Cardiac
What’s the difference between stable and unstable angina?
Stable: predictable, relieved with rest/nitro. Unstable: sudden, severe, may happen at rest — medical emergency!
What’s the normal range for pH?
7.35 - 7.45
What’s the key difference between asthma and COPD?
Asthma = reversible, COPD = irreversible
What are the 6 Ps of neurovascular checks?
Pain, Pallor, Pulselessness, Paresthesia, Paralysis, Pressure
What’s the hallmark breathing pattern in DKA?
Kussmaul respirations (deep, rapid breathing)
What’s the gold standard lab for diagnosing an MI?
Troponin
What does a low pH and high CO2 indicate?
Resp. Acidosis
Which medication is a first-line bronchodilator for asthma?
Albuterol
What’s the first thing you do if you suspect compartment syndrome?
Do NOT elevate — keep level and notify the HCP
What’s the first IV fluid you give for DKA?
Isotonic Fluids 0.9% NS
Explain MONA — what’s the order of interventions?
Oxygen, Nitro, Aspirin, Morphine — in that order!
What’s the main sign of hypokalemia on an EKG?
Main sign of Hyperkalemia?
Prominent U wave
Peaked T waves
What are the 5 main RN interventions to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)?
Hand hygiene, oral care (chlorhexidine), HOB 30°, DVT prophylaxis, stress ulcer prophylaxis
What’s the priority action for an open fracture?
Control bleeding, cover with sterile dressing, immobilize
What electrolyte drops when you start an insulin drip?
Potassium (K+) — insulin drives it into cells
What EKG changes do you see with a STEMI vs NSTEMI?
NSTEMI: ST depression or T inversion.
STEMI: ST elevation in 2+ leads
Which electrolyte imbalance puts you at risk for Torsades de Pointes?
Hypomagnesemia
Which oxygen delivery device is best for a COPD patient?
Venturi mask (delivers precise FiO2)
Can you remove the weights from a traction device?
No! Let weights hang freely
What lab value confirms DKA?
Elevated blood glucose, ketones in urine, metabolic acidosis (low pH, low HCO3)
What med is given for symptomatic sinus bradycardia?
Atropine
What’s the most important indicator of heart failure (lab value)?
BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide)
Name 3 signs of pneumonia.
Crackles/rhonchi, fever, increased RR, cough with purulent sputum, pleuritic chest pain
What’s the best way to prevent infection with an external fixation device?
Clean with saline or chlorhexidine
When can you stop the insulin drip?
When the anion gap normalizes and BG drops below 250