DOH Nursing Critical Care and Emergency Nursing 2

Question 1

A high peak airway pressure alarm sounds on a mechanically ventilated patient. What should the nurse do FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Check the ventilator circuit for kinks or obstruction

Answer

Kinked or obstructed tubing is the most common, easily correctable cause of high peak airway pressure and should be ruled out first.

Question 2

Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias in ICU patients?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalamia

Answer

Hypokalaemia reduces myocardial cell membrane stability and significantly increases the risk of ventricular dysrhythmias including VF.

Question 3

According to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines, what is the recommended initial IV fluid bolus for septic shock?

Accepted Answer

30 mL/kg of crystalloid within 3 hours

Answer

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends at least 30 mL/kg of IV crystalloid within the first 3 hours of recognising septic shock.

Question 4

A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8 or less indicates which level of neurological impairment?

Accepted Answer

Severe brain injury — airway protection is a priority

Answer

GCS ≤8 defines severe brain injury and typically warrants immediate airway protection, often through endotracheal intubation.

Question 5

What is the recommended chest compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR per AHA/ERC guidelines?

Accepted Answer

30:2

Answer

Current guidelines recommend a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR to minimise interruptions to chest compressions.

DOH Nursing Practice Test