NMC CBT NMC-CBT Physiological Observations and Escalation 3

Question 1

A patient's National Early Warning Score (NEWS2) is 7. According to the standard protocol, which level of response is required?

Accepted Answer

Emergency response — immediate review

Answer

A NEWS2 score of 7 or above triggers an emergency response with immediate review by a clinician competent in managing acute illness.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the AVPU scale used in neurological assessment?

Accepted Answer

Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive

Answer

AVPU assesses consciousness level as Alert, responding to Voice, responding to Pain, or Unresponsive.

Question 3

A patient's temperature is 38.8°C and they are shivering. Which condition should the nurse FIRST consider?

Accepted Answer

Infection or sepsis

Answer

Fever with rigors is a classic presentation of infection and should prompt assessment for sepsis using a structured tool.

Question 4

When using the SBAR communication tool, what does the 'A' stand for?

Accepted Answer

Assessment

Answer

SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation — a structured handover communication framework.

Question 5

A postoperative patient's wound dressing is saturated with bright red blood 2 hours after surgery. What is the FIRST action?

Accepted Answer

Apply firm pressure and escalate to the surgical team immediately

Answer

Bright red haemorrhage suggests active bleeding; direct pressure and urgent escalation are the priority before further assessment.

(NMC CBT) Nursing and Midwifery Council Computer-Based Test Practice Test