SNLE Critical Care Nursing

Question 1

What does a hemodynamic reading of CVP 2 mmHg indicate?

Accepted Answer

Hypovolemia (low intravascular volume) requiring fluid resuscitation

Answer

Central Venous Pressure (CVP) normal range is 2-8 mmHg. CVP of 2 mmHg (at the low end/below normal) suggests hypovolemia — decreased intravascular volume. The nurse should anticipate fluid resuscitation orders and assess for signs of dehydration and poor perfusion.

Question 2

What is the nurse's priority action when a patient's ventilator alarm sounds 'High Pressure'?

Accepted Answer

Assess the patient immediately for secretions, kinking, biting, pneumothorax, or bronchospasm

Answer

High pressure alarm means increased resistance to airflow. Causes: secretions (suction needed), kinked/compressed tubing, patient biting tube (insert bite block), bronchospasm (administer bronchodilator), tension pneumothorax (emergency), or decreased lung compliance. Assess patient before the ventilator.

Question 3

What are the signs of cardiac tamponade?

Accepted Answer

Beck's triad: hypotension, distended neck veins, and muffled heart sounds

Answer

Cardiac tamponade presents with Beck's triad: hypotension (low cardiac output), distended jugular veins (impaired venous return), and muffled/distant heart sounds (fluid around heart). Additional signs: pulsus paradoxus (>10 mmHg BP drop during inspiration), tachycardia, and narrowed pulse pressure.

Question 4

What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR?

Accepted Answer

30:2

Answer

Current AHA/Saudi Heart Association guidelines: 30 chest compressions to 2 ventilations for adult CPR (single or two rescuers with advanced airway). Compressions should be at least 5 cm deep, at a rate of 100-120/min, with full chest recoil. Minimize interruptions (<10 seconds).

Question 5

What is sepsis and what are the nursing priorities for early recognition?

Accepted Answer

Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host response to infection — monitor for SIRS criteria, lactate levels, and organ dysfunction

Answer

Sepsis recognition (qSOFA): altered mental status, respiratory rate ≥22, systolic BP ≤100 mmHg. Nursing priorities: early recognition, obtain blood cultures BEFORE antibiotics, administer broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour, aggressive fluid resuscitation (30 mL/kg crystalloid), monitor lactate, and assess organ function.

SNLE Practice Test

SNLE Practice Test

SNLE Critical Care Nursing