EP 13 - Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an oncologic emergency that can unfold fast—and nurses are on the front line of catching it early. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down the cellular chaos that occurs when high-dose chemotherapy causes rapid tumor cell destruction, leading to a flood of intracellular contents and dangerous metabolic complications.

From muscle cramps and tingling lips to sudden confusion and bradycardia, Morgan walks you through the signs of TLS, the critical labs to monitor, and a real case where quick ICU intervention made all the difference. Learn the essential nursing priorities to protect the kidneys, stabilize the heart, and manage electrolyte abnormalities—plus, get a breakdown of a high-yield NCLEX-style select-all-that-apply question.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What tumor lysis syndrome is and why it’s an oncologic emergency

• Electrolyte imbalances: hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypocalcemia

• Kidney damage and the role of uric acid crystals in acute kidney injury

• A real ICU case triggered by third-line chemo for a mediastinal mass

• Priority nursing interventions for TLS management

• Why telemetry and aggressive lab monitoring are key

• Breaking down a high-yield NCLEX-style SATA question on TLS labs

This episode is packed with clinical pearls and practical takeaways to help you recognize, respond to, and prevent the worst outcomes of TLS. Tune in now to sharpen your nursing instincts and NCLEX prep!

Morgan Taylor

May 08, 2025

15 mins

EP 12 - Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis may start in the muscles—but without fast nursing intervention, it can spiral into electrolyte imbalances, kidney failure, and life-threatening arrhythmias. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down the cascade of events that occurs when muscle cells break down and release their contents into the bloodstream.

From dark “cola-colored” urine to dangerously high potassium levels, Dr. Taylor shares the classic signs of rhabdo, the key labs to monitor, and a real-life case that underscores how fast things can escalate. Learn the step-by-step interventions to protect the kidneys, stabilize the heart, and prevent deadly complications. Plus, we’ll walk through a high-yield NCLEX-style question to solidify your knowledge.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What rhabdomyolysis is and why it’s a medical emergency

• Muscle cell breakdown and the release of CK, myoglobin, potassium, and phosphate

• Classic signs: tea-colored urine, weakness, muscle tenderness, and electrolyte abnormalities

• A real case of rhabdomyolysis in a college athlete

• Managing hyperkalemia: calcium gluconate, insulin, and dextrose

• Breaking down a high-yield NCLEX question on EKG changes in rhabdomyolysis

This episode is packed with critical nursing actions and clinical red flags to help you manage rhabdomyolysis like a pro. Tune in now to sharpen your skills and prep for both the NCLEX and real-world emergencies!

Morgan Taylor

May 06, 2025

14 mins

EP 30 - Polycythemia with Rebecca Coulter

Thick, sticky blood might sound like a sci-fi problem—but in nursing, it's called polycythemia, and it’s very real. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down the key differences between polycythemia and polycythemia vera (PV), what causes each one, and how to spot the signs that require immediate intervention.

You’ll learn:

• What an elevated hematocrit actually means

• Why blood becomes “hyperviscous” and how that impacts oxygen delivery and clot risk

• How to identify unique symptoms like aquagenic pruritus and erythromelalgia

• Red flags to watch for and why you should prioritize neuro changes in PV

• How one real patient navigates polycythemia management

PLUS: Morgan is joined by ICU nurse Rebecca Coulter, RN, BSN, CCRN, who shares her dad’s real-life journey with polycythemia—from diagnosis through ongoing treatment. Spoiler: being a nurse-daughter adds a whole new layer to care plans.

Whether you’re studying hematology or caring for someone with one of these blood disorders, this is one of those episodes that turns a hard-to-picture concept into something you won’t forget.

Morgan Taylor

Jul 03, 2025

20 mins

EP 29 - MD-RN Collaboration with Dr. Stephen DeMeo

Real talk on communication, collaboration, and trusting your gut.

Welcome to a special episode of Pulse Check with Archer Nursing! Today, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, sits down with Dr. Stephen DeMeo, neonatologist and Chief Medical Officer at Archer Review, for a candid conversation about one of the most overlooked—but critical—skills in healthcare: interdisciplinary collaboration.

