NR571 COMPLEX DIAGNOSIS &
MANAGEMENT IN ACUTE CARE
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient in early septic shock typically presents with which of the following hemodynamic
profiles?
A. High Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR) and Low Cardiac Output (CO)
B. Normal SVR and Normal CO
C. High Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP) and Low CO
D. Low Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR) and High Cardiac Output (CO)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In early (hyperdynamic) septic shock, massive vasodilation
leads to decreased SVR, while the heart compensates by increasing Cardiac Output.
2. Which ventilator setting is most critical for improving oxygenation in a patient diagnosed
with ARDS?
A. Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP)
B. Low Fraction of Inspired Oxygen (FiO2)
,C. High Tidal Volume (Vt)
D. Inspiratory Flow Rate
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: PEEP improves oxygenation by recruiting collapsed alveoli and
increasing functional residual capacity in ARDS patients.
3. In the management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), which laboratory value must be
corrected or monitored closely before starting insulin therapy?
A. Serum Glucose
B. Serum Sodium
C. Bicarbonate
D. Serum Potassium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin causes potassium to shift into the cells; if the patient is
hypokalemic, insulin can cause a fatal drop in serum potassium levels.
4. Which of the following is a classic component of Cushing’s Triad, indicating increased
intracranial pressure?
A. Tachycardia
B. Widened Pulse Pressure
C. Hypotension
, D. Increased Respiratory Rate
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s Triad consists of bradycardia, irregular respirations,
and a widened pulse pressure (increased systolic BP).
5. A patient with Cardiogenic Shock is prescribed Dobutamine. What is the primary
therapeutic goal of this medication?
A. Decrease heart rate
B. Increase systemic vascular resistance
C. Increase myocardial contractility
D. Promote diuresis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Dobutamine is a positive inotrope that increases myocardial
contractility and cardiac output in patients with pump failure.
6. Which hemodynamic parameter best reflects the fluid volume status of the left ventricle?
A. Central Venous Pressure (CVP)
B. Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
C. Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP)
D. Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)
MANAGEMENT IN ACUTE CARE
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient in early septic shock typically presents with which of the following hemodynamic
profiles?
A. High Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR) and Low Cardiac Output (CO)
B. Normal SVR and Normal CO
C. High Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP) and Low CO
D. Low Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR) and High Cardiac Output (CO)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In early (hyperdynamic) septic shock, massive vasodilation
leads to decreased SVR, while the heart compensates by increasing Cardiac Output.
2. Which ventilator setting is most critical for improving oxygenation in a patient diagnosed
with ARDS?
A. Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP)
B. Low Fraction of Inspired Oxygen (FiO2)
,C. High Tidal Volume (Vt)
D. Inspiratory Flow Rate
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: PEEP improves oxygenation by recruiting collapsed alveoli and
increasing functional residual capacity in ARDS patients.
3. In the management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), which laboratory value must be
corrected or monitored closely before starting insulin therapy?
A. Serum Glucose
B. Serum Sodium
C. Bicarbonate
D. Serum Potassium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin causes potassium to shift into the cells; if the patient is
hypokalemic, insulin can cause a fatal drop in serum potassium levels.
4. Which of the following is a classic component of Cushing’s Triad, indicating increased
intracranial pressure?
A. Tachycardia
B. Widened Pulse Pressure
C. Hypotension
, D. Increased Respiratory Rate
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s Triad consists of bradycardia, irregular respirations,
and a widened pulse pressure (increased systolic BP).
5. A patient with Cardiogenic Shock is prescribed Dobutamine. What is the primary
therapeutic goal of this medication?
A. Decrease heart rate
B. Increase systemic vascular resistance
C. Increase myocardial contractility
D. Promote diuresis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Dobutamine is a positive inotrope that increases myocardial
contractility and cardiac output in patients with pump failure.
6. Which hemodynamic parameter best reflects the fluid volume status of the left ventricle?
A. Central Venous Pressure (CVP)
B. Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
C. Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP)
D. Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)
