Questions and Detailed Answers
Under what circumstances can the hospital transfer an unstable patient to another
facility and maintain compliance with the Emergency medical treatment and active
labor act (EMTALA)? - ANSWER -the necessary treatment is not available at the
current hospital.
What is the appropriate intervention for patients with acute respiratory distress
syndrome (ARDS)? - ANSWER -mechanical ventilation
What is a common assessment finding in a patient with a tension pneumothorax? -
ANSWER -distended neck veins
During cardiogenic shock, what temporary intervention might be ordered to
improve perfusion until definitive treatment is provided? - ANSWER -inotropic
infusion
Acute deficiency of cortisol and aldosterone can lead to what severe life-
threatening condition? - ANSWER -adrenal crisis
What is the current recommended dose of intravenous or intraosseous epinephrine
in adult patients with cardiac arrest? - ANSWER -1 mg every 3-5 minutes
A patient presents to the lobby stating she thinks she is in active labor. Your
facility doesn't have a labor and delivery unit. What is the next action you would
take? - ANSWER -have an ED provider perform a medical screening exam to
determine if she is in active labor.
A patient who is suspected of having hyperkalemia is most likely to have what
ECG changes? - ANSWER -Tall, peaked T waves
A patient with a history of chronic alcohol use is brought in with possible
esophageal varices. What medication is used to stop under gastrointestinal (GI)
bleeding is patients with this condition? - ANSWER -Octreotide (Sandostatin)
, What type of medication is used in the emergency care setting to help manage the
symptoms of alcohol withdrawal? - ANSWER -Benzodiazepines
You are administering haloperidol (Haldol) to a patient with acute symptoms of
Schizophrenia. What changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) are possible as a
result of this medication? - ANSWER -Prolonged QT interval
A patient with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is most likely to suffer from what
condition? - ANSWER -Diabetes Insipidus
A confused patient is trying to grasp at their IV with their right hand. Which is the
LEAST restrictive measure to maintain patient safety? - ANSWER -Safety "mitt"
for right hand only
A patient is brought in for a potential overdose of heroin. What is the PRIORITY
nursing intervention? - ANSWER -maintaining airway and breathing
What symptom is commonly seen in patients with alcohol withdrawal? -
ANSWER -Tachycardia
A patient arrives with acute onset of central chest pain. The patient is tachycardic
and tachypneic and appears very anxious and restless. What would be the most
important initial intervention for this patient? - ANSWER -administer oxygen
What is the critical goal time from arrival to the ED to CT brain scan based on the
American Heart Association stroke recommendations? - ANSWER -25 minutes
A patient is complaining of a burning sensation in both eyes with pain, redness,
swelling and purulent discharge. The visual assessment using the Snellen chart
reveals no changes in vision. You anticipate that the patient has signs and
symptoms of: - ANSWER -Conjunctivitis
You are caring for a patient who has a history of alcohol use and seizures. You
suddenly notice the patient becoming diaphoretic, anxious, tachycardic and has
clammy skin. What would you do NEXT? - ANSWER -Check their blood glucose
A patient presents with an acute onset of chest pain and goes into cardiac arrest
immediately upon arrival. What is a possible reversible cause of cardiac arrest? -
ANSWER -Tension Pneumothorax