Metabolic Encephalopathy

Contact Hours: 2

Author(s):

R.E. Hengsterman, MSN, RN

Course Overview

This course explores the complexities of metabolic encephalopathy (ME), a group of reversible neurological disorders caused by systemic illnesses or metabolic imbalances. ME, a leading cause of emergency visits and ICU admissions. The course covers the broad etiologies of ME, including hypoxia, metabolic deficiencies, organ failure, and exposure to toxins. Learners will explore the pathophysiology of ME, focusing on the mechanisms that impair brain function and disrupt neurotransmitter systems, leading to symptoms ranging from altered mental status to severe cognitive impairment. Through examining diagnostic approaches, including laboratory testing, neuroimaging, and differential diagnosis, learners will gain the skills to identify ME and differentiate it from other neurological disorders. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause and providing supportive care, with an emphasis on client-centered approaches that improve recovery outcomes.

Course Outline

  1. Introduction
  2. Differential Diagnosis
  3. Case Study
  4. Etiology
  5. Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Primary Prevention
  6. Pathophysiology
  7. Clinical Presentation
  8. Assessment
  9. Early Prognosis and Outcome Predictions
  10. Workup of encephalopathy
  11. Neuroimaging Procedures
  12. Rehabilitation Strategies and Therapeutic Interventions
  13. Conclusion

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, the learner will rate a 4 out of 5 on the Likert Scale for their ability to:

  1. Define and explain metabolic encephalopathies (ME) as a group of reversible neurological disorders, identifying their causes, prevalence, and associated risk factors.
  2. Differentiate between the clinical presentations and symptoms of ME.
  3. Identify and describe the underlying mechanisms of ME.
  4. Explain the diagnostic process for ME, including clinical assessment, laboratory testing, neuroimaging, and the use of EEG to exclude other plausible causes and confirm ME.
  5. Identify management strategies for ME, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment plans that address underlying causes.

Accreditations and Approvals

CE Credit Logo
  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) (P0614)
  • California Board of Registered Nursing (CEP 17418)
  • Kentucky Board of Nursing (7-0090)
  • Louisiana State Board of Nursing (58)
  • Florida Board of Nursing (50-23983)
  • Delaware Board of Nursing (DE-24-010127)
  • Alabama Board of Nursing (#ABNP1577)
  • Iowa Board of Nursing (#393)
  • Kansas Board of Nursing (LT0340-0325)

Approved by the Board of Nursing in every state, you can complete your RN, LVN, and APRN CEUs with confidence.

Accreditation Statement

Nursing CE Central LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

It will take the average learner 120 minutes to complete and awards 2 contact hours of continuing education.

Written For

  • Registered Nurses (RN)
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN/LVN)

Requirements for Completion

  1. Enrollment in the course by the learner
  2. Read and learn all course materials
  3. Complete the course evaluation
  4. Attest and testify learning of the course materials

Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships

Nursing CE Central nor any of the authors, planners, content experts, or any contributors have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.