ICU/Emergency Nursing Basic Questions
and Answers
How many times can we give the shock to the patient?
As needed during cardiac arrest with shockable rhythms (VT/VF), per ACLS algorithm,
typically after every 2-minute CPR cycle.
CPR complications?
Rib fractures, internal injuries, gastric inflation, pneumothorax, liver/spleen rupture.
Depth of CPR?
Adults: At least 2 inches (5 cm), not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm).
Why do we have to put an arterial line?
Continuous BP monitoring, frequent blood gas sampling, hemodynamic monitoring.
If femoral line infection happens what to do?
Remove the line, start antibiotics, obtain blood cultures, and shift to a new sterile site.
Which arrhythmia is the most common bronchodilator side effect?
Tachycardia.
Infiltration of IV line?
Fluid enters surrounding tissue; signs: swelling, coolness, pain at site.
How do you allow full chest recoil?
Remove pressure between compressions; don’t lean on the chest.
Reassessment after 5 cycles?
Check pulse and rhythm after every 5 cycles (2 minutes).
Adult 30 chest compression, pediatric 15?
Correct for 2-rescuer CPR: Adult (30:2), Pediatric (15:2).
Because adults mostly have cardiac issues?
Yes, primary cause of arrest in adults is cardiac.
Pediatric have respiratory issues?
Yes, most pediatric arrests are secondary to respiratory failure.
Extravasation vs. Infiltration difference?
Infiltration: Non-vesicant fluid leaks.
Extravasation: Vesicant fluid leaks; more severe.
And management?
Stop infusion, elevate limb, apply cold/warm compress, document, notify doctor.
What is KPI?
Key Performance Indicator: Metrics to evaluate performance (e.g., infection rate, response
time).
What is GCS?
Glasgow Coma Scale: Assesses consciousness (Eye 4, Verbal 5, Motor 6 = Total 15).
Pain scale is what?
Numeric Rating Scale (0-10), Faces Scale (for children), FLACC, etc.
Pressure of suction machine and also time limit?
Adult: 100–120 mmHg, Child: 80–100 mmHg, Infant: 60–80 mmHg.
Duration: <15 seconds per suction attempt.
What are the cases you handle in emergency?
MI, CVA, Sepsis, Trauma, Cardiac arrest, Poisoning.
Difference between STEMI and Non-STEMI?
STEMI: ST elevation, complete blockage.
NSTEMI: No ST elevation, partial blockage.
Patient identification?
Two identifiers: Name, MRN/DOB before any procedure or medication.
Rights of medication and 10 types of isolation?
Rights: Right patient, drug, dose, route, time, documentation, reason, response, refuse,
education.
Isolation types: Contact, Droplet, Airborne, Protective, etc.
International Patient Safety Goal?
6 Goals:
1. Identify patients correctly
2. Improve communication
3. Safe medication
4. Ensure correct surgery
5. Reduce infection risk
6. Reduce harm from falls
Infection control policies?
Hand hygiene, PPE use, waste disposal, sterilization, isolation protocols.
Crash cart medication?
Epinephrine, Amiodarone, Atropine, Adenosine, Sodium Bicarbonate, Naloxone.
How many medications and their uses?
Varies; nurses should know indications, dosage, side effects of common ICU drugs.
How to give Morphine Sulfate, pressure injury, bed sore stages?
Morphine: IV/IM/oral, titrate dose, monitor vitals.
Pressure injury stages:
1. Red, unbroken skin
2. Blister/ulcer
3. Full thickness skin loss
4. Muscle/bone visible