From awkward first pages to high-stakes gut instincts, this conversation dives into what really happens when nurses and physicians work with each other instead of around each other.

What you’ll hear:

• Why new nurses shouldn’t be afraid to speak up

• The “nurse gut” and why doctors should listen to it

• When a text won’t cut it—choosing the right communication method

• The power of structured tools like SBAR + how to use them well

• Rapid-fire advice for new grads just starting out

Whether you’re a brand-new nurse or a med student heading into residency, this episode offers practical, judgment-free insights from both sides.

Your role matters. Your voice matters. And when nurses and physicians team up with respect and clarity, patient care gets better—period.

Morgan Taylor

Jul 02, 2025

35 mins

EP 28 - Compartment Syndrome

A tight cast, a traumatic hit, or even intense exercise can set off a silent emergency: compartment syndrome. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, walks you through this surgical emergency that every nurse must recognize—and act on—fast.

You’ll learn why increased pressure in a closed muscle compartment can cut off circulation, leading to ischemia and permanent tissue damage in just hours. From the "6 Ps" of poor perfusion to the critical moment where a fasciotomy saves the limb, this episode brings the pathophysiology to life with vivid explanations and real-world scenarios.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The anatomy behind compartment syndrome

• Early warning signs—especially pain out of proportion

• Causes ranging from fractures to tight casts

• What “time is tissue” really means and when to call the OR

• A clinical case of a rugby injury that nearly ended in muscle death

Whether you’re preparing for the NCLEX or the trauma bay, this episode gives you the clinical judgment and confidence to act fast and save tissue.

Morgan Taylor

Jul 01, 2025

12 mins

EP 27 - Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is one of the most chaotic, and critical, conditions nurses may encounter. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down this life-threatening complication in a way that finally makes it make sense.

DIC isn’t a disease...it’s the body’s response to something major going wrong. You’ll learn how this "consumptive coagulopathy" causes the body to use up all its clotting factors, leading to bleeding from unexpected sites like IV sites, gums, and the urinary tract—while also throwing clots that can damage major organs.

What you’ll learn in this episode: 

• What can cause DIC to occur and why it spirals so quickly 

• The key lab findings that point to DIC: low platelets, prolonged PT/aPTT, low fibrinogen, high D-dimer 

• Why bleeding and clotting happen simultaneously 

• Which NCLEX answer choice takes priority when the client is actively bleeding 

• A real-world case: a pregnant client whose DIC diagnosis changed everything 

This episode covers the high-stakes thinking behind emergency nursing actions and reinforces the mantra: “When in distress, don’t assess!” You’ll walk away with the clinical confidence to recognize DIC and respond fast.

Morgan Taylor

Jun 26, 2025

15 mins

EP 26 - Renal Failure

In this powerful and practical episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, walks you through everything you need to know about chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its progression to renal failure. Whether you're prepping for the NCLEX or rounding on the floor, this episode is a must-listen for understanding how kidney dysfunction affects every system in the body.

Learn how to prioritize lab values in renal failure, why hyperkalemia is your biggest red flag, and how CKD silently develops through pre-renal, intra-renal, and post-renal causes. Dr. Taylor shares the story of a teenage client whose undiagnosed hypertension spiraled into full-blown kidney failure—and breaks down every lab, symptom, and clinical move along the way.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The kidneys’ role in fluid balance, electrolyte control, and RBC production

• How CKD leads to metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, and anemia

• The difference between pre-renal, intra-renal, and post-renal causes

• What BUN, creatinine, potassium, bicarb, and phosphate levels tell you

• Key NCLEX tip: Which abnormal lab requires immediate intervention? (Hint: it’s all about the heart 💓)

From periorbital edema to dialysis decision-making, this episode will help you connect the dots, recognize the red flags, and remember why renal labs are always worth a second look.

