Shock
This lab value rises in shock and signals anaerobic metabolism.
lactate
A nurse is providing education on daily weights to a HF patient. A gain of how many pounds in 24 hours should be reported?
>1 kg (2-3 lbs)
This major risk persists even when a-fib is rate‑controlled.
Thromboembolism / stroke
Target oxygen saturation in COPD exacerbation is often this range.
88-92%
These drugs can be used to help relieve dyspnea and promote comfort in end-of-life care.
Morphine, oxygen
Name two findings that manifest differently in neurogenic shock compared to the other types of shock.
bradycardia, warm dry skin
Hepatomegaly may occur with this kind of HF.
Right-sided heart failure
This priority diagnostic confirms a-fib presence and guides immediate management.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Decreased breath sounds and sudden unilateral sharp chest pain suggest this diagnosis.
Pneumothorax
This long‑term airway management option is used for patients needing ventilation >10–14 days.
Tracheostomy
This complication involves dysfunction of two or more organs from inadequate perfusion of multiple systems.
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)
This is another term for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
diastolic heart failure
This diagnostic may be used to rule out presence of atrial thrombus before cardioversion.
TEE
CHF may cause this type of pleural effusion.
Transudative
Positioning a patient with a pneumothorax this way can help to promote re-expansion of the affected lung.
Laying with unaffected side DOWN
Abnormal clotting in septic shock may lead to this complication.
increased risk for bleeding - DIC-like pattern
Which drug class would a nurse question the initiation of in acute decompensated HF?
beta-blockers
Name three potential symptoms a nurse might assess for in a patient with a-fib RVR.
Palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, dyspnea, chest discomfort, hypotension, AMS - but may also be asymptomatic
This type of V/Q imbalance occurs in asthma, pneumonia, or pulmonary edema.
decreased V/Q mismatch
This type of ventilatory support helps keep the alveoli open (resulting in improved arterial oxygenation) and is a key part of ARDS treatment.
Positive End-Expiratory Pressure - "PEEP"
This may be used in cardiogenic shock if cardiac output does not improve with oxygen, medication, and careful fluid therapy.
Mechanical circulatory support (for example - IABP or VAD)
Name three potential drug classes a nurse might expect to see prescribed to a patient with acute HF.
Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBS, ARNI, beta-blockers, SGLT2 inhibitors, vasodilators, cardiac glycosides, inotropes, vasopressors
A patient asks how they can avoid going into A-fib RVR again in the future. List three things you might include in your education.
Lifestyle modification (exercise, weight maintenance, smoking cessation, stress management, and healthy
nutrition), manage underlying conditions (HF, diabetes, etc.) and regular follow-up (meds, etc.)
This hallmark ABG ratio helps providers monitor ARDS severity and is <300 in ARDS.
(PaO2)/(FiO2) or P/F ratio
arterial oxygen tension/fraction of inspired oxygen
List 5 identifying signs of death.
No pulse, no heartbeat, no respirations, fixed and dilated pupils, no BP