RPN Emergency Response 3

Question 1

A patient presents with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8. The nurse correctly interprets this as:

Accepted Answer

Severe traumatic brain injury

Answer

A GCS score of 8 or below indicates severe traumatic brain injury and typically necessitates intubation to protect the airway.

Question 2

During CPR, the nurse notes the cardiac monitor shows ventricular fibrillation. The MOST appropriate next action is:

Accepted Answer

Deliver an unsynchronized defibrillation shock

Answer

Ventricular fibrillation is a shockable rhythm requiring immediate unsynchronized defibrillation as the first intervention.

Question 3

A patient is brought in after a house fire with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. The pulse oximetry reads 99%. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Apply 100% high-flow oxygen via nonrebreather mask regardless of SpO2

Answer

Pulse oximetry cannot differentiate carboxyhemoglobin from oxyhemoglobin, so CO-poisoned patients must receive 100% O2 to accelerate CO elimination.

Question 4

A nurse is caring for a trauma patient who develops Beck's triad (hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular venous distension). The nurse should suspect:

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Beck's triad is the classic presentation of cardiac tamponade caused by fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac compressing the heart.

Question 5

A patient presents with epistaxis that has not stopped despite 20 minutes of direct pressure. The nurse anticipates which intervention?

Accepted Answer

Nasal packing with vasoconstrictive agents

Answer

Persistent epistaxis unresponsive to direct pressure is treated with anterior nasal packing, often with vasoconstricting agents like oxymetazoline-soaked gauze.

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN Emergency Response 3