Convenient, easy to read, with a variety of interesting, critical care topics such as atrial fibrillation, VAP, artificial airways, ARDS, fungal infections, CHF management and more are featured in our new specialty targeted CE anthology.

The goal of this module is to educate critical care nurses on a variety of healthcare topics related to their specialty. After studying the information presented here, you will be able to —

• Discuss the diagnosis of heart failure, including the use of B-type natriuretic peptide assay levels.
• Describe the features of and treatments and nursing interventions for stress cardiomyopathy (“broken heart syndrome”).
• Discuss ventilator-associated pneumonia: its prevalence, pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis, management, and prevention.
• Identify the two most common fungicaused invasive diseases in critically ill and immunosuppressed patients.
• Discuss the incidence, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of atrial fibrillation.
• Describe an evidence-based framework to manage artificial airways.
• Discuss the legal implications of family presence during a code blue.
• Describe of the five types of shock states, including risk factors, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and treatment.
• Discuss temporary epicardial pacing after cardiovascular surgery and the nursing care of patients undergoing this therapy.
• Describe acute respiratory distress syndrome, including the risk factors, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and treatment.