Morgan Taylor

Jun 24, 2025

20 mins

EP 25 - Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down one of the most critical respiratory conditions nurses need to understand: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). When inflammation takes over and alveoli fill with fluid, gas exchange fails—and rapid intervention can mean the difference between recovery and decline.

You’ll learn how to identify ARDS on the NCLEX and in real life, plus the rationale behind some of the different interventions. Dr. Taylor walks through a real PICU case of a 9-month-old who developed ARDS following aspiration, highlighting the urgency of recognizing non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, diffuse infiltrates, and the importance of uncovering the underlying trigger.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• What ARDS is—and why gas exchange completely breaks down

• Why positive pressure ventilation (like NIPPV and PEEP) is critical

• How to recognize ARDS on assessment and X-ray

• The life-threatening progression from hypoxia to respiratory acidosis

• High-yield NCLEX practice question: What’s the goal of NIPPV in ARDS?

If you’ve ever struggled to understand ARDS—or want a memorable way to link the clinical picture with the right interventions—this episode will solidify your knowledge and your confidence.

Morgan Taylor

Jun 19, 2025

16 mins

EP 24 - Basilar Skull Fracture

Not all head injuries are created equal—and a basilar skull fracture is one you absolutely don’t want to miss. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down what makes this injury so dangerous, what signs to look for, and the key safety precautions every nurse must remember.

You’ll hear a real ED case involving a teenage hockey player, and how subtle signs like pupil changes and low-grade fever helped uncover a serious risk for meningitis. This episode is packed with high-yield clinical insights and a practice NCLEX question to tie it all together.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• What a basilar skull fracture is—and why it’s so serious

• Key signs: raccoon eyes, Battle’s sign, CSF rhinorrhea

• Why nasal suctioning and NG tubes are contraindicated

• What the “halo sign” means and how to test for CSF leaks

• Common complications like meningitis—and when to act fast

• High-yield NCLEX prioritization question: what symptom needs immediate follow-up?

By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to spot a fracture that opens a direct line between the outside world and the brain—and exactly how to protect your patient from the worst-case scenario.

Morgan Taylor

Jun 17, 2025

13 mins

EP 23 - Obstructive Shock

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down the high-stakes world of obstructive shock, where life-threatening complications like tension pneumothorax and cardiac tamponade prevent the heart from doing its most basic job: pumping blood forward.

You’ll follow the story of a client whose belly pain turned out to be something far more serious—and learn how to recognize the early signs of this dangerous shock type before it’s too late.

What you’ll learn in this episode: 

• What obstructive shock really is—and how it differs from cardiogenic shock 

• The three classic causes: cardiac tamponade, tension pneumothorax, and PE 

• Clinical red flags: hypotension, tachycardia, JVD, muffled heart sounds 

• Nursing priorities and emergency interventions 

• A high-yield NCLEX practice question, explained 

This is one of those “know it cold” topics for the NCLEX and clinical practice alike. By the end of this episode, you’ll never forget why obstructive shock isn’t about a weak heart—it’s about a blocked path. 

Morgan Taylor

Jun 12, 2025

16 mins

EP 22 - GERD

Heartburn might feel like just a minor annoyance—but chronic GERD can lead to serious complications if left unchecked. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, walks you through the real pathophysiology behind gastroesophageal reflux disease and explains why lifestyle education is just as crucial as medication. 

Follow along as Dr. Taylor shares a real-world primary care visit and connects the dots between anatomy, client habits, and long-term consequences like strictures and Barrett’s esophagus. You’ll also learn exactly what nursing interventions matter most—whether you’re studying for the NCLEX or helping clients manage symptoms in practice. 

What you’ll learn in this episode: 

• GERD pathophysiology: What goes wrong at the lower esophageal sphincter 

• Long-term complications: Esophagitis, strictures, and Barrett’s esophagus 

• First-line medication treatment: Why PPIs are the gold standard 

• Key nursing interventions: Meal timing, positioning, clothing, and smoking cessation 

• Case study breakdown and NCLEX-style review question 

This episode makes GERD memorable by linking anatomy to client care. Whether you're prepping for boards or reinforcing clinical skills, you'll walk away with a solid framework to understand and manage reflux. 

