The nurse takes an admission history on a patient with possible asthma who has new-onset wheezing and shortness of breath. Which information may indicate a need for a change in therapy?

A patient comes to the ER with complaints of confusion and polyuria. Upon obtaining labs, the patient’s blood glucose is 881. Which of the following best describes the potential diagnosis and priority intervention in management of this condition?

Care of the patient following a cardiac arrest includes several different modalities affecting various organs of the body, which treatment is most effective to improve neurological outcome?

A patient in the ICU has been diagnosed with hemorrhagic shock – which of the following is the most reliable indicator in regards to assessing perfusion status?

A patient with a 3rd degree heart block becomes acutely hypotensive. Transcutaneous pacing has been started. The RN knows this method of pacing is very uncomfortable. Which of the following is a contraindication to starting an IV hydromorphone drip?

The critical care nurse is preparing to initiate an infusion of a vasoactive medication to a patient in shock. The nurse knows that vasoactive medications are given in all forms of shock. What is the primary goal of this aspect of treatment?

Beta blockers, or class II antiarrhythmics, are utilized for a variety of different rhythms. All of the following medications are considered beta blockers except? 

A nurse reviews the laboratory findings of a patient with fever and pain on urination. The CBC laboratory report notes a elevated neutrophill and band cell counts, and a “shift to the left” in a patient’s white blood cell count. What action would the nurse take?

You are caring for a patient post-CABG with an ejection fraction of 15% and hemodynamic instability. Which of the following medications do you anticipate utilizing to improve cardiac output? 

A patient with mitral stenosis is admitted to the cardiac unit – the nurse understands which of the following is true regarding this diagnosis?