PCU PCU Neurological & Renal Care

Question 1

A PCU patient with altered mental status has a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 10. Which component scores are being assessed?

Accepted Answer

Eye opening, verbal response, motor response

Answer

Pupils, reflexes, orientation

Answer

Blood pressure, heart rate, respirations

Answer

Level of consciousness, orientation, memory

Question 2

A PCU patient develops sudden-onset severe headache, neck stiffness, and photophobia. What condition should the nurse suspect first?

Accepted Answer

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Answer

Hypertensive emergency

Answer

Migraine with aura

Answer

Meningitis

Question 3

Which neurological assessment finding requires IMMEDIATE physician notification in a PCU patient?

Accepted Answer

Unequal pupil size (anisocoria) with decreased responsiveness

Answer

Mild hand tremors

Answer

Complaint of mild headache

Answer

Difficulty recalling recent events

Question 4

A PCU patient has a serum creatinine of 3.8 mg/dL and BUN of 58 mg/dL. What nursing priority is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Review and hold nephrotoxic medications pending physician review

Answer

Encourage increased oral fluid intake

Answer

Administer a nephrotoxic antibiotic as ordered

Answer

Prepare patient for immediate hemodialysis

Question 5

Which urine output value over 8 hours most indicates acute kidney injury (AKI) in a PCU patient weighing 70 kg?

Accepted Answer

150 mL

Answer

350 mL

Answer

280 mL

Answer

200 mL

Question 6

A PCU patient receiving IV contrast for a CT scan has a creatinine of 2.1 mg/dL. Which pre-procedure intervention is most important?

Accepted Answer

Provide IV hydration with normal saline to protect renal function

Answer

Administer furosemide to increase urine output

Answer

Restrict fluids to prevent fluid overload

Answer

Administer corticosteroids to prevent allergic reaction