Cardiac

Basic EKG Dysrhythmia Identification (4 contact hours for $15)

• Identify basic normal EKG waveform morphology.
• Describe the normal physiology of cardiac conduction.
• Distinguish between basic dysrhythmias.
• Describe the physiological consequences and treatments of these basic dysrhythmias.

Animated Cardiac Development (2.5 contact hours for $10)

• Describe the primitive cardiac tube, and its early growth in length, shape and function.
• Differentiate the early structures that transform the single chamber into the four chambered pump.
• Associate the openings between the heart's early chambers, andthe walls that eventually separate those chambers.
• Describe the tissue growth that separates venous from arterial blood flow.
• Relate embyrological events to potential cardiac defects in the fetus and newborn.

Interpretation of ABGs: A FOUR STEP METHOD (4 contact hours for $15)

• Recognize and explain significance of normal values for pH, PaO2, PaCO2, SaO2 and HCO3.
• Describe how oxygen and carbon dioxide are carried in the body and how they are measured.
• Relate the pH scale to acidosis and alkalosis.
• Discuss the respiratory and metabolic mechanisms and their role in controlling the body's acid-base balance.
• Interpret basic arterial blood gas values and relate these values to patient conditions.
• Suggest therapies for acid-base correction.
• Be aware of other resources for in-depth ABG interpretation information.

Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT) in the Pediatric Patient (3 contact hours for $12)

• Define PSVT.
• Specify prevalence of PSVT in pediatric population, and age of onset.
• Compare EKG characteristics of pediatric PSVT with normal pediatric EKG.
• Compare and contrast normal cardiac conduction with abnormal conduction processes.
• Explain two common mechanisms of initiation of PSVT.
• Explain mechanism of WPW in relation to initiation of PSVT and describe how WPW is diagnosed and treated in the pediatric patient.
• List elements of clinical presentation of PSVT in the infant, child and adolescent. Compare well-compensated patient to one who is displaying severe symptoms.
• Describe several self-treatments a child and family can be taught to convert PSVT to normal rhythm.
• Describe immediate life support and diagnostic measures necessary for the child with symptomatic PSVT.
• Identify medications and other treatments used in treatment of PSVT, their dosages, indications and side-effects.
• Compare and contrast developmental issues of child and pre-adolescent to older adolescent receiving treatment for PSVT. Specify recommended provider behaviors in each case.

Ventricular Septal Defect: Effects, Assessment & Treatment (3.0 contact hours for $12)

• Describe the anatomy of the normal heart with respect to blood flow to and from the lungs.
• Compare cyanotic heart defects with acyanotic heart defects.
• Specify prevalence of ventricular septal defect (VSD) in the population.
• Compare and contrast the flow of blood in the normal heart with blood flow in the heart affected by VSD.
• Describe early effects of large VSDs; include reasons why children with VSD are prone to congestive heart failure (CHF).
• Distinguish later effects of large VSDs.
• Explain why VSDs in newborns are often not evident.
• List diagnostic tools used to assess VSD.
• List symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF) in children.
• List 2 common medications for CHF management and discuss actions of each medication, pediatric dosages and precautions.
• Describe a palliative therapy for VSD.
• Describe definitive therapy for VSD including risks and benefits.

Diagnostics/Lab Test

Understanding Coagulation Tests (3.5 contact hours for $12)

• Recognize the four stages of the coagulation process.
• Identify normal values for prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time.
• Describe therapeutic measures used to help return prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times to normal values.
• List drugs that affect prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin values.
• Describe risk factors for excess bleeding and hypercoagulation states.
• Discuss nursing interventions for patients with specific coagulation abnormalities.

Basic EKG Dysrhythmia Identification (4 contact hours for $15)

• Identify basic normal EKG waveform morphology.
• Describe the normal physiology of cardiac conduction.
• Distinguish between basic dysrhythmias.
• Describe the physiological consequences and treatments of these basic dysrhythmias.

Interpretation of ABGs: A FOUR STEP METHOD (4 contact hours for $15)

• Recognize and explain significance of normal values for pH, PaO2, PaCO2, SaO2 and HCO3.
• Describe how oxygen and carbon dioxide are carried in the body and how they are measured.
• Relate the pH scale to acidosis and alkalosis.
• Discuss the respiratory and metabolic mechanisms and their role in controlling the body's acid-base balance.
• Interpret basic arterial blood gas values and relate these values to patient conditions.
• Suggest therapies for acid-base correction.
• Be aware of other resources for in-depth ABG interpretation information.

