Pattern Recognition
Low BP + dizziness + decreased urine output
Fluid Volume Deficit Pattern
Patient has no BM for 4 days with abdominal bloating
Patient with RR 8
Answer: See first (respiratory priority)
COPD causes which imbalance?
Answer: Respiratory acidosis
Immobility increases risk for
Pressure Injury
Which glucose condition is most urgent?
Hypoglycemia
Deep rapid respirations + fruity breath + confusion
Answer: Metabolic acidosis (DKA)
Patient receiving antibiotics with loose stools
Answer: Risk for diarrhea
Patient with glucose 55
Answer: See first (hypoglycemia priority)
Vomiting causes loss of what electrolyte buffer?
Answer: HCO₃⁻ retention → metabolic alkalosis
Diabetes increases risk for
Infection
RR 8 requires immediate
Airway support
Leakage with coughing or sneezing
Answer: Stress urinary incontinence
Urine leakage with exertion
Answer: Stress incontinence
Patient with edema + weight gain + crackles
Answer: Fluid volume excess priority
Kidney failure causes
Answer: Metabolic acidosis
Older adult age increases risk for
Sensory impairment
Patient with SpO₂ 88% priority action
Oxygen Administration
Hyperventilation + tingling fingers + anxiety
Answer: Respiratory alkalosis
Braden score 15 with immobility
Answer: Risk for impaired skin integrity
Patient confused with COPD and drowsiness
Answer: Respiratory acidosis priority
Hyperventilation causes decrease in
Answer: CO₂
Low albumin increases risk for
Delayed wound healing
Confusion with abnormal ABGs priority
Answer: Assess airway and ventilation
Assess airway and ventilation
Immobility + moisture + poor nutrition + sacral redness
Answer: Risk for impaired skin integrity
BG 55 mg/dL with diaphoresis and confusion
Answer: Acute hypoglycemia priority problem
Patient with potassium imbalance + dysrhythmia
Answer: Cardiac instability priority
Diarrhea causes imbalance in
Answer: Bicarbonate
Multiple pregnancies increase risk for
Stress Urinary incontinence
Post-op patient with increasing HR + shallow respirations
Answer: Assess pain and oxygenation immediately