Acute Illness Questions only

Nursing Process

• Evaluation is the final phase of the nursing process.

Cancer Risk Factors

• Smoking is a modifiable risk factor for cancer.

Causes of Cancer

• Genetic mutations are the primary cause of cancer.

Cancer Stages

• Stage IV cancer indicates metastasis.

TNM Classification System

• The TNM classification system evaluates tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis.

Cancer Therapies

• Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.

Palliative Care

• The main goal of palliative care is to improve quality of life

Cancer Treatments

• Chemotherapy uses chemicals to kill cancer cells.

Chemotherapy Side Effects

• Myelosuppression is the most common side effect of chemotherapy.

Cancer Metastasis

• The liver is the organ most commonly affected by metastasis.

Tumor Markers

• The main purpose of tumor markers is to indicate the presence of cancer.

Bone Marrow Transplant

• Graft-versus-host disease is the biggest risk of bone marrow transplant.

Hormone Therapy

• Estrogen blockers are a hormone therapy used for breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

• Nipple discharge is a symptom commonly associated with breast cancer.

Nursing Interventions

• Mild physical activity helps manage fatigue in cancer patients.

Oncologic Emergencies

• Spinal cord compression happens when a tumor compresses the spinal cord.

Febrile Neutropenia

• Increased infection risk is the major concern with febrile neutropenia.

Pain Management

• Around-the-clock pain medication is the most effective pain management strategy for chronic pain.

Cancer Treatment Side Effects

• Radiation therapy can cause skin reactions during cancer treatment.

Causes of Death in Cancer Patients

• Infection is the primary cause of death in cancer patients.

Nursing Roles

• Providing medication reconciliation is an important nursing role during transitions in care

LEARN Model

• Listen to the patient is the first step in the LEARN model for cultural competence.

Social Determinants of Health

• Income level is a social determinant of health.

Pain Assessment

• Vocalizations should be assessed in a cognitively impaired patient for pain.

OPQRSTUV Pain Assessment Model

• Onset is the first letter in the OPQRSTUV pain assessment model.

Diagnostic Testing

• Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation in the blood.

Causes of COPD

• Smoking is the most common cause of COPD.

Asthma Symptoms

• Wheezing is a hallmark sign of asthma.

Pneumonia Types

• Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is acquired outside of healthcare settings.

COPD

• Hyperinflation of the lungs and barrel chest characterize COPD.

Asthma

• "Silent chest" in asthma suggests a life-threatening bronchospasm.

Diagnosing Pulmonary Embolism.

• CT pulmonary angiography is most definitive for diagnosing a pulmonary embolism.

Asthma Attacks

• Salbutamol (Albuterol) is the first-line bronchodilator for acute asthma attacks.

Lung Cancer

• A persistent cough is the most common early symptom of lung cancer.

Breathing Techniques

• The tripod position helps a patient with COPD breathe more easily.

Assessment Findings

• Decreased breath sounds suggest a pleural effusion.

Preventing Pneumonia

• Hand hygiene and oral care is most effective in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

Complications of Pulmonary Edema

• Hypoxia is the major complication of pulmonary edema.

Pneumonia

• Purulent sputum indicates bacterial infection.

Asthma Management

• Reduction of rescue inhaler use is a primary goal in asthma management.

Cor Pulmonale

• Pulmonary hypertension is the primary cause of cor pulmonale.

COPD

• Wheezing is the most common lung sound.

Oxygen Delivery

• A non-rebreather mask provides the highest concentration of oxygen.

Pulmonary Embolism

• Anticoagulants is the first-line therapy.

COPD Exacerbation

• Respiratory acidosis is the most common ABG change.

Pulmonary Disorders

• Pulmonary edema is characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs.

COPD

• Pursed-lip breathing helps a COPD patient experiencing increased dyspnea.

Tension Pneumothorax

• Air trapped in the pleural space is the primary cause.

Asthma

• Montelukast is used for maintenance therapy.

Pneumonia

• Deep breathing and coughing helps clear secretions.

Hypertension

• Increased peripheral vascular resistance is the primary cause.
• Smoking is a modifiable risk factor.
• A blood pressure reading of 180/120 mmHg is considered a hypertensive crisis.
• Stroke is a complication of untreated hypertension.
• Diuretics are the first-line medication.

Coronary Artery Disease

• Atherosclerosis is the leading cause.
• Statins are commonly prescribed.
• Predictable chest pain is characteristic of stable angina.

Myocardial Infarction

• STEMI is the most serious type.
• Troponin cardiac enzyme is most specific.
• Initial treatment is Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin, and Morphine.
• ST-segment elevation is a key finding on ECG.
• tPA is a clot-buster.
• Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the first line of intervention for acute coronary syndrome.

