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Herbal facts, herbal fallacies
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.6 contact hours and Rx: 1.0 contact hours
Issue: December 2007 Vol. 2 No. 12 updated November 2009. Deadline 12/31/12.
Author: Margaret A. Fitzgerald, DNP, APRN, BC, Np-C, FAANP, CSP

Emergency cardiac drugs: Essential facts for med-surg nurses
Cardiac emergencies can occur on any unit, so all nurses need a basic understanding of how they're treated. This article explains the fundamentals of using emergency cardiac drugs.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.6 CE hours and 1.6 Rx hours
Issue: July 2010 Vol. 5 No. 7
Author: Ira Gene Reynolds, MSNEd, RN, PCCN-CMC

Stopping the silent progression of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis and low bone mass affect about 44 million Americans. Women account for 80% of that number. And each year, more than 1.5 million Americans suffer osteoporotic fractures.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Issue: May 2008 Vol. 3 No. 5 - Updated Nov. 2009
Author: Adrienne Berarducci, OhD, ARNP, BC, CCD

Psychiatric emergencies in med-surg patients: Are you prepared?
Rodney, age 47, was admitted to the hospital 2 days ago with rib and femur fractures and facial contusions. He appears well nourished and well groomed.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Issue: May 2010 Vol. 5 No. 5
Author: Marlene Nadler-Moodie,MSN,APRN,PMHCN-BC

Attacking anterior-wall myocardial infarction in time
More than 1 million Americans a year suffer a myocardial infarction (MI). This article tells you how - and how quickly - you need to respond to the most dangerous MI.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.5 CE
Issue: January 2008 Vol. 3 No. 1
Author: Rose M. Coughlin, MSN, RN, APRN-BC

Medication errors: Don't let them happen to you
A medication error can occur in any healthcare setting-with devastating consequences. The authors describe weaknesses in the key elements of medication use and propose ways to make drug therapy safer.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.6 contact hours
Issue: March 2010 Vol. 5 No. 3
Author: Pamela Anderson, MS, RN, APN-BC, CCRN and Terri Townsend, MA, RN, CCRN, BC, CVN-II

Be a myth-buster: Stop the misconceptions about fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia produces many symptoms but no signs, so some clinicians dismiss it as a wastebasket diagnosis. But the pain is very real, and patients with fibromyalgia need you to understand their pain - and try to relieve it.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.6 CE and 0.5 Rx
Issue: September 2007 Vol. 2 No. 9
Author: Jennifer FitzGibbons, MSN, APN, C

Walk the walk to reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections
Nearly half of ICU patients have central venous catheters, putting them at risk for deadly bloodstream infections. Learn about proven methods for preventing these infections - and about ineffective practices we should abandon.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 2.0
Issue: January 2010 Vol. 5 No. 1
Author: Carol Hatler, PhD, RN and Joan Hebden, MS, RN, CIC and Wendy Kaler, MPH, CLS, CIC and Jeanne Zack, PhD, RN, CIC

When breathing is a burden: How to help patients with COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has an insidious onset and causes disabling symptoms. This article discusses its risk factors, pathophysiology, assessment, interventions, and nursing management.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.9 and 0.5 Rx hours
Issue: Nov/Dec 2009 Vol. 4 No. 9
Author: Gerene S. Bauldoff, PhD, RN, FCCP

Caring for patients with traumatic brain injuries: Are you up to the challenges?
Many patients face prolonged recovery and permanent disability after a traumatic brain injury. This article reviews appropriate assessment and intervention and highlights family care.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.9
Issue: 09-23-09
Author: Debra L. Ryan, MN, RN, CCRN

Teaching patients to tame their hypertension
This review of the six classes of antihypertensives tells you what you need to know and what you need to teach patients.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.8 and 1.8 Rx
Issue: July/August 2009
Author: Cheryl Dumont, PhD, RN, and Jennifer Hardware, MSN, RN

Are we making progress against autism?
Learn about the latest research findings on autism, how the disorder is diagnosed; the importance of early detection and intervention; the role of drug therapy, special education, and family support; and specific methods to use when caring for autistic children.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.9
Issue: June 2009, Vol. 4 No. 6
Author: Edward Hoffman, PhD and Kathleen L Taylor, MPH, MSN, RN

Avoid the dangers of opioid therapy
Take the proper precautions to administer these potent drugs safely.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 2.0 CE and 2.0 Rx
Issue: May 2009 Vol. 4 No. 5
Author: Yvonne D'Arcy, MS, CRNP, CNS

Noninvasive ventilation makes a comeback
Besides helping to prevent nosocomial pneumonia and airway injury, noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation preserves the patient's speech and swallowing.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Issue: April 2009: Volume 4, Number 4
Author: Mark Bauman, MS, RN, CCRN

Formula for success: Deliver enteral nutrition using best practices
Between 30% and 50% of adults admitted to U.S. hospitals are malnourished. This article explains how to provide nourishment while achieving better outcomes and shorter hospital stays.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.8 CE
Issue: March 2009 Vol. 3 Num. 3
Author: Chris Winkelman, PhD, RN, CCRN and Kathleen Best, RD, LD, CNSD

Managing acute decompensated heart failure
Patients with stable chronic heart failure may suddenly start decompensating. Do you know how to recognize this condition and help avert organ failure?

