STAT Stitch Deep Dive Podcast Beyond The Bedside

by Regular Guy

Season 3

Season 4

BONUS Compendium Medicine Neurological Assessment and Neurological Disorders

🧠 NEUROLOGY: HIGH-YIELD NURSING STUDY GUIDE ⚡ Your rapid-fire review of the neuro system’s biggest killers and clinical traps. Straight to the point, loaded with red flags 🚨, and built for real-world nursing. 🩸 TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI) & ICP Mild TBI: GCS ≥13, LOC <30 min. 90% of all neurotrauma. Moderate–Severe TBI: GCS ≤12. Watch for Cushing’s Triad (↑BP, ↓HR, irregular respirations). ➤ ATLS protocol, maintain perfusion, give mannitol or hypertonic saline. Epidural Hematoma: ⚠️ Lucid interval, then coma. Ipsilateral dilated pupil → emergency craniectomy. Subdural Hematoma: Often venous. Elderly/anticoagulated high risk. Treat with surgical decompression. Herniation: Brain shift due to ↑ICP—uncal herniation = blown pupil + contralateral weakness. ➤ Mannitol, hyperventilation, surgical decompression. 🧬 CEREBROVASCULAR DISORDERS Ischemic Stroke: 🕒 Time = Brain. Sudden neuro deficit (aphasia, hemiparesis, vision loss). ➤ IV rtPA (alteplase) within 4.5 h if no contraindications. Mechanical thrombectomy up to 24 h. Hemorrhagic Stroke: Headache, vomiting, ↓LOC. Often hypertensive or aneurysmal. ➤ Reverse anticoagulation, control BP, consider surgical evacuation. NPH (Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus): Hakim’s Triad — gait instability, dementia, incontinence. 🦠 CNS INFECTIONS & SEIZURES Bacterial Meningitis: Fever, neck stiffness, photophobia, ↓LOC. Petechial rash = meningococcal sepsis 🚨 ➤ Dexamethasone IV → then ABX, isolate, monitor for sepsis & hydrocephalus. Viral Encephalitis (HSV): Hallucinations, confusion → IV Acyclovir STAT. Status Epilepticus: Seizure >5 min = neuro emergency. ➤ 1st: Midazolam/Lorazepam IV → 2nd: repeat → 3rd: Phenytoin/Valproic/Levetiracetam. Absence Seizures: 5–10 sec “blank stares,” often in kids. Provoked by hyperventilation. Todd Paresis: Transient weakness after seizure (mimics stroke). 🧍‍♀️ DIAGNOSTIC & NURSING CRITICALS GCS: Eye, Verbal, Motor — use highest side score. Pupils: Dilated + unreactive = herniation or EDH ⚡ Headache Red Flags: Sudden severe onset, fever, neuro deficit, morning vomiting, age >50. Lumbar Puncture: Flat 1–4 h post-procedure. ❌Contraindicated w/ ↑ICP (risk of herniation). CT/MRI: CT = first-line for TBI/SAH. MRI contraindicated in metal implants or unstable pts. 💉 CRITICAL LABS & DRUG MONITORING Bacterial CSF: ↑Pressure, ↑WBC (neutrophils), ↑Protein, ↓Glucose, cloudy. Viral CSF: Normal glucose, lymphocytes, clear. Post-Thrombolysis Bleed Risk: Major complication of rtPA. Anticoag Monitoring:Warfarin → INR Heparin → aPTT LMWH → anti-Xa

