Priorities & Emergencies
This core concept represents the "A" in the primary framework used to decide who can die first in priority nursing questions
lWhat is Airway?
This programmed cell death is skipped by cancer cells, allowing them to grow uncontrollably.
What is apoptosis?
Patients taking this bisphosphonate must take it first thing in the morning with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes
What is alendronate?
This emergency drug is the immediate first-line treatment for a patient experiencing a Type I hypersensitivity anaphylactic reaction
What is epinephrine?
When preparing a mixed dose of Regular and NPH insulin in one syringe, the nurse must draw up this clear insulin first.
What is Regular insulin?
The nurse should immediately place a patient in this position when facial swelling and shortness of breath indicate Superior Vena Cava (SVC) Syndrome
What is High-Fowler's position?
Tumor cells stimulate this process to grow their own new blood supply for oxygen and nutrients
What is angiogenesis?
Because of its signature cardiotoxicity, nurses must carefully monitor cardiac function and CBC in patients receiving this "red" chemotherapy drug.
What is doxorubicin?
A butterfly-shaped facial rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose is the classic sign of this autoimmune disease.
What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?
To prevent atelectasis and collapsed air sacs in post-operative lungs, the nurse instructs the patient to use this respiratory device.
What is an incentive spirometer?
This life-threatening anesthetic emergency is treated immediately with IV dantrolene and active cooling.
What is Malignant Hyperthermia?
In TNM cancer staging, this specific letter-number combination indicates that distant metastasis is present
What is M1?
Patients prescribed hydroxychloroquine require regular evaluations by an eye doctor every six months to monitor for this major adverse effect.
What is retinal damage (or retinopathy)?
An HIV-positive patient is officially diagnosed with AIDS when their absolute CD4 cell count drops below this numerical threshold.
What is 200 cells/mm³?
This long-acting, peakless insulin provides continuous basal coverage for up to 24 hours.
What is glargine?
A patient with cancer reports new severe back pain combined with sudden urinary retention; the nurse must immediately suspect this compression emergency.
What is Spinal Cord Compression?
This type of tissue sampling serves as the definitive diagnostic tool to confirm cell type and tumor characteristics.
What is a biopsy?
Increased fluid intake is critical for patients taking cyclophosphamide to prevent this dangerous bladder complication.
What is hemorrhagic cystitis?
Before starting therapy with the biologic DMARD etanercept, the nurse must screen the patient for these two latent infections.
What are Tuberculosis (TB) and Hepatitis B?
If a surgical patient states they do not understand the procedure right before surgery, the nurse must contact this individual to re-explain it.
What is the surgeon / provider?
Rapid cellular breakdown following chemotherapy causes this syndrome, marked by elevated potassium, elevated uric acid, elevated phosphate, and low calcium.
What is Tumor Lysis Syndrome?
Finding these classic hallmark cells under microscopy differentiates Hodgkin lymphoma from Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
What are Reed-Sternberg cells?
A patient taking tamoxifen for breast cancer must immediately report calf pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath due to the risk of this life-threatening condition.
lWhat is a blood clot / DVT / thromboembolism?
Unlike gout, which stems from uric acid buildup, Rheumatoid Arthritis causes joint destruction via this underlying disease mechanism
What is an autoimmune/inflammatory attack on the joints?
In an emergency, muscle twitching and a positive Chvostek or Trousseau sign indicate this specific electrolyte deficiency.
What is hypocalcemia (low calcium)?