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.8 CE and 0.5 Rx
Issue: February 2009 Vol. 4 Num. 2
Author: Maria L. Held, MSN, CNS and Marjorie Sturtz, MSN, CNP

Perfecting your acid-base balancing act
Recognize alkalosis and acidosis and restore the delicate balance between acid and base.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.8 CE
Issue: January 2009 Vol. 4 Num. 1
Author: Michelle Fournier, MN, RN, CCRN

Easing the anguish of Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease afflicts not just the person who has it but everyone in that person's orbit. Learn how to help family members caring for patients with this nursing research.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.8 CE
Issue: December 2008 Vol. 3 Num. 12
Author: Susan Simmons Holcomb, PhD, ARNP-BC

Urinary incontinence: No one should suffer in silence
Start the conversation: Don't let embarrassment prolong the problem.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.6 CE
Issue: November 2008 Vol. 3 Num. 11
Author: Vicki Y. Johnson, PhD, RN, CUCNS

Overcoming obstacles to vaccination
More children are going unvaccinated these days. This article can help reverse this worrisome trend.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.6 CE and 1.0 Rx
Issue: October 2008 Vol. 3 Num. 10
Author: Vicki Clarkson Keller, PhD, RN and Linda Siktberg, PhD, RN and Kay Hodson-Carlton, EdD, RN

Community-acquired pneumonia: Follow the guidelines to better outcomes
Make sure your care of patients with community-acquired pneumonia is evidence-based and up-to-date.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.6 CE and 0.75 Rx
Issue: September 2008 Vol. 3 Num. 9
Author: Susan B. Fowler, PhD, RN, CNRN, FAHA

Quelling atrial chaos: Current approaches to managing atrial fibrillation
Every year, 2 million Americans experience atrial fibrillation (AF)—a chaotic electrical storm that ripples across both atria. The more you know about AF, the better off your patients will be.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.6 CE and 0.5 Rx
Issue: August 2008 Vol. 3 Num. 8
Author: Liza A. Prudente, MSN, RN, ACNP-C

Caring for chronic wounds: A knowledge update
Assess wounds more precisely, identify wound-related problems earlier, and intervene more effectively.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.5 CE
Issue: July 2008 Vol. 3 Num. 7
Author: Patricia A. Slachta, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CWOCN

End the epidemic of childhood obesity...one family at a time
Obesity poses a dire health threat to children. Learn how to help families break the obesity cycle by following the recommendations in the AMA's comprehensive new childhood obesity guidelines.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.5 CE
Issue: June 2008 Vol. 3 Num. 6
Author: Marti Jordan-Welch, PhD, FNP-BC, RN and Bonnie Lee Harbaugh, PhD, RN

Stopping the silent progression of osteoporosis
An update on risk factors, prevention, and treatment.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.6 CE and 0.75 Rx
Issue: May 2008 Vol. 3 Num. 5
Author: Adrienne Berarducci, OhD, ARNP, BC, CCD

Recognizing aortic dissection: A race against time
Four in 10 victims die immediately. For those who make it to the ED alive, survival hinges on the healthcare team's ability to promptly recognize aortic dissection.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.6 CE
Issue: April 2008 Vol. 3 Num. 4
Author: Rose M. Coughlin, MSN, RN, CNS-BC

Teaching ostomy patients to regain their independence
Make sure your ostomy patients leave the hospital with the knowledge and skills they need.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.6 CE
Issue: March 2008 Vol. 3 Num. 3
Author: Goranka Paula Bak, BSN, RN, ET, CWOCN

Keeping asthma at bay
NIH has updated its guidelines on asthma diagnosis and treatment. Learn how to help your asthma patients lead fuller lives.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.6 CE and 1.0 Rx
Issue: February 2008 Vol. 3 Num. 2
Author: Kathleen C. Ellis, PhD, RN, MHA, CPNP, AE-C

Attacking anterior-wall myocardial infarction in time
More than 1 million Americans a year suffer a myocardial infarction (MI). This article tells you how - and how quickly - you need to respond to the most dangerous MI.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.5 CE
Issue: January 2008 Vol. 3 Num. 1
Author: Rose M. Coughlin, MSN, RN, APRN-BC

