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

Cerebral vasospasm is the most feared delayed complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage, typically occurring 4–14 days after the initial bleed and leading to ischemic stroke.

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

Calcium gluconate stabilizes the cardiac membrane against the arrhythmogenic effects of hyperkalemia and acts within minutes; it is the immediate priority when ECG changes are present.

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

Lung-protective ventilation using low tidal volumes (6 mL/kg ideal body weight) with PEEP is the evidence-based strategy for ARDS, reducing ventilator-induced lung injury.

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

A GCS score of 8 or below indicates severe brain injury; these patients typically cannot protect their airway and require endotracheal intubation.

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

Continuous regular insulin infusion is the cornerstone of DKA treatment after adequate fluid resuscitation; it suppresses ketogenesis and gradually lowers blood glucose.

Saudi Prometric Nursing Practice Test

Saudi Prometric Nursing Practice Test

Saudi Prometric Nursing Critical Care Nursing 3