Stephane Begg

Stephane Begg BSN, ER RN

04/29/2026

Not all breathing problems are the same 🌬️
From asthma to pulmonary embolism, knowing the signs can save lives.
Assess early. Act fast. Care smart.

🫀 1. Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR)Rate: 60–100 bpmRhythm: RegularP wave: Present before every QRSPR interval: Normal (0.12–0...
04/29/2026

🫀 1. Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR)
Rate: 60–100 bpm
Rhythm: Regular
P wave: Present before every QRS
PR interval: Normal (0.12–0.20 sec)

👉 This is your baseline “normal” heart rhythm

⚡ 2. Sinus Bradycardia
Rate: < 60 bpm
Rhythm: Regular

💡 Seen in:

Athletes
Sleep
Medication effects (e.g., beta blockers)

⚠️ Watch for symptoms: dizziness, hypotension

⚡ 3. Sinus Tachycardia
Rate: > 100 bpm
Rhythm: Regular

💡 Causes:

Fever
Pain
Dehydration
Anxiety
🚨 4. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Rhythm: Irregularly irregular
P waves: Absent
QRS: Normal

💡 Key risk:

Stroke due to clot formation

👉 One of the most important rhythms to recognize

⚠️ 5. Atrial Flutter
Rhythm: Regular or irregular
“Saw-tooth” flutter waves

💡 Often has atrial rate ~250–350 bpm

🚨 6. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Rate: 150–250 bpm
Rhythm: Regular
P waves: Often hidden

💡 Sudden onset/termination

💥 7. Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
Rate: > 100 bpm
Rhythm: Regular
QRS: Wide

⚠️ LIFE-THREATENING
👉 Can progress to cardiac arrest

☠️ 8. Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)
Rhythm: Chaotic, no identifiable waves

⚠️ NO cardiac output
👉 Requires immediate defibrillation

⛔ 9. Asystole
Flatline (no electrical activity)

⚠️ Cardiac arrest
👉 Start CPR immediately

⚠️ 10. Heart Blocks (AV Blocks)
🔹 First-Degree AV Block
PR interval prolonged (>0.20 sec)
🔹 Second-Degree AV Block
Some QRS complexes dropped

Types:

Mobitz I (Wenckebach)
Mobitz II (more serious)
🔹 Third-Degree AV Block (Complete)
No relation between P waves and QRS

⚠️ May require pacemaker

❤️ 11. ST Elevation (STEMI)
ST segment elevated

⚠️ Indicates acute myocardial infarction

👉 Emergency treatment needed

📌 Quick Memory Tip:
Irregular = Think AFib
Fast + narrow = SVT
Fast + wide = VT
Chaotic = VF
Flat = Asystole

04/29/2026

Recognizing ECG rhythms quickly can save lives. From Atrial Fibrillation to Ventricular Tachycardia, every nurse should know these emergency patterns for rapid assessment and intervention.

📌 Study smart. Think fast. Act faster.

💬 Which ECG rhythm do you find hardest to remember?

Where should you start an IV for routine fluids? A. Basilic vein (AC) B. Cephalic vein (near elbow) C. Dorsal venous net...
04/29/2026

Where should you start an IV for routine fluids?
A. Basilic vein (AC)
B. Cephalic vein (near elbow)
C. Dorsal venous network (hand)
D. Median cubital vein
👇 Drop your answer below!

04/29/2026

CORE CLINICAL TRIADS 🩺 (NCLEX High-Yield Review)

🔹 Beck’s Triad → Cardiac Tamponade
• Hypotension
• Jugular venous distention (JVD)
• Muffled heart sounds

🔹 Virchow’s Triad → Risk factors for DVT
• Venous stasis
• Endothelial injury
• Hypercoagulability

🔹 Cushing’s Triad → Increased ICP
• Widened pulse pressure
• Bradycardia
• Irregular respirations

🔹 Charcot’s Triad → Ascending Cholangitis
• Fever
• Jaundice
• RUQ pain

🔹 Whipple’s Triad → Hypoglycemia
• Symptoms of hypoglycemia
• Low blood glucose
• Relief after glucose given

🔹 Horner’s Triad → Sympathetic nerve lesion
• Ptosis
• Miosis
• Anhidrosis

🔹 Hakim’s Triad → Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
• Gait disturbance
• Urinary incontinence
• Cognitive decline

🔹 Meltzer’s Triad → Acute Appendicitis
• Pain
• Vomiting
• Fever

🔹 Saint’s Triad
• Hiatal hernia
• Gallstones
• Diverticulosis

🔹 Classic Meningitis Triad
• Fever
• Neck stiffness
• Altered mental status

📌 NCLEX Tip: Memorizing triads helps identify emergencies quickly in scenario-based questions.