Herbal facts, herbal fallacies
Many people assume herbs can't cause harm, and neglect to tell healthcare providers they're using them. This article will boost your herbal awareness and help you eradicate herbal ignorance among patients, colleagues, family, and friends.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.6 CE and 1.0 Rx
Issue: December 2007 Vol. 2 Num. 12
Author: Margaret A. Fitzgerald, DNP, APRN, BC, NP-C, FAANP, CSP

Tuberculosis today: Fighting an ancient adversary
The author describes the newest approaches to detecting, treating, and controlling this very old infectious disease.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.5 CE
Issue: November 2007 Vol. 2 Num. 11
Author: Rebecca Ruppert, RN

What every nurse needs to know about breast cancer

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.6 CE and 0.5 Rx
Issue: October 2007 Vol. 2 Num. 10
Author: Julene Diedrich, MSN, RN, FNP, AOCNP and Jill Depke, MSN, RN, ANP, AOCNP and Jessica Engel, MSN, RN, FNP, AOCN

Be a myth-buster: Stop the misconceptions about fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia produces many symptoms but no signs, so some clinicians dismiss it as a wastebasket diagnosis. But the pain is very real, and patients with fibromyalgia need you to understand their pain - and try to relieve it.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.6 CE and 0.5 Rx
Issue: September 2007 Vol. 2 Num. 9
Author: Jennifer FitzGibbons, MSN, APN, C

Persevering against pediatric pulmonary hypertension
Despite recent gains in treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, a cure is a long way off. Diagnosis and therapy can be tricky, and prognosis remains poor. Still, there are ways nurses can help slow disease progression and improve quality of life for a child with this condition.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.7 CE and 0.5 Rx
Issue: August 2007 Vol. 2 Num. 8
Author: Michelle T. Ogawa, MSN, RN, CPNP

Keeping cardiac arrest patients alive with therapeutic hypothermia

Create a protocol for this lifesaving intervention at your facility.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.7 CE
Issue: July 2007 Vol. 2 Num. 7
Author: Kirsten Pyle, RN, CCRN and Ginger Pierson, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNS and Deborah Lepman, BS, RN, MPH, CEN and Molly Hewett, MS, BSN, RN, CCRN

When closeness breeds cruelty: Helping victims of intimate partner violence

We may not realize it, but most nurses have frequent contact with domestic abuse victims. Shame and fear of reprisal keep many victims from reporting the problem. Caregivers' discomfort with the topic or unfamiliarity with its signs and symptoms can lead to missed opportunities to identify and help victims.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.7 CE
Issue: June 2007 Vol. 2 Num. 6
Author: Melissa Renee Schwartz, MSN, BSN, RNC

Recognizing ventricular arrhythmias and preventing sudden cardiac death

Saving a patient from sudden death starts with recognizing the dangerous ventricular arrythmia that precedes it.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.8 CE
Issue: May 2007 Vol. 2 Num. 5
Author: Rose M. Coughlin, MSN, RN, APRN-BC

Improving the care of stroke patients

Is your facility doing enough to help stroke patients survive and regain functional independence? Find out how a national evidence-based initiative helps hospitals deliver better stroke care.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.6 CE
Issue: April 2007 Vol. 2 Num. 4
Author: Kathy Morrison, BSN, RN, CNRN

The five P's spell positive outcomes for ARDS patients

Protect your ARDS patients from danger with perfusion, positioning, protective lung ventilation, protocol weaning, and prevention of complications.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.8 CE
Issue: March 2007 Vol. 2 Num. 3
Author: Janice Powers, MSN, RN, CCRN, CCNS, CNRN, CWCN

Protecting yourself from malpractice claims
As nursing practice becomes more autonomous, nurses are becoming more vulnerable to lawsuits. Learn how to avoid being sued for malpractice and what to do if you are sued.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.6 CE
Issue: February 2007 Vol. 2 Num. 2
Author: Deanna L. Reising, PhD, APRN-BC and Patricia N. Allen, MSN, APRN-BC

Sepsis: Stopping an insidious killer

How to recognize sepsis in time and use the therapies recommended by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 1.7 CE
Issue: January 2007 Vol. 2 Num. 1
Author: Tom Ahrens, DNS, RN, FAAN

Taking the pain out of patient handling
Too many nurses expect to get injured on the job. Break out of the back-breaking habit of handling patients manually by learning which assistive devices to use and how to implement a safe-patient-handling program.
REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 2.4 CE
Issue: December 2006 Vol. 1 Num. 3
Author: Jan DuBose, RN and Terry Donahue, BSN, RN, COHN-S/CM

High-alert drugs: Strategies for safe I.V. infusions

About 80% of all deaths from medication errors are caused by some 20 drugs. This article gives you evidence-based strategies for preventing errors with these deadly drugs.

REGISTER & TAKE TEST
Hours: 2.0 CE
Issue: November 2006 Vol. 1 Num. 2
Author: Robin Donohoe Dennison, RN, DNP, CNNS