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Think Like A NurseAuthor: Brooke Wallace
Guided by 20-year experienced ICU nurse Brooke Wallace and powered by AI here's your study buddy from the classroom to the bedside. Think Like A Nurse is your go-to podcast for nursing students, NCLEX test-takers, and new graduate nurses who want to survive nursing school, thrive in clinicals, and step confidently into practice. Powered by AI and real-world nursing experience, each episode features conversational insights based on common questions and challenges faced by student and new graduate nurses. The discussions are designed to feel like listening in on a supportive study session connecting evidence-based strategies, encouragement, and clinical wisdom in a relatable way. Whether you're tackling pharmacology, preparing for clinicals, or learning to manage your first 12-hour shift, this podcast helps you grow in confidence, knowledge, and resilience from student nurse to strong nurse. Inspired by the most common FAQs from nursing students and new grads, this podcast answers the real questions future nurses are asking: How do I survive pharmacology? How do I talk to patients with confidence? What should I expect on my first 12-hour shift? Created by seasoned ICU nurse Brooke Wallace, RN, BSN, CCRN, CPTC, each episode delivers practical study tips, NCLEX prep strategies, and real-world clinical pearls alongside honest conversations about the challenges of nursing school and early practice. Language: en Genres: Courses, Education, How To Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Fluids vs Lasix: Hemodynamics Made Simple for Nursing Students
Episode 78
Wednesday, 25 February, 2026
Check out SuperNurse.ai for comic book style learning for nurses. The 2 A.M. Hypotension Scenario BP: 90/50 Urine output: decreased Heart rate: rising The nurse’s role: Recognize instability early Assess for signs of fluid deficit vs overload Gather supporting data Communicate clearly to the provider Monitor response to interventions 🧠 Applying the Clinical Judgment Model 1️⃣ Recognize Cues Hypotension Tachycardia Decreased urine output Mental status changes Lung sounds Neck vein assessment Skin temperature This is bedside nursing power. 2️⃣ Analyze Cues Ask: Does this look like low preload (hypovolemia)? Does this look like high preload (volume overload)? Is this possibly a pump problem? Your assessment shapes how you communicate. Example: Instead of: “BP is low.” Say: “BP is 90/50, urine output has dropped, neck veins are flat, lungs are clear, and mucous membranes are dry.” That’s critical thinking. 3️⃣ Prioritize Hypotheses Perfusion is always priority. Kidneys and brain are sensitive to decreased cardiac output. 4️⃣ Anticipate Likely Interventions Based on assessment, you may anticipate: If low preload: Fluid bolus order Blood products If high preload: Diuretics Vasodilators If vasodilation (like sepsis): Vasopressors Volume support Anticipating helps you: Prepare supplies Ensure IV access Monitor closely Advocate confidently 5️⃣ Implement Orders Safely When interventions are initiated: Monitor lung sounds Monitor urine output Monitor mental status Monitor blood pressure trends Your reassessment determines next steps. 6️⃣ Evaluate Outcomes After fluids: Did BP improve? Did urine output increase? Are lungs clear? After diuretics: Is breathing easier? Is oxygenation improving? Is output increasing? Clinical judgment is continuous. ❤️ Hemodynamics in a Nursing Context Cardiac Output = Heart Rate × Stroke Volume You are not calculating it at bedside — but you are interpreting its consequences. Low output signs: Confusion Decreased urine output Cool extremities Delayed capillary refill Preload (The Stretch) Signs of low preload: Flat neck veins Dry mucous membranes Clear lungs Low CVP (if present) Signs of high preload: JVD Crackles S3 Peripheral edema Your assessment informs provider decisions. Afterload (The Resistance) High afterload: Hypertension Vasoconstriction Low afterload: Sepsis Warm flushed skin Bounding pulses Recognizing patterns = safer advocacy. ⚠️ Cognitive Traps Nurses Face Anchoring Bias Assuming tachycardia = pain. Instead ask: Is the heart rate compensating for low stroke volume? Alarm Fatigue If alarms are constant, cues get missed. Customizing alarm parameters improves safety. 🧠 The Bigger Message Nurses do not write the orders. But nurses: Recognize deterioration first Gather the right data Communicate clearly Prevent delay Catch wrong assumptions Reassess continuously That is advanced practice within nursing scope. 🏁 Key Takeaways Don’t chase numbers — assess the patient. Low blood pressure always needs context. Know the difference between dry and drowning. Anticipate likely interventions. Reassess after every change. Your communication can prevent a crash. Need to reach out? Send an email to BrookeWallaceRN@gmail.com
