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

The GCS assesses eye opening, verbal response, and motor response, with a maximum score of 15 and minimum of 3.

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

Sudden severe 'thunderclap' headache with meningeal signs in a PCU patient is a classic presentation of subarachnoid hemorrhage until proven otherwise.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Unequal pupil size (anisocoria) with decreased responsiveness

Answer

Unequal pupils with decreased responsiveness indicate possible herniation or increased intracranial pressure and require immediate intervention.

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

Elevated creatinine and BUN indicate impaired renal function; the nurse should identify and hold nephrotoxic agents and notify the physician.

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

Oliguria in AKI is defined as less than 0.5 mL/kg/hr; for a 70 kg patient over 8 hours, this threshold is 280 mL, so 150 mL is severely below normal.

PCU - Progressive Care Unit Certification Practice Test

PCU - Progressive Care Unit Certification Practice Test

PCU PCU Neurological & Renal Care