Cardiac Special Topics: Evaluating Shortness of Breath, A Case Study Approach- 4CH

Course overview

Target Audience: The target audience for this education program is nurses who want to increase their evaluation skills pertaining to shortness of breath and their ability to intervene swiftly and accurately when caring for patients who present with this problem. Course Overview: It was reported in the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey that 3.4 million people presented to emergency departments in the United States in 2013 with complaints of shortness of breath. These patients are often in acute distress, which makes it difficult to obtain a comprehensive, accurate history. This education program provides information that will enhance nurses’ abilities to evaluate shortness of breath and intervene accordingly. Objectives: Upon completion of this course, nurses should be able to: 1. Discuss the significance of shortness of breath. 2. Explain the key features of a health history as they pertain to shortness of breath. 3. Analyze case studies to identify appropriate nursing interventions in the evaluation of shortness of breath. 4. Identify common pitfalls and assumptions when evaluating shortness of breath.