PROGRESSIVE CARE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Pericarditis - ANS Inflammation of the pericardium, CP that goes away w/ mvmt and relieved
w/ NSAIDS; ST elevation; Sharp, stabbing CP
Pericardial Effusion - ANS Accumulation of fluid in the pericardium (the sac around the
heart); complication of pericarditis;
-SOB, orthopnea, tachycardia (sx of HF)
-TX: NSAIDS----> Pericardiocentesis (depending on severity)
Pericardiocentesis - ANS surgical puncture to aspirate fluid from the sac surrounding the
heart
Cardiac Tamponade - ANS acute compression of the heart caused by fluid accumulation in
the pericardial cavity
-s/sx: decreased CO, tachycardia, dyspea
-ECHO
-Pericardiocentesis
Hallmark of tamponade: Beck's triade - ANS Muffled heart sounds, Distended jugular neck
veins, hypotension
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, Carotid Endarterectomy - ANS The surgical removal of the lining of a portion of clogged
carotid artery leading to the brain. This is done to reduce the risk of a stroke caused by a
disruption of blood flow to the brain.
Carotid Endarterectomy RN - ANS -Frequent neuro checks
-Close BP monitoring
-Airway monitoring
-Monitoring for hematoma formation
IVC filter - ANS Hemodynamically stable management for PE if anticoagulation
contraindicated; recent trauma
-Placed just below renal arteries
Abdominal aortic aneurysm - ANS Monitor
control BP
Surgery/repair
Emphysema (COPD breakdown) - ANS destruction of the alveoli, over time they become
constricted and lose their ability to expand
Bronchitis - ANS Increased mucous and inflammation; narrowing of bronchi, scar damage
(becomes chronic after 3 cases of acute)
Pulmonary Embolism - ANS A blood clot that breaks off from a large vein and travels to the
blood vessels of the lung, causing obstruction of blood flow.
Virchow's Triad - ANS Risk factors for PE: Stasis of Blood flow (immobility),
hypercoagulability, injury or damage (postop pts), CA pt's,
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Pericarditis - ANS Inflammation of the pericardium, CP that goes away w/ mvmt and relieved
w/ NSAIDS; ST elevation; Sharp, stabbing CP
Pericardial Effusion - ANS Accumulation of fluid in the pericardium (the sac around the
heart); complication of pericarditis;
-SOB, orthopnea, tachycardia (sx of HF)
-TX: NSAIDS----> Pericardiocentesis (depending on severity)
Pericardiocentesis - ANS surgical puncture to aspirate fluid from the sac surrounding the
heart
Cardiac Tamponade - ANS acute compression of the heart caused by fluid accumulation in
the pericardial cavity
-s/sx: decreased CO, tachycardia, dyspea
-ECHO
-Pericardiocentesis
Hallmark of tamponade: Beck's triade - ANS Muffled heart sounds, Distended jugular neck
veins, hypotension
COPYRIGHT © 2025 THESTAR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, Carotid Endarterectomy - ANS The surgical removal of the lining of a portion of clogged
carotid artery leading to the brain. This is done to reduce the risk of a stroke caused by a
disruption of blood flow to the brain.
Carotid Endarterectomy RN - ANS -Frequent neuro checks
-Close BP monitoring
-Airway monitoring
-Monitoring for hematoma formation
IVC filter - ANS Hemodynamically stable management for PE if anticoagulation
contraindicated; recent trauma
-Placed just below renal arteries
Abdominal aortic aneurysm - ANS Monitor
control BP
Surgery/repair
Emphysema (COPD breakdown) - ANS destruction of the alveoli, over time they become
constricted and lose their ability to expand
Bronchitis - ANS Increased mucous and inflammation; narrowing of bronchi, scar damage
(becomes chronic after 3 cases of acute)
Pulmonary Embolism - ANS A blood clot that breaks off from a large vein and travels to the
blood vessels of the lung, causing obstruction of blood flow.
Virchow's Triad - ANS Risk factors for PE: Stasis of Blood flow (immobility),
hypercoagulability, injury or damage (postop pts), CA pt's,
COPYRIGHT © 2025 THESTAR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
