Saudi Prometric Nursing Critical Care Nursing 1

Question 1

A nurse assesses a patient in the ICU and notes a central venous pressure (CVP) of 2 mmHg. What does this finding most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Hypovolemia

Answer

A CVP below the normal range of 2–8 mmHg indicates decreased venous return, which is consistent with hypovolemia.

Question 2

Which arterial blood gas result indicates uncompensated metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

pH 7.30, PaCO2 38 mmHg, HCO3 16 mEq/L

Answer

Uncompensated metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and low HCO3 with a normal PaCO2, indicating a primary metabolic problem without respiratory compensation.

Question 3

A mechanically ventilated patient develops sudden hypotension, absent breath sounds on the left side, and tracheal deviation to the right. The nurse should first suspect:

Accepted Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

Tension pneumothorax presents with tracheal deviation away from the affected side, unilateral absent breath sounds, and hemodynamic instability requiring immediate needle decompression.

Question 4

Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Accepted Answer

Elevate head of bed to 30–45 degrees

Answer

Elevating the head of the bed 30–45 degrees promotes cerebral venous drainage, which reduces intracranial pressure.

Question 5

A patient in the ICU develops sudden, regular tachycardia at 180 bpm with narrow QRS complexes. What is the first-line management for this stable patient?

Accepted Answer

Vagal maneuvers

Answer

Vagal maneuvers (e.g., Valsalva, carotid sinus massage) are the first-line treatment for stable supraventricular tachycardia as they can slow or terminate the re-entrant circuit.

Saudi Prometric Nursing Practice Test

Saudi Prometric Nursing Practice Test

Saudi Prometric Nursing Critical Care Nursing 1