Patient Assessment & Monitoring Flashcards
7 cards from real CSC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Patient Assessment & Monitoring flashcards as text
Which ASA physical status classification describes a patient with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life?
Answer: ASA IV
ASA IV denotes severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life, indicating very high procedural risk.
A patient's SpO2 drops from 98% to 91% during conscious sedation. What is the FIRST action the nurse should take?
Answer: Stimulate the patient and encourage deep breathing
Stimulating the patient and encouraging deep breathing is the first-line response to mild oxygen desaturation during conscious sedation.
Which capnography waveform finding is most concerning during moderate sedation?
Answer: Loss of the waveform with apnea
Loss of the capnography waveform indicates apnea, signaling complete cessation of breathing and requiring immediate intervention.
When assessing a patient's airway prior to conscious sedation, the Mallampati score is used to predict:
Answer: Degree of pharyngeal visualization
The Mallampati classification grades pharyngeal visualization (Classes I–IV) to predict ease of intubation if airway rescue is needed.
A patient receiving midazolam for conscious sedation develops slurred speech and eyes that open only to voice. This represents which level of sedation?
Answer: Deep sedation
Deep sedation is characterized by purposeful response only to repeated or painful stimulation, with possible compromise of airway reflexes.
Which pre-procedure laboratory value is MOST relevant when administering benzodiazepines for conscious sedation in an elderly patient?
Answer: Serum albumin
Serum albumin affects protein binding of benzodiazepines; low albumin increases free drug concentration and the risk of over-sedation.
During conscious sedation monitoring, what does a narrowing pulse pressure indicate?
Answer: Possible early hypovolemia or vasodilation
Narrowing pulse pressure (difference between systolic and diastolic BP) can signal decreased stroke volume due to hypovolemia or increased vascular resistance.