Cardiovascular
A key symptom of left-sided heart failure is
What is shortness of breath? (pulmonary congestion)
Name the priority nursing intervention and assessment for a patient with low SpO₂
What is apply oxygen and assess airway?
This medication is commonly prescribed to treat seizures by increasing the threshold for neuronal firing and decreasing the frequency of seizures in patients with epilepsy.
What is phenytoin (Dilantin) or levetiracetam (Keppra)?
This class of medications is commonly prescribed to patients with CKD to manage hypertension and protect kidney function by reducing proteinuria
What is ACE inhibitors or ARBs?
A patient with DIC has a platelet count of 50,000/mm³. The priority intervention for this patient is
What is to assess for signs of bleeding and administer platelets or fresh frozen plasma (FFP) if ordered, while monitoring for any changes in clinical status?
One priority nursing intervention for a patient with chest pain is
What is administer oxygen? (MONA protocol and pain assessment also acceptable)
A bronchodilator that is commonly used during an asthma exacerbation
What is albuterol?
A patient presents with a suspected ischemic stroke within the first 3 hours of symptom onset. The first-line treatment option the nurse should expect to administer is _____.
What is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)?
A patient with AKI has a BUN of 40 mg/dL and creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL. The first step after establishing IV access in this patient is to
What is assessing the patient's fluid status and starting IV fluids (typically isotonic saline) to improve renal perfusion?
A patient diagnosed with HITT has a platelet count of 60,000/mm³ and is on heparin therapy. The nurse's immediate action is to
What is to stop the heparin infusion immediately, as heparin is the suspected cause, and notify the healthcare provider for further management, including considering alternative anticoagulation like argatroban?
The purpose of nitroglycerin in MI is
What is to dilate coronary arteries and relieve chest pain?
The ABG pattern is seen in respiratory alkalosis
What is high pH, low CO₂?
A patient who recently had a stroke is receiving aspirin for secondary prevention. The nurse is educating the patient about the medication and emphasizes this key point
What is to avoid taking aspirin with alcohol, as it can increase the risk of bleeding?
A patient with CKD is prescribed erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). The primary reason for administering these medications is to
What is to treat anemia by stimulating the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow?
A patient with DIC is being treated with heparin. The nurse notices an increase in the patient's bleeding risk, including petechiae and bleeding gums. The nurse's next action is to
What is to notify the healthcare provider immediately, hold the heparin therapy (if ordered), and monitor the patient’s lab values, such as PT, aPTT, and platelet count?
A class of medications reduces preload, afterload, and BP in heart failure
What are ACE inhibitors or ARBs?
Medication that reduces airway inflammation in COPD patients
What is a corticosteroid like prednisone or inhaled fluticasone?
A patient with a suspected brain injury from trauma is receiving mannitol IV. The primary goal of this medication is to
What is to reduce intracranial pressure (ICP) by drawing excess fluid out of the brain?
A patient with AKI develops hyperkalemia with a potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. The priority intervention the nurse should implement (with an order) to manage this electrolyte imbalance is
What is to administer sodium bicarbonate, calcium gluconate, or insulin with glucose to shift potassium into cells and protect the heart?
A patient with HITT is switched from heparin to argatroban. The patient should be monitored closely for this complication
What is bleeding, as argatroban is an anticoagulant and increases the risk of hemorrhage?
A patient with acute myocardial infarction (MI) is receiving fibrinolytic therapy. After the first dose, the nurse observes a sudden drop in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate, and complaints of dizziness. ______ is the likely cause of these symptoms, and the nurse's priority is to ________.
What is reperfusion arrhythmias or hemorrhagic complications and the nurse’s immediate priority should be to assess for signs of bleeding?
A patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on a mechanical ventilator with low tidal volume and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). The nurse should complete which intervention and monitor _______, _______, and ______ closely
What is prone positioning, monitor the patient's oxygen saturation, hemodynamics, and potential for pressure injuries?
A patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) has been receiving hypertonic saline. Despite treatment, the patient is still showing signs of worsening neurological function. The next priority nursing intervention is
What is to assess and ensure the patient is properly positioned (e.g., head of bed elevated to 30 degrees) and that there are no actions causing increased ICP, such as suctioning or coughing?
A patient with CKD is experiencing uremic symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, and pruritus. What intervention should the nurse prepare for to help alleviate these symptoms?
What is dialysis, either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, to remove waste products and correct electrolyte imbalances?
A patient with DIC is undergoing treatment with anticoagulants, fibrinolytic inhibitors, and blood product administration. Despite these interventions, the patient continues to show signs of severe bleeding and hypovolemic shock. The next priority intervention is
What is to initiate supportive measures to stabilize the patient’s hemodynamics, such as administering fluids, vasopressors, and oxygen, while coordinating with the healthcare team to consider potential surgical interventions if necessary?