Rapid Response RN

Sarah Lorenzini
  • 5.0 (25)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. JAN 30

    155: Rewinding the Clock: Teamwork That Prevents the Code, With Guest Dr. Oscar Mitchell

    You know those moments when something just “feels off?” That’s when you should trust your instincts and speak up because timing can completely change a patient’s outcome. In this episode, Sarah is joined by Dr. Oscar Mitchell, Associate Director of the Center for Resuscitation Science and Director of the Medical Rapid Response Team at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. They break down one septic shock case across two timelines: first, when rapid response is called early and there's still time to intervene, and later, when the patient is already crashing. You’ll hear what a calm, collaborative rapid response call looks like, which signs of deterioration should never be ignored, and how to effectively share your concerns with a provider. This episode is for anyone who might call a rapid response AND for those who respond to emergencies. Topics discussed in this episode: Introduction to the patient and the 5PM timelineWhat the ideal provider–nurse collaboration looks likeEarly signs of deterioration that were missedWhy some nurses hesitate to call rapid responseThe patient’s vitals at 10AM and why rapid response was calledWhy the documented respiratory rate might not be reliableWhy blood pressure can be misleadingSBAR and CUS frameworks for escalationDr. Mitchell’s research on delays in RRT activation and mortalityEarly warning signs you should never ignore Register for the REVIVE Conference and use code RAPID50 to get $50 off! https://www.revive-conference.com/ Check out Dr. Mitchell's research here:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36349290/ Mentioned in this episode: Rapid Response Academy Winter 2026 Cohort https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/rra

    44 min

  2. JAN 16

    154: Physiology-Guided Sepsis Resuscitation: ANDROMEDA-SHOCK 2, Dynamic Fluid Responsiveness, and SEP-1 with Guest Jaclyn Bond

    The science is finally catching up to what clinicians have long known: more fluids aren't always the answer to septic shock. In this episode, host Sarah Lorenzini and Jaclyn Bond MSN-LM, MBA-HM explain what the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK 2 trial reveals about physiology-guided sepsis resuscitation and why fixed-volume fluid strategies can lead to avoidable harm. They break down how dynamic fluid responsiveness testing helps teams stop guessing, and how tools like FloPatch support real-time assessment of carotid flow time and stroke volume. You'll leave with a clearer idea of when to give fluids, when to stop, and how to justify the decision. Topics discussed in this episode: The purpose and key findings of the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK 2 studyWhy dynamic measures of fluid responsiveness matter more than static vitalsWhat recent meta-analysis data shows about physiology-guided fluid strategiesCarotid flow time: what it is, how it’s measured, and how it guides decisionsHemodynamic assessment and bedside limitationsHow FloPatch supports real-time assessment so you can make individualized fluid decisionsSEP-1 2026 guideline updates and why it’s better for patientsHow to apply these principles to your workflow Website: www.flosonicsmedical.com See FloPatch in action: https://hubs.ly/Q03-68Hg0 Mentioned in this episode: Rapid Response Academy Winter 2026 Cohort https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/rra

    48 min

  3. JAN 2

    153: Remix: Managing Crashing Pulmonary Embolism Patients

    Pulmonary embolisms don’t always announce themselves... sometimes they ambush. One minute your patient is walking with physical therapy, the next they’re hypotensive, hypoxic, and coding. This re-released early episode dives deep into why PE patients can look deceptively stable… right up until they aren’t. In this episode, I revisit one of my earliest case-based teachings on pulmonary embolism, updated with an added segment on vasopressin use in obstructive shock from PE. Through real bedside stories from my time as a rapid response and ER nurse, we break down the physiology behind PE-related collapse, why intubation isn’t always the answer, and how to think through management when the right ventricle is failing in front of you. This is a sobering but essential refresher on one of the most dangerous diagnoses we encounter. Topics discussed in this episode: Why pulmonary embolism is a common cause of in-hospital cardiac arrest (even if it’s not common overall)Classic and subtle PE presentations and why they’re often missedA real-time rapid response case: stable to crashing in minutesRisk factors for PE and the anticoagulation double-edged swordObstructive shock explained: what’s actually killing the patientRight ventricular failure, septal bowing, and the spiral of deathWhy intubation can worsen outcomes in massive PEVasopressors in PE: norepinephrine, epinephrine, and vasopressinThe unique benefits of vasopressin in obstructive shockThrombolysis vs. thrombectomy: when TPA helps — and when it’s deadlyBedside echo findings that point to massive PEWhy PE patients can crash during transport (and what to always bring)Nursing vigilance, rapid escalation, and activating help earlyWhen perfect care still isn’t enough and the heart of nursing in end-of-life moments Mentioned in this episode: Rapid Response Academy Winter 2026 Cohort https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/rra

    27 min

  4. 2025-12-19

    152: "Don't Touch That Button!" Respiratory Wisdom, Myth Busting, and Everything Respiratory Therapists Wish Nurses Knew About Ventilation With Guest, Melody Bishop RT

    Some of the most common respiratory myths are still showing up at the bedside. But it's not your fault — most of us were never taught what an oxygenation problem versus a ventilation problem looks like in real time. In this episode, Melody Bishop RT explains how respiratory therapists think through oxygenation and ventilation to choose the right intervention and recognize when a patient is ready to breathe on their own. We’re calling out the old dogma and myths that can delay treatment and worsen patient outcomes! Topics discussed in this episode: Ventilation vs. oxygenation: the core building blocksV/Q mismatch explainedABG findings for low-flow vs. high-flow vs. BiPAPWhen CO₂ is the problem and the benefits of BiPAPKey indicators it’s time to intubate and the dangers of waitingThe myth of resting patients on ventilationHow to accurately assess spontaneous breathing trialsCOPD, oxygen, and the hypoxic drive mythWhat nurses should know about working with RTs Connect with Melody: https://melodybishoprt.com/ Mentioned in this episode: Rapid Response Academy Winter 2026 Cohort https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/rra

