Clinical Deterioration: Identify, Assess, Prevent Seminar

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9:00am - Commencement of Day Two

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9:00am

Recognising Respiratory Failure

The respiratory system is often thought of as a difficult system to assess. However, the importance of assessment cannot be underestimated, particularly as problems associated with the respiratory system often result in acute deterioration and may be the cause of a patient becoming acutely unwell. This session will review key anatomical and physiological principles to guide your assessment of respiratory failure. It includes:

• The difference between ventilation and oxygenation, and why it matters
• Respiratory pathophysiology – type I respiratory failure versus type II respiratory failure
• The indications for the use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV)
• Practical strategies to assist with the introduction and management of NIV

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9:45am

Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

Failure to recognise and appropriately treat fluid and electrolyte imbalances can have fatal consequences. Knowledge and understanding of normal physiological processes is essential for accurate patient assessment. This session will refresh your knowledge and assist you to get up-to-speed of the different types of fluids and their uses. Topics include:

• What are the normal physiological processes of fluid balance?
• What is hypovolaemic shock? How would you recognise it and what might the causes be?
• What intravenous fluids should be used and when?
• How do you recognise electrolyte disturbances early?
• How can you identify important/life-threatening ECG changes on the rhythm strip?

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10:30am - Morning Tea

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11:00am

Acute Kidney Injury – More than Just Low Urine Output

Acute onset of kidney injury ranges from mild impairment of function through to acute kidney failure. The incidence increases significantly with progressive severity of the underlying cause. Topics include:

• A brief look at the role of the kidneys
• The potential causes and classifications of acute kidney injury
• Recognising renal dysfunction and the key to preventing acute renal failure
• The management principles of acute renal failure
• A look at renal replacement therapies - basic explanation

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12:00pm

Recognising Rapid Cardiovascular Deterioration

Pulmonary embolism, tension pneumothorax, and/or pericardial tamponade, are potentially dangerous cardiac conditions that require alert and responsive care. Your cardiac assessment skills are vital if you are to recognise these states early to ensure appropriate management occurs and rapid deterioration is prevented. In this session, you will review the following considerations for these three common cardiac causes of clinical deterioration:

• The patients considered most at risk
• Pathophysiology related to clinical presentation
• Identification and outline of early management
• Goals of treatment

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1:00pm - Lunch and Networking

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2:00pm

Sepsis and the Significance of Early Recognition

Did you know that sepsis is one of the leading causes of death globally? Preventing mortality related to sepsis begins with early detection and timely interventions. This session uses case scenarios to explain the pathophysiological mechanisms by which sepsis develops. It will look at how you can detect the early warning signs of sepsis. Finally, it will assist you to understand the evidence-based management of this potentially fatal condition across a range of clinical settings. It includes:

• What is the definition of sepsis?
• What is the relationship between infection and sepsis?
• Early recognition – what are the clinical signs? E.g. an increasing SOFA score
• Why is timely intervention so important?
• In a suspected or a known case of sepsis, what are the main nursing management priorities across a range of clinical settings?

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3:00pm - Afternoon Tea and Coffee

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3:30pm

When Things Don’t go to Plan…

While the purpose of clinical assessment is to prevent deterioration and recognise acute illness early, it is inevitable that some patients will become significantly unwell. This final session of the seminar will examine some of the key communication challenges that can occur when these sticky situations arise. Take away some key practical skills to help you manage your own stress during these situations.

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4:00pm - Close of Seminar and Evaluations