Critical Care Nursing Flashcards
7 cards from real SAUDI PROMETRIC NURSING practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Critical Care Nursing flashcards as text
A patient in cardiogenic shock has a cardiac output of 2 L/min and elevated pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). Which drug class is most appropriate?
Answer: Inotropes such as dobutamine
Dobutamine increases myocardial contractility and cardiac output in cardiogenic shock without significantly increasing afterload.
A nurse is caring for a patient on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). The circuit clots frequently. Which intervention is most appropriate?
Answer: Increase blood flow rate and review anticoagulation protocol
Increasing blood flow rate and optimizing anticoagulation (e.g., heparin or citrate) prevents circuit clotting in CRRT.
A mechanically ventilated patient's ABG shows: pH 7.50, PaCO2 28 mmHg, HCO3 22 mEq/L. How should the ventilator be adjusted?
Answer: Decrease respiratory rate or tidal volume
The ABG indicates respiratory alkalosis from hyperventilation; decreasing respiratory rate or tidal volume will normalize PaCO2.
Which early sign of septic shock differentiates it from other forms of shock?
Answer: Warm, flushed skin with high cardiac output (hyperdynamic state)
Early septic shock is characterized by a hyperdynamic state with vasodilation, warm skin, and elevated cardiac output.
A patient with a traumatic brain injury has a sudden drop in GCS from 12 to 7 and one dilated fixed pupil. What does this indicate?
Answer: Uncal herniation with ipsilateral cranial nerve III compression
A unilateral dilated fixed pupil with decreasing GCS in head trauma indicates uncal herniation compressing CN III.
Which intervention is MOST important in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the ICU?
Answer: Maintain head-of-bed elevation at 30–45 degrees
Semi-recumbent positioning at 30–45 degrees is a core VAP bundle element that reduces aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions.
A critically ill patient is receiving norepinephrine infusion. The nurse observes blanching and swelling at the IV site. What is the priority action?
Answer: Stop the infusion, discontinue the IV, and administer phentolamine subcutaneously to the site
Norepinephrine extravasation causes tissue necrosis; the infusion must be stopped and phentolamine infiltrated to counteract vasoconstriction.
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