💉 IV Cannulation Made Simple — High-Yield for Exams & ClinicalsStart distal, save proximal 👇The dorsal hand veins are yo...
04/29/2026

💉 IV Cannulation Made Simple — High-Yield for Exams & Clinicals

Start distal, save proximal 👇
The dorsal hand veins are your best first choice for most patients — preserving future access and reducing complications.

🔢 Gauge matters:
• 16–18G → Emergency / trauma / rapid fluids
• 18–20G → Blood & routine infusions
• ⭐ 20G = best general choice for stable adults
• 22–24G → Elderly / fragile veins

🧠 NCLEX Pearl:
Always choose the most distal appropriate vein first → Think hand before forearm, forearm before AC

⚠️ Pro Tips:
✔️ Palpate, don’t just look
✔️ Avoid joints when possible
✔️ Anchor the vein היט
✔️ If you miss → move proximal, don’t keep digging

❓ Quick Quiz:
Where should you start an IV for routine fluids?

A. Basilic vein (AC)
B. Cephalic vein (near elbow)
C. Dorsal venous network (hand)
D. Median cubital vein

👇 Drop your answer below!

📌 Save this for clinicals
📤 Share with your nursing friends
🩺 Follow for daily NCLEX & clinical pearls

04/28/2026

Hemodialysis vs Peritoneal Dialysis — Know the Difference 🩺

Both are lifesaving treatments for kidney failure, but they work very differently.
💉 Hemodialysis filters blood through a machine a few times a week.
🫗 Peritoneal dialysis uses your own body as a filter — done daily at home.

Each has its own pros, risks, and lifestyle impact — the right choice depends on the patient.

Save this for quick revision! 📚

**Types of Hernia ⚕️**A hernia occurs when an internal organ pushes through a weak spot in muscle or tissue. Here are th...
04/28/2026

**Types of Hernia ⚕️**

A hernia occurs when an internal organ pushes through a weak spot in muscle or tissue. Here are the most common types:

1. **Inguinal Hernia** – Occurs in the groin (most common, especially in men)
2. **Femoral Hernia** – Lower groin/upper thigh (more common in women)
3. **Umbilical Hernia** – Around the belly button
4. **Hiatal Hernia** – Part of the stomach moves into the chest through the diaphragm
5. **Incisional Hernia** – Develops at the site of a previous surgical scar
6. **Epigastric Hernia** – Upper abdomen, between chest and belly button

⚠️ **Common Signs:**
✔ Visible bulge
✔ Pain or discomfort (especially when lifting or coughing)
✔ Feeling of heaviness

Early diagnosis can prevent complications—don’t ignore the signs!

04/28/2026

Tuesday morning quiz
🧠 TUESDAY QUIZ — can you answer this?

A patient on furosemide reports muscle cramps and weakness. Which electrolyte is MOST likely depleted?

A) Sodium
B) Calcium
C) Potassium
D) Magnesium

👇 Comment your answer! Reveal at 12PM.

**10 Important Endocrine & Metabolic Signs ⚕️**Your body often gives early warning signs when hormones or metabolism are...
04/28/2026

**10 Important Endocrine & Metabolic Signs ⚕️**

Your body often gives early warning signs when hormones or metabolism are off balance. Don’t ignore these:

1. Unexplained weight gain or loss
2. Excessive thirst or frequent urination
3. Fatigue and low energy levels
4. Hair loss or unusual hair growth
5. Changes in skin (dryness, dark patches, acne)
6. Heat or cold intolerance
7. Irregular menstrual cycles
8. Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
9. Swelling in the neck (possible thyroid issue)
10. Increased hunger or loss of appetite

Early recognition can lead to timely diagnosis and better health outcomes.

04/28/2026

Anemia isn’t just low Hb — it’s MANY conditions with different causes! 🩸
Know the types, spot the signs early, and manage smartly.

Intubation is a medical procedure where a flexible tube—called an endotracheal tube—is inserted into a person’s airway (...
04/28/2026

Intubation is a medical procedure where a flexible tube—called an endotracheal tube—is inserted into a person’s airway (usually through the mouth, sometimes the nose) to help them breathe.

Why it’s done

Doctors perform intubation when someone cannot breathe adequately on their own. Common situations include:

During surgery under general anesthesia
Severe breathing problems (like asthma attacks or pneumonia)
Trauma or unconsciousness
Critical illnesses affecting the lungs or brain
How it works

The tube is passed through the mouth into the trachea (windpipe). Once in place, it:

Keeps the airway open
Allows oxygen to be delivered directly to the lungs
Can be connected to a ventilator (breathing machine)
Is it painful?

Patients are usually sedated or unconscious, so they don’t feel pain during the procedure.

Temporary or permanent?
Most intubations are temporary (hours to days)
If long-term airway support is needed, doctors may perform a tracheostomy (a tube placed through the neck)
Simple way to think about it

Intubation is essentially a way for doctors to take over or support breathing when the body can’t do it safely on its own.

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New York, NY

Telephone

+1202555885

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