Morgan Taylor

Jun 10, 2025

14 mins

EP 21 - Type 2 Diabetes & HHNS

Type 2 diabetes doesn’t always come with warning signs—until it does. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and zooms in on a lesser-known but life-threatening complication: hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS).

You’ll follow the real case of a grocery store cashier who showed up to work confused and weak—classic signs of HHNS that may be missed. Learn how this condition develops slowly over time, why ketones are not part of the picture, and what immediate steps you need to take as a nurse to stabilize your client.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Type 2 diabetes pathophysiology and insulin resistance

• HHNS vs. DKA: key clinical differences and red flags

• How to treat HHNS: IV fluids, insulin, and careful monitoring

• Long-term education: diet, medication adherence, foot care, and A1C goals

• Rationales for an NCLEX-style question on diabetes treatment outcomes

If you’ve ever struggled to tell HHNS and DKA apart—or want a better grip on Type 2 diabetes management and patient education—this episode makes it crystal clear. Because when it comes to chronic disease, prevention is just as important as intervention.

Morgan Taylor

Jun 05, 2025

14 mins

EP 20 - Diabetic Ketoacidosis

DKA isn’t just high blood sugar—it’s an emergency rooted in one missing hormone: insulin. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, unpacks the pathophysiology of Type 1 diabetes and how the absence of insulin launches the body into metabolic crisis.

You’ll follow the journey of a client newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as Morgan connects the classic “three Ps” with ketone production, osmotic diuresis, and the development of DKA. This episode covers everything from the signs you can’t miss to how to safely manage glucose, insulin drips, and fluid replacement.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Type 1 diabetes and how insulin (the “key”) unlocks cellular fuel

• Classic symptoms of DKA: polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia

• Red flags: Kussmaul respirations, fruity breath, confusion

• The danger of cerebral edema and why slow correction is critical

• Education tips for long-term insulin management after discharge

• NCLEX-style question breakdown and rationales

If you’re preparing for NCLEX, clinical rotations, or teaching a client about managing newly diagnosed diabetes, this is a must-listen!

Morgan Taylor

Jun 03, 2025

20 mins

EP 19 - Pancreatitis

When the pancreas turns on itself, the result is acute pancreatitis, and it’s as painful as it is dangerous. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, walks you through the anatomy, symptoms, and essential nursing interventions for clients facing this inflammatory crisis.

You’ll learn what happens when digestive enzymes activate too early, why that causes severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, and how to manage complications like third spacing, abdominal distension, and electrolyte imbalances. Morgan shares a vivid ED case that brings the patho to life and shows how early recognition + nursing priorities can make all the difference.

Topics covered in this episode:

• What causes acute pancreatitis

• Classic signs and symptoms: pain, distension, nausea, and more

• Why NPO + IV opioids + fluid resuscitation are the treatments of choice

• Labs to expect: amylase, lipase, WBC count, CMP

• What not to do—plus how to keep your client stable and the pancreas resting

This is a foundational topic for med-surg exams, NCLEX prep, and clinical rotations—listen in and walk away confident. Because when it comes to pancreatitis, you can’t fix it fast, but you can prevent it from getting worse.

Morgan Taylor

May 29, 2025

17 mins

EP 18 - Autonomic Dysreflexia

Autonomic dysreflexia is a true nursing emergency, and knowing how to respond can save your client from life-threatening complications. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down what happens when a noxious stimulus below a spinal cord injury sets off an unregulated sympathetic response.

You’ll learn how to recognize the key signs—sudden hypertension, bradycardia, facial flushing, and a pounding headache—and why your first move shouldn’t be to grab the meds. From elevating the head of the bed to troubleshooting catheters, this episode walks you through what to do first, what to check next, and why this condition can escalate fast.

