Rapid Response RN
Rapid Response RN is a podcast hosted by Sarah Lorenzini, a Rapid Response Nurse and educator. Each episode shares real-life stories from the frontlines of nursing, focusing on rapid response events. Sarah breaks down the pathophysiology, pharmacology, and the critical role nurses play during emergencies. The show aims to help nurses sharpen their assessment skills and feel confident in handling crises. Listeners learn how to detect patient decline and take action to save lives.
Episodes
Mystery Episode: From Double Vision to Complete Blindness
A 60-year-old patient recovering from surgery suddenly develops double vision. His vital signs are normal, his speech is clear, and he has no obvious one-sided weakness. But something isn't right.What could cause such a dramatic neurological change? And what can we do to prevent permanent damage?Put your critical thinking skills to the test and see if you can solve this mystery before the full cas
166: When the Mitral Valve Breaks: Papillary Muscle Rupture After MI
"I feel like I'm drowning." Four days after a STEMI, a patient who had been recovering well is sitting bolt upright, coughing up pink, frothy sputum, and unable to catch his breath.In this episode, Sarah walks you through a worst-case scenario complication every cardiac nurse needs on their radar: post-MI papillary muscle rupture causing acute, severe mitral regurgitation. This is one of those zeb
165: Breaking the Storm Part 2: Antiarrhythmics, Sympathetic Blockade, and the Emerging Role of Esmolol
The shock worked. The rhythm converted. And then V-fib came right back. Now what?Part two of this series explores the physiology and pharmacology driving recurrent V-fib so you can respond confidently when shocks aren’t enough.You'll learn how the body's sympathetic nervous system response keeps the heart unstable, why epinephrine can both help and hurt, when to reach for lidocaine over amiodarone
BONUS EPISODE: Rapid Response Calls That Never Should Have Happened from the Nurse Gwenny Podcast
This special episode was recorded and released on the Nurse Gwenny Podcast. We talked about some of those early signs of deterioration that are often missed and how we can speak up and advocate before the patient crashes.Check out this episode and so many more over at the Nurse Gwenny PodcastAnd, you can join the Nurse Gwenny Library to earn CE credits for listening to the show!Use code: rapidresp
164: Electrical Storm Part 1:The Pathophysiology of Ventricular Storm and the Science of Defibrillation
Sometimes V-fib doesn't respond to the shock at all. Sometimes it converts and comes right back. Those are two completely different problems.In this episode, Sarah breaks down the science behind why defibrillation fails, how to recognize the difference between refractory and recurrent V-fib, and respond when shocks aren't working. You'll learn how to start approaching the electrical storm at the b
163: Nurse Gwenny Takes Over the Podcast
Imagine being able to cut your hospital's code blue events outside of critical care in HALF in just six months. That's exactly what happened when Sarah built her hospital's rapid response team from the ground up.Nurse Gwenny takes over the show to find out how she did it, from the pitch that got the program started to the skills that actually matter on rapid response teams. She also shares what di
162: Live From NurseCon at Sea: Burnout, Boundaries, and Finding Your Way Back
We all know the many challenges facing the Nursing profession today. Nursing takes so much from us… but it also has so much to offer.Recorded live at NurseCon at Sea, Sarah sits down with two nurses who hit their breaking point and found a way to keep showing up. This episode goes deep into the messy reality of nursing burnout, from the struggle to put yourself first to the boundaries, mindset shi
161: We Got ROSC... Now What? Evidence Based Post Resuscitation Care
Getting ROSC is not always the win we sometimes think it is. It's what we're looking for the entire resuscitation, but the real challenge begins once we get it… and what we do in the next few hours has a major impact on patient outcomes.In this episode, Sarah shares a real rapid response case to walk through the physiology, decision-making, and advocacy of post-arrest care. The 2025 AHA post resu
160: The 2026 AHA/ACC New PE Guidelines with Dr. Mark Creager
The AHA just updated the playbook on acute pulmonary embolism. The old classification system is gone. Heparin drips are no longer the default. And if your instinct is to push for intubation, that could be the thing that makes your patient worse.In this episode, Dr. Mark Creager, lead author of the 2026 AHA Multi-Society Guideline on Acute Pulmonary Embolism, breaks down exactly what's changed, how