Respiratory Assessment: Adult and Child (4 contact hours for $15)

• Recognize the principal structures of the respiratory system.
• Describe the function of the respiratory system.
• State 6 significant respiratory symptoms.
• Identify 4 techniques used in a respiratory assessment.
• Describe normal assessment findings for chest inspection.
• Recognize disturbances in breathing rate and rhythm.
• Describe normal assessment findings for chest palpation.
• Describe normal assessment findings for chest percussion.
• Differentiate among the following sounds heard and felt on percussion: resonant sounds; flat sounds; dull sounds; hyperresonant sounds; and tympanic sounds.
• Describe normal assessment findings for chest auscultation.
• Describe the characteristics and implications of the following abnormal breath sounds: crackles or rales; wheezes, rhonchi, stridor.
• Describe the implications of the following transmitted voice sounds: whispered pectoriloquy, bronchophony, egophony.
• Describe expected assessment findings for the following respiratory diseases: atelectasis, pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, pleural effusion, pneumothorax.
• Recognize techniques that are helpful in doing a respiratory assessment on a child.

Understanding the CBC (4 contact hours for $15)

• List blood tests performed as part of a CBC.
• Recognize the influence of the patient's hydration status on accurate CBC results.
• State normal adult values for CBC test results.
• Describe two physiologic reasons and two pathological reasons for an increase in red blood cells.
• Describe four reasons for a decrease in red blood cells.
• Identify panic values for hematocrit, hemoglobin, white blood cells, and platelets.
• Recognize the purpose of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
• Describe the calculation relationship between hematocrit and hemoglobin.
• Describe the impact of pregnancy on CBC results.
• Identify the purpose of erythrocyte indices.
• Describe classifications of anemias based on the results of erythrocyte indices.
• List five types of white blood cells and state the function of each type of cell.
• State the implications of a "shift to the left" on a white blood cell differential.
• Identify common patterns of white blood cell increase or decrease in disease processes.
• Recognize the function of platelets in normal coagulation.
• Formulate nursing diagnoses and describe interventions for a patient with an elevated RBC count, a decreased hematocrit, a decreased neutrophil count, and a decreased platelet count.

Understanding Liver Function Tests (3 contact hours for $12)

• Identify the primary functions of the liver
• Recognize types of diseases that cause liver dysfunction
• Differentiate between true tests of liver function and tests that are indicators of liver disease
• Identify normal values for liver function tests
• Recognize the role of albumin in the blood
• Describe the purpose of protein electrophoresis
• State the purpose of an A/G ratio
• Describe the normal pathway for the production and excretion of bilirubin
• Differentiate between unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin
• Recognize the importance of measuring liver enzymes as indicators of liver damage
• Describe the process used during a liver biopsy

Understanding Renal Function Tests (3 contact hours for $12)

• Describe the function of the kidney.
• Identify characteristics of the following degrees of renal dysfunction: diminished renal reserve, renal insufficiency, renal failure, and end-stage renal disease.
• Identify normal values for the following renal function tests: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum and urine creatinine, creatinine clearance, urinary urea nitrogen and nitrogen balance, serum and urine osmolality, serum and urinary uric acid.
• Compare and contrast factors that affect the BUN and serum creatinine levels.
• Given examples of changes in serum and urine osmolality and propose appropriate nursing interventions.

Understanding Urinalysis (4 contact hours for $15)

• Recognize the value of urinalysis as a screening examination for renal and nonrenal diseases.
• Recognize types of urine specimens and methods of collection.
• Differentiate between macroscopic and microscopic urine examinations.
• Identify reference values for a normal urinalysis.
• Interpret the meaning of abnormal findings on a urinalysis.
• Recognize nursing diagnoses and propose interventions for patients with abnormal urine test findings.

