Saudi Prometric Nursing Critical Care Nursing 3

Question 1

A patient presents with a sudden 'thunderclap' headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, and CT showing blood in the subarachnoid space.
Which complication should the nurse monitor for most closely in the following days?

Accepted Answer

Cerebral vasospasm

Answer

Atrial fibrillation

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Aortic dissection

Question 2

A patient with acute kidney injury (AKI) has a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L and an ECG showing peaked T-waves. What is the nurse's PRIORITY intervention?

Accepted Answer

Administer calcium gluconate IV immediately

Answer

Administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) orally

Answer

Initiate emergent hemodialysis

Answer

Restrict dietary potassium intake

Question 3

A patient is diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which ventilator strategy is supported by the strongest evidence?

Accepted Answer

Low tidal volume ventilation (6 mL/kg ideal body weight) with appropriate PEEP

Answer

High tidal volumes (12–15 mL/kg) to maximize alveolar recruitment

Answer

High FiO2 (100%) without PEEP to avoid barotrauma

Answer

Non-invasive BiPAP ventilation as sole support

Question 4

A patient with traumatic brain injury is assessed and has a GCS score of 6. The nurse should interpret this score as indicating:

Accepted Answer

Severe brain injury requiring immediate airway management

Answer

Mild brain injury — patient is oriented and follows commands

Answer

Moderate brain injury — patient responds to verbal stimuli only

Answer

Vegetative state with no meaningful response

Question 5

A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has blood glucose 480 mg/dL, pH 7.18, HCO3 10 mEq/L, and urine ketones positive. After initial fluid resuscitation, the priority treatment is:

Accepted Answer

Start a continuous regular insulin infusion

Answer

Administer oral metformin

Answer

Infuse sodium bicarbonate

Answer

Administer glucagon injection

Question 6

The nurse observes bradycardia, systolic hypertension with widened pulse pressure, and irregular respirations in a patient with a severe head injury. This clinical triad is known as:

Accepted Answer

Cushing's triad

Answer

Beck's triad

Answer

Virchow's triad

Answer

Charcot's triad

Question 7

A patient on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) shows a sudden decrease in effluent flow rate. What should the nurse do FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Assess the filter and circuit for clotting or kinking

Answer

Immediately increase the blood pump speed

Answer

Discontinue CRRT and notify the physician

Answer

Administer a fluid bolus to the patient