Oct 22, 2025

26:46

PEDI | Development of the Infant P2

Physical Growth and Vital Signs Infancy involves rapid physical maturation. Newborns may lose up to 10% of their birth weight but regain it by 10 to 14 days,. Weight doubles by 4 to 6 months and triples by 1 year,. Height increases by approximately 50% by 12 months, and head circumference increases rapidly to reflect brain growth,. The posterior fontanel closes by 2 months, while the anterior closes by 12 to 18 months. Vital Signs by Age: • Heart Rate: Newborn (110–160/min); Infant (90–160/min). • Respirations: Newborn (30–60/min); Infant (25–60/min). • Blood Pressure (Average): Newborn (64/41 mm Hg); Infant (85/50 mm Hg). • Temperature: Ranges from 37.5°C (99.5°F) at 3 months to 37.7°C (99.9°F) at 1 year (axillary/rectal routes preferred). Pain Assessment: Nurses should use age-appropriate tools like the CRIES scale for neonates (assessing crying, oxygen requirement, vital signs, expression, and sleeplessness). For infants 2 months to 7 years, the FLACC scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) is used. Developmental Stages and Theories Development proceeds in a cephalocaudal (head-to-toe) and proximodistal (center-to-outward) pattern. For premature infants, developmental milestones and growth are assessed using their adjusted age (chronological age minus weeks premature),. • Psychosocial (Erikson): Trust vs. Mistrust. Caregivers must meet needs promptly to foster trust; delayed gratification is learned over time,. • Cognitive (Piaget): Sensorimotor Stage. Infants progress from reflexes to purposeful acts. Key achievements include Object Permanence (realizing objects exist when unseen, around 9 months) and mental representation,. • Social/Emotional: Separation anxiety begins around 4–8 months, and stranger fear becomes evident between 6–8 months,. Key Motor Milestones: • 2 Months: Holds head up when prone; social smile,. • 4 Months: Rolls from back to side; holds head steady; places objects in mouth,. • 6 Months: Rolls from back to front; sits with support (tripod); holds bottle,. • 9 Months: Sits unsupported; pulls to stand; uses crude pincer grasp,. • 12 Months: Walks with one hand held or cruises; sits from standing; uses fine pincer grasp,. Sleep and Dental: Infants should sleep on a firm mattress in the supine (back) position to prevent SIDS,. Teething typically begins between 6 to 10 months; clean teeth with a cool, wet washcloth. Safety: • Car Seats: Rear-facing in the back seat at a 45-degree angle,. • Home: Cover outlets, use safety gates, set water heater <49°C, and avoid small choking hazards (grapes, coins, candy),. Immunization Schedule (0 to 12 Months) The CDC recommends the following schedule for healthy infants: • Birth: Hepatitis B (Hep B). • 2 Months: DTaP, Rotavirus (RV), IPV (Polio), Hib, PCV (Pneumococcal), Hep B. • 4 Months: DTaP, RV, IPV, Hib, PCV. • 6 Months: DTaP, IPV, PCV, Hep B, RV, Hib. • 6 to 12 Months: Seasonal Influenza vaccination (yearly)

