Basics” of the BMP

When “normal” doesn’t represent homeostasis
Important implications for patient management
Anticipate the EKG changes
When to watch and when to treat

Liver Labs and Coagulation Complications

CMP: Indications and implications
Master the clotting cascade
Recognize life-threatening complications
Current treatment strategies
The right lab test for the medication
Managing DIC

Cardiac Labs: Time is Muscle!

Integrate findings into the comprehensive cardiac assessment
Oxygenation, ventilation, acid-base status and more
Patient monitoring guidelines
Optimizing therapy

Prevent Endocrine Emergencies

Respond to critical lab findings
Prevent complications
The dangers of insulin replacement
Patient safety considerations

ABGs: Identify the Underlying Abnormality

New strategies for interpretation
Best treatments for acidosis and alkalosis
Compensatory efforts of the body

Prevent & Treat Infections

Early signs of sepsis and septic shock
Protocols: What works & what’s next
Lumbar puncture indications

Identify the cause of acute renal failure

Put the critical values together: Creatinine, BUN, GFR
First line interventions

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Dietitians