Pediatric/Perinatal

Hormones in Pregnancy (5 contact hours for $15)

• Recognize the value of health professionals understanding and educating their patients and their families about hormone activity during pregnancy.
• Review basic terms and concepts about endocrine activity.
• Indicate where specific glands are located in the body.
• Differentiate between the hormone activity involved in the normal menstrual cycle, and the hormone activity occurring immediately after conception.
• Describe the features of the placental/fetal unit and compare the protein and steroid hormones.
• Discuss the major activity of estrogen, progesterone, hCG, and HPL.
• Describe the activity of the hypothalamus
• Compare the tissues and hormonal activity of the anterior and posterior pituitary glands, including FSH, LH, TSH, PRL, ACTH, GH, oxytocin and ADH.
• Discuss the major hormones of the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands with respect to their actions during pregnancy.
• Differentiate between hormones and prostaglandins, and describe the activity of prostaglandins during pregnancy.

Animated Cardiac Development (2.5 contact hours for $10)

• Describe the primitive cardiac tube, and its early growth in length, shape and function.
• Differentiate the early structures that transform the single chamber into the four chambered pump.
• Associate the openings between the heart's early chambers, andthe walls that eventually separate those chambers.
• Describe the tissue growth that separates venous from arterial blood flow.
• Relate embyrological events to potential cardiac defects in the fetus and newborn.

Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT) in the Pediatric Patient (3 contact hours for $12)

• Define PSVT.
• Specify prevalence of PSVT in pediatric population, and age of onset.
• Compare EKG characteristics of pediatric PSVT with normal pediatric EKG.
• Compare and contrast normal cardiac conduction with abnormal conduction processes.
• Explain two common mechanisms of initiation of PSVT.
• Explain mechanism of WPW in relation to initiation of PSVT and describe how WPW is diagnosed and treated in the pediatric patient.
• List elements of clinical presentation of PSVT in the infant, child and adolescent. Compare well-compensated patient to one who is displaying severe symptoms.
• Describe several self-treatments a child and family can be taught to convert PSVT to normal rhythm.
• Describe immediate life support and diagnostic measures necessary for the child with symptomatic PSVT.
• Identify medications and other treatments used in treatment of PSVT, their dosages, indications and side-effects.
• Compare and contrast developmental issues of child and pre-adolescent to older adolescent receiving treatment for PSVT. Specify recommended provider behaviors in each case.

Respiratory Assessment: Adult and Child (4 contact hours for $15)

• Recognize the principal structures of the respiratory system.
• Describe the function of the respiratory system.
• State 6 significant respiratory symptoms.
• Identify 4 techniques used in a respiratory assessment.
• Describe normal assessment findings for chest inspection.
• Recognize disturbances in breathing rate and rhythm.
• Describe normal assessment findings for chest palpation.
• Describe normal assessment findings for chest percussion.
• Differentiate among the following sounds heard and felt on percussion: resonant sounds; flat sounds; dull sounds; hyperresonant sounds; and tympanic sounds.
• Describe normal assessment findings for chest auscultation.
• Describe the characteristics and implications of the following abnormal breath sounds: crackles or rales; wheezes, rhonchi, stridor.
• Describe the implications of the following transmitted voice sounds: whispered pectoriloquy, bronchophony, egophony.
• Describe expected assessment findings for the following respiratory diseases: atelectasis, pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, pleural effusion, pneumothorax.
• Recognize techniques that are helpful in doing a respiratory assessment on a child.

Telephone Triage (3 contact hours for $12)

• Describe the history of telephone triage.
• State the variety of facilities that can offer telephone triage programs.
• Describe the benefits and risks of telephone triage.
• Discuss the six steps of the telephone triage process.
• Explain the purpose of Quality Improvement (QI) and continuing education programs for telephone triage, and how quality can be monitored for optimum care.
• Discuss key elements of sample protocols for: Fever (pediatric), Abdominal Pain, Rash, and Difficulty Breathing (pediatric).

Ventricular Septal Defect: Effects, Assessment & Treatment (3.0 contact hours for $12)

• Describe the anatomy of the normal heart with respect to blood flow to and from the lungs.
• Compare cyanotic heart defects with acyanotic heart defects.
• Specify prevalence of ventricular septal defect (VSD) in the population.
• Compare and contrast the flow of blood in the normal heart with blood flow in the heart affected by VSD.
• Describe early effects of large VSDs; include reasons why children with VSD are prone to congestive heart failure (CHF).
• Distinguish later effects of large VSDs.
• Explain why VSDs in newborns are often not evident.
• List diagnostic tools used to assess VSD.
• List symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF) in children.
• List 2 common medications for CHF management and discuss actions of each medication, pediatric dosages and precautions.
• Describe a palliative therapy for VSD.
• Describe definitive therapy for VSD including risks and benefits.