159: Nurse Led Stroke Alert Process with Kat Siaron RN
"There has to be a better way." We've all thought it. This episode is proof that nurses can be the ones to make it happen.In this episode, Sarah is joined by Kat Siaron, rapid response nurse and co-author of the RRT STAR study that shows what happens when nurses are empowered to act before a clear stroke diagnosis is made. They walk through a patient case that exposed a dangerous gap in inpatient
158: What’s Changed in Acute Stroke Care? New AHA Stroke Guidelines with Dr. Prabahkaran
The stroke guidelines just changed and it’s exciting and nuanced! What you do in the first 30 minutes could drastically change your patient's outcome. In this episode, Dr. Shyam Prabhakaran, neurologist and chief writer of the new 2026 AHA Stroke Guidelines, explains what's changed and how these guidelines are changing practice at the bedside.Stroke treatment decisions are getting faster, more nua
157: Cracking the ARDS Code: A Deep Dive on ARDS Vent Management Strategies With Melody Bishop RT
ARDS is one of the more complex syndromes we manage in critical care. More than just pulmonary edema, we are battling stiff lungs, refractory hypoxemia, rising pressures, and frequently making decisions that can either protect the lung or make things worse.In this episode, I’m joined by respiratory therapist Melody Bishop for a deep dive into ARDS ventilator management through the lens of physiolo
156: When the Body Rejects the Cure: Graft Verses Host Disease with Anthony RN
A transplant saves a life… but can also make the body attack itself. That's what Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) does, and why nurses need to catch it early. You may have never seen it before, but this episode will tell you what it looks like at the bedside and the early clues you can’t afford to miss.Through a real patient case, Anthony, RN explains why GVHD is easy to overlook, how to think thr
155: Rewinding the Clock: Teamwork That Prevents the Code, With Guest Dr. Oscar Mitchell
You know those moments when something just “feels off?” That’s when you should trust your instincts and speak up because timing can completely change a patient’s outcome.In this episode, Sarah is joined by Dr. Oscar Mitchell, Associate Director of the Center for Resuscitation Science and Director of the Medical Rapid Response Team at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. They break down
154: Physiology-Guided Sepsis Resuscitation: ANDROMEDA-SHOCK 2, Dynamic Fluid Responsiveness, and SEP-1 with Guest Jaclyn Bond
The science is finally catching up to what clinicians have long known: more fluids aren't always the answer to septic shock. In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini and Jaclyn Bond MSN-LM, MBA-HM explain what the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK 2 trial reveals about physiology-guided sepsis resuscitation and why fixed-volume fluid strategies can lead to avoidable harm.They break down how dynamic fluid responsivenes
153: Remix: Managing Crashing Pulmonary Embolism Patients
Pulmonary embolisms don’t always announce themselves... sometimes they ambush. One minute your patient is walking with physical therapy, the next they’re hypotensive, hypoxic, and coding. This re-released early episode dives deep into why PE patients can look deceptively stable… right up until they aren’t.In this episode, I revisit one of my earliest case-based teachings on pulmonary embolism, upd
152: "Don't Touch That Button!" Respiratory Wisdom, Myth Busting, and Everything Respiratory Therapists Wish Nurses Knew About Ventilation With Guest, Melody Bishop RT
Some of the most common respiratory myths are still showing up at the bedside. But it's not your fault — most of us were never taught what an oxygenation problem versus a ventilation problem looks like in real time.In this episode, Melody Bishop RT explains how respiratory therapists think through oxygenation and ventilation to choose the right intervention and recognize when a patient is ready to
151: Caring Close to Home: How Point-of-Care EEG and Community Innovation Are Changing ICU Care
Rural nursing is anything but simple. They have limited resources, fewer specialists, and often have to send patients hours away from their families for a higher level of care. But all that is changing as new tech like Zeto brings monitoring right to the bedside and keeps more patients close to home.In this episode, ICU nurse leader Kristen RN shares how point-of-care EEG has empowered her team to