Morgan shares a real-life story of a teen with a T4 spinal cord injury and how one missed detail almost led to serious complications—and what turned it around.

Topics covered in this episode:

• What autonomic dysreflexia is and why it’s a medical emergency

• The anatomy behind sympathetic overdrive and parasympathetic response

• Classic signs and symptoms: headache, high BP, bradycardia, flushing above injury

• The #1 priority nursing intervention—and what to do after

• NCLEX-style question breakdown and rationale for test day

Whether you're reviewing for neuro exams or brushing up for clinicals, this one’s a must-listen. Because when it comes to autonomic dysreflexia, recognition and rapid response save lives.

Morgan Taylor

May 27, 2025

14 mins

EP 17 - Cardiogenic Shock

Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition where the heart fails to do the main job it was built for—pumping blood forward. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down what happens when the heart muscle is too damaged to maintain circulation, often after a major myocardial infarction. Learn how to recognize the telltale signs of cardiogenic shock, why fluid resuscitation won’t work here, and which interventions can help save your client’s life.

Morgan walks through a real-life critical care case to highlight the priorities of care—when to reach for vasopressors, which assessments matter most, and what it might mean when a client “just doesn’t feel right.” Plus, get a test-style question breakdown to reinforce your understanding for the NCLEX and clinical rotations.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What is cardiogenic shock and how it differs from hypovolemic shock

• Why tissue hypoxia occurs even when fluid volume is adequate

• Signs and symptoms: cold extremities, crackles, hypotension, JVD, altered mental status

• Why giving IV fluids can make things worse

• Nursing priorities: oxygenation, monitoring, and medication management

• Inotropes and vasopressors: how they support a failing heart

• Breaking down a high-yield NCLEX-style question

If you’re prepping for your med-surg exam, working in critical care, or just want to better understand this high-stakes cardiac emergency, this episode is packed with must-know info. Tune in now!

Morgan Taylor

May 22, 2025

15 mins

EP 16 - Placenta Previa

Placenta previa is a critical obstetric condition that every nurse needs to recognize. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, walks you through placenta previa, a condition where placental placement turns into a potential emergency—and how nurses can recognize it, manage it, and avoid critical missteps. 

You’ll hear a real case of a pregnant client who presents with sudden, painless vaginal bleeding—and why knowing what not to do may be one of the most critical nursing decisions you make. Morgan breaks down everything from anatomy to management and guides you through a high-yield NCLEX-style question on what actions require intervention. 

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• What is placenta previa, and why does placental placement matter? 

• The hallmark sign: bright red, painless third-trimester bleeding 

• Why cervical exams are strictly contraindicated 

• Key nursing priorities: fetal monitoring, pad counts, and IV access 

• A real case of complete previa and how bedrest, steroids, and timing mattered 

• Breaking down an NCLEX-style question on safe nursing care 

This episode is your go-to guide for mastering placenta previa, recognizing red flags early, and avoiding the most common—and dangerous—nursing error. Tune in now to lock in the must-know clinical cues and stay sharp at the bedside. 

Morgan Taylor

May 20, 2025

13 mins

EP 15 - Right-Sided Heart Failure

Right-sided heart failure might not get as much attention as the left—but when the right side fails, the entire body feels it! In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down the pathophysiology of right-sided heart failure, what sets it apart from the left, and how to recognize it in both textbook symptoms and real-life clients.

Morgan walks through a case of a client whose past heart attack and hypertension led to classic signs of systemic congestion. You’ll learn how to differentiate left vs. right-sided symptoms, what labs to look for, and how to manage clients during both the hospital stay and at discharge. Plus, we’ll break down a high-yield NCLEX-style question and give you a key test-taking tip along the way.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The role of the right side of the heart and what happens when it fails

• Systemic signs: JVD, peripheral edema, ascites, hepatomegaly, bloating

• How left-sided failure can lead to right-sided failure

• BNP as a key lab for assessing fluid overload

• Diuretic management, sodium and fluid restriction, and ambulation

• Discharge teaching: daily weights, fall precautions, and NSAID avoidance

• Breaking down an NCLEX question on right-sided heart failure symptom recognition

This episode is all about connecting the dots between client presentation, cardiac patho, and practical nursing care. Tune in now to sharpen your skills and confidently differentiate right vs. left-sided heart failure!

