Cardiovascular & Shock
Respiratory Support & Complications
Cardiac and Respiratory
Shock and Critical Care
Miscellaneous
100

This type of shock results from the heart’s inability to pump effectively, leading to decreased cardiac output.


What is cardiogenic shock?

100

This ventilator setting maintains positive pressure in the lungs at the end of expiration to improve oxygenation.

What is PEEP (Positive End-Expiratory Pressure)?

100

This complication can occur if a chest tube becomes dislodged or blocked, leading to lung collapse.

What is a pneumothorax?

100

This early stage of shock may show subtle signs like anxiety and restlessness.

What is the initial stage of shock?

100

This ECG change is commonly associated with myocardial infarction.

What is ST-segment elevation?

200

This condition occurs when myocardial oxygen demand exceeds supply, causing chest pain without permanent damage.

What is angina pectoris?

200

Good mouth care can help to avoid this Mechanical Ventilator (MV) complication that can develop as early as 48hr after intubation

What is VAP (Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia)? 

200

Prolonged immobility and anesthesia can lead to this complication, which can be prevented with cough & deep breathing exercises and use of an incentive spirometer. 

What is atelectasis? 

200

This stage of shock involves worsening tissue hypoxia and metabolic acidosis.
 

What is the progressive stage of shock?

200

This condition involves a localized dilation of the abdominal aorta that can rupture if untreated.

What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?

300

This device delivers electrical impulses to maintain an adequate heart rate when the heart’s conduction system fails.

What is a pacemaker?

300

This diagnostic test measures arterial levels, which determine acid–base balance, the need for or ability to wean from a ventilator, and respiratory status.



What is an ABG (arterial blood gas)? (Includes PH, CO2, HCO3, and PaO2)

300

This intervention, along with oral hygiene, reduces the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia by elevating the head of the bed.

What is semi-Fowler’s position (30–45 degrees)?

300

This complication of sepsis involves persistent hypotension despite fluid resuscitation.

What is septic shock?

300

This condition involves accumulation of blood in the pleural space, often requiring chest tube drainage and close monitoring for signs of hypovolemic shock.

What is hemothorax?

400

This dysrhythmia is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves, and complications include thrombus formation--> embolism

What is atrial fibrillation?

400

This complication of mechanical ventilation occurs when alveoli are overdistended and rupture.

What is barotrauma?

400

On an ECG, this phase represents ventricular contraction with electrical activation, while the other reflects recovery and preparation for the next heartbeat.

What are depolarization (contraction) and repolarization (recovery)?

400


This type of shock occurs when there is a significant loss of intravascular volume, leading to decreased preload, reduced cardiac output, and inadequate tissue perfusion.



What is hypovolemic shock?

400


  1. This cardiac conduction disorder occurs when electrical impulses are delayed or completely blocked between the atria and ventricles, potentially requiring a pacemaker.



What is heart block?

500

This life-threatening accelerated arrhythmia involves rapid ventricular contractions that may lead to cardiac arrest.

What is ventricular tachycardia (V tach)?

500

This lung condition involves widespread inflammation and increased permeability leading to noncardiogenic pulmonary edema.

What is ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)?

500

This priority nursing intervention after this cardiac surgery focuses on preventing graft occlusion by promoting early ambulation and monitoring for dysrhythmias.

What is CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting)?

500

This stage of shock is characterized by activation of mechanisms like increased heart rate and vasoconstriction to maintain blood pressure and perfusion.

What is the compensatory stage of shock?

500

This finding of palpable crackling or “popping” under the skin around a chest tube site indicates air has escaped into the subcutaneous tissue.

What is subcutaneous emphysema (crepitus)?