Code Blue's Clues
This rhythm is characterized by chaotic ventricular activity and requires immediate defibrillation.
What is ventricular fibrillation?
This class of medications ends in “-pril” and requires monitoring for hyperkalemia.
What are ACE inhibitors?
This scale is used to assess level of consciousness after head injury.
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?
This oxygen delivery device provides the highest concentration of oxygen.
What is a non-rebreather mask?
This legal document allows a patient to outline healthcare wishes if incapacitated.
What is an advance directive?
This medication is the first-line vasopressor in cardiac arrest according to ACLS guidelines.
What is epinephrine?
This opioid reversal agent has a shorter half-life than most opioids, requiring repeat dosing.
What is naloxone?
This pupil finding is most concerning for increased intracranial pressure.
What are unequal or non-reactive pupils?
This ABG finding is consistent with uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
What is low pH with elevated PaCO₂ and normal HCO₃⁻?
This principle is violated when patient info is discussed in an elevator.
What is confidentiality (HIPAA)?
This lab value is most important to assess before administering IV potassium to a post-code patient.
What is serum potassium?
This medication should be held if a patient’s apical pulse is below 60 bpm.
What is a beta-blocker (e.g., metoprolol)?
This electrolyte imbalance is a common cause of altered mental status in neuro patients.
What is hyponatremia?
This assessment finding indicates impending respiratory failure.
What is increasing work of breathing or altered mental status?
This type of consent is assumed when a patient presents unconscious with life-threatening injuries.
What is implied consent?
During CPR, this physiologic parameter best reflects effective chest compressions.
What is end-tidal CO₂ (ETCO₂)?
This drug interaction increases the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with SSRIs.
What are MAO inhibitors?
This condition presents with unilateral facial droop that spares the forehead.
What is a stroke (central facial palsy)?
In ARDS, this ventilation strategy helps prevent alveolar collapse.
What is PEEP?
Failure to report a significant change in condition may be considered this legal offense.
What is negligence?
This acid–base imbalance is most likely seen in prolonged cardiac arrest with inadequate ventilation.
What is metabolic acidosis?
This IV medication requires a dedicated line due to extreme pH and risk of tissue necrosis.
What is vasopressin (or norepinephrine)?
This complication is the priority concern in a patient with a high cervical spinal cord injury.
What is respiratory failure?
This physiologic change explains why COPD patients rely on hypoxic drive.
What is chronic CO₂ retention blunting central chemoreceptors?
This doctrine holds nurses accountable for maintaining competency in their practice.
What is professional accountability?