In this episode featuring Jeremy Heiner (Editor of the Nurse Anesthesia textbook), we dive into rapid-fire differential diagnosis and crisis management, tackling some of the most intense and high-stakes scenarios nurse anesthesia providers can face. From airway fires and venous air embolisms to anaphylaxis, malignant hyperthermia, and local anesthetic systemic toxicity, we break down ten real-time clinical situations, analyzing clues, discussing pathophysiology, and outlining critical management strategies.

Whether you're a student learning to recognize subtle cues or a provider refining your response to emergencies, this episode sharpens your diagnostic instincts and clinical confidence. We also share practical insights on using crisis checklists, decision-making under pressure, and leading in high-stress OR environments.

Stick around to the end to hear our breakdown of a tricky intraoperative myocardial infarction scenario—a case that might just change how you handle hemodynamic instability during surgery. You’ll walk away better prepared for the unexpected.

🎉 FREE RESOURCES:

[FREE DOWNLOAD] FOR THE SRNA: GRAB YOUR FREE SEE/NCE STUDY PLAN HERE

[FREE DOWNLOAD] FOR THE RN: GRAB YOUR FREE ICU DRUG CHART HERE

Check out our other free resources at AtomicAnesthesia.com

⚛️ TOOLS YOU MIGHT LIKE:

🫀Cardiac Pharmacology Course

💉Our popular Triple Badge Buddy & other swag here

⚛️ CONNECT:

🩷 Subscribe to our YouTube channel

💜 Follow us on Instagram

💙Follow us on TikTok

📥 Have a topic you want to hear? Email Professor T at rhea@atomicanesthesia.com

In this episode, we dive deep into the basics of anesthesia pharmacology—perfect for ICU nurses starting CRNA school or senior residents needing a solid refresher. We break down foundational topics like pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenomics, and explain why understanding physiology is key to mastering pharmacology. You’ll learn about drug targets like GABA and NMDA receptors, and the real mechanisms behind anesthetics, opioids, local anesthetics, and muscle relaxants. We also walk through “top drawer drugs” in the OR, including quick quizzes to reinforce your understanding of real-time drug decisions—like when to choose ephedrine over phenylephrine. This is a science-heavy episode, but one that sets the groundwork for more advanced content.

🎉 FREE RESOURCES:

[FREE DOWNLOAD] FOR THE SRNA: GRAB YOUR FREE SEE/NCE STUDY PLAN HERE

[FREE DOWNLOAD] FOR THE RN: GRAB YOUR FREE ICU DRUG CHART HERE

Check out our other free resources at AtomicAnesthesia.com

⚛️ TOOLS YOU MIGHT LIKE:

🫀Cardiac Pharmacology Course

💉Our popular Triple Badge Buddy & other swag here

⚛️ CONNECT:

🩷 Subscribe to our YouTube channel

💜 Follow us on Instagram

💙Follow us on TikTok

📥 Have a topic you want to hear? Email Professor T at rhea@atomicanesthesia.com

In this episode, Rhea Temmermand and Jeremy Heiner (editor of the Nagelhout Nurse Anesthesia textbook) dive deep into the under-discussed but vital topic of cognitive aids and crisis checklists in anesthesia. You'll learn how tools like the Stanford Emergency Manual and the Nurse Anesthesia Crisis Checklists can sharpen clinical decision-making during high-stress scenarios like anaphylaxis or hypotension.

The episode explores how our brains make decisions under pressure, the difference between intuitive and deliberate thinking (System 1 vs. System 2), and how to develop better clinical heuristics. Plus, they walk through a real-world case of intraoperative anaphylaxis, using a step-by-step cognitive framework to manage the crisis. Stay tuned to the end to discover a powerful breathing technique Navy SEALs use that can also help anesthesia providers stay calm and focused under pressure.

🎉 FREE RESOURCES:

[FREE DOWNLOAD] FOR THE SRNA: GRAB YOUR FREE SEE/NCE STUDY PLAN HERE

[FREE DOWNLOAD] FOR THE RN: GRAB YOUR FREE ICU DRUG CHART HERE

Check out our other free resources at AtomicAnesthesia.com

⚛️ TOOLS YOU MIGHT LIKE:

🫀Cardiac Pharmacology Course

💉Our popular Triple Badge Buddy & other swag here

⚛️ CONNECT:

🩷 Subscribe to our YouTube channel

💜 Follow us on Instagram

💙Follow us on TikTok

📥 Have a topic you want to hear? Email Professor T at rhea@atomicanesthesia.com