109: Liver Failure Part 2: Esophageal Varices

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 esophagusChallenges of giving blood transfusions to liver failure patientsPharmacological interventions: octreotide, antibiotics, and beta-blockersProcedural interventions: endoscopic variceal ligation, TIPS procedure, and balloon tamponadeListen 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=1000633582257To 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 and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 🫶 Check out my membership: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/community 📚 Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/learnmore 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁 Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com Rapid Response Academy LinkWanna 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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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.