Methamphetamine Use: What You Need to Know (4.0 contact hours for $15)

• Recognize the extent of methamphetamine use in the United States.
• Describe the forms of "meth."
• Describe the various methods to ingest methamphetamine.
• Identify sources of methamphetamine in the United States.
• Describe the pharmacological action of methamphetamine.
• Compare and contrast methamphetamine and cocaine.
• Describe patterns of methamphetamine use.
• List cardiovascular and other systemic effects from methamphetamine use.
• Identify fetal, maternal and neonatal effects from meth exposure during pregnancy.
• Identify the drug of choice for treating "meth" psychosis. List side effects of this medication.
• List 8 potential long term effects from methamphetamine use.
• Identify common components of treatment programs.

General

Methamphetamine Use: What You Need to Know (4.0 contact hours for $15)

• Recognize the extent of methamphetamine use in the United States.
• Describe the forms of "meth."
• Describe the various methods to ingest methamphetamine.
• Identify sources of methamphetamine in the United States.
• Describe the pharmacological action of methamphetamine.
• Compare and contrast methamphetamine and cocaine.
• Describe patterns of methamphetamine use.
• List cardiovascular and other systemic effects from methamphetamine use.
• Identify fetal, maternal and neonatal effects from meth exposure during pregnancy.
• Identify the drug of choice for treating "meth" psychosis. List side effects of this medication.
• List 8 potential long term effects from methamphetamine use.
• Identify common components of treatment programs.

PICC Line Care and Maintenance: An Introduction (2.5 contact hours for $10)

• Describe the indications and contraindications of PICC lines.
• Relate anatomical considerations in PICC line placement.
• Discuss PICC line complications.
• Explain care and management of the PICC line,including dressing change, cap change, and flushingthe catheter.
• Anticipate appropriate patient education associated with PICC lines, and formulate an applicable nursing care plan.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Caring for the Patient (4 contact hours for $15)

• Describe the incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Identify relevant anatomical structures in the brain associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage and its sequala.
• Recognize at least one theory regarding the etiology of cerebral aneurysms and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Describe 3 ways in which cerebral aneurysms are classified by shape and size.
• Identify the basic pathophysiology of neurological damage following a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Recognize warning signs and symptoms of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and signs occurring at the time of major bleeding.
• Discuss techniques used to diagnose subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Recognize a commonly accepted classification system for subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Identify principles of initial management for a patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• List at least 5 interventions that are part of aneurysm precautions.
• Recognize 2 potentially life threatening complications of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Describe 5 types of drugs that may be used to prevent complications in the patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Discuss surgical and interventional radiological options for the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Describe 3 major responsibilities of the nurse in protecting the patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage from life-threatening complications.
• Discuss the role of the nurse in providing knowledge and psychological support to the patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage and his or her family.
• Identify future strategies intended to decrease the incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Experiences of Previously Unconscious Patients (3 contact hours for $12)

• Describe the five states that occur during unconsciousness:
  • unconsciousness
  • inner awareness
  • perceived (or presumed) unconsciousness
  • distorted consciousness
  • exceptional or paranormal experiences.
• Analyze how movement affects unconscious patients.
• Describe clinical application of the information.

Liver Disease (4 contact hours for $15)

• Describe the normal anatomy of the liver.
• Recognize the normal physiologic functions of the liver, including its role in bile formation and secretion, metabolism, vitamin storage, coagulation, and detoxification.
• Discuss the pathophysiology, and diagnosis of specific pathologic conditions that affect the liver, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, carcinoma, Wilson's disease, alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, and intrahepatic biliary dysplasia.
• Recognize complications of liver decompensation, including, portal hypertension, esophageal varices, hepatic encephalopathy, and ascites.
• State measures to prevent food-borne and blood-borne hepatitis.

