Stepping It Up in the Cardiac Step-Down Unit: Cardiac Patient Case Studies

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

Using two cardiac patient case studies, this foundational session focuses on key complications cardiac step-down nurses can anticipate. Nurses can intervene early and prevent further complications when they know what to look for. Sometimes, complications occur despite diligent nursing; this session highlights how to prevent, identify and respond to complications such as tamponade, hemorrhage, arrhythmias, infections, pressure injuries and delirium. Come ready to think critically with us in this interactive session to take your practice up a step.

Objectives

Identify common and uncommon complications that can occur in patients on a cardiac step-down unit.
Discuss nurses’ critical roles in preventing many patient complications.
Demonstrate ability to respond to core complications among cardiac patients.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must attend/view/read the entire activity and complete the associated evaluation to be awarded the contact hours or CERP. No partial credit will be awarded.

Disclosure

This activity has been reviewed by the Nurse Planner. It has been determined that the material presented here shows no bias. No conflicts of interest have been identified for any individual with the ability to influence the content of this activity. Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN or ANCC approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC's) Commission on Accreditation, ANCC Provider Number 0012. AACN has been approved as a provider of continuing education in nursing by the California State Board of Nursing (CBRN), California Provider number CEP 1036. This activity is approved for 1.00 contact hours.

AACN programming meets the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education contact hours for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting CE to fulfill continuing education requirements.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.