Critical Care Key Points

Question 1

What kind of fluids do we want to give someone with hyperglycemia hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS)?

Answer 1

isotonic aka normal saline

Question 2

What labs do we monitor for DKA?

Answer 2

potassium

Question 3

What kind of electrolytes do you monitor when someone is in adrenal crisis?

Answer 3

sodium

Question 4

what do you monitor for and what is your priority nursing intervention with a patient who has laennec-s cirrhosis?

Answer 4

Check them for shock (hypovolemia)

Question 5

What is a nursing dx for a patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Answer 5

decreased tissue perfusion

Question 6

What lab value do we monitor for in acute pancreatitis

Answer 6

pre-albumin

Question 7

Nursing care of a patient with diminished cornea reflex

Answer 7

artificial eye drops– keep their eyes moist

Question 8

Assessment of patient with a closed head injury

Answer 8

check respirations (depth and rate)

Question 9

What is EMTALA

Answer 9

• 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

Question 10

Emancipated vs non-emancipated

Answer 10

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

Question 11

a-flutter is what type of pattern

Answer 11

SAW TOOTH pattern; extremely rapid, but regular rate of 250 – 350 BPM; P waves called flutter waves

Question 12

SVT is what type of pattern

Answer 12

• 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

Question 13

What medications do we give for someone with pulmonary edema?

Answer 13

nitroprusside, Lasix

Question 14

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?

Answer 14

C. Decerebrate

Question 15

An osmotic diuretics, such as mannitol, is given to the patient with increased cranial pressure (ICP) for which of the therapeutic effects?

Answer 15

D. to dehydrate the brain and reduce cerebral edema

Question 16

Which of the following types of posturing is exhibited by abnormal flexion of the upper extremities and plantar flexion of the feet?

Answer 16

A. decorticate

Question 17

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?

Answer 17

A. Coma

Question 18

What type of pain is caused by a pulmonary embolism?

Answer 18

Pleuritic Chest pain (May mimic angina/MI)

Question 19

What are the side effects of Propofol?

Answer 19

Hypotension, Bradycardia, and pain.

Nursing Interventions focus on respiratory assessment.

Question 20

What is a priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with HIV?

Answer 20

Risk for infection.

Question 21

What Labs do you monitor for PVC’s?

Answer 21

Potassium (hypokalemia), Magnesium (hypomagnesium), and digoxin.

Question 22

What is at risk for suctioning a patient with ICP?

Answer 22

Increasing the ICP

Question 23

How does Vasopressin treat esophageal varicies?

Answer 23

Lowers portal pressure by vasoconstriction of splanchnic arteriolar bed. Ultimately decreasing flow in liver collateral circulation.