Nokea
The nurse is caring for a young patient with a closed head injury who has an intracranial pressure of 35 (normal <20) and serum osmolality of 330 mOsm/kg. The nurse would anticipate which action?
- A. Administration of mannitol
- B. Withholding mannitol at this time, but taking other measures to reduce intracranial pressure
- C. Administration of sodium nitroprusside
- D. Taking no action at this time because the patient has a serum osmolality of 330, which will offset the effects of the elevated intracranial pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce intracranial pressure (ICP) by drawing fluid out of the brain tissue. However, it should be used cautiously in patients with elevated serum osmolality, as it can exacerbate hyperosmolality and lead to renal failure or other complications. In this case, the patient's serum osmolality is already high (330 mOsm/kg), so mannitol should be withheld, and other measures to reduce ICP, such as elevating the head of the bed, maintaining proper oxygenation, and avoiding hypercapnia, should be prioritized. Sodium nitroprusside (C) is used for hypertension, not ICP, and taking no action (D) is inappropriate given the elevated ICP.
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When a patient is experiencing digoxin toxicity, which clinical situation would necessitate the use
- A. ? (Select all that apply.)
- B. The patient reports seeing colorful halos around lights.
- C. The patient™s serum potassium level is above 5 mEq/L.
- D. The patient is experiencing nausea and anorexi
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When a patient is experiencing digoxin toxicity, severe sinus bradycardia that does not respond to cardiac pacing is a clinical situation that would necessitate the use of digoxin-specific antibody fragments (Digibind). This intervention is required to counteract the toxic effects of digoxin on the heart, especially in cases of severe bradycardia that can compromise cardiac output and lead to serious consequences. In this scenario, Digibind works by binding to digoxin molecules, thereby neutralizing their effects and helping to restore normal cardiac function.
Barbiturates are contraindicated in a dental patient with: II. emphysema III. Undiagnosed severe pain III. hypertension IV. Acute intermittent porphyria
- A. I, III & IV
- B. I & IV only
- C. II & III only
- D. II only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants that can exacerbate conditions such as emphysema, hypertension, and acute intermittent porphyria.
Liquid preparation made by boiling vegetable substances with water
- A. decoction
- B. fluid extract C solution
- C. spirits
- D. syrup
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A decoction is a liquid preparation made by boiling vegetable substances with water. This process helps extract the beneficial properties and compounds from the plant material into the liquid. Decoctions are commonly used in herbal medicine to prepare medicinal remedies by simmering roots, bark, or other plant parts in water for a period of time.
Which of the following diuretics inhibits sodium reabsorption in the kidneys while saving K+ and Hydrogen ions?
- A. Spironolactone
- B. Furosemide
- C. Hydrochlorothiazide
- D. Bumetanide
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it inhibits sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, while saving potassium and hydrogen ions. It accomplishes this by acting as an aldosterone antagonist, blocking the action of aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone that normally promotes sodium reabsorption in the kidneys and leads to potassium and hydrogen ion excretion. By inhibiting aldosterone, spironolactone promotes sodium excretion while conserving potassium and hydrogen ions.
The patient is discharged home and returns to the emergency department 4 days later. The patient is admitted to the ICU with acute decompensated HF with dyspnea at rest. The nurse anticipates administration of which medication?
- A. Atropine
- B. Carvedilol (Coreg)
- C. Lisinopril (Prinivil)
- D. Nesiritide (Natrecor)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the scenario described, the patient presents with acute decompensated heart failure (HF) with dyspnea at rest, indicating severe symptoms. Nesiritide, a recombinant B-type natriuretic peptide, is commonly used in the management of acute decompensated HF to improve symptoms of dyspnea and congestion. It acts as a vasodilator and promotes natriuresis and diuresis, helping to alleviate the symptoms of heart failure exacerbation. While other medications like Carvedilol (Coreg) and Lisinopril (Prinivil) are commonly used in chronic HF management, in this acute scenario with severe symptoms, Nesiritide would be the appropriate medication to anticipate for administration in the ICU setting. Atropine is not indicated for acute decompensated heart failure.