Critical Care Flashcards
Q: What is critical care nursing?
A: Critical care nursing involves the specialized care of patients with life-threatening conditions, requiring comprehensive and continuous monitoring and treatment.
Q: What are the three components of circulation?
A: Blood vessels, the heart, and blood.
Q: What was one of the first specialized critical care units developed?
A: The first specialized ICU was the respiratory ICU.
Q: How did World War II impact the development of critical care units?
A: WWII led to the creation of shock wards for critically injured patients, which later evolved into ICUs.
Q: What is a key element of critical care nursing regarding patient monitoring?
A: Monitoring the physiological functions of critically ill patients and ensuring safety and quality of care.
Q: What is the primary goal of holistic critical care nursing?
A: To provide care that considers the patient’s body, mind, and spirit as interconnected and inseparable.
Q: What is beneficence in critical care nursing?
A: The ethical principle of doing good and preventing harm to patients.
Q: How do critical care nurses manage crisis situations?
A: They use their clinical judgment, problem identification skills, and crisis management techniques to stabilize and support patients.
Q: How is hypovolemic shock treated in critical care?
A: Treatment involves fluid resuscitation, controlling bleeding, and restoring blood volume.
Q: What are common conditions managed in critical care settings?
A: Respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, shock (neurogenic, cardiogenic, septic), and severe trauma.
Q: What is the protocol for managing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in critical care?
A: Treatment includes insulin administration, fluid resuscitation, electrolyte monitoring, and addressing the underlying cause.
Q: What interventions are used in managing cardiogenic shock?
A: Interventions include inotropes, vasopressors, mechanical support, and addressing the underlying cardiac condition.
Q: What role do vasopressors play in critical care?
A: Vasopressors are used to raise blood pressure in patients with shock, improving tissue perfusion.
Q: What is the purpose of CPAP in critical care?
A: CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) provides a constant flow of air to keep the airways open, often used in patients with sleep apnea or respiratory distress.
Q: How do nurses manage patients on mechanical ventilation?
A: They monitor respiratory status, ensure proper ventilator settings, perform suctioning, and prevent ventilator-associated complications.
Q: What is the role of critical care nurses in family presence during resuscitation?
A: They support the family, facilitate communication, and provide a compassionate environment during resuscitation efforts.
Q: What are the goals of managing dysrhythmias in critically ill patients?
A: To stabilize the heart rhythm, maintain cardiac output, and prevent complications such as stroke or cardiac arrest.
Q: What is anaphylactic shock and how is it managed in critical care?
A: Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction managed with epinephrine, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and airway support.
Q: What is the protocol for managing septic shock?
A: Early recognition, aggressive fluid resuscitation, antibiotics, vasopressors, and source control of infection.
Q: How is neurogenic shock treated?
A: Treatment includes stabilizing the spine, maintaining blood pressure, and managing bradycardia.
Q: What are the components of the ABCs in CPR?
A: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation.
Q: What is the significance of fluid resuscitation in critical care?
A: It restores intravascular volume, improves cardiac output, and enhances tissue perfusion in shock states.
Q: How is cultural diversity addressed in critical care?
A: Through cultural competence, sensitivity to lifestyle differences, and incorporating cultural needs into care plans.
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of shock in critically ill patients?
A: Hypotension, tachycardia, cold and clammy skin, decreased urine output, and altered mental status.
Q: What is the role of antihistamines in critical care?
A: They are used to treat allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, by blocking histamine receptors.
Q: How are blood transfusions managed in critical care settings?
A: By ensuring blood type compatibility, monitoring for reactions, and maintaining proper documentation and patient consent.
Q: How is ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) prevented?
A: By maintaining proper hygiene, oral care, elevating the head of the bed, and using appropriate ventilator settings.
Q: What are the main challenges in managing critically ill pediatric patients?
A: Challenges include differences in anatomy and physiology, medication dosing, and the need for specialized equipment.
Q: What are the main challenges in managing critically ill pediatric patients?
A: Fluid management, infection control, pain management, and wound care.
Q: What are the indications for tracheostomy in critical care?
A: Indications include prolonged mechanical ventilation, airway obstruction, and secretion management.
Q: How is pain managed in critically ill adults?
