Do the Math
A patient is prescribed 650 mg of aspirin, and each tablet contains 325 mg. How many tablets should be given?
2 Tablets
What is the most common early sign of atelectasis in post-op patients?
Decreased breath sounds over affected areas.
A patient is short of breath while lying flat. What is the first nursing action?
Elevate the head of the bed.
How does chronic hypoxia contribute to right-sided heart failure in COPD patients?
Chronic hypoxia leads to pulmonary vasoconstriction, increasing pulmonary hypertension and straining the right ventricle.
A post-op patient suddenly becomes restless, tachycardic, and short of breath. What is the nurse’s immediate action?
Administer oxygen & assess for signs of a pulmonary embolism.
A patient requires 1,500 mL of IV fluid over 12 hours. What is the flow rate in mL/hr?
125 mL/hr
What is the hallmark symptom of a pulmonary embolism?
Sudden onset of dyspnea with chest pain.
A tracheostomy patient develops respiratory distress during a tube change. What is the priority action?
Secure airway, reinsert trach, or call for help.
Why might a patient with left-sided heart failure develop crackles?
Fluid backs up into the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion.
What is the best position to improve oxygenation in a patient experiencing acute dyspnea?
High Fowler’s position.
A child weighing 18 kg is prescribed 10 mg/kg of acetaminophen. How many mg should be administered?
180 mg
Describe one intervention to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees.
A patient with chest pain suddenly becomes diaphoretic and states, “I feel like I’m going to die.” What is the priority nursing action?
Assess vital signs, administer oxygen, and notify the provider. May be MI.
A patient with pulmonary embolism may develop what cardiac complication?
Right ventricular strain or failure
A patient with a massive pulmonary embolism is hypotensive and showing signs of shock. What is the priority nursing intervention?
Call a rapid response, initiate IV fluids, and prepare for emergent interventions such as thrombolytics or embolectomy.
Heparin is ordered at 18 units/kg/hr for a 70 kg patient. The bag contains 25,000 units in 500 mL. What is the infusion rate in mL/hr?
25.2 mL/hr
A post-op patient presents with anxiety, tachypnea, and tachycardia. What are two priority interventions?
Administer oxygen and notify provider. Assess for possible pulmonary embolism.
A heart failure patient gains 3 pounds in 24 hours. What should the nurse do?
Assess for fluid overload and notify provider. May need diuretics.
What effect does hypoxia have on the cardiovascular system?
Increases heart rate and blood pressure to compensate for reduced oxygen delivery.
After a bronchoscopy, a patient begins coughing up bright red blood. What is the priority nursing action?
Notify the provider immediately, as this may indicate hemorrhage.
A medication is reconstituted to 250 mg/5 mL. The order is for 375 mg. How many mL should be administered?
7.5 mL
A COPD patient on oxygen therapy becomes drowsy and difficult to arouse. Their respiratory rate is 8 breaths per minute, and their oxygen saturation is 92% on 4L NC. What is the nurse’s priority action?
Immediately reduce or discontinue supplemental oxygen and assess respiratory effort. High oxygen levels can suppress the hypoxic drive in COPD patients, leading to respiratory failure.
A patient with a PE suddenly becomes hypotensive and unresponsive. What are the priority interventions?
Call a rapid response, initiate CPR if needed, administer oxygen, and prepare for emergency interventions.
Explain why patients with COPD are at higher risk for atrial fibrillation.
Chronic hypoxia and pulmonary hypertension strain the heart, increasing the risk of arrhythmias.
A post-op patient is experiencing respiratory distress and requires suctioning. What is the most important step to prevent complications?
Hyperoxygenate the patient before suctioning.