150: Sepsis-Induced Cardiomyopathy with Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim MD
Your pneumonia patient is hypotensive, tachycardic, and not responding to fluids… what did you miss? It could be sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, a common under-recognized shock state you could see at the bedside.In this episode, Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim MD and host Sarah Lorenzini use a case study to highlight how nurses, intensivists and the ICU team can work together to recognize the signs of sepsis-i
149: Inside the New 2025 AHA Resuscitation Guidelines: What’s New, What’s Controversial, and Why It Matters with Dr. Ashish Panchal, MD
Every five years, resuscitation guidelines get a refresh. This year, a few have changed, many have stayed the same, and some are creating major controversy.In this episode, Dr. Ashish Panchal, Chair of the AHA Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee, helps us unpack what’s new, what might surprise you, and the science behind each decision. You'll learn why there’s serious debate around epinephrine
148: Differentiating Pulmonary Hypertension vs Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Natalie RN
Differential diagnosis is part physiology, part detective work. Especially in heart failure, where similar vital signs can mean very different things.In this episode, Natalie RN is back on the show to break down two pediatric cases that looked almost identical on arrival to the ED but their workups led to two very different treatment plans. She shares the assessment findings, diagnostics, and clin
147: Recognize, Decompress, Stabilize: Managing a Pneumothorax with Trauma Pete
Every trauma nurse knows this feeling: your stable patient suddenly starts to decompensate and instinct tells you there’s more to the story. Today’s case starts with a stable, post-arrest patient and ends in a full-blown tension pneumothorax.Hear why this patient went from stable to crashing in minutes, how delayed recognition changed the course of care, what diagnostics and assessments could have
146: From Alveoli to Aftermath: The Science and Humanity of Pediatric Drowning Care with ER Nurse Amber
This is one of those cases that tests you in every way as a nurse. A toddler is pulled out of a pool and rushed to the ER, unresponsive and deteriorating fast. Today, Nurse Amber walks us through the critical moments that followed and how this case inspired her to turn her grief into a positive resource for nurses.We discuss what was going on at the alveolar level in this patient, the intervention
145: Genetic Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: Sarah and Leslie's Story
Some conditions hide in your genes, without any symptoms. One of these conditions is genetic arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, an inherited condition that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest — even if you feel completely fine.In this episode, Sarah and Leslie talk about their shared diagnosis of FLNC cardiomyopathy — from how this gene mutation affects the function of the heart to how they're managing
144: Trauma Plus: Navigating Complex Trauma Care with Flight Nurse Gwenny
What happens when a trauma patient isn’t just a trauma patient? In today’s episode, we’re diving into “Trauma Plus” — those high-stakes situations where comorbidities, medications, environmental exposures, or underlying medical emergencies complicate recognition of decompensation and change everything about how we care for our patients.I’m joined by Flight Nurse Gwenny, who brings her expertise fr
143: Neonatal Cardiogenic Shock: What Every Pediatric Nurse Needs to Know with Pediatric ICU Nurse Natalie
Why would a healthy newborn suddenly stop eating and start vomiting? When a fussy baby comes into the ER, it's easy to assume it's nothing urgent — like colic or gas. But in today's case, there were small signs that pointed to something more.This episode unpacks the high-risk condition and treatment of neonatal cardiogenic shock with Natalie Pleiman, pediatric nurse and clinical coach. From the ea
142: High Risk PCI for STEMI With Guests Sarah Vance and Caitlyn Nichols
One unstable patient, three departments, and every nurse on alert... Let's break down what really happens during a high-risk STEMI. This episode follows the case of a 62-year old patient from ER to the Cath Lab to the ICU. Nurses Sarah Vance and Caitlyn Nichols help us explore the role of nurses in each stage of care, from stabilizing the patient to placing an Impella device.We cover everything fr
141: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Why Bigger is NOT Better!
