Program List

Critical Care Nuts & Bolts

Course Description

The purpose of this program is to provide a basic overview of common complications encountered in the critical care environment. We will discuss clinical assessment findings, as well as various etiologies that contribute to these conditions. This course will discuss the spectrum of chest pain, causes and treatment. We will provide an in-depth review of Acute Coronary Syndromes, recognition of ischemia vs. infarction, as well as treatment modalities for each. We will also review the various types of heart failure, differentiating between systolic and diastolic dysfunction, as well as treatment recommendations. As the number of patients diagnosed with heart failure continues to rise, we will also see an increase in comorbidities with our patients. Increased recognition and awareness of the pathophysiological processes are essential in providing safe, comprehensive care in today’s healthcare environment.

This course will also discuss pulmonary assessment skills, as well as a thorough review of arterial blood gas analysis and interpretation. Renal failure will also be reviewed; discussing the incidence and causes of both acute and chronic renal failure. We will end the course with a review of current data related to patients with sepsis—recognizing the signs and discussing Early Goal Directed therapy. Emphasis will be placed on early recognition and initiation of recommended protocols to improve patient outcomes.

Agenda

Sign-in begins at 7:30 am. Each day includes a one-hour lunch (on your own), as well as a morning and afternoon break of 15 minutes each. The order of lectures presented and break times may vary according to speaker preference.

Day 1, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

• Chest Pain: When to Worry
  ACS Protocols and Pharmacology | ECG: Ischemia or Infarction | Pericarditis | Non-Cardiac Conditions of Chest Pain

• Heart Failure: The Epidemic
  Evaluation of Heart Failure | Systolic vs. Diastolic Dysfunction | Treatment Modalities
• Pulmonary Assessment
  Physical Examination | The Chest X-Ray | ABG Interpretation
• The Patient with Shortness of Breath
  Acute Respiratory Failure | Pulmonary Embolism | ARDS
• Recognizing Renal Failure
  Acute Renal Failure | Chronic Renal Failure | The RIFLE Study and Criteria

Day 2, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

• Neuro Complications: Acute Change in Level of Consciousness
  Assessment | Increased ICP | Labs and Data | Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke | Delirium vs. Dementia
• Interpreting Lab Values
  Differentiating the CBC | Life-Threatening Electrolyte Disorders
• Interpreting Hemodynamic Parameters
  Fluid and Vasopressor Management | Waveform Analysis | Case Studies
• Troubleshooting Ventilators
  Modes | Complications | Case Studies in Troubleshooting
• Sepsis: Are You Ready?
  Identification of the Septic Patient | Bundles and Protocols | Treatment | Measuring Outcomes