94: How Valuable is the Shock Index?

Looking at HR or Blood Pressure alone as determinants of how stable the patient is can lead us astray.  The Shock Index allows us to detect when patients are declining… while they are still compensating. Shock Index = HR/SBP… but how can we use this tool? A patient’s vital signs can appear normal, meanwhile they’re on the brink of shock. This was exactly the case of Mr. Fields, a patient admitted to the ER after falling off his tractor. Initially, his vitals didn't raise alarms but there were signs pointing to a more serious situation — including a shock index of greater than one.In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini dives into the critical role shock index plays in determining how sick patients are and improving their outcomes, especially in emergency settings. She breaks down the calculation of shock index, its limitations in screening for all types of shock, and practical applications in patient care.Tune in now to explore how you can apply this vital tool in the assessment and treatment of patients!Topics discussed in this episode:The case study of Mr. FieldsUnderstanding shock indexHow to calculate shock index… the easy wayClinical applications of shock indexLimitations of shock indexLearn more about shock index: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6698590/#:~:text=Shock%20index%20(SI)%20is%20defined,sepsis%2C%20and%20ruptured%20ectopic%20pregnancyMentioned in this episode:Rapid Response Academy LinkWanna check out Rapid Response Academy: The Heart and Science of Caring for the Sick? click this link to learn more: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/communityRapid Response and Rescue Intro CourseCONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 🫶 Check out my membership: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/community 📚 Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/learnmore 🧑‍💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁 Affiliation and discounts: https://hoo.be/therapidresponsern SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Om Podcasten

Do you want to go from dreading emergencies to feeling confident and ready to jump into action to rescue your patient? Well, this show will let you see emergencies unfold through the eyes of a Rapid Response Nurse. With real life stories from the frontlines of nursing, host Sarah Lorenzini MSN, RN, CCRN, CEN, a Rapid Response Nurse and educator, shares her experiences at rapid response events and breaks down the pathophysiology, pharmacology, and the important role the nurse plays during emergencies. If you want to sharpen your assessment skills and learn how to think like a Rapid Response Nurse, then Sarah is here to share stories, tips, tricks, and mindsets that will prepare you to approach any emergency. Every episode is packed full of exactly what you need to know to handle whatever crisis that could arise on your shift. It’s one thing to get the right answer on the test, but knowing how to detect when YOUR patient is declining and what to do when YOUR patient is crashing is what will make or break your day… and might just save your patient’s life.