Often, the first symptom of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is sudden death. But sometimes, we get a warning— and that’s where clinical judgment at the bedside saves lives.Today, Sarah goes over the case of her patient Ben, a 20-year-old experiencing syncope and chest pain. As his condition quickly deteriorated, the team had to carefully manage the patient before reaching a diagnosis of hypertrophic c
140: Resuscitation Then and Now: How Evidence Shapes Every Beat with Guest Dr. Ashish Panchal MD, PhD
Remember when we used to use stacked shocks for ventricular arrhythmias or load patients up with high doses of epinephrine and bicarb? Over the last 25 years, resuscitation guidelines have evolved and it’s our job to stay updated on the current protocols.Here to help us break down what’s changed and what still works is Dr. Ashish Panchal, Chair of Emergency Cardiovascular Care for the AHA and host
139: Gut Feelings & Great Saves: Nursing Wisdom with Dr. Vicki Good, DNP and Andrea Schmitt RN, Hosts of the Voices in Nursing Podcast
Think of a case where you ignored your intuition, leaned on your training, and followed protocol… but something still felt off. Today, we're talking about how to balance evidence-based practice with those gut instincts that can change patient outcomes.Dr. Vicki Good, DNP and Andrea Schmitt, hosts of the Voices in Nursing Podcast, share stories that highlight why intuition is just as important as c
138: Could Rapid Response Teams Be One of The Solutions to Reduce Nursing Burnout, Improve Nursing Retention, and Elevate Patient Safety? With Guest Jaclyn RN
Rapid response teams provide so much more than reducing morbidity and mortality! Think about how quickly things can spiral without the support of RRTs.As the former director of specialty teams, Jaclyn Bond MSN-LM, MBA-HM has seen how a rapid response program can improve outcomes while also improving nursing job satisfaction and promoting retention. We talk about the MANY benefits of rapid re
137: In Flight Medical Emergencies with Alex PhD, EMT-P
You’re 30,000 feet in the air when you hear, “Is there a medical professional onboard?” Answering that call is a little more complicated than you might think.In this episode, Alexandra Jabr, PhD, EMT-P joins Sarah to discuss what happened during their first in-flight medical emergencies — what surprises came up, what resources they had, and how they responded with limited supplies. They share what
136: Bridging the Gap Between Pre-Hospital and In-Hospital Patient Care with Flight Medic, Sam
The flight team may be on the way, but your work isn’t done yet. Flight medic Sam, host of the Nine One One Nonsense podcast, shares what the ideal patient handoff looks like between hospital staff and flight crews, and why those final moments at the bedside matter more than you think. You’ll hear real-life examples of where in-hospital care teams often go wrong and how you can help create a safer
135: Ruptured Aortic Dissection With Guest Christian Guzman, APRN
What began as a stroke alert turned into a different kind of emergency: aortic dissection. Today's patient case study follows a series of clinical decisions that saved an elderly man from a fatal misdiagnosis. Christian Guzman APRN walks us through the case — from the patient’s misleading symptoms to the diagnostic tests that showed something more was going on.We dive into the anatomy, pathophysio
134: Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy With Guest Shenell RN
One minute she was the nurse—then she became the emergency. Today, Shenell RN of the All One Nurse podcast shares her story of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy that sent her into emergency surgery on shift — and the second ectopic pregnancy that followed just a year later.We talk through the symptoms she felt that day, how methotrexate treatment impacted her recovery, and the range of symptoms that ca
133: Transitioning from ED to Rapid Response with Aidan RN
Rapid response nurses don’t just handle codes — they help prevent them from happening. Contrary to popular belief, Rapid Response Nursing is not just sprinting from code blue the next and neither is ER nursing. While there are a lot of similarities between these two specialties in Nursing, there are a lot of differences too. In this episode, Aidan RN shares what it was like to transition fro
132: Living and Working as a Nurse With a LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device)
Imagine working as a nurse, but you must stay attached to battery packs to stay alive. That’s the reality for Tiffany Davis Cannon, RN—full-time nurse, mother, and LVAD patient. After being diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy, she had to adapt to life with an LVAD—but it’s been anything but easy.In this episode, Tiffany candidly shares the emotional and physical challenges of living with an L
131 REBOOT: TACO, TRALI, and All Things Blood Transfusion Reactions
Would you know how to identify a blood transfusion reaction? This is one of those nightmare cases because we just expect that when we give blood transfusion, the patient will get better… but what about when they get worse?In this reboot episode, host Sarah Lorenzini shares evidence-based research to shed some light and insight into this very rare, but potentially life threatening situation.In toda
