It’s a Bloody Mess: Navigating Management of the Bleeding Patient in ICU

Activity Summary

Critically ill patients are at high risk of bleeding, and ICU nurses require sound working knowledge of the origins of bleeds to implement the most appropriate resuscitation plan. This session reviews the physiology of coagulation and alterations in clotting that can result in hemorrhage and shock. Immediate assessment of the bleeding ICU patient, laboratory tests, and transfusion therapy, including massive hemorrhage protocol, is described. Case studies highlight essential, modern-day management of ICU patients with medical-surgical, pharmacological, obstetrical and traumatic bleeding.

Objectives

Explain the physiology of the clotting cascade and alterations in hemostatic mechanisms that contribute to hemorrhage and shock.
Identify and describe urgent clinical assessments and critical interventions for the critically ill or injured patient who is bleeding.
Review possible risk-reduction strategies and future developments in management and care of bleeding patients in ICU.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Criteria for Awarding Contact Hours

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

The Nurse Planner has determined that no individuals with the ability to control content of this activity have relevant relationships with ineligible companies.

Activities with pharmacotherapeutic credit are to assist the APRN in fulfilling their education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.