Respiratory Assessment: Adult and Child (4 contact hours for $15)

• Recognize the principal structures of the respiratory system.
• Describe the function of the respiratory system.
• State 6 significant respiratory symptoms.
• Identify 4 techniques used in a respiratory assessment.
• Describe normal assessment findings for chest inspection.
• Recognize disturbances in breathing rate and rhythm.
• Describe normal assessment findings for chest palpation.
• Describe normal assessment findings for chest percussion.
• Differentiate among the following sounds heard and felt on percussion: resonant sounds; flat sounds; dull sounds; hyperresonant sounds; and tympanic sounds.
• Describe normal assessment findings for chest auscultation.
• Describe the characteristics and implications of the following abnormal breath sounds: crackles or rales; wheezes, rhonchi, stridor.
• Describe the implications of the following transmitted voice sounds: whispered pectoriloquy, bronchophony, egophony.
• Describe expected assessment findings for the following respiratory diseases: atelectasis, pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, pleural effusion, pneumothorax.
• Recognize techniques that are helpful in doing a respiratory assessment on a child.

Telephone Triage (3 contact hours for $12)

• Describe the history of telephone triage.
• State the variety of facilities that can offer telephone triage programs.
• Describe the benefits and risks of telephone triage.
• Discuss the six steps of the telephone triage process.
• Explain the purpose of Quality Improvement (QI) and continuing education programs for telephone triage, and how quality can be monitored for optimum care.
• Discuss key elements of sample protocols for: Fever (pediatric), Abdominal Pain, Rash, and Difficulty Breathing (pediatric).

Understanding How VIAGRA^® Works (3 contact hours for $12)

• Recognize the drug classification of Viagra.
• State indications for drug usage.
• Define impotence, or erectile dysfunction, (ED).
• Describe the origins of ED and the history of ED therapy.Discuss dosage, absorption, cost, and common side effects of Viagra.
• Explain precautions for use, contraindications, and rationale for these precautions.
• Describe how Viagra works for ED therapy.

Urinary Incontinence in the Elderly (3 contact hours for $12)

• Define urinary incontinence (UI) according to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR).
• Estimate the prevalence and cost of urinary incontinence (UI).
• Describe literature and research of nurses' knowledge of UI in elderly patients.
• Differentiate between the sudden onset UI and the chronic UI.
• Identify the characteristics of the 6 types of UI.
• Recognize history, lab tests, and physical exam pertinent to UI.
• Describe how a health professional may individualize treatment/service plans for elderly patients in different levels of care.
• Identify when basic evaluation is not sufficient, and know to whom to refer patients.

Geriatrics

Experiences of Previously Unconscious Patients (3 contact hours for $12)

• Describe the five states that occur during unconsciousness:
  • unconsciousness
  • inner awareness
  • perceived (or presumed) unconsciousness
  • distorted consciousness
  • exceptional or paranormal experiences.
• Analyze how movement affects unconscious patients.
• Describe clinical application of the information.

Hypothermia and Hyperthermia in the Elderly (3 contact hours for $12)

• Recognize why elderly patients have changes in body temperature regulation that make them susceptible to both hypothermia and hyperthermia.
• Identify specific risk factors for hypothermia in the elderly.
• Describe signs and symptoms of hypothermia.
• Identify treatment for hypothermia.
• List ways in which the elderly and their families/caregivers can reduce the risk of hypothermia.
• Identify specific risk factors for hyperthermia in the elderly.
• Recognize 5 categories of drugs that can increase hyperthermia risk in elderly patients.
• Distinguish among heat stress, heat fatigue, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke
• Describe signs and symptoms of hyperthermia.
• Identify treatment for hyperthermia.
• List ways in which the elderly and their families/caregivers can reduce the risk of hyperthermia.

Understanding How VIAGRA^® Works (3 contact hours for $12)

• Recognize the drug classification of Viagra.
• State indications for drug usage.
• Define impotence, or erectile dysfunction, (ED).
• Describe the origins of ED and the history of ED therapy.
• Discuss dosage, absorption, cost, and common side effects of Viagra.
• Explain precautions for use, contraindications, and rationale for these precautions.
• Describe how Viagra works for ED therapy.

Urinary Incontinence in the Elderly (3 contact hours for $12)

• Define urinary incontinence (UI) according to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR).
• Estimate the prevalence and cost of urinary incontinence (UI).
• Describe literature and research of nurses' knowledge of UI in elderly patients.
• Differentiate between the sudden onset UI and the chronic UI.
• Identify the characteristics of the 6 types of UI.
• Recognize history, lab tests, and physical exam pertinent to UI.
• Describe how a health professional may individualize treatment/service plans for elderly patients in different levels of care.
• Identify when basic evaluation is not sufficient, and know to whom to refer patients.