130:The Do's and Don'ts of Healthy Team Dynamics (Creating a Safe Culture With Your Team)
What makes some teams work in sync and others fall into chaos? During emergencies, team dynamics are just as important as clinical skills for saving lives. Let’s dive into what it takes to create a work culture that encourages collaboration, where mistakes are as learning opportunities, and kindness builds trust!This episode outlines the do’s and don’ts of leading a team during emergencies, coveri
129: Sickle Cell Crisis With Morgan RN
What makes sickle cell disease so challenging to manage? It’s not just the pain — it’s the complications, stigma, and the need for fast, effective care. In this episode, Morgan Taylor, RN helps us unpack the science behind sickle cell crisis and how nurses can address both the medical and emotional needs of their patients.Learn how to recognize early warning signs of severe complications like acut
128: Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures
Once called pseudoseizures, psychogenic non-epileptic seizures can confuse even seasoned clinicians — until you know the signs. These seizures mimic epilepsy but have entirely different causes, requiring a unique approach to care. In this episode, we explore how to distinguish PNES from epilepsy, the psychological factors that trigger attacks, and steps in the diagnostic process.Learn how you can
127: Status Epilepticus
Do you feel confident recognizing status epilepticus? When a seizure doesn’t stop on its own, knowing the signs of this high-stakes emergency is the first step to preventing complications and even death. This episode breaks everything you need to know about status epilepticus — the warning signs, critical action steps, and the interventions that save lives.In this deep dive for Epilepsy Awareness
126: Hurricane Relief Nursing with Brooke RN
No power, no water, no communication. How do healthcare teams provide care during disasters? In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini and Brooke MSN, RN, CCRN, NE-BC share their experiences working as disaster response nurses after the hurricanes in Asheville, NC and Tampa, FL.Get a glimpse into the challenges, collaboration, and determination that define hurricane relief nursing, as well as the unit
125: COPD and Oxygen Delivery Modalities
You never forget your most embarrassing nursing moment — especially when it happens in the middle of a critical situation. In this episode, Sarah recounts an unforgettable, cringe-worthy blunder during a rapid response call for a COPD patient in respiratory distress. Discover how she managed the patient’s COPD exacerbation and advocated for the patient’s care despite a lack of urgency from some on
124: ETOH Withdrawal
Caring for patients withdrawing from alcohol can be challenging to say the least. In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini shares a case of a patient recovering from emergency surgery, and highlights the subtle but critical signs of alcohol withdrawal—like anxiety, tremors, confusion, tachycardia, and hypertension—that often go unrecognized until symptoms escalate.Key topics covered in this episode
123: What Makes for a Great Resuscitationist?
Bringing calm to chaos is an underrated skill in medicine. During her talk at the ResusX Conference, Sarah explored this concept and the importance of guiding teams through high-stress situations. In today’s episode, you’ll hear what happened when Sarah responded to a bloody code blue that ended in tears and defeat. This patient story is a prime example of why being a great resuscitationist requir
122: What is POTS and When Is It an Emergency? With Guest Dr. Alexis Cutchins
Behind every POTS diagnosis is a patient who had to fight for answers. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms mimic so many other conditions. In fact, it is often dismissed as “just anxiety”, but anxiety is a secondary side effect of the fact that the patient keeps having syncopal episodes without explanation.To dig deeper into its diagnosis and
121: Early Detection of AKI With Tom MSN, RN From Accuryn
Pee might be the key to saving your patient’s life. In this episode of Rapid Response RN, we dive into the critical yet often overlooked early sign of clinical deterioration — urine output. Join us as Tom Colabro, MNS-HCSM, RN, NEA-BC, shares his expert insights on why accurate urine output can be a cost-effective biomarker in patient care.Tom introduces the Accuryn Monitoring System, which not on
120: Medical Missions Nursing With Becca RN From Mercy Ships
Burned out by hospital life? For Becca RN, serving a two-year mission with Mercy Ships reignited her passion for nursing and introduced her to a global community of volunteers. Her experience as a nurse on a hospital ship in West Africa went beyond traditional patient care, allowing her to play a role in both the physical and emotional healing of her patients.In this episode, she shares what daily
