Critical Care Final Exam
A patient with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has just been admitted to the ICU. What initial
study should the nurse anticipate in this patient? - correct answer-Computed tomography
(CT) scan of the head
While caring for a patient with a traumatic brain injury, the nurse assesses an ICP of 22
mmHG and a CPP of 82 mmHg. What is the best interpretation by the nurse? - correct
answer-ICP is high; CPP is normal
The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient with a brain injury. ABG values
indicate a PaCO2 of 60 mmHG. The nurse understands this value to have which effect on
cerebral blood flow? - correct answer-Increased cerebral blood volume due to vessel dilation
What scale allows for a quick standardized neurological assessment and aids in determining
the severity of a stroke? - correct answer-NIHSS
MAP - ICP = - correct answer-CPP
Which of the following findings require immediate nursing interventions in a patient with
traumatic brain injury? Select all that apply.
A. Mean arterial pressure 45 mmHg
B. nonreactive pupils
C. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
D. elevated serum blood alcohol level - correct answer-a, b, c
A patient received altelplase (t-PA) for an ischemic stroke. The nurse caring for the patient
understands that during the first 24 hours after thrombolytic therapy for ischemic stroke, the
primary goal is to gain control of the client's: - correct answer-blood pressure
An elderly patient is admittted to the emergency department form the nursing home with
sudden onset of a decrease in level of consciousness and right-sided paralysis. Head CT
reveals a 3 x 2 cm deep, left hemispheric hemorrhage. The patient is on warfairn for atrial
flutter with an INR of 7.0. What treatment is indicated for aggressive correction of warfarin? -
correct answer-Vitamin K, FFP
The nurse has just received a patient from the emergency department with an admitting
diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. To prevent the spread of nosocomial infections to other
patients the patient should be placed on droplet precautions. True or False? - correct
answer-True
A patient is admitted to the Neuro ICU after suffering a TBI from a car accident. The patient
is exhibiting early signs of increased intracranial pressure. Which of the following is NOT an
early sign of increased ICP?
A. headache
A patient with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has just been admitted to the ICU. What initial
study should the nurse anticipate in this patient? - correct answer-Computed tomography
(CT) scan of the head
While caring for a patient with a traumatic brain injury, the nurse assesses an ICP of 22
mmHG and a CPP of 82 mmHg. What is the best interpretation by the nurse? - correct
answer-ICP is high; CPP is normal
The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient with a brain injury. ABG values
indicate a PaCO2 of 60 mmHG. The nurse understands this value to have which effect on
cerebral blood flow? - correct answer-Increased cerebral blood volume due to vessel dilation
What scale allows for a quick standardized neurological assessment and aids in determining
the severity of a stroke? - correct answer-NIHSS
MAP - ICP = - correct answer-CPP
Which of the following findings require immediate nursing interventions in a patient with
traumatic brain injury? Select all that apply.
A. Mean arterial pressure 45 mmHg
B. nonreactive pupils
C. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
D. elevated serum blood alcohol level - correct answer-a, b, c
A patient received altelplase (t-PA) for an ischemic stroke. The nurse caring for the patient
understands that during the first 24 hours after thrombolytic therapy for ischemic stroke, the
primary goal is to gain control of the client's: - correct answer-blood pressure
An elderly patient is admittted to the emergency department form the nursing home with
sudden onset of a decrease in level of consciousness and right-sided paralysis. Head CT
reveals a 3 x 2 cm deep, left hemispheric hemorrhage. The patient is on warfairn for atrial
flutter with an INR of 7.0. What treatment is indicated for aggressive correction of warfarin? -
correct answer-Vitamin K, FFP
The nurse has just received a patient from the emergency department with an admitting
diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. To prevent the spread of nosocomial infections to other
patients the patient should be placed on droplet precautions. True or False? - correct
answer-True
A patient is admitted to the Neuro ICU after suffering a TBI from a car accident. The patient
is exhibiting early signs of increased intracranial pressure. Which of the following is NOT an
early sign of increased ICP?
A. headache