Morgan Taylor

May 15, 2025

16 mins

EP 14 - Left-Sided Heart Failure

Left-sided heart failure is a common cardiac condition nurses encounter—and understanding the patho is key to understanding the symptoms. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down exactly what happens when the left ventricle can’t keep up, leading to pulmonary congestion, fluid overload, and that classic pink, frothy sputum.

You’ll hear the real-life story of a client whose textbook symptoms—orthopnea, crackles, rapid weight gain—highlight the importance of early recognition, effective teaching, and medication management. Plus, Dr. Taylor walks through a high-yield NCLEX-style SATA question on heart failure client education.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• How left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the lungs

• Classic symptoms: dyspnea, orthopnea, crackles, and pink frothy sputum

• Risk factors: hypertension, coronary artery disease, and NSAID use

• A real case of newly diagnosed heart failure during a med-surg rotation

• Key client education: sodium restriction, daily weights, and med adherence

• Why NSAIDs worsen heart failure and what to take instead

• Breaking down a high-yield NCLEX SATA question on heart failure

Morgan Taylor

May 13, 2025

18 mins

EP 13 - Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an oncologic emergency that can unfold fast—and nurses are on the front line of catching it early. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down the cellular chaos that occurs when high-dose chemotherapy causes rapid tumor cell destruction, leading to a flood of intracellular contents and dangerous metabolic complications.

From muscle cramps and tingling lips to sudden confusion and bradycardia, Morgan walks you through the signs of TLS, the critical labs to monitor, and a real case where quick ICU intervention made all the difference. Learn the essential nursing priorities to protect the kidneys, stabilize the heart, and manage electrolyte abnormalities—plus, get a breakdown of a high-yield NCLEX-style select-all-that-apply question.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What tumor lysis syndrome is and why it’s an oncologic emergency

• Electrolyte imbalances: hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypocalcemia

• Kidney damage and the role of uric acid crystals in acute kidney injury

• A real ICU case triggered by third-line chemo for a mediastinal mass

• Priority nursing interventions for TLS management

• Why telemetry and aggressive lab monitoring are key

• Breaking down a high-yield NCLEX-style SATA question on TLS labs

This episode is packed with clinical pearls and practical takeaways to help you recognize, respond to, and prevent the worst outcomes of TLS. Tune in now to sharpen your nursing instincts and NCLEX prep!

Morgan Taylor

May 08, 2025

15 mins

EP 12 - Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis may start in the muscles—but without fast nursing intervention, it can spiral into electrolyte imbalances, kidney failure, and life-threatening arrhythmias. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down the cascade of events that occurs when muscle cells break down and release their contents into the bloodstream.

From dark “cola-colored” urine to dangerously high potassium levels, Dr. Taylor shares the classic signs of rhabdo, the key labs to monitor, and a real-life case that underscores how fast things can escalate. Learn the step-by-step interventions to protect the kidneys, stabilize the heart, and prevent deadly complications. Plus, we’ll walk through a high-yield NCLEX-style question to solidify your knowledge.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What rhabdomyolysis is and why it’s a medical emergency

• Muscle cell breakdown and the release of CK, myoglobin, potassium, and phosphate

• Classic signs: tea-colored urine, weakness, muscle tenderness, and electrolyte abnormalities

• A real case of rhabdomyolysis in a college athlete

• Managing hyperkalemia: calcium gluconate, insulin, and dextrose

• Breaking down a high-yield NCLEX question on EKG changes in rhabdomyolysis

This episode is packed with critical nursing actions and clinical red flags to help you manage rhabdomyolysis like a pro. Tune in now to sharpen your skills and prep for both the NCLEX and real-world emergencies!

Morgan Taylor

May 06, 2025

14 mins