119: Spinal Cord Ischemia with Michelle Dedeo DNP, RN, CNS, ACCNS-AG, CCRN, CNRN, SCRN, TCRN
When Michelle discovered her patient was paralyzed, it surprised the whole medical team. This patient who was previously mobile and recovering from septic shock was now paralyzed and ultimately diagnosed with spinal cord ischemia, but could early intervention have changed the outcome?In this episode, we discuss the causes, signs, diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord ischemia. Michelle shares pow
118: Cardiac Tamponade With Brian McCain
This week, we are talking about every cardiac nurse’s worst nightmare: cardiac tamponade. Host Sarah Lorenzini is joined by Brian McCain RN to share a crazy case of cardiac tamponade where quick intervention made all the difference. In this episode, they discuss the critical signs, symptoms and pathophysiology of cardiac tamponade.Brian and Sarah cover clinical findings like Beck’s triad and dampe
117: Pericarditis vs Myocardial Infarction
A patient arrives at the ER, complaining of chest pain that dramatically worsens when she lies down. What could this clue reveal about her condition? In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini recounts her experience caring for her first pericarditis patient and the subtle yet critical signs that distinguish it from more common cardiac emergencies.Sarah dives into the tricky nature of chest pain, shari
116: "So You Want to Go Back to School?" with Guest Nicole Kupchik, Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical Nurse Specialists are more than just experts in their field. They are advanced practice nurses who are driven to make system wide changes for both nurses and their patients.This episode sheds light on the critical role of Clinical Nurse Specialists, the extensive education and experience needed to enter the field, and their unique responsibilities compared to other nursing positions
115: Pediatric Empyema With Erik and Nykole, Critical Care Transport Nurses
This week's case study features a 5-week trauma injury, a critical care transport, and a pediatric patient with a surprise sepsis diagnosis. Critical Care Transport Nurses Erik and Nykole join host Sarah Lorenzini to discuss the complexities of managing a young patient with an unexpected empyema.In this episode, you’ll hear Erik's initial assessment of the patient, how the diagnosis of empyema was
114: Serotonin Syndrome
This mystery case kept everyone guessing, and now it’s time to reveal Mr. James’ surprising diagnosis: serotonin syndrome! But how did he end up with this rare condition? In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini reviews Mr. James’ case, explains what led him to develop serotonin syndrome, and the signs that pointed to this diagnosis.If you were stumped by this case, don’t sweat it! Serotonin syndrome
BONUS MYSTERY EPISODE
Can you guess what was Mr. James' diagnosis?Why was he having periods of apnea?Why was he tachycardic?Why was he hypertensive?Why was he so rigid?Why wouldn't he wake up?Tune in Friday for Episode 114 to hear the reveal of the diagnosis and breakdown of the pathophysiology and how to treat Mr. James' condition
113: How to be the BEST Nursing Preceptor EVER!
Awesome nurses don’t always make great preceptors. So what does it take to nurture new talent into capable and confident professionals? This episode delves into fundamental qualities, mindset and teaching strategies necessary to excel in the role of a preceptor.Host Sarah Lorenzini reflects on her experiences with both good and bad preceptors, sharing insights on how to create a supportive and emp
112: Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion
The summer heat brings fun in the sun, relaxing days, and even the threat of heat stroke. In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini explores the spectrum of heat-related illnesses, highlighting the crucial differences between heat stroke and heat exhaustion. She recounts an emergency case of a young man with all the classic symptoms of heat stroke — and the highest temperature of any patient she’s eve
111: Liver Failure Part 4: Hepatic Encephalopathy vs Alcohol Withdrawal
When the diseased liver is unable to filter out neurotoxins like ammonia, we can see a spectrum of the neuropsychiatric symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy. For the final installment in our liver failure series, host Sarah Lorenzini highlights a complicated case of hepatic encephalopathy where critical thinking and interdisciplinary teamwork were key to preventing further complications.She ex
110: Liver Failure Part 3: Hepatorenal Syndrome
Managing liver failure often means walking a tightrope with kidney function. This episode explores what happens when the kidneys begin to fail due to liver disease, a condition known as hepatorenal syndrome. Host Sarah Lorenzini sheds light on this common but severe complication of cirrhosis, sharing a critical case that exemplifies the challenges of diagnosing and treating hepatorenal syndrome.Tu
109: Liver Failure Part 2: Esophageal Varices
