Assessment Flashcard 2
Rationale
D. Rationale: The Hs and Ts mnemonic, used to identify possible reversible causes of cardiac arrest, is a must-know for all healthcare providers of resuscitation. The Ts pertain to thrombosis (pulmonary and coronary), tension pneumothorax, tamponade (cardiac), and toxins.
Question
Which one of the following medical conditions is a reversible cause of cardiac arrest?
a. aortic dissection
b. acute respiratory distress syndrome
c. disseminated intravascular coagulopathy
d. tension pneumothorax
Answer
d. tension pneumothorax
Rationale
C. Rationale: The “S” in SAMPLE stands for signs and symptoms.
Question
You are assessing a trauma patient using the SAMPLE method. You know that the “S” in the mnemonic represents:
a. sex of the patient
b. speech clarity
c. signs and symptoms
d. significance of mode of injury
Answer
c. signs and symptoms
Rationale
C. Rationale: First, examine the pH. A pH < 7.35 represents acidosis. Next, look at the PCO2. A PCO2 > 45 mm Hg indicates that the problem is respiratory. Since the bicarbonate is normal, the respiratory acidosis is not compensated.
Question
You are caring for a patient in the ED. Results of the ABG shows a pH of 7.25, a PCO2 of 48 mm Hg, and a bicarbonate of 25. Your assessment of this patient’s acid base balance based on these results is:
a. metabolic acidosis
b. metabolic alkalosis
c. respiratory acidosis
d. respiratory alkalosis
Answer
c. respiratory acidosis
Rationale
A. Rationale: Tachypnea is fast breathing with a rate > 20 breaths per minute.
Question
You are monitoring an adult patient with COPD in the emergency department. It is important to monitor the patient for signs of respiratory distress, such as tachypnea. Which respiratory rate is defined as tachypneic?
a. > 20 breaths per minute
b. > 18 breaths per minute
c. > 16 breaths per minute
d. > 14 breaths per minute
Answer
a. > 20 breaths per minute