Critical Care

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Questions and Answers

Shock is characterized by widespread reduction of tissue ______ that can lead to organ damage.

perfusion

Early signs and symptoms of shock include restlessness and ______ due to cerebral hypoxia.

agitation

In shock, patients may experience ______ and tachycardia.

hypotension

Shock can progress to multiple organ dysfunction ______ if not treated promptly.

<p>syndrome</p> Signup and view all the answers

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a coagulation disorder that causes ______ and hemorrhage.

<p>thrombosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Signs and symptoms of DIC include petechia, hemoptysis, and oozing from IV sites and ______.

<p>gums</p> Signup and view all the answers

Inadequate tissue perfusion can result in Multi-Organ Dysfunction ______.

<p>Syndrome</p> Signup and view all the answers

The body’s ______ levels need to be monitored during DIC to prevent severe complications.

<p>PT/INR</p> Signup and view all the answers

Acidosis can be classified into respiratory and ______ acidosis.

<p>metabolic</p> Signup and view all the answers

High levels of PaCO2 indicate respiratory ______.

<p>acidosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Normal Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP) is between ______ mm Hg.

<p>8-13</p> Signup and view all the answers

For uncontrolled atrial fibrillation, the recommended treatment is ______.

<p>synchronized cardioversion</p> Signup and view all the answers

In cases of ventricular fibrillation or unstable ventricular tachycardia, the appropriate action is to ______.

<p>Defibrillate</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sinus bradycardia can be treated with ______.

<p>Atropine</p> Signup and view all the answers

Patients with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) should refrain from lifting their affected arm above ______ until cleared by a physician.

<p>shoulder</p> Signup and view all the answers

When there is an obstruction, the ventilator alarm will trigger a ______ alarm.

<p>High</p> Signup and view all the answers

Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) is used to maintain airway pressure above ______ pressure.

<p>atmospheric</p> Signup and view all the answers

Before a blood transfusion, you must confirm the patient's blood type and perform a ______ with another RN.

<p>crossmatch</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a transfusion reaction is suspected, you must immediately ______ the transfusion.

<p>STOP</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the first 15 minutes of a blood transfusion, it is critical to monitor the patient for signs of ______.

<p>reactions</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Shock

Widespread reduction in tissue perfusion, leading to organ damage due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.

Early Shock Symptoms

Restlessness and agitation, caused by cerebral hypoxia.

Shock S/Sx

Hypotension, tachycardia, and weak peripheral pulses.

DIC

Coagulation disorder causing both thrombosis (blood clots) and hemorrhage (bleeding).

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DIC Lab Findings

Prolonged PT & PTT, decreased fibrinogen and platelet count.

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DIC Symptoms

Petechiae, hemoptysis, oozing, GI bleeding, hypotension, and tachycardia.

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MODS

Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome; inadequate tissue perfusion and increased oxygen demands.

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ABG

Arterial Blood Gas; a blood test measuring pH, oxygen, CO2, and bicarbonate.

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Acidosis

High acid levels in the blood, low pH.

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Alkalosis

Low acid levels in the blood, high pH.

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PCWP Normal Range

8-13 mm Hg, measures left atrial pressure

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Atrial Fibrillation Treatment

Synchronized cardioversion for uncontrolled atrial fibrillation.

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Ventricular Dysrhythmias Treatment

Lidocaine for treatment of ventricular dysrhythmias

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ICD Placement

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) used for life-threatening dysrhythmias; has pacemaker capabilities

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High Ventilator Alarm

Indicates potential airway obstruction (secretions, kinked tubing, coughing).

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Low Ventilator Alarm

Indicates disconnection or a leak. Patient may stop breathing

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PEEP Purpose

Maintains airway pressure above atmospheric pressure during mechanical ventilation, improving oxygenation.

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Blood Infusion Time

Deliver blood slowly over 2-4 hours; initially within first 15 minutes, and after 15 minutes.

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Transfusion Reaction

Immediately stop the transfusion, assess symptoms, and stay with the patient until it resolves or a doctor is present

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Trach Care

Clean inner cannula, suction, and place new dressing.

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Study Notes

Critical Care - Pulmonary & Cardiac

  • Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP): Normal range 8-13 mm Hg; measures left atrial pressure.
  • Cardiac Arrhythmias Treatments:
    • Atrial fibrillation: synchronized cardioversion for uncontrolled cases.
    • Ventricular dysrhythmias: Lidocaine.
    • Ventricular fibrillation/unstable ventricular tachycardia: Defibrillate.
    • Sinus bradycardia: Atropine.
  • Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): Used for life-threatening dysrhythmias; includes pacemaker capabilities. Pt teaching: avoid lifting affected arm above shoulder until physician says OK.
  • Ventilator Alarms:
    • High Alarm: Obstruction (secretions, kinked tubing), pt coughing/gagging.
    • Low Alarm: Disconnection, leak, pt stops breathing.
    • Nursing Interventions: Assess the alarm, address the issue, assess oxygen levels, contact Respiratory Therapist and/or physician if needed.
  • Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP): Used during mechanical ventilation to maintain airway pressure above atmospheric pressure, improving oxygenation while reducing FiO2.
  • Tracheostomy Care: Clean inner cannula, suction, and dressing changes are critical; always have suction equipment at bedside.

Critical Care - Blood Transfusions

  • Blood Transfusions: Must match patient's blood type within 20 minutes, require two patient identifiers. Administer the blood cautiously, monitoring for and addressing any reactions like nausea, vomiting, chills, hypotension, fever, back and chest pain, dyspnea. Start infusion slowly (15 minutes) and observe closely. Complete blood transfusion within 2-4 hours, and flush tubing.
  • Reaction suspected: Immediately stop transfusion, disconnect tubing, monitor symptoms, and stay with the patient. Notify physician and blood bank. Document all events.

Critical Care - Shock

  • Shock: Widespread reduction of tissue perfusion due to oxygen and nutrient deprivation.
  • Early signs: Restlessness and agitation (cerebral hypoxia).
  • General signs: Hypotension, tachycardia, weak pulses.
  • Common complications: Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), respiratory distress, pleural effusion, death.
  • Nursing Interventions: Oxygen/ventilation, IV fluid resuscitation, assess vital signs, cardiac meds (varies by shock type).

Critical Care - Shock Types

  • Hypovolemic Shock: Fluid or blood loss, leads to hypotension and tachycardia, cool, pale skin.
  • Cardiogenic Shock: Inability of the heart to pump adequately, leads to diminished cardiac output, hypotension and tachycardia, cool pale skin.
  • Distributive (Vascular) Shock:
    • Anaphylactic: Allergic reaction causing widespread vasodilation, dyspnea, cough, pruritis (itching), decreased LOC, rapid pulse, hypotension.
    • Neurogenic: Spinal cord injury leading to vasodilation, bradycardia, hypotension, unusually warm and dry skin.
    • Septic: Infection causing vasodilation, hypotension, tachycardia, pale, cool skin, abnormal pulse.
  • Obstructive Shock: Obstruction blocking blood flow, leads to decreased cardiac output, hypotension, tachycardia, and changes in responsiveness, cool pale skin.

Critical Care - ABG Analysis

  • ABG (Arterial Blood Gas): Analyzes blood to determine pH balance.
  • Acidosis: Low pH.
  • Alkalosis: High pH.
  • Respiratory Acidosis: High PaCO2 (carbon dioxide) and low pH.
  • Respiratory Alkalosis: Low PaCO2 and high pH.
  • Metabolic Acidosis: Low HCO3 (bicarbonate) and low pH.
  • Metabolic Alkalosis: High HCO3 and high pH.

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