Insulin is a high-alert medicine and a common cause of serious medication errors. Rapid, short, intermediate and long-acting insulins, never abbreviating ‘units’, correct syringes and pens, timing with meals, storage, and preventing hypoglycaemia.
Febrile seizures affect about 2–5% of young children and terrify parents, but are usually harmless. Simple vs complex seizures, first aid, ruling out meningitis and malaria, fever management myths, and parent education.
Chronic liver disease from hepatitis B and C, alcohol and fatty liver is rising worldwide. Recognising decompensated cirrhosis, managing ascites and paracentesis, lactulose for encephalopathy, nutrition, and spotting bleeding varices.
Venous thromboembolism is one of the leading preventable causes of hospital death. VTE risk assessment, mechanical and drug prophylaxis, recognising DVT and PE, what to do in an emergency, and patient education.
AF is the most common heart rhythm disorder and a major cause of stroke. How to detect an irregular pulse, ECG features, rate vs rhythm control, anticoagulation and CHA2DS2-VASc, fast AF on the ward, and patient education.
Acute coronary syndrome is a time-critical emergency. Recognising typical and atypical chest pain, the 10-minute ECG, STEMI vs NSTEMI, MONA myths, nursing care, and how women, older adults and people with diabetes present differently.
Inaccurate fluid balance charts are common and can hide dehydration, fluid overload and kidney injury. What to record, insensible losses, urine output targets, totalling a 24-hour chart, and practical tips for accuracy.
Shock is inadequate tissue perfusion, and early signs are easy to miss. The four main types, the subtle warning signs before blood pressure falls, A–E assessment, and nursing priorities while help arrives.
Taking blood safely and getting accurate results: patient identification, vein selection, tourniquet time, the order of draw for blood tubes, avoiding haemolysis, and labelling at the bedside.
Anxiety is common in hospital and the community. Recognising a panic attack, ruling out physical causes, calming techniques that work, avoiding paper bags, and supporting people with anxiety disorders.