NR 341 Exam #1 Critical Care & Respiratory Nursing Exam Study Guide | Fluid Volume Deficit & Fluid Overload Assessment, Electrolyte Imbalances (Hypokalemia, Hyperkalemia, Hyponatremia, Hypernatremia), ABG Interpretation & PaO2 Oxygenation, Pneumonia Nursi

NR 341 Exam #1 Critical Care & Respiratory Nursing Exam Study Guide | Fluid Volume Deficit & Fluid Overload Assessment, Electrolyte Imbalances (Hypokalemia, Hyperkalemia, Hyponatremia, Hypernatremia), ABG Interpretation & PaO2 Oxygenation, Pneumonia Nursing Diagnosis & Gas Exchange Management, IV Antibiotic Anaphylaxis Monitoring, Steroid-Induced Hyperglycemia, Metered Dose Inhaler Administration Steps, Tuberculosis Airborne Precautions & PPD/QuantiFERON Testing, TB Pharmacology (Rifampin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol), Chest Tube 3-Chamber Drainage System Management, Pleural Effusion & Thoracentesis Complications, Atelectasis Prevention with Incentive Spirometry, Pulmonary Embolism Signs, Spiral CT Diagnosis & Heparin Therapy, Protamine Sulfate Antidote, Platelet Monitoring & HIT Recognition, Home Oxygen Safety & Humidification, Tracheostomy Suctioning & Emergency Replacement, Mechanical Ventilation Nursing Care, ET Tube Dislodgement Management Exam Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026 What are the signs of fluid volume deficit? Tachycardia, hypotension, low urine output, dry mouth, poor skin turgor, weight loss over time, muscle weakness, fatigue, inc. hematocrit What are signs of fluid volume overload? Dec. hematocrit, hypertension, high RR, bounding pulses, pitting edema, crackles in the lungs What are the s/s of hypokalemia? Potassium levels 3.5 Shallow respirations, orthostatic hypotension, cardiac changes, weakness of accessory muscles, decreased reflexes What are the s/s of hyperkalemia? Potassium levels 5.0 Tired, weak, n/v, difficulty breathing, numbness and tingling, dysrhythmias What are the s/s of hyponatremia? Sodium levels 135 Restlessness, n/v, headache, confusion, seizure, coma, death What are the s/s of hypernatremia? Sodium levels 145 Extreme thirst, flushed skin, fever, confusion, muscle twitching What is the normal range of PaO2? What is the most accurate way to determine oxygenation level? 80-100 A blood draw is the most accurate way to determine O2 level What is an important consideration when administering IV antibiotics for the tx of pneumonia? Look for signs of anaphylaxis (itchy IV site, dizziness, SOB). Stop the infusion, inc. the head of bed, listen to breath sounds, call HCP. What lab levels should be monitored when a pt is receiving steroids for the tx of pneumonia? Blood glucose levels should be monitored closely b/c steroids cause an inc. in glucose levels What are the appropriate steps for the administration of a meter-dose inhaler? 1. Inhale deeply then exhale completely. 2. Place lips on mouthpiece. 3. Push down and breath in deeply for 2-3 secs. 4. Hold breath for 10 secs or for as long as possible. 5. Exhale slowly through pursed lips. 6. Wait 60 secs between puffs. *Use a B2 agonist first prior to inhaled steroids. Rinse mouth and wash mouthpiece after use.