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Rapid Response RN — Health & Fitness
Rapid Response RN

Do you want to go from dreading emergencies to feeling confident and ready to jump into action to rescue your patient?
Well, this show will let you see emergencies unfold through the eyes of a Rapid Response Nurse. With real life stories from the frontlines of nursing, host Sarah Lorenzini MSN, RN, CCRN, CEN, a Rapid Response Nurse and educator, shares her experiences at rapid response events and breaks down the pathophysiology, pharmacology, and the important role the nurse plays during emergencies.

If you want to sharpen your assessment skills and learn how to think like a Rapid Response Nurse, then Sarah is here to share stories, tips, tricks, and mindsets that will prepare you to approach any emergency.

Every episode is packed full of exactly what you need to know to handle whatever crisis that could arise on your shift. It’s one thing to get the right answer on the test, but knowing how to detect when YOUR patient is declining and what to do when YOUR patient is crashing is what will make or break your day… and might just save your patient’s life.

Copyright: © Copyright 2025 Sarah Lorenzini

Latest Episodes:

117: Pericarditis vs Myocardial Infarction Aug 16, 2024

Show notes

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, sharing how the PQRST pain assessment and an EKG played a critical role in uncovering the patient’s condition. She also outlines the diagnostic criteria that help differentiate pericarditis from more serious conditions like myocardial infarction, emphasizing the symptoms that can make diagnosis challenging.

Listen to the episode for insights on recognizing the easily mistaken signs of pericarditis, diagnosing the condition, and providing effective treatment!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Patient case study of a young woman with chest pain
Assessment and diagnosis of pericarditis
Pathophysiology of pericarditis
Infectious vs. noninfectious causes of pericarditis
The diagnostic criteria for pericarditis
EKG characteristics in pericarditis vs. myocardial infarction
Key takeaways on the diagnosis and treatment of pericarditis

Learn more by reading this Brady et al article about ECG morphology in pericarditis:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11581081/

Mentioned in this episode:

Rapid Response Academy Link

Wanna check out Rapid Response Academy: The Heart and Science of Caring for the Sick? click this link to learn more: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/community

116: "So You Want to Go Back to School?" with Guest Nicole Kupchik, Clinical Nurse Specialist Aug 02, 2024

Show notes

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. Nicole openly shares the impact she’s been able to make as a CNS, the challenges she’s faced — and even mistakes she's made along the way. We also discuss the worrying decline in CNS programs, and what nurses can do to secure a CNS position in today's healthcare environment.

Tune in to learn more about what it takes to be a Clinical Nurse Specialist and decide if it's the right fit for you!

Topics discussed in this episode:

The importance of the CNS role in healthcare
Differences between a CNS and other nursing roles
Nicole’s experience implementing an award winning sepsis program
The experience and skills required to succeed as a CNS
Challenges of the CNS role
The future of the CNS role
Advice for aspiring Clinical Nurse Specialists

Head to Nicole’s website to get 20% off ALL courses and educational materials with code RAPIDRN20!

https://www.nicolekupchikconsulting.com/?ref=30065

Connect with Nicole Kupchik:

https://www.instagram.com/nicolekupchik/

https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolekupchik

https://www.facebook.com/NicoleKupchikConsultingEducation

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-kupchik-mn-rn-ccrn-530b8710/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/nicolekupchik5959

115: Pediatric Empyema With Erik and Nykole, Critical Care Transport Nurses Jul 26, 2024

Show notes

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 ultimately reached, and the actions taken to keep the patient stabilized during transport. They cover important topics like fluid overload in pediatric patients, re-expansion pulmonary edema, and therapeutic presence.

Erik and Nykole also share their journey to becoming critical care transport nurses and offer insights on caring for pediatric patients. Listen to this conversation for a behind-the-scenes look at pediatric critical care transport!

Topics discussed in this episode:

The training required for critical care transport nursing
Initial patient assessment and history
What led Erik to suspect sepsis
The pathophysiology of re-expansion pulmonary edema
Managing the patient during transport
Key lessons from the case
Best practices for pediatric fluid management
Symptoms and treatment of re-expansion pulmonary edema
The importance of therapeutic presence in pediatric cases

Mentioned in this episode:

Rapid Response Academy Link

Wanna check out Rapid Response Academy: The Heart and Science of Caring for the Sick? click this link to learn more: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/community

114: Serotonin Syndrome Jul 19, 2024

Show notes

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 is hard to diagnose, but Sarah breaks down its pathophysiology and shares effective treatment methods. Discover key factors that contribute to serotonin syndrome, such as serotonergic medications, and the myriad of symptoms that can affect the patients' autonomic system, neuromuscular system, and mental state.

