BCEN Medical Emergencies and Conditions 2

Question 1

A patient presents with sudden-onset severe headache described as 'the worst headache of my life.' What is the priority nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Prepare for emergent CT scan of the head

Answer

A thunderclap headache is classic for subarachnoid hemorrhage, requiring emergent non-contrast CT to detect blood before lumbar puncture.

Question 2

Which electrocardiogram finding is most characteristic of hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

Peaked T waves and widened QRS complex

Answer

Hyperkalemia causes peaked T waves, widened QRS, and eventually a sine-wave pattern due to impaired cardiac conduction.

Question 3

A patient with known COPD presents with increasing dyspnea and SpO2 of 82%. Which oxygen delivery is most appropriate initially?

Accepted Answer

Nasal cannula at 1-2 L/min titrated to SpO2 88-92%

Answer

COPD patients may rely on hypoxic drive; target SpO2 88-92% with low-flow O2 via nasal cannula to avoid suppressing respiratory drive.

Question 4

A patient presents with diaphoresis, confusion, and blood glucose of 38 mg/dL. The patient is unable to swallow safely. What is the best intervention?

Accepted Answer

50 mL of 50% dextrose (D50W) IV push

Answer

IV dextrose 50% is the preferred treatment for severe symptomatic hypoglycemia when the patient cannot safely swallow.

Question 5

Which finding in a patient with acute pancreatitis indicates severe disease requiring ICU-level care?

Accepted Answer

PaO2 < 60 mmHg despite supplemental oxygen

Answer

Hypoxemia unresponsive to supplemental oxygen indicates ARDS or pleural effusion, a severe complication requiring intensive monitoring.

(BCEN) Board of Certification of Emergency Nursing Practice Test

(BCEN) Board of Certification of Emergency Nursing Practice Test

BCEN Medical Emergencies and Conditions 2