Critical Care Nursing

Course Description: The “Trauma and Critical Care Nursing” is a 14 hour advanced course designed for registered nurses and other allied health care providers interested in increasing his/her knowledge in the management of the critically ill and/or trauma patient. This stimulating conference includes case study presentations, small group activities and didactic lectures.

Overview of Topics:
• Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
• Interpretation of ABG’s and Critical Lab Values
• Complications of Trauma and Critically Ill Patient: Shock , SIRS, Sepsis, MODS, DIC, ARDS, Compartment Syndrome, Acute Renal Failure
• Latest Evidenced Based Practice reducing health care-acquired infections (HAI)

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this program the participant will be able to:
• Interpret and analyze various ABG and other critical lab results and define appropriate treatment
• Identify sign and symptoms of alterations in fluid/electrolyte imbalance
• Differentiate between different shock states including etiology, clinical manifestations, treatment and outcomes
• List specific criteria that indicates SIRS
• Discuss the nursing management of the patient experiencing multi organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)
• Explain the etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Determine treatment priorities in the patient with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
• Differentiate among the causes of pre-renal, intra-renal, and post-renal acute failure
• Discuss current resources available for eliminating health care-associated infections (HAI)
• Recognize Compartment Syndrome
• Utilize case studies to reinformce ideas learned in course