    53 min

  5. 2025-12-05

    151: Caring Close to Home: How Point-of-Care EEG and Community Innovation Are Changing ICU Care

    Rural nursing is anything but simple. They have limited resources, fewer specialists, and often have to send patients hours away from their families for a higher level of care. But all that is changing as new tech like Zeto brings monitoring right to the bedside and keeps more patients close to home. In this episode, ICU nurse leader Kristen RN shares how point-of-care EEG has empowered her team to catch subclinical seizures sooner and make faster, more informed clinical decisions. From buy-in to implementation, you'll hear how she advocated for her community and successfully integrated this technology into a small ICU. If you work in a rural or resource-limited facility, don't miss this one! Topics discussed in this episode: The unique challenges rural nurses and hospitals faceWhy keeping patients close to home mattersHow telemedicine and new tech are transforming rural healthcareWhy subclinical seizures are hard to recognizeHow Zeto’s spot EEG helps nurses keep more patients close to homeThe positive impact on team confidence and patient careHow you can advocate for the tools your community needs Learn more about Zeto here: https://zeto-inc.com/ Mentioned in this episode: Rapid Response Academy Winter 2026 Cohort https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/rra

    29 min

  6. 2025-11-21

    150: Sepsis-Induced Cardiomyopathy with Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim MD

    Your pneumonia patient is hypotensive, tachycardic, and not responding to fluids… what did you miss? It could be sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, a common under-recognized shock state you could see at the bedside. In this episode, Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim MD and host Sarah Lorenzini use a case study to highlight how nurses, intensivists and the ICU team can work together to recognize the signs of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy early and give patients a better chance at recovery. You'll learn the diagnostic clues that your patient’s heart is in trouble, how to approach controversial treatments like sodium bicarb, and what has to happen before intubation in a dual shock state. Topics discussed in this episode: What the initial bedside assessment says about the patientTreatment priorities for the  intensivist and nurseSigns that point to more than just sepsisWhy fluids aren’t always the answerBlood pressure management: vasopressors and inotropesPathophysiology of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathyHow a sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy diagnosis changes treatmentThe vasopressin debate for sepsis-induced cardiomyopathyClues your intervention isn’t working and what to do nextHow to prepare the patient for high-risk intubationWhat you need to know about administering sodium bicarbWhy collaboration matters at every step for patient recovery Connect with Dr. Ibrahim: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icuboy_meded/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dg1ZTyfsN/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@icuboy_meded Threads: https://www.threads.com/@icuboy_meded X: https://x.com/icuboy_meded Learn more about the different phenotypes in sepsis induced cardiomyopathy: https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(25)05143-8/abstract Mentioned in this episode: Rapid Response Academy Winter 2026 Cohort https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/rra

    46 min

  7. 2025-11-07

    149: Inside the New 2025 AHA Resuscitation Guidelines: What’s New, What’s Controversial, and Why It Matters with Dr. Ashish Panchal, MD

    Every five years, resuscitation guidelines get a refresh. This year, a few have changed, many have stayed the same, and some are creating major controversy. In this episode, Dr. Ashish Panchal, Chair of the AHA Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee, helps us unpack what’s new, what might surprise you, and the science behind each decision. You'll learn why there’s serious debate around epinephrine dosing, what changes matter most for the bedside, and how these updates will change the way you and your team respond to the next code! Topics discussed in this episode: The history and development of the AHA Resuscitation GuidelinesKey improvements: algorithms, clear language, and unified careBig, fundamental changes in the guidelinesHow choking management guidelines have changedThe recommended approach for synchronized cardioversionNew guidelines for post-resuscitation careWhy there’s controversy around mechanical CPR and DSDIV vs. IO access: best practice and key takeawaysThe controversy around epinephrine dosingWhat these changes mean for nurses and code teams Listen to E140 with Dr. Ashish Panchal: https://healthpodcastnetwork.com/episodes/rapid-response-rn/140-resuscitation-then-and-now-how-evidence-shapes-every-beat-with-guest-dr-ashish-panchal-md-phd/ Mentioned in this episode: AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

    54 min

  8. 2025-10-24

    148: Differentiating Pulmonary Hypertension vs Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Natalie RN

    Differential diagnosis is part physiology, part detective work. Especially in heart failure, where similar vital signs can mean very different things. In this episode, Natalie RN is back on the show to break down two pediatric cases that looked almost identical on arrival to the ED but their workups led to two very different treatment plans. She shares the assessment findings, diagnostics, and clinical clues that helped them uncover what was really going on. Learn how to connect the dots and find the right intervention when presentations look identical! Topics discussed in this episode: Presentation of two pediatric patients with similar symptomsDifferential diagnosis and early clinical cluesWhat to look for in your clinical assessmentPathophysiology of pulmonary hypertensionPathophysiology of dilated cardiomyopathyKey physical exam and diagnostic differencesDilated cardiomyopathy interventionsWhy it’s hard to diagnose pulmonary hypertension in the ERNurse priorities when managing patients in the CVICUManaging pulmonary hypertension crises and reducing PVRPearls and pitfalls of treating these conditions Connect with Natalie: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithnat_rn/ Listen to Chat with Nurse Nat on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Jh2qe44KipudVKkdXFwWH Listen to Chat with Nurse Nat on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chat-with-nurse-nat/id1815541418 Mentioned in this episode: AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!

    34 min
See All (159)

Trailer

5
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Lorenzini
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    159
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Sarah Lorenzini
  • Show Website
    Rapid Response RN

You Might Also Like