Be the Best, Conquer Open Chest

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

An emergent bedside sternotomy, referred to as an open chest code, is a surgical procedure to reduce pressure on the heart and control bleeding. This foundational level session looks at key nursing responsibilities to prevent and assist with timely interventions that are key to performing an emergent sternotomy. Topics include identification of cardiac tamponade, nursing roles, a review of equipment, internal defibrillation and intracardiac epinephrine in preparation for an open chest code.

Objectives

Distinguish signs and symptoms of early cardiac tamponade to prevent an emergent bedside sternotomy.
Formulate key nursing interventions to assist with performing an emergent bedside sternotomy.
Value the importance of response times specific to an emergent bedside sternotomy.

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.