Jan 14, 2026

34:58

PEDI | Teens P2

Adolescent Growth and Development • Physiologic Changes: Puberty is driven by the hypothalamus releasing GnRH, stimulating the pituitary to release FSH and LH, which triggers gonadal response (estrogen in females, testosterone in males). Females generally enter puberty (ages 9–10) and reach physical maturity before males. A distinct growth spurt occurs, with females gaining 15–55 lbs and males gaining 15–65 lbs during this period. Organ systems mature, resulting in increased respiratory volume and blood volume, while the basal metabolic rate reaches adult levels. • Cognitive Development (Piaget): Adolescents enter the Formal Operations stage. Early adolescence involves limited abstract thought, while middle and late adolescence (14–20 years) see the development of abstract thinking, deductive reasoning, future planning, and the ability to think outside the present. • Psychosocial Development (Erikson): The primary task is Identity vs. Role Confusion. Adolescents strive to develop a sense of self and autonomy separate from parents. Peer groups become the essential source of support and identity validation, often leading to conflict with parents and a focus on conformity to peer norms. • Health Promotion: Adolescents require increased calories, zinc, calcium (1,300 mg/day), and iron to support rapid growth. They ideally need 9 hours of sleep per night, though biological shifts often cause them to stay awake later. Safety is a major concern due to feelings of invincibility; motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of unintentional injury death, followed by poisoning and drowning. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in this age group. Vital Signs (Adolescents 13–18 Years) The expected physiological ranges for this age group approach adult values: • Temperature: Approximately 36.6° C (97.9° F) via oral, axillary, or tympanic routes. • Pulse Rate: 50 to 100 beats/minute. • Respirations: 16 to 20 breaths/minute. • Blood Pressure: Systolic less than 120 mmHg; Diastolic less than 80 mmHg. • Pain Assessment: The Numeric Scale (0–10) is the standard tool for self-reporting pain in children 5 years and older. The FACES scale (0–5 or 0–10) may also be used. Immunization Schedule (7–18 Years) The CDC recommends the following vaccines specifically for adolescents, assuming the childhood primary series was completed. Routine Vaccinations at 11–12 Years: • Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis): 1 dose is routinely administered at 11–12 years. • HPV (Human papillomavirus): Routinely recommended at 11–12 years (can start at age 9). If started before age 15, it is a 2-dose series (0, 6–12 months). If started at age 15 or older, it is a 3-dose series (0, 1–2, 6 months). • Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY): 1st dose at 11–12 years, with a booster dose recommended at 16 years. Routine Annual Vaccination: • Influenza: 1 dose annually for all adolescents. Catch-up and Risk-Based Vaccinations: • Meningococcal Serogroup B (MenB): Recommended based on shared clinical decision-making for adolescents ages 16–23 (preferred 16–18 years), or for those at increased risk (e.g., asplenia). • Dengue: Recommended for ages 9–16 years living in endemic areas with laboratory confirmation of previous dengue infection. • Catch-up: Adolescents with incomplete histories should receive catch-up doses for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, Poliovirus (IPV), MMR, and Varicella.

Jan 19, 2026

26:19

PEDI | Atraumatic Care P2

Core Definition and The Three Principles Atraumatic care is defined as therapeutic care that minimizes or eliminates the psychological and physical distress experienced by children and their families within the health care system. Rooted in the premise of "do no harm," this approach relies on three fundamental principles: 1. Preventing or minimizing physical stressors: This includes avoiding pain, sleeplessness, and bodily injury. Nurses should utilize pharmacological interventions and comfort positions, such as "therapeutic hugging" (holding the child securely to prevent movement without forceful restraint), rather than "holding down" a child. 2. Preventing or minimizing child-family separation: Recognizing the family as the patient, nurses must support family-centered care and allow parents to stay with their children during procedures whenever possible. 3. Promoting a sense of control: Hospitalization often induces helplessness; nurses can counter this by respecting home routines, allowing choices (e.g., which juice to drink), and fostering a partnership where the child and family actively participate in care. Therapeutic Communication and Psychological Safety Effective interaction is vital for reducing anxiety and is dictated by the child's developmental stage. • Developmental Approaches: Infants rely on touch and tone, while toddlers and preschoolers require simple, concrete language and play. School-age children benefit from explanations and being allowed to ask questions, whereas adolescents require privacy, confidentiality, and respect for their independence. • Language Selection: Nurses must avoid medical jargon that can be misinterpreted (e.g., using "special kind of sleep" instead of "put to sleep" to avoid fear of death, or "tube" instead of "catheter"). • The Child Life Specialist (CLS): These professionals are essential for "high-value" care; they provide nonmedical preparation for surgeries, facilitate therapeutic play (an emotional outlet for stress), and act as advocates to foster the child’s well-being. Utilizing a CLS is considered an indicator of excellence in pediatric care. Family-Centered Care and Cultural Competence Family-centered care acknowledges that the family is the constant in a child's life and the primary source of strength. It requires a partnership based on respect, information sharing, and collaboration. • Cultural Humility: Nurses must identify who the decision-makers are and respect cultural practices. • Language Access: When a family does not speak English, trained interpreters are essential; family members should not be used as interpreters to prevent medical errors and maintain confidentiality. • Assessment: Before teaching, nurses must assess learning styles, literacy levels, and barriers such as language or pain. • Developmental Teaching: Toddlers should be told about procedures immediately beforehand to prevent anxiety, while school-age children can be prepared days in advance. Procedural Preparation and Support Preparation is key to minimizing trauma. • Before: Explain what will happen using sensory details (what the child will hear, see, or feel) to lower anxiety. • During: Use distraction (blowing bubbles, singing) and parental support rather than restraint. • After: Encourage medical play (using puppets or dolls) to allow the child to express feelings, and offer praise for their cooperation