GI/GU

Liver Disease (4 contact hours for $15)

• Describe the normal anatomy of the liver.
• Recognize the normal physiologic functions of the liver, including its role in bile formation and secretion, metabolism, vitamin storage, coagulation, and detoxification.
• Discuss the pathophysiology, and diagnosis of specific pathologic conditions that affect the liver, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, carcinoma, Wilson's disease, alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, and intrahepatic biliary dysplasia.
• Recognize complications of liver decompensation, including, portal hypertension, esophageal varices, hepatic encephalopathy, and ascites.
• State measures to prevent food-borne and blood-borne hepatitis.

Understanding How VIAGRA^® Works (3 contact hours for $12)

• Recognize the drug classification of Viagra.
• State indications for drug usage.
• Define impotence, or erectile dysfunction, (ED).
• Describe the origins of ED and the history of ED therapy.Discuss dosage, absorption, cost, and common side effects of Viagra.
• Explain precautions for use, contraindications, and rationale for these precautions.
• Describe how Viagra works for ED therapy.

Understanding Liver Function Tests (3 contact hours for $12)

• Identify the primary functions of the liver
• Recognize types of diseases that cause liver dysfunction
• Differentiate between true tests of liver function and tests that are indicators of liver disease
• Identify normal values for liver function tests
• Recognize the role of albumin in the blood
• Describe the purpose of protein electrophoresis
• State the purpose of an A/G ratio
• Describe the normal pathway for the production and excretion of bilirubin
• Differentiate between unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin
• Recognize the importance of measuring liver enzymes as indicators of liver damage
• Describe the process used during a liver biopsy

Urinary Incontinence in the Elderly (3 contact hours for $12)

• Define urinary incontinence (UI) according to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR).
• Estimate the prevalence and cost of urinary incontinence (UI).
• Describe literature and research of nurses' knowledge of UI in elderly patients.
• Differentiate between the sudden onset UI and the chronic UI.
• Identify the characteristics of the 6 types of UI.
• Recognize history, lab tests, and physical exam pertinent to UI.
• Describe how a health professional may individualize treatment/service plans for elderly patients in different levels of care.
• Identify when basic evaluation is not sufficient, and know to whom to refer patients.

Understanding Urinalysis (4 contact hours for $15)

• Recognize the value of urinalysis as a screening examination for renal and nonrenal diseases.
• Recognize types of urine specimens and methods of collection.
• Differentiate between macroscopic and microscopic urine examinations.
• Identify reference values for a normal urinalysis.
• Interpret the meaning of abnormal findings on a urinalysis.
• Recognize nursing diagnoses and propose interventions for patients with abnormal urine test findings.

Understanding Renal Function Tests (3 contact hours for $12)

• Describe the function of the kidney.
• Identify characteristics of the following degrees of renal dysfunction: diminished renal reserve, renal insufficiency, renal failure, and end-stage renal disease.
• Identify normal values for the following renal function tests: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum and urine creatinine, creatinine clearance, urinary urea nitrogen and nitrogen balance, serum and urine osmolality, serum and urinary uric acid.
• Compare and contrast factors that affect the BUN and serum creatinine levels.
• Given examples of changes in serum and urine osmolality and propose appropriate nursing interventions.

Medical/Surgical

Methamphetamine Use: What You Need to Know (4.0 contact hours for $15)

• Recognize the extent of methamphetamine use in the United States.
• Describe the forms of "meth."
• Describe the various methods to ingest methamphetamine.
• Identify sources of methamphetamine in the United States.
• Describe the pharmacological action of methamphetamine.
• Compare and contrast methamphetamine and cocaine.
• Describe patterns of methamphetamine use.
• List cardiovascular and other systemic effects from methamphetamine use.
• Identify fetal, maternal and neonatal effects from meth exposure during pregnancy.
• Identify the drug of choice for treating "meth" psychosis. List side effects of this medication.
• List 8 potential long term effects from methamphetamine use.
• Identify common components of treatment programs.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Caring for the Patient (4 contact hours for $15)

