Critical Care Key Points Flashcards
What kind of fluids do we want to give someone with hyperglycemia hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS)?
isotonic aka normal saline
What labs do we monitor for DKA?
potassium
What kind of electrolytes do you monitor when someone is in adrenal crisis?
sodium
what do you monitor for and what is your priority nursing intervention with a patient who has laennec-s cirrhosis?
Check them for shock (hypovolemia)
What is a nursing dx for a patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
decreased tissue perfusion
What lab value do we monitor for in acute pancreatitis
pre-albumin
Nursing care of a patient with diminished cornea reflex
artificial eye drops– keep their eyes moist
Assessment of patient with a closed head injury
check respirations (depth and rate)
What is EMTALA
- begins when you walk into the ED and ends when you are deemed stable, admitted, or not having a emergency medical condition by a PHYSICIAN
- Financial status is not a factor if it is deemed an emergency
Emancipated vs non-emancipated
If a minor is brought into the ED by the babysitter (aka the child is not emancipated), the minor must be assessed to be determined if it is an emergency or not. If it IS an emergency, parental consent is not a factor– we can act. If it deemed not an emergency, we can call for parental consent to then see what to do
a-flutter is what type of pattern
SAW TOOTH pattern; extremely rapid, but regular rate of 250 – 350 BPM; P waves called flutter waves
SVT is what type of pattern
- regular rhythm but extremely fast of 150-250 beat per minute
- P waves (if present) may merge in T waves
- also called paroxysmal atrial tachycardia
What medications do we give for someone with pulmonary edema?
nitroprusside, Lasix
When the nurse observes that the patient has extension and external rotation of the arms and wrists and extension, plantar flexion, and internal rotation of the feet, she records the patient’s posturing as which of the following?
C. Decerebrate
An osmotic diuretics, such as mannitol, is given to the patient with increased cranial pressure (ICP) for which of the therapeutic effects?
D. to dehydrate the brain and reduce cerebral edema
Which of the following types of posturing is exhibited by abnormal flexion of the upper extremities and plantar flexion of the feet?
A. decorticate
The nurse has documented a patient diagnosed with a head injury as having GCS score of 7. This score is interpreted as which of the following?
A. Coma
What type of pain is caused by a pulmonary embolism?
Pleuritic Chest pain (May mimic angina/MI)
What are the side effects of Propofol?
Hypotension, Bradycardia, and pain.
Nursing Interventions focus on respiratory assessment.
What is a priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with HIV?
Risk for infection.
What Labs do you monitor for PVC’s?
Potassium (hypokalemia), Magnesium (hypomagnesium), and digoxin.
What is at risk for suctioning a patient with ICP?
Increasing the ICP
How does Vasopressin treat esophageal varicies?
Lowers portal pressure by vasoconstriction of splanchnic arteriolar bed. Ultimately decreasing flow in liver collateral circulation.