Heart Failure

• Pulmonary congestion is the hallmark symptom of left-sided heart failure.
• BNP lab value is most useful in diagnosis.
• Left-sided heart failure is the most common cause of right-sided heart failure.
• Diuretics reduce fluid overload.
• Fluid restriction is the best dietary recoomendation.
• ACE inhibitors reduce afterload.
• Sudden weight gain suggests worsening heart failure.
• Peripheral edema is a common symptom of right-sided heart failure.
• Semi-Fowler's position improves breathing.
• Echocardiogram measures ejection fraction.

Patient Prioritization

• Chest pain with ST elevation should be assessed first.

Heart Rhythms

• The normal PR interval range is 0.12-0.20 sec.
• Atropine is the initial treatment for symptomatic bradycardia.
• Thrombus formation increases stroke risk in AFib patients.
• Defibrillation + CPR is the treatment for pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
• Ventricular fibrillation requires immediate defibrillation.
• Beta-blockers is used for rate control in AFib.
• Synchronized cardioversion restores sinus rhythm in unstable tachydysrhythmias.
• A stroke is a possible complication of AFib.
• Ventricular fibrillation is associated with no cardiac output.
• Epinephrine is used first-line for asystole.
• The recommended energy level for defibrillation is 120-200 joules.
• Syncope is a key sign of worsening sinus bradycardia.
• A pacemaker is required for complete heart block.
• Wide QRS complexes characterizes ventricular tachycardia.
• Defibrillation is the most effective treatment for VFib.

ECG Findings

• Irregularly irregular rhythm is characteristic of atrial fibrillation on an ECG.

Ventricular Fibrillation

• Epinephrine is the first-line medication after defibrillation.

Pulseless Electrical Activity

• CPR and epinephrine is the priority action.

Synchronized Cardioversion

• The recommended energy level in atrial fibrillation is 50-100 joules.

Pulse Deficit

• Atrial fibrillation is most commonly associated with pulse deficit..

Premature Ventricular Contractions

• Wide and distorted QRS complexes is a key feature.

Complete Heart Block

• A permanent pacemaker is the preferred treatment.

Supraventricular Tachycardia

• Adenosine is used to terminate SVT.

Myocardial Ischemia

• T wave inversion is most concerning on an ECG.

Cardiac Arrest

• Ventricular fibrillation is most likely to result in cardiac arrest.

Stroke Assessment

• Airway, breathing, circulation (ABCs) is the most important initial assessment.
• A CT scan is performed first.
• Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is used for ischemic stroke within 4.5 hours.

Right-Brain Stroke Symptoms

• Impulsivity is more common.

Increased Intracranial Pressure

• Elevate HOB to 30 degrees.

Early Signs of Increased Intracranial Pressure

• Altered level of consciousness.

Cushing's Triad

• Hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular breathing.

Seizure Precautions

• Turn the patient on their side

Hemorrhagic Stroke

• Blood pressure must be controlled.

Aspiration Prevention

• Elevate HOB 90 degrees while eating.

Stroke Risk Factors

• Hypertension is a major risk factor.

Status Epilepticus

• Administer IV lorazepam.

Stroke Symptoms

• Sudden facial droop requires immediate action.

Stroke Prevention

• DASH diet is recommended.

Increased Intracranial Pressure

• Mannitol reduces brain swelling
• HOB should be at 30 degrees.
• Clustered nursing care should be avoided.

Postictal Phase

• Recovery phase.

Post-Stroke Care

• Keep NPO until swallow reflex is evaluated.

Hemorrhagic Stroke Concerns

• Rebleeding.

Neurological Assessment

• Lumbar puncture evaluates cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for infection.

Head Injuries

• Sudden decrease in level of consciousness is most concerning.

Hemorrhagic Stroke Medications

• Aspirin should be avoided.

Stroke Symptoms

• Obtain a stat CT scan.

Preventing DVT

• Applying SCDs (Sequential Compression Devices) helps prevent deep vein thrombosis.

Type 1 Diabetes

• Polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia is the hallmark symptom.

Diabetes Control

• A1C blood test is most useful for long-term control.
• A random glucose level of 12.5 mmol/L confirms diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

• Metformin is the first-line medication.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

• Kussmaul respirations is a key symptom.
• HHS does not have ketoacidosis.

Hypoglycemia

• Give a conscious patient 15g of glucose and recheck in 15 min.

Diabetic Complications

• Nephropathy affects the kidneys.

Insulin

• Lispro should be given a meal time.

Blood Glucose

• Exercise lowers blood glucose.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome

• IV fluids should be administered first.

Metformin

• Lactic acidosis is a risk in hospitalized patients.

Somogyi Effect

• Nocturnal hypoglycemia can cause a rebound hyperglycemia.

Insulin Types

• Glargine has no peak and lasts 24 hrs.

Preventing Complications

• Monitor blood glucose regularly.

Hypoglycemia

• Sweating and tremors are signs.

Diabetes Diets

• Low-fat, balanced meals are best.

Diabetic Foot Care

• Walking barefoot should be avoided.

Diabetic Nephropathy

• Urine microalbumin is the most specific test.

Sulfonylureas

• Stimulate insulin release.