NUR 445 Final Exam questions and answers
with solutions
What medication is used to decrease ICP? - ANSWER Mannitol
-osmotic diuretic
-reduces ICP by inducing diuresis (creates an osmotic gradient across the
blood-brain barrier [BBB] and increased serum osmolality -> pulls fluid
out of brain cells and shifts it into the intravascular compartment)
What medication would you plan on administering to a patient who is
experiencing bradycardia or heart block? - ANSWER Atropine
-administer over 1 minute
-therapeutic effect desired = increased HR
-rapid administration may be used during cardiac resuscitation (follow
with 20 mL saline flush)
A patient suffering from a hypertensive crisis enters the ED. What
medication is used to treat this emergent situation? - ANSWER
Nitroprusside
-arteriole vasodilator
-rapidly lowers BP
-decreases preload and afterload
,What is clonidine used for? - ANSWER lowering of BP
Nitroprusside is the preferred agent if BP needs to be lowered quickly
What medication prevents the absorption of ammonia from the GI tract
in order to treat hepatic encephalopathy? - ANSWER Lactulose
-expect more frequent bowel movements
-should see clearing of confusion, apathy, and irritation and improved
mental status (24-48 hours after oral administration)
Under what condition would you administer tPA? - ANSWER patient that
is suffering from an ischemic stroke
What is mutual support? - ANSWER assisting others
providing feedback
advocacy behaviors when patient safety is threatened
What is the difference between formal and informal feedback? -
ANSWER Formal should be retrospective and scheduled in advance
Informal occurs in real time and includes huddles/debriefs
, Explain the phenomenon of alarm fatigue - ANSWER Frequency of alarms
becomes overwhelming, resulting in delayed response to alarms and
deliberate alarm deactivation which may impact patient safety
What is the purpose of palliative care? - ANSWER nursing and medical
treatments are combined with control of pain and symptoms
What is the CUS method of advocacy? - ANSWER I am concerned
I am uncomfortable
This is a safety issue
What does DESC stand for? - ANSWER Describe the situation
Express what you think and feel
Suggest a solution
Consequences if no changes
What is the normal rate of the SA node, AV node, and ventricular rate? -
ANSWER SA = 60-100
AV = 40-60
Ventricular = 20-40
What is the normal length of a P wave, QRS complex, and QT interval? -
ANSWER P = 0.12-0.20 sec
QRS = ≤ 0.12 sec
QT = 0.32-0.40 sec
with solutions
What medication is used to decrease ICP? - ANSWER Mannitol
-osmotic diuretic
-reduces ICP by inducing diuresis (creates an osmotic gradient across the
blood-brain barrier [BBB] and increased serum osmolality -> pulls fluid
out of brain cells and shifts it into the intravascular compartment)
What medication would you plan on administering to a patient who is
experiencing bradycardia or heart block? - ANSWER Atropine
-administer over 1 minute
-therapeutic effect desired = increased HR
-rapid administration may be used during cardiac resuscitation (follow
with 20 mL saline flush)
A patient suffering from a hypertensive crisis enters the ED. What
medication is used to treat this emergent situation? - ANSWER
Nitroprusside
-arteriole vasodilator
-rapidly lowers BP
-decreases preload and afterload
,What is clonidine used for? - ANSWER lowering of BP
Nitroprusside is the preferred agent if BP needs to be lowered quickly
What medication prevents the absorption of ammonia from the GI tract
in order to treat hepatic encephalopathy? - ANSWER Lactulose
-expect more frequent bowel movements
-should see clearing of confusion, apathy, and irritation and improved
mental status (24-48 hours after oral administration)
Under what condition would you administer tPA? - ANSWER patient that
is suffering from an ischemic stroke
What is mutual support? - ANSWER assisting others
providing feedback
advocacy behaviors when patient safety is threatened
What is the difference between formal and informal feedback? -
ANSWER Formal should be retrospective and scheduled in advance
Informal occurs in real time and includes huddles/debriefs
, Explain the phenomenon of alarm fatigue - ANSWER Frequency of alarms
becomes overwhelming, resulting in delayed response to alarms and
deliberate alarm deactivation which may impact patient safety
What is the purpose of palliative care? - ANSWER nursing and medical
treatments are combined with control of pain and symptoms
What is the CUS method of advocacy? - ANSWER I am concerned
I am uncomfortable
This is a safety issue
What does DESC stand for? - ANSWER Describe the situation
Express what you think and feel
Suggest a solution
Consequences if no changes
What is the normal rate of the SA node, AV node, and ventricular rate? -
ANSWER SA = 60-100
AV = 40-60
Ventricular = 20-40
What is the normal length of a P wave, QRS complex, and QT interval? -
ANSWER P = 0.12-0.20 sec
QRS = ≤ 0.12 sec
QT = 0.32-0.40 sec
