RPN Emergency Response 5

Question 1

A patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism has sudden onset of pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia. The MOST definitive diagnostic test the nurse should prepare the patient for is:

Accepted Answer

CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA)

Answer

CT pulmonary angiography is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism, directly visualizing clots in the pulmonary vasculature.

Question 2

A patient is in the ED after an industrial chemical splash to both eyes. The nurse's IMMEDIATE intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Irrigate both eyes copiously with normal saline for at least 20–30 minutes

Answer

Continuous copious eye irrigation is the priority intervention for chemical eye exposure to dilute and remove the offending agent before it causes permanent damage.

Question 3

A nurse is caring for a patient with a traumatic amputation of the right hand. After controlling bleeding, the nurse correctly manages the amputated part by:

Accepted Answer

Wrapping it in moist saline gauze, placing in a sealed bag, and keeping it on ice without direct contact

Answer

The amputated part should be wrapped in moist saline gauze, placed in a sealed plastic bag, and kept cool on ice (not frozen) to preserve viability for reimplantation.

Question 4

A patient with a known peanut allergy receives a medication and develops wheezing and urticaria. The nurse administers epinephrine. After 5 minutes, symptoms persist. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Administer a second dose of epinephrine

Answer

If anaphylaxis symptoms persist after the first dose of epinephrine, a second dose may be administered 5–15 minutes after the first.

Question 5

A nurse assesses a patient with a suspected stroke. Which assessment finding would make the nurse suspect a hemorrhagic stroke over an ischemic stroke?

Accepted Answer

Report of the 'worst headache of my life' with rapid onset

Answer

A sudden, severe 'thunderclap' headache described as the worst of one's life is a hallmark symptom of subarachnoid hemorrhage, a type of hemorrhagic stroke.

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN Emergency Response 5