Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Related

Review Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions related questions and content

The charge nurse is supervising the care of four critical ca re patients being monitored using invasive hemodynamic modalities. Which patient should t he charge nurse evaluate first?

  • A. A patient in cardiogenic shock with a cardiac output (CabOirb). coofm 2/te.0st L/min
  • B. A patient with a pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PA P) of 20 mm Hg
  • C. A hypovolemic patient with a central venous pressure (CVP) of 6 mm Hg
  • D. A patient with a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) of 10 mm Hg
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the patient in cardiogenic shock with a cardiac output of 2.0 L/min is experiencing a life-threatening condition that requires immediate evaluation. Cardiogenic shock indicates poor cardiac function, which can lead to multi-organ failure. Monitoring cardiac output is crucial in managing these patients.

Choice B is incorrect because a pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 20 mm Hg is within normal range and does not indicate an immediate life-threatening condition.

Choice C is incorrect because a CVP of 6 mm Hg in a hypovolemic patient may indicate volume depletion, but it is not as urgent as the patient in cardiogenic shock.

Choice D is incorrect because a PAOP of 10 mm Hg is within normal range and does not suggest an immediate critical condition.