Pulse Check with Archer Nursing

• EP 28 - Compartment Syndrome

  A tight cast, a traumatic hit, or even intense exercise can set off a silent emergency: compartment syndrome. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, walks you through this surgical emergency that every nurse must recognize—and act on—fast. You’ll learn why increased pressure in a closed muscle compartment can cut off circulation, leading to ischemia and permanent tissue damage in just hours. From the "6 Ps" of poor perfusion to the critical moment where a fasciotomy saves the limb, this episode brings the pathophysiology to life with vivid explanations and real-world scenarios. What you’ll learn in this episode: The anatomy behind compartment syndrome Early warning signs—especially pain out of proportion Causes ranging from fractures to tight casts What “time is tissue” really means and when to call the OR A clinical case of a rugby injury that nearly ended in muscle death Whether you’re preparing for the NCLEX or the trauma bay, this episode gives you the clinical judgment and confidence to act fast and save tissue. Find everything Archer Review has to offer: ⁠⁠archerreview.link/PulseCheck⁠⁠ Use code PULSECHECK10 - an exclusive discount just for our listeners! Connect with us!  📸 Instagram: @archernursing 📘 Facebook: Archer NCLEX Review 🎵 TikTok: @archernursing ▶️ YouTube: Archer Review NCLEX, USMLE, TEAS7, and FNP 

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• EP 27 - Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

  Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is one of the most chaotic, and critical, conditions nurses may encounter. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down this life-threatening complication in a way that finally makes it make sense. DIC isn’t a disease...it’s the body’s response to something major going wrong. You’ll learn how this "consumptive coagulopathy" causes the body to use up all its clotting factors, leading to bleeding from unexpected sites like IV sites, gums, and the urinary tract—while also throwing clots that can damage major organs. What you’ll learn in this episode: What can cause DIC to occur and why it spirals so quickly The key lab findings that point to DIC: low platelets, prolonged PT/aPTT, low fibrinogen, high D-dimer Why bleeding and clotting happen simultaneously Which NCLEX answer choice takes priority when the client is actively bleeding A real-world case: a pregnant client whose DIC diagnosis changed everything This episode covers the high-stakes thinking behind emergency nursing actions and reinforces the mantra: “When in distress, don’t assess!” You’ll walk away with the clinical confidence to recognize DIC and respond fast. Find everything Archer Review has to offer: ⁠⁠archerreview.link/PulseCheck⁠⁠ Use code PULSECHECK10 - an exclusive discount just for our listeners! Connect with us!  📸 Instagram: @archernursing 📘 Facebook: Archer NCLEX Review 🎵 TikTok: @archernursing ▶️ YouTube: Archer Review NCLEX, USMLE, TEAS7, and FNP 

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• EP 26 - Renal Failure

  In this powerful and practical episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, walks you through everything you need to know about chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its progression to renal failure. Whether you're prepping for the NCLEX or rounding on the floor, this episode is a must-listen for understanding how kidney dysfunction affects every system in the body. Learn how to prioritize lab values in renal failure, why hyperkalemia is your biggest red flag, and how CKD silently develops through pre-renal, intra-renal, and post-renal causes. Dr. Taylor shares the story of a teenage client whose undiagnosed hypertension spiraled into full-blown kidney failure—and breaks down every lab, symptom, and clinical move along the way. What you’ll learn in this episode: The kidneys’ role in fluid balance, electrolyte control, and RBC production How CKD leads to metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, and anemia The difference between pre-renal, intra-renal, and post-renal causes What BUN, creatinine, potassium, bicarb, and phosphate levels tell you Key NCLEX tip: Which abnormal lab requires immediate intervention? (Hint: it’s all about the heart 💓) From periorbital edema to dialysis decision-making, this episode will help you connect the dots, recognize the red flags, and remember why renal labs are always worth a second look. Find everything Archer Review has to offer: ⁠⁠archerreview.link/PulseCheck⁠⁠ Use code PULSECHECK10 - an exclusive discount just for our listeners! Connect with us!  📸 Instagram: @archernursing 📘 Facebook: Archer NCLEX Review 🎵 TikTok: @archernursing ▶️ YouTube: Archer Review NCLEX, USMLE, TEAS7, and FNP 

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• EP 25 - Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

  In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down one of the most critical respiratory conditions nurses need to understand: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). When inflammation takes over and alveoli fill with fluid, gas exchange fails—and rapid intervention can mean the difference between recovery and decline. You’ll learn how to identify ARDS on the NCLEX and in real life, plus the rationale behind some of the different interventions. Dr. Taylor walks through a real PICU case of a 9-month-old who developed ARDS following aspiration, highlighting the urgency of recognizing non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, diffuse infiltrates, and the importance of uncovering the underlying trigger. What you’ll learn in this episode: What ARDS is—and why gas exchange completely breaks down Why positive pressure ventilation (like NIPPV and PEEP) is critical How to recognize ARDS on assessment and X-ray The life-threatening progression from hypoxia to respiratory acidosis High-yield NCLEX practice question: What’s the goal of NIPPV in ARDS? If you’ve ever struggled to understand ARDS—or want a memorable way to link the clinical picture with the right interventions—this episode will solidify your knowledge and your confidence. Find everything Archer Review has to offer: ⁠⁠archerreview.link/PulseCheck⁠⁠ Use code PULSECHECK10 - an exclusive discount just for our listeners! Connect with us!  📸 Instagram: @archernursing 📘 Facebook: Archer NCLEX Review 🎵 TikTok: @archernursing ▶️ YouTube: Archer Review NCLEX, USMLE, TEAS7, and FNP 

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• EP 24 - Basilar Skull Fracture

  Not all head injuries are created equal—and a basilar skull fracture is one you absolutely don’t want to miss. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down what makes this injury so dangerous, what signs to look for, and the key safety precautions every nurse must remember. You’ll hear a real ED case involving a teenage hockey player, and how subtle signs like pupil changes and low-grade fever helped uncover a serious risk for meningitis. This episode is packed with high-yield clinical insights and a practice NCLEX question to tie it all together. What you’ll learn in this episode: What a basilar skull fracture is—and why it’s so serious Key signs: raccoon eyes, Battle’s sign, CSF rhinorrhea Why nasal suctioning and NG tubes are contraindicated What the “halo sign” means and how to test for CSF leaks Common complications like meningitis—and when to act fast High-yield NCLEX prioritization question: what symptom needs immediate follow-up? By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to spot a fracture that opens a direct line between the outside world and the brain—and exactly how to protect your patient from the worst-case scenario. Find everything Archer Review has to offer: ⁠⁠archerreview.link/PulseCheck⁠⁠ Use code PULSECHECK10 - an exclusive discount just for our listeners! Connect with us!  📸 Instagram: @archernursing 📘 Facebook: Archer NCLEX Review 🎵 TikTok: @archernursing ▶️ YouTube: Archer Review NCLEX, USMLE, TEAS7, and FNP 

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