Jan 19, 2026

37:19

PEDI | Safety and Development of the Toddler

Toddlers typically gain 3 to 5 pounds and grow 3 inches in height per year. By age 2, they attain approximately half of their adult height, and the anterior fontanel closes by 18 months. Vital Signs (Ages 1–3 Years): • Temperature: Ranges from 37.7°C (99.9°F) at 1 year to 37.2°C (99.0°F) at 3 years. • Pulse: 80 to 140 beats/min. • Respirations: 25 to 30 breaths/min. • Blood Pressure (1–2 years): ◦ Male: Systolic 85–91, Diastolic 37–46. ◦ Female: Systolic 86–89, Diastolic 40–49. • Pain Assessment: The FLACC scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) is used for children aged 2 months to 7 years. Developmental Stages Psychosocial (Erikson): The toddler enters the stage of Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt. This period is marked by the child's desire to exert control, often leading to negativism (the consistent use of "no") and temper tantrums as they struggle between dependence and independence. Cognitive (Piaget): • Sensorimotor (12–24 months): Toddlers engage in tertiary circular reactions, experimenting with behaviors and developing object permanence. • Preoperational (2–7 years): Characteristics include animism (attributing lifelike qualities to objects), domestic mimicry (imitating household tasks), and symbolic thought. Motor and Language Milestones: • Gross Motor: Toddlers walk independently by 15–18 months. By 24 months, they can kick a ball and walk up stairs; by 30 months, they jump with both feet. • Fine Motor: Skills progress from using a spoon at 15 months to turning doorknobs at 30 months and copying a circle by 36 months. • Language: Receptive language (understanding) develops faster than expressive language. Speech evolves from single words ("mama/dada") at 15 months to telegraphic speech (2-3 word sentences like "want cookie") by 24 months. Social and Safety: Play is primarily parallel play, where toddlers play alongside but not with other children. Safety is a priority due to increasing mobility; hazards include poisoning, drowning, and burns. Car seats should remain rear-facing until at least age 2 or until the child meets the manufacturer's height/weight requirements. Vaccination Schedule (12 Months – 3 Years) The CDC recommends the following immunization schedule for this age group: • 12 to 15 Months: ◦ Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b): Booster dose. ◦ PCV (Pneumococcal conjugate): Dose 4. ◦ MMR (Measles, mumps, rubella): Dose 1. ◦ VAR (Varicella): Dose 1. ◦ HepA (Hepatitis A): Dose 1 (routine vaccination is a 2-dose series between 12–23 months, separated by at least 6 months). • 15 to 18 Months: ◦ DTaP (Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis): Dose 4. • 6 to 18 Months (Range): ◦ HepB (Hepatitis B): Dose 3 (must be at least 24 weeks of age). ◦ IPV (Inactivated poliovirus): Dose 3. • Annual: ◦ Influenza: 1 or 2 doses annually depending on vaccination history

Jan 23, 2026

30:14

7 of 34

STAT Stitch Deep Dive Podcast Beyond The Bedside

PHARM | Levothyroxine

PHARM | SSRIs-Fluoxetine

PHARM | SNRIs Venlafaxine

PHARM | TCAs Amitriptyline

PHARM | 1st Gen Antipsychotics Haloperidol

BONUS Compendium Medicine Neurological Assessment and Neurological Disorders

PEDI | Development of the Infant P2

PEDI | Teens P2

PEDI | Atraumatic Care P2

PEDI | Safety and Development of the Toddler