Physiological Observations and Escalation Flashcards
6 cards from real NMC CBT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Physiological Observations and Escalation flashcards as text
A patient's BP is 88/52 mmHg. How many NEWS2 points does the systolic BP contribute?
Answer: 3 points
A systolic BP of 88 falls in the <=90 category, scoring 3 points — the maximum for this parameter.
A COPD patient has target SpO2 88-92%. Using NEWS2 Scale 2, what SpO2 range scores 0?
Answer: 88-92%
On Scale 2, 88-92% (the prescribed target range) scores 0 points.
What is the maximum GCS score, and what does a score of 8 or below indicate?
Answer: Maximum 15; 8 or below = severe brain injury and potential airway compromise
GCS maximum is 15 (E4+V5+M6). Score <=8 indicates severe brain injury with risk of airway compromise requiring intubation.
A patient's capillary refill time is 5 seconds. What does this suggest?
Answer: Impaired peripheral perfusion — may indicate shock or cardiovascular compromise
Normal CRT is <2 seconds. A CRT of 5 seconds is significantly prolonged, suggesting impaired perfusion.
Where should the V4 electrode be placed for a 12-lead ECG?
Answer: 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line
V4: 5th intercostal space, left midclavicular line. It is the reference point for V3, V5, and V6.
Using qSOFA, a patient has RR 25, BP 95/60, HR 110, temp 38.5, and is newly confused. How many criteria are met?
Answer: 3
qSOFA has three criteria: RR >=22, SBP <=100, altered mental status. This patient meets all three.