The World of Critical Care

Electrolytes: hyponatremia

The following episode covers the basics of hyponatremia. This episode is a bit longer than most but the prevalence of hyponatremia in critical care warrants a slightly longer conversation. 
For further reading on hyponatremia:
https://emcrit.org/ibcc/hyponatremia/
 

Electrolytes: sodium’s role in cardiac muscle cells

The following episode covers the action potential in cardiac muscle cells with specific attention on the role of sodium. 
 
 
For further learning:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUbgcqo_IOg
 

Electrolytes: sodium’s role in the action potential

The following episode covers the action potential in a neuron. Specific attention is paid to the critical role of electrochemical gradients and concentration gradients established by sodium and potassium. This episode also serves as an overview of the action potential generally. 

Electrolytes: sodium regulation via the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems

The following episode provides part one of sodium physiology examining how the body regulates sodium levels via the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. 
 
One of my favorite lectures on this topic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMWaKdO76NQ
 
 

Electrolytes: sodium overview

The following episode introduces the electrolyte sodium. Lab collection, general overview of physiological processes, and defining critical terms. The next episode will cover in depth the physiological processes dependent upon sodium. 

Anti-platelet therapy basics

The following episode covers the basics of anti-platelet therapy. 

Massive transfusion protocol (MTP) basics

Massive transfusion can be a highly stressful event in the ICU. The following episode covers the basics of carrying out massive transfusion protocol. 
 
For further reading:
https://emcrit.org/ibcc/mtp/
 

Eliquis (apixaban)

This episode covers the basics of the oral anticoagulant Eliquis. The episode covers the indications, mechanism of action, common dosing, reversal, and a comparison to Coumadin. 

Warfarin

This episode covers the history, mechanism of action, lab monitoring, indications, reversal and special considerations for Warfarin or otherwise known as Coumadin. One of the most common oral anticoagulants seen in critical care. 
 
For further reading:
https://emcrit.org/ibcc/coag/
https://emcrit.org/emcrit/reversal-safe-smart/
https://emcrit.org/ibcc/reverse/
 

Direct thrombin inhibitors

The following episode covers the basics of direct thrombin inhibitors. Specific attention is given to Argatroban and Bivalirudin. The episode covers mechanism of action, monitoring labs, and specific use cases.