Laboratory Results
Interpreting Radiological Reports
EKG Basics
Pathophysiology of a Declining Patient
100
A critically low platelet count increases the risk for this complication.
What is bleeding/hemorrhage?
100
This section of a radiology report describes what the radiologist actually sees on the image.
What are the findings?
100
What is tachycardia?
100
An increase in heart rate is often the body's first compensatory response to this condition.
What is decreased oxygen delivery or decreased perfusion?
200
An antibiotic adjustment made after laboratory results identify the organism and which drugs are effective against it.
What is culture-guided antibiotic therapy based off a culture and sensitivity?
200
This section summarizes the most important takeaways and often guides clinical decision-making.
What is the impression?
200
What is bradycardia?
200
Elevated lactate levels suggest this problem.
What is poor tissue perfusion?
300
A potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L may place a patient at risk for this.
What are cardiac dysrhythmias?
300
A chest x-ray showing fluid around the lung may report this finding.
What is a pleural effusion?
300
A patient in ventricular fibrillation requires this lifesaving intervention.
What is defibrillation?
300
This compensatory response helps remove excess carbon dioxide during metabolic acidosis.
What is rapid breathing (hyperventilation)?
400
Hemoglobin drops from 12 g/dL to 7 g/dL postoperatively.
NURSE ACTION
What is assess for bleeding and notify the provider?
400
A report stating "bilateral diffuse pulmonary edema" may indicate this condition.
What is heart failure/fluid overload?
400
The patient's pulse is rapid and irregular. The patient is short of breath and weak.
What is atrail fibrillation?
400
A patient with sepsis has a blood pressure of 84/50 and MAP of 61.
NURSE ACTION
What is notify the provider/rapid response team and prepare for fluid resuscitation?
500
Lactate is 6.0 mmol/L in a patient with suspected infection.
NURSE ACTION
What is recognize possible severe sepsis/septic shock and escalate care immediately?
500
The "impression" of your patient's chest x-ray reveals worsening pulmonary edema.
NURSE ACTION
What is assess oxygenation, respiratory effort, and signs of fluid overload?
500
NURSE ACTION
What is assess patient immediately, address oxygen needs, and prepare for transcutaneous pacing.
500
A patient suddenly becomes confused and difficult to arouse.
NURSE ACTION
What is perform a focused assessment, obtain vital signs, check glucose, and escalate concerns immediately (possibly call an RRT)?