Tune in now to learn more about serotonin syndrome!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Overview of Mr. James’ case
Understanding serotonin and the causes of serotonin syndrome
Pathophysiology of serotonin syndrome
Symptoms to look for in patients
The link between serotonin syndrome and sleep apnea
Diagnosis and treatment strategies

Watch this video to learn how to assess patients for clonus:

https://youtu.be/4SrhgjGIZ30

Read the article about SSRIs exacerbating sleep apnea: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use is associated with worse sleep-related breathing disturbances in individuals with depressive disorders and sleep complaints: a retrospective study

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7927326/#:~:text=Conclusions%3A,be%20confirmed%20by%20prospective%20studies

Mentioned in this episode:

AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

BONUS MYSTERY EPISODE Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

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! Jul 12, 2024

Show notes

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 empowering learning environment that encourages independence. From setting expectations and goals to dealing with difficult trainees, she outlines proven methods to help nurses become an effective mentor. You’ll learn techniques for providing constructive criticism, building up critical thinking skills, promoting self-efficacy in trainees, and more!

Tune in to learn how to become an exceptional preceptor and make a positive impact on the next generation of nurses!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Qualities of a good preceptor
How to promote self-efficacy in trainees
The importance of establishing expectations
Effective teaching strategies
Goal setting and building confidence
How to handle difficult trainees
Why preceptors are crucial to the profession

Mentioned in this episode:

Rapid Response Academy Link

Wanna check out Rapid Response Academy: The Heart and Science of Caring for the Sick? click this link to learn more: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/community

112: Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion Jul 05, 2024

Show notes

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 ever seen.

Sarah delves into the complications that can arise from heat stroke and effective treatment protocols for cooling down patients. You’ll learn about the factors that increase the risk of heat stroke, the danger zone of hyperthermia, and how to prevent hypothermia during the treatment of heat stroke.

Listen to this episode to learn more about recognizing and managing heat stroke!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Heat stroke case study
Differentiating heat stroke from heat exhaustion
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke
Emergency steps for treating heat stroke
Risk factors of heat stroke

Check out the EM Cases episode about heat stroke:

https://emergencymedicinecases.com/em-quick-hits-september-2021/

Read Dr. Swaminathan's article on environmental hyperthermia:

https://coreem.net/core/environmental-hyperthermia/

Mentioned in this episode:

Rapid Response Academy Link

Wanna check out Rapid Response Academy: The Heart and Science of Caring for the Sick? click this link to learn more: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/community

111: Liver Failure Part 4: Hepatic Encephalopathy vs Alcohol Withdrawal Jun 28, 2024

Show notes

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 examines the common signs and symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy, factors that trigger or exacerbate the condition, and challenges nurses face in the diagnostic process. This episode also dives into treatment strategies and how to differentiate between hepatic encephalopathy and alcohol withdrawal.

Tune in to learn how cirrhosis can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, the effect of neurotoxins in the brain, and how you, as a nurse, can manage patient care!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Assessment of Sarah’s rapid response consult patient
The team’s interventions and patient outcome
Pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy
Signs and symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy
Diagnostic challenges and aggravating factors
Strategies to manage hepatic encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy versus alcohol withdrawal

Mentioned in this episode:

AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

110: Liver Failure Part 3: Hepatorenal Syndrome Jun 21, 2024

Show notes

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.

Tune in to gain a better understanding of the pathophysiology of hepatorenal syndrome, the importance of early intervention, and effective treatment strategies. Listen to part three of this liver failure series now!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Case study of a patient with suspected hepatorenal syndrome
Pathophysiology of hepatorenal syndrome
Diagnostic and treatment strategies for hepatorenal syndrome
Key takeaways for nurses

109: Liver Failure Part 2: Esophageal Varices Jun 14, 2024

Show notes

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 pathophysiology of cirrhosis and the development of esophageal varices, detailing the pharmacological and procedural interventions that can make the difference between life and death. You’ll get a comprehensive overview of evidence-based treatment strategies, how to manage complications, and the crucial role of nurses in patient care.

Tune in to arm yourself with the knowledge to handle this critical liver emergency!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Management of a cirrhosis patient with a GI bleed
How liver failure can lead to a bleeding esophagus
Challenges of giving blood transfusions to liver failure patients
Pharmacological interventions: octreotide, antibiotics, and beta-blockers
Procedural interventions: endoscopic variceal ligation, TIPS procedure, and balloon tamponade

Listen to Episode 77, “The Trauma, Diamond of Death:” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/77-the-trauma-diamond-of-death-4-treatment-priorities/id1535997752?i=1000633582257

To learn more about balloon tamponade, check out this breakdown of the procedure: https://first10em.com/balloon-tamponade-of-massive-gi-bleeding/

Mentioned in this episode:

Rapid Response Academy Link

Wanna check out Rapid Response Academy: The Heart and Science of Caring for the Sick? click this link to learn more: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/community

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