A cirrhosis patient has stable vitals, but then starts vomiting blood. What do you do next? This episode delves into a case study that highlights the urgent management of esophageal varices in liver failure patients. Host Sarah Lorenzini reveals how a rapid response call quickly spiraled into a life-threatening emergency, and the critical steps taken to stabilize the patient.Sarah explains the pat
108: Liver Failure Part 1: Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
No matter your specialty, every nurse cares for patients with liver failure. Host Sarah Lorenzini starts off this four-part series on liver failure by sharing the story of a rapid response call that featured classic complications of cirrhosis: ascites, jaundice, and hypotension. Exacerbating the patient’s terminal condition was a suspected diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.In this epi
107: Nurse Stories From NTI 2024
NTI 2024 brought together critical care nurses from across the country, and this episode highlights over 10 of their most heartwarming and unforgettable stories. Host Sarah Lorenzini speaks to ICU nurses and nurse educators who share tales of human connection, critical thinking, and compassionate care. From navigating crazy shifts to creating new patient programs, their stories showcase the incred
106: Are Nursing Care Plans an Absolute Waste of Time? With Flight Nurse and Educator Nurse Gwenny
Nursing care plans are the bane of many a nursing student’s academic experience. They are seen as an unnecessary burden to their already heavy workload. But they play an important role in the nursing process, and nurses put these plans into clinical practice every day — whether they realize it or not.In this episode, Nurse Gwenny, an ER and flight nurse turned EMS educator, speaks with host Sarah
105: So You Want to Go Back to School Part 2 With Guest Nurse Educator Patrick McMurray
Nursing educators may not hold the most glamorous position, but they are undoubtedly the backbone of the profession. Nurse Educator Patrick McMurray exemplifies this by bringing creativity and inclusivity into nursing education, supporting nurses at every stage of their career.In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini talks to Patrick about his approach to teaching complex concepts and preparing stude
104: Obstructive Shock With Guests Bryan Boling and Brandon Oto From the Critical Care Scenarios Podcast
Obstructive shock may be the least common type of shock, but it’s no less critical. As part of Nurse PodCrawl 2024, Bryan Boling and Brandon Oto from the Critical Care Scenarios podcast join host Sarah Lorenzini in this episode to talk about the critical care management of obstructive shock. Together, they walk nurses through a patient scenario, detailing the diagnostic process of obstructive shoc
103: Should Families Be Allowed to be Present During Resuscitation?
Which side of the debate do you fall on? Should families be present during resuscitation or escorted to a quiet area to wait? Among those advocating for family presence are nursing researchers, Margo Halm, APRN-BC, PhD, FAHA, NEA-BC and Jessica Sexton, MSN, RN, CPEN. During their conversation with host Sarah Lorenzini, they explain why family presence is so important in patient-centered care
102: SIADH vs DI With Guest Nick McGowan RN, MSN
We’ve talked about hyponatremia, but what do you know about Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone secretion (SIADH) and Diabetes Insipidus (DI)? In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini and Nick McGowan RN, MSN dive into these diseases that develop from complex hormonal responses that manage the body’s water and sodium.They explore the pathophysiology of both conditions, contrasting the exce
BONUS PodSwap: RSI Drugs with Nurse Mo From Straight A Nursing Podcast
On this special PodSwap Episode, you will be hearing from Nurse Mo from the Straight A Nursing Podcast! She does an amazing job breaking down all the pharmacology of medications we use for Rapid Sequence Intubation or RSI.Rapid sequence intubation, a procedure performed to emergently intubate a patient with an intact gag reflex in cases of acute respiratory failure and/or cardiovascular collapse.
101: So You Wanna Go Back to School Part 1: Nurse Practitioner With Guest Dr. Sandra Pagenta DNP
Are you considering a career as a nurse practitioner? Do you want to go back to school to transition into an advanced practice nursing role? Join host Sarah Lorenzini and guest Dr. Sandra Pagenta, DNP, as they discuss opportunities available in nursing and how to decide if the nurse practitioner path is the right one for you.Dr. Sandra Pagenta reflects on the evolution of her nursing career, from
100: How to Still Love Being a Nurse After 20 Years in the Profession
Every day that you complete a shift is a day to celebrate because nursing is undoubtedly one of the hardest professions in the world, especially in the last few years. Burnout rates are extremely high, and for good reason, but there are ways to keep your passion for nursing even after decades in the field.In this milestone 100th episode of Rapid Response RN, host Sarah Lorenzini celebrates 20 year
99: Hyponatremia: How Did It Happen and Why Is It So Challenging To Treat?
