Critical care Exam 1 studyguide questions pt 2

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32 Terms

1
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What is the value of certification in critical care nursing?

Certification can increase your credibility, demonstrate advanced knowledge, and often results in higher pay.

2
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Which organizations support critical care nursing?

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) and the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM).

3
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What are common certifications for critical care nurses?

CCRN, CCRN-E, PCCN, CMC, and CSC.

4
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What does the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) measure?

It measures a patient’s level of consciousness.

5
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What GCS score indicates a need for intubation?

A score of 8 or less indicates the need to intubate.

6
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Is a higher or lower GCS score better?

Higher is better.

7
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What vital signs are associated with acute brain injury?

Cushing’s Triad: bradycardia, hypertension, irregular respirations Cheyne stokes (alternations of rapid and shallow breaths); possible hyperthermia if hypothalamus is affected.

8
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What are the vital signs commonly seen in shock?

Hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnea, and cool, clammy skin.

9
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What is the purpose of the primary survey in emergency assessment?

To identify life-threatening conditions and prioritize immediate interventions (ABCDEFG).

10
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What is included in the secondary survey?

A detailed history, a structured head-to-toe exam, and a review of lab results and records.

11
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What are clinical signs of poor circulation?

Cyanosis, cool mottled skin, and oliguria.

12
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What is the purpose of TELE-ICU?

To provide remote care to ICU patients, reduce mortality in underserved areas, and support overnight care (used by Orlando Health).

13
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Which patients require a 1:1 nurse-to-client ratio?

Patients with cardiac arrest (Artic Sun therapy), on CRRT, prone for ARDS, on vasopressors, hemorrhaging, in DKA, or undergoing emergent bedside surgery.

14
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What tasks can Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAPs) NOT perform?

They cannot assess, diagnose, plan, intervene medically, or evaluate—essentially anything within ADPIE.

15
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What is the purpose of Early Warning Scores?

To alert nurses of patients who may decompensate by analyzing vital signs and labs pulled from the EHR.

16
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What equipment typically indicates a patient needs ICU admission?

Ventilators/BiPAP, hemodynamic monitors, GTTS meds (e.g., vasopressors, antihypertensives), sedation, analgesics, neuromuscular blockers, central/arterial lines, and bedside procedures like bronchoscopies.

17
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What are key manifestations of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?

Ascending paralysis, "rubbery legs," and difficulty clearing secretions.

18
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What are GBS nursing interventions?

Monitor respiratory status and oxygenation, frequent turning, and monitor for IV IG reactions.

19
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What is the treatment for GBS?

IV IG; steroids are not effective.

20
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What causes Myasthenia Gravis?

A decrease in acetylcholine receptors.

21
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What are the manifestations of MG?

Progressive muscle weakness, starting inward and spreading outward to extremities, respiratory failure

22
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What are the treatments for MG?

Anticholinesterase meds (pyridostigmine), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine), plasmapheresis, and IV IG.

23
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What are the nursing interventions for MG?

Monitor respiratory function, chest physiotherapy, and ensure adequate nutrition and supportive care.

24
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Which diuretics are used to manage increased ICP? What are some considerations for these rx?

Mannitol (may cause hypokalemia) and furosemide/Lasix (can be ototoxic, administer slowly).

25
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Which steroids are used for ICP management related to craniotomies?

Dexamethasone (Decadron) and methylprednisolone (Solumedrol).

26
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What side effects should be monitored when giving steroids?

Signs of Cushing’s syndrome (moon face, hump back) and hyperglycemia.

27
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What barbiturates are used to reduce ICP?

Phenobarbital and pentobarbital.

28
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What side effects should be monitored with barbiturate use?

Respiratory depression and hypotension.

29
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What defines status epilepticus?

Seizure activity lasting over 30 minutes or two or more seizures without full recovery between them.

30
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What are priority nursing interventions for status epilepticus?

Monitor airway and hemodynamics, maintain IV access, initiate seizure precautions, and prepare for intubation if needed.

31
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What medications are used to manage status epilepticus?

First-line: Benzodiazepines (diazepam, lorazepam, midazolam); followed by antiepileptics (phenytoin, fosphenytoin, levetiracetam).

32
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What principles guide answering priority setting questions?

Use the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) to prioritize which patient to see or treat firs