Critical Care & Emergency Flashcards

Which assessment tool is commonly used to identify early clinical deterioration in ward patients before ICU transfer?

Answer: National Early Warning Score (NEWS2)

NEWS2 is a validated bedside scoring system using vital signs to detect early deterioration and trigger escalation of care before a patient reaches critical status.

During a mass casualty incident in the UAE, which triage colour designates patients who are deceased or have unsurvivable injuries?

Answer: Black

In the START triage system, black tags are assigned to patients who are deceased or have injuries incompatible with survival, indicating they will not receive active treatment.

A nurse is caring for a patient receiving a norepinephrine infusion for septic shock. What is the primary goal of this vasopressor therapy?

Answer: Maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥65 mmHg to ensure organ perfusion

Norepinephrine is the first-line vasopressor in septic shock, titrated to maintain a MAP ≥65 mmHg to sustain adequate perfusion pressure to vital organs.

Which ventilator alarm should prompt the nurse to assess the patient first for a disconnection or leak?

Answer: Low pressure / low minute volume alarm

A low pressure or low minute volume alarm in a ventilated patient indicates loss of circuit integrity such as a disconnection, leak, or dislodged endotracheal tube.

What is the primary nursing concern when a patient with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has a rising blood pressure and falling heart rate?

Answer: Cushing's triad indicating severely raised ICP requiring immediate intervention

Cushing's triad (hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations) is a late, ominous sign of severely elevated ICP threatening brainstem herniation.

In a patient with suspected anaphylaxis, which medication is the FIRST-LINE treatment?

Answer: Intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine) 0.3–0.5 mg

Intramuscular adrenaline is the first-line and most critical treatment for anaphylaxis, reversing vasodilation, bronchoconstriction, and preventing fatal cardiovascular collapse.