Treating hyponatremia, a condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood, can be both complicated and quite risky.. Disruptions to the delicate balance of sodium in the body can lead to a spectrum of outcomes, from an asymptomatic presentation to life-threatening seizures, coma, and death.Through the patient story of Mrs. Saltman, host Sarah Lorenzini explains the role of sodium in the b
98: "Broken Heart Syndrome" aka Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as “broken heart syndrome,” is hard to diagnose because its symptoms mimic more common conditions like acute coronary syndrome. This stress-induced cardiomyopathy presents a mysterious challenge to nurses, as you’ll hear in today’s patient story.Host Sarah Lorenzini shares the case of a patient who went from experiencing shortness of breath and nausea to a seri
97: Status Asthmaticus Part 2: Strategies to Manage the Crashing Asthmatic
Part two of our crashing asthmatic series continues with a comprehensive look into what exactly happened in last week’s nightmare patient case. Host Sarah Lorenzini dives into the pathophysiology of status asthmaticus, explaining the physiological changes in the airways during severe asthma attacks and what makes these cases resistant to standard treatment. She also breaks down treat options
96: Nightmare Case: The Young Crashing Asthmatic Patient With Guest Brooklyn RN
Severe asthma leads to cardiac arrest in today’s gripping patient story. Brooklyn, an ER Nurse joins host Sarah Lorenzini to discuss a nightmare case of a young asthmatic patient and her team’s desperate fight to stabilize him.Despite various interventions, from albuterol, magnesium, BiPap, ketamine, and more, the patient's condition deteriorated, requiring intubation and ultimately transfer to an
95: "That's a Weird Blood Pressure!": Recognizing and Interpreting Wide and Narrow Pulse Pressures
Do you know how to recognize a wide or narrow pulse pressure and what each finding tells you about your patient? Following last week's discussion on the shock index, host Sarah Lorenzini introduces pulse pressure as another essential tool in the nurse's assessment arsenal.In this episode, Sarah outlines how to measure and interpret pulse pressure. She shares two patient stories to illustrate how v
94: How Valuable is the Shock Index?
Looking at HR or Blood Pressure alone as determinants of how stable the patient is can lead us astray. The Shock Index allows us to detect when patients are declining… while they are still compensating. Shock Index = HR/SBP… but how can we use this tool? A patient’s vital signs can appear normal, meanwhile they’re on the brink of shock. This was exactly the case of Mr. Fields, a patient
93: What the Heck is BRASH Syndrome?
Are you familiar with BRASH syndrome? The complex interplay of Bradycardia, Renal Failure, Atrioventricular Block, Shock, and Hyperkalemia forms a collection of clinical signs known as BRASH syndrome. One condition leads to another which leads to another, heightening the severity of symptoms. Fortunately, it’s easy to manage if you know what you are treating.In this episode, Sarah Lorenzini breaks
92: How to Rock Your Next Stroke Alert With Guest Dr. Eric Wilson RN, AGNP-C, DNP, NREMT-P
Timing is everything when it comes to strokes because every second without treatment impacts patient outcomes. If you’ve ever wasted time debating whether or not to call a stroke alert, you don’t want to miss this episode with Dr. Eric Wilson RN, AGNP-C, DNP, NREMT-P!During his conversation with host Sarah Lorenzini, Eric emphasizes the urgency of recognizing stroke symptoms early, highlighting un
91: Vasopressors and Inotropes 101
Cardiac output equals heart rate times stroke volume… but what does that really mean and how does it apply to the bedside? This formula (CO = HR x SV) is crucial for nurses to understand in the application of vasopressors and inotropes, so why is it so difficult to memorize their role in improving cardiac output?This episode is dedicated to breaking down these life-saving medications so you can no
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