Cardiovas
This cardiovascular emergency is most often caused by atherosclerosis and commonly occurs below the renal arteries. What is it?
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
This skin infection commonly presents with honey-colored crusted lesions on the face and is associated with poor hygiene. What is the condition?
Impetigo
A patient with cirrhosis develops flapping hand movements when extending the arms. What is this finding called?
Asterixis
This clotting disorder occurs because clotting factors are used up after widespread systemic clotting, eventually causing severe bleeding. What disorder is this?
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
A patient suddenly develops right-sided paralysis and expressive aphasia. Which side of the brain is most likely affected?
Left cerebral hemisphere
A patient with left-sided heart failure begins coughing up frothy pink sputum and states they feel a sense of impending doom. What complication are they likely developing?
Acute decompensated heart failure
A patient reports burning and tingling before painful vesicular genital lesions appear. Which viral infection is most likely occurring?
Herpes simplex virus type 2
A patient with acute pancreatitis develops periumbilical ecchymosis and flank discoloration. What are these two findings called?
Cullen’s sign and Turner’s sign
A child with sickle cell crisis is receiving aggressive IV fluids, oxygen, and opioids. What is the primary pathophysiologic process causing the pain crisis?
Vaso-occlusion causing tissue ischemia and infarction
A patient with peripheral artery disease reports calf pain during exercise that is relieved with rest. What is this symptom called?
Intermittent claudication
A nurse notes jugular vein distention, ascites, dependent edema, and nocturia in a patient with heart failure. Which side of the heart is failing?
Right-sided heart failure
A nurse teaches a patient with psoriasis that methotrexate may be prescribed for moderate-to-severe disease. What is the primary goal of treatment in psoriasis?
To reduce inflammation and suppress rapid epidermal cell turnover
A patient with cirrhosis is prescribed lactulose. What is the purpose of this medication?
To reduce ammonia levels and prevent hepatic encephalopathy
A male child experiences prolonged bleeding after minor injuries and recurrent hemarthrosis. Which clotting factor deficiency is most likely present?
Hemophilia A
A nurse suspects compartment syndrome in a fractured extremity. Why should the limb NOT be elevated above heart level?
Elevation above the heart decreases arterial perfusion and worsens ischemia within the compartment.
A patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm suddenly develops severe flank pain, hypotension, tachycardia, and Turner’s sign. What life-threatening event has most likely occurred?
Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm
A pregnant patient with active genital herpes lesions arrives in labor. What delivery method is most appropriate and why?
Cesarean section to prevent neonatal herpes transmission during delivery
A patient with esophageal varices suddenly begins vomiting large amounts of blood. Why is this complication considered life-threatening?
Esophageal varices can rupture and cause massive hemorrhage leading to hypovolemic shock and death.
A patient with immune thrombocytopenic purpura undergoes splenectomy. What is the rationale for removing the spleen in this disorder?
The spleen destroys platelets and produces antiplatelet antibodies, so removing it increases platelet counts and decreases platelet destruction.
A patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage develops a sudden severe headache, nausea, and decreased level of consciousness. Why is raising the head of the bed to 30 degrees an important nursing intervention?
It promotes venous drainage and helps reduce intracranial pressure
A patient is 12 hours post–endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The nurse notes decreased urine output, diminished pedal pulses, abdominal pain, and increasing restlessness. Which complication should the nurse suspect first?
Graft occlusion or endoleak causing impaired perfusion
A patient with cellulitis is prescribed vancomycin and instructed to elevate the affected extremity. What is the primary purpose of elevating the extremity?
To reduce swelling and promote venous return
A patient with acute pancreatitis is receiving aggressive IV lactated Ringer’s solution and is kept NPO. Several hours later the patient develops crackles, hypotension, tachycardia, and decreasing calcium levels. What severe systemic complication is the nurse most concerned about?
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
A nurse is caring for a patient with DIC secondary to sepsis. The patient begins bleeding from IV sites while also developing cool extremities and decreased urine output. What is the priority nursing action?
Treat the underlying sepsis while supporting bleeding and perfusion status
A patient with a left-sided stroke repeatedly attempts to get out of bed without assistance despite right-sided paralysis. Which safety intervention is the nurse’s priority?
Implement fall precautions and frequent monitoring due to impaired judgment and safety awareness.