CCRN General Review 3

Question 1

A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis has a serum potassium of 5.8 mEq/L. Why must potassium be monitored closely during insulin therapy?

Accepted Answer

Insulin drives potassium into cells, causing rapid hypokalemia

Answer

Insulin shifts potassium intracellularly, so serum levels can fall quickly during DKA treatment.

Question 2

Which ECG change is the earliest sign of hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

Peaked T waves

Answer

Tall, peaked T waves are the earliest ECG manifestation of hyperkalemia.

Question 3

A patient with increased intracranial pressure shows Cushing's triad. Which set of vital signs reflects this?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension, bradycardia, irregular respirations

Answer

Cushing's triad is hypertension with widened pulse pressure, bradycardia, and irregular respirations.

Question 4

What is the primary goal when managing a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome on the ventilator?

Accepted Answer

Low tidal volume lung-protective ventilation

Answer

Low tidal volume (6 mL/kg) ventilation reduces ventilator-induced lung injury in ARDS.

Question 5

A post-operative patient has a sudden drop in blood pressure, tachycardia, and cool clammy skin. Which type of shock is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Hypovolemic shock

Answer

Hemorrhage causing hypovolemia presents with hypotension, tachycardia, and cool clammy skin.

CCRN Review Practice Test