A: Through regular pain assessments, appropriate use of analgesics, and non-pharmacological interventions.
Q: What are the roles of respiratory therapists in critical care?
A: They manage ventilators, provide breathing treatments, perform pulmonary hygiene, and assist with airway management.
Q: How is hyperglycemia managed in critically ill patients?
A: With insulin therapy, regular glucose monitoring, and adjusting nutrition and medications.
Q: How is cardiac catheterization used in critical care?
A: For diagnostic purposes and interventions like angioplasty or stent placement in patients with cardiac conditions.
Q: What is the purpose of thrombolytics in stroke and cardiac care?
A: To dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow in conditions like ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction.
Q: What are the primary goals of nutritional support in critical care?
A: To meet the caloric and protein needs of critically ill patients, support healing, and prevent malnutrition.
Q: How is acute kidney injury managed in critical care?
A: By managing fluid balance, avoiding nephrotoxic drugs, and using renal replacement therapy if necessary.
Q: What interventions are used to prevent pressure ulcers in immobile patients?
A: Regular repositioning, use of pressure-relieving devices, and skin assessments.
Q: How is end-of-life care managed in critical care settings?
A: Through palliative care approaches, discussing goals of care, and respecting patient and family wishes.
Q: What are common signs of sepsis in critical care patients?
A: Fever, increased heart rate, elevated respiratory rate, and signs of organ dysfunction.
Q: How do critical care nurses manage fluid and electrolyte imbalances?
A: By monitoring laboratory values, adjusting IV fluids, and managing medications that affect fluid balance.
Q: What are the roles of nephrology nurses in critical care?
A: Managing patients with kidney conditions, dialysis, and monitoring for complications related to renal failure.
Q: How is quality improvement implemented in critical care units?
A: Through data monitoring, implementing evidence-based practices, and ongoing evaluation of care processes.
Q: How are multidrug-resistant organisms managed in critical care?
A: By using strict infection control measures, isolating patients, and using appropriate antibiotics.
Q: How is bronchodilation achieved in critical care patients?
A: Through the use of bronchodilators like albuterol, epinephrine, or anticholinergics.
Q: How do critical care nurses manage hyperactive delirium?
A: By assessing the underlying cause, using medications like antipsychotics, and creating a calm environment.
Q: What interventions are used for patients with trauma injuries?
A: Stabilization, pain management, surgical interventions, and continuous monitoring.
Q: What are common complications of immobility in critical care patients?
A: Pressure ulcers, muscle atrophy, deep vein thrombosis, and respiratory complications.
Q: How is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) managed?
A: With supportive care, mechanical ventilation, prone positioning, and managing the underlying cause.
Q: What is the purpose of guided imagery in critical care?
A: To reduce stress, anxiety, and pain through mental visualization techniques.
Q: What is the impact of psychosocial issues on healing in critical care?
A: Psychosocial issues can affect recovery, stress levels, and overall patient outcomes.
Q: What are the signs of ineffective coping in critical care patients?
A: Anxiety, depression, refusal of care, and lack of participation in treatment plans.
Q: How do critical care nurses manage the risk of delirium?
A: Through regular assessment, minimizing sedatives, and promoting sleep and orientation.
Q: What is the importance of effective communication in critical care?
A: It ensures clear understanding among the care team, patient, and family, reducing errors and enhancing care.
Q: How are anticoagulants used in critical care?
A: To prevent clot formation in conditions like deep vein thrombosis, atrial fibrillation, and during mechanical ventilation.
Q: What are the primary objectives of critical care nursing?
A: To stabilize patients, prevent complications, promote recovery, and provide support to patients and their families.
What is the main goal of Critical Care?
To support organ function and treat life-threatening conditions in patients requiring intensive monitoring.
What are the common causes of respiratory failure?
Pneumonia, ARDS, COPD, trauma, and neuromuscular disorders.
What is the PaO2/FiO2 ratio indicative of ARDS?
A ratio less than 300 mmHg is indicative of ARDS.
What are the key features of septic shock?
Persistent hypotension requiring vasopressors to maintain MAP ≥65 mmHg and serum lactate >2 mmol/L despite adequate fluid resuscitation.
