The Full Code Podcast

Welcome to the second edition in the COVID DIARY series. In this episode we are joined by Ivy Garcia - a critical-care nurse who served with us in the most intense waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks for continuing this journey with us!

In this episode, we break down central venous pressure (CVP)—what it is, what it actually tells you, and where it can mislead you in real clinical practice. We talk through the physiology behind CVP, how to interpret it in context, and why it should never be treated as a standalone marker of volume status or fluid responsiveness. Whether you are in EMS, critical care, emergency medicine, or just sharpening your hemodynamic understanding, this episode helps make CVP more practical and less confusing.As a bonus, we also review a case of acute ischemic stroke, walking through presentation, recognition, early priorities, and key decision points in management. We discuss what matters most in the first moments of care, how to think through stroke assessment, and the importance of timely intervention in improving patient outcomes.This episode is packed with practical pearls, clinical reasoning, and high-yield discussion for anyone who wants to connect physiology to bedside care.

TRIGGER WARNINGToday marks the start of a new series of interviews focused on the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of frontline healthcare providers. The topics discussed here may be triggering to some viewers, discretion is advised.

In this episode of TFCP we get to sit down with Kyle Martin, a registered Nurse in the medical ICU. Join us was we talk about the struggles of surviving your first few years in practice and strategies to help you grow through it.

Full Code Podcast — PulmCCM Question Review + A-Line & Airway EvidenceWelcome to back to the Full Code Podcast, an educational medical podcast built for ICU clinicians. Each episode, we break down critical care questions walking through the “why” behind the right answer and the clinical traps that try to lure you into bad decisions at 2 a.m.In this episode we review PulmCCM "real world boards" questions and work through them in real time. Additionally we continue our discussions around arterial lines and intubation. Please hit that like button and subscribe if you find this content beneficial.

Today’s episode features Heather Keafer, a critical care registered nurse with the rare ability to move comfortably between serious physiology and outlandish curiosity. We talk about who she was before nursing, how cardiogenic shock actually unfolds at the bedside, and why a discussion about encephalopathic frogs somehow makes perfect sense in the middle of it all. It’s thoughtful, clinical, and a reminder that critical care attracts people who think hard—even when the topic gets strange.📲Follow us on Social Media: 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefullcodepodcast 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/thefullcodepodcast 🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@fullcodepodcast ✉️ Email: [email protected]🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!#CriticalCare #ICUNurse #RegisteredNurse #NursingPodcast #HealthcarePodcast #MedicalPodcast #CriticalCareLife #CardiogenicShock #ICUeducation #NurseStories #LifeBeforeNursing #CriticalThinking #ScienceInMedicine #EncephalopathicFrogs

✝️ Call the Chaplain | Interview with Hospital Chaplain Timothy RandolphIn this episode of The Full Code Podcast, I sit down with Chaplain Timothy Randolph to talk about his background, his road to becoming a hospital chaplain, and the training and residency required for chaplaincy. We also dive into the balance between medicine and spirituality in the hospital setting, and how chaplains play a vital role in supporting patients, families, and healthcare teams.This conversation is for anyone curious about the intersection of faith and healthcare — whether you’re a medical professional, student, or someone interested in the human side of healing.📲Follow us on Social Media: 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefullcodepodcast 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/thefullcodepodcast 🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@fullcodepodcast ✉️ Email: [email protected]🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!#CallTheChaplain #HospitalChaplain #MedicineAndFaith #HolisticCare #SpiritualCare #CriticalCare #TheFullCodePodcast #HealthcareStories #ChaplaincyJourney #PatientCare

Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder that can lead to rapid paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death if not recognized early. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about GBS — from the underlying pathophysiology and clinical presentation, to the classic finding of albuminocytologic dissociation in the CSF, and the stepwise approach to diagnosis and treatment in the ICU.

In this powerful episode of The Full Code Podcast, we sit down with Lori Pace - manager of regional operations for Mid-American Transpland. Join us as we dive into the medically and emotionally complex world of organ donation.🎯 In this episode we discuss:The role of the organ procurement coordinatorHow potential donors are identifiedMyths vs. facts about organ donationFamily conversations and end-of-life decision makingThe impact of donation on recipients and care teamsWhether you're in healthcare or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers a rare, compassionate, and unfiltered look into a life-saving process that often goes unseen.Listen, learn, and share. Organ donation saves lives.Check out our merch store:https://ron-rla-shop.fourthwall.com/📲Follow us on Social Media: 📸 Instagram:   / thefullcodepodcast   📘 Facebook:   / thefullcodepodcast   🎵 TikTok:   / fullcodepodcast   ✉️ Email: [email protected]🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!

In this episode, we dive into the essentials of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) — from pathophysiology and risk factors to clinical presentation, diagnosis, and current management strategies. We discuss classification systems, hemodynamic impact, treatment options including anticoagulation and advanced interventions, and pearls for bedside recognition.

