CCRN Neurological Critical Care 3

Question 1

A patient with an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is at highest risk for cerebral vasospasm during which time frame?

Accepted Answer

Days 4 to 14 after the bleed

Answer

Vasospasm peaks between days 4 and 14 following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Question 2

Which medication is given to reduce the risk of poor outcomes from cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Accepted Answer

Nimodipine

Answer

Nimodipine, a calcium channel blocker, improves neurologic outcomes after SAH-related vasospasm.

Question 3

The Hunt and Hess scale is used to grade the severity of which condition?

Accepted Answer

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Answer

The Hunt and Hess scale grades the clinical severity of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Question 4

A patient with SAH develops hyponatremia, hypovolemia, and high urine sodium with signs of dehydration. Which diagnosis is most consistent?

Accepted Answer

Cerebral salt wasting

Answer

Cerebral salt wasting causes hyponatremia with volume depletion and renal sodium loss.

Question 5

Which intervention is contraindicated for a patient with a sudden severe headache described as 'the worst headache of my life' before the aneurysm is secured?

Accepted Answer

Activities that increase intrathoracic pressure such as straining

Answer

Straining raises intracranial and arterial pressure, risking aneurysm rebleeding before it is secured.

CCRN Review Practice Test

CCRN Review Practice Test

CCRN Neurological Critical Care 3