• Describe the incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Identify relevant anatomical structures in the brain associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage and its sequala.
• Recognize at least one theory regarding the etiology of cerebral aneurysms and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Describe 3 ways in which cerebral aneurysms are classified by shape and size.
• Identify the basic pathophysiology of neurological damage following a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Recognize warning signs and symptoms of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and signs occurring at the time of major bleeding.
• Discuss techniques used to diagnose subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Recognize a commonly accepted classification system for subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Identify principles of initial management for a patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• List at least 5 interventions that are part of aneurysm precautions.
• Recognize 2 potentially life threatening complications of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Describe 5 types of drugs that may be used to prevent complications in the patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Discuss surgical and interventional radiological options for the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Describe 3 major responsibilities of the nurse in protecting the patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage from life-threatening complications.
• Discuss the role of the nurse in providing knowledge and psychological support to the patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage and his or her family.
• Identify future strategies intended to decrease the incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Hypothermia and Hyperthermia in the Elderly (3 contact hours for $12)

• Recognize why elderly patients have changes in body temperature regulation that make them susceptible to both hypothermia and hyperthermia.
• Identify specific risk factors for hypothermia in the elderly.
• Describe signs and symptoms of hypothermia.
• Identify treatment for hypothermia.
• List ways in which the elderly and their families/caregivers can reduce the risk of hypothermia.
• Identify specific risk factors for hyperthermia in the elderly.
• Recognize 5 categories of drugs that can increase hyperthermia risk in elderly patients.
• Distinguish among heat stress, heat fatigue, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke
• Describe signs and symptoms of hyperthermia.
• Identify treatment for hyperthermia.
• List ways in which the elderly and their families/caregivers can reduce the risk of hyperthermia.

Liver Disease (4 contact hours for $15)

• Describe the normal anatomy of the liver.
• Recognize the normal physiologic functions of the liver, including its role in bile formation and secretion, metabolism, vitamin storage, coagulation, and detoxification.
• Discuss the pathophysiology, and diagnosis of specific pathologic conditions that affect the liver, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, carcinoma, Wilson's disease, alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, and intrahepatic biliary dysplasia.
• Recognize complications of liver decompensation, including, portal hypertension, esophageal varices, hepatic encephalopathy, and ascites.
• State measures to prevent food-borne and blood-borne hepatitis.

PICC Line Care and Maintenance: An Introduction (2.5 contact hours for $10)

• Describe the indications and contraindications of PICC lines.
• Relate anatomical considerations in PICC line placement.
• Discuss PICC line complications.
• Explain care and management of the PICC line,including dressing change, cap change, and flushingthe catheter.
• Anticipate appropriate patient education associated with PICC lines, and formulate an applicable nursing care plan.

Respiratory Assessment: Adult and Child (4 contact hours for $15)

• Recognize the principal structures of the respiratory system.
• Describe the function of the respiratory system.
• State 6 significant respiratory symptoms.
• Identify 4 techniques used in a respiratory assessment.
• Describe normal assessment findings for chest inspection.
• Recognize disturbances in breathing rate and rhythm.
• Describe normal assessment findings for chest palpation.
• Describe normal assessment findings for chest percussion.
• Differentiate among the following sounds heard and felt on percussion: resonant sounds; flat sounds; dull sounds; hyperresonant sounds; and tympanic sounds.
• Describe normal assessment findings for chest auscultation.
• Describe the characteristics and implications of the following abnormal breath sounds: crackles or rales; wheezes, rhonchi, stridor.
• Describe the implications of the following transmitted voice sounds: whispered pectoriloquy, bronchophony, egophony.
• Describe expected assessment findings for the following respiratory diseases: atelectasis, pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, pleural effusion, pneumothorax.
• Recognize techniques that are helpful in doing a respiratory assessment on a child.

Understanding How VIAGRA^® Works (3 contact hours for $12)

• Recognize the drug classification of Viagra.
• State indications for drug usage.
• Define impotence, or erectile dysfunction, (ED).
• Describe the origins of ED and the history of ED therapy.
• Discuss dosage, absorption, cost, and common side effects of Viagra.
• Explain precautions for use, contraindications, and rationale for these precautions.
• Describe how Viagra works for ED therapy.