What does it really take to run an ICU shift? In this episode, we sit down with three seasoned ICU RNs — Brian Geuin, Erin Dees, and Rebecca Barnes — to unpack the realities of charge nursing. From bed management and staff dynamics to clinical decision-making and staying calm in chaos, we explore the leadership, communication, and situational awareness skills that make or break a shift. Whether you're new to the role or a veteran of the charge desk, this conversation brings insight, humor, and practical wisdom from the front lines of critical care.

In this episode, we take a dive into the evaluation and management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding — one of the most high-stakes conditions encountered in the ICU. We’ll cover initial resuscitation, risk stratification, pharmacologic therapy, and timing of endoscopy, with a focus on both variceal and non-variceal bleeds. Tune in for practical pearls, guideline-based strategies, and real-world clinical insights.

In this episode of The Full Code Podcast, we explore the critical topic of brain death—its pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and clinical confirmation. We break down the American Academy of Neurology guidelines, review the neurologic exam and brainstem reflexes, and discuss common pitfalls and misconceptions.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into hepatic encephalopathy (HE)—a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome seen in patients with liver dysfunction. We cover the underlying pathophysiology, clinical staging, diagnostic challenges, and evidence-based management strategies. Whether you're at the bedside or reviewing for boards, this episode will sharpen your understanding of HE and its implications in acute and chronic liver disease.

In this episode we are joined by both Brian Geuin, RN and Erin Dees, RN who have joined us to discuss transition to practice for new graduate registered nurses in the ICU.

Welcome back to another episode of the full code podcast! Today will be the first entry in our discussion of alcohol withdrawal and the various concomitant issues which may arise. In this episode we talk the basics of physiology, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Today we welcome another very special guest - David Reavis, CRNA. In this episode we discuss the road to becoming a CRNA, the basics of anesthesia going into the OR, and strategies to managing a difficult airway.

In this episode we cover the basics of assessment, diagnosis, and management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Thank you for tuning in and your continued support!

Today we are talking all things pharmacy in the critical care setting with our special guest Dr. Kristen Butler, PharmD. Have you ever wondered exactly what it takes to be a pharmacist? In this episode we discuss this and more. Join us for a discussion around pain control and ICU medicine as we revisit PADIS, among other topics.

Welcome back and thanks for joining us again! In this episode we talk about the principles of sedation and analgesia in the intubated patient. This session provides a practical and evidence-based approach to managing sedation and pain control in intubated patients. Learn how to select the appropriate agents, titrate medications effectively, and avoid complications like oversedation or delirium.

Welcome back! Please join us in learning about the nuances of blood transfusion medicine and let's get to the bottom of who is actually hemolyzing your samples (It might just be you).  On this episode we are talking all things lab with our special guest Erin Westby who is a medical laboratory scientist and trained in blood banking and transfusion medicine. Tag a long while we answer some of your burning questions about the lab and get absolutely mystified by the magic that is blood transfusion medicine.

Welcome back! Please join us for our intro to the neurological exam series and find out how to perform what some clinicians consider to be borderline witchcraft. In all seriousness, we're going to break down some of the basics of the neurological exam and 'bro out' over some of our favorite studies from the past year. Also, GCS is a psyop - tell your friends.

In this episode, we dive into the urgent world of critical airways, focusing on the life-threatening challenge of angioedema. Learn how to recognize early warning signs, differentiate between types of angioedema, and navigate airway management strategies.

Is that a new cologne, or is your bowel dying? Join us for this week's discussion on the perils of of the dreaded sugar blood syndromes and how to tell if it's dead bowel or just gas.

Thanks for tuning in to episode 10 of The Full Code Podcast where we talk surviving sepsis, bleeding cirrhotics, and canine diarrhea.

In this episode of The Full Code Podcast we discuss thyrotoxicosis and thyroid storm! Join us for a brief news update as we review AI in end of life, amino acids for AKI, and genital herpes.

In this epidsode of The Full Code Podcast we discuss treatment of both calcium channel blocker and beta blocker overdose including the underlying pathophysiology and treatment options.

In this episode we revisit components of the previous bicarbonate discussion as well as reviewing some clinical myths and controversies.

In this episode we review recent news in medicine followed by a clinical case scenario for DKA and consideration for the administration of bicarbonate.

In this episode we dive into the nuts and bolts of hemodynamics, the parameters we use, and both invasive and non-invasive monitoring modalities.

On this episode we begin the first of our hemodynamic series where we cover the basic principles that guide our understanding of physiologic shock states and how to treat them.

In this episode we discuss rapid neurological assessment of the critically-ill patient with Anisocoria and managing life in Medicine.

In this episode we talk about the many facets of acute pancreatitis in the ICU setting.

Here we have a little (LONG) discussion about our origins, goals, and a touch of medicine.