PCCN CARDIAC AND SHOCK MANAGEMENT EXAM 2026 WITH 100% ACCURATE ANSWERS

A patient in septic shock is being treated with dobutamine. If the patient

begins to show signs of tachycardia and hypotension, what should the

nurse do next?

Monitor the patient closely and adjust the dobutamine dosage

as needed.

Administer a bolus of IV fluids without further assessment.

Immediately discontinue the dobutamine infusion.

Increase the dobutamine dosage to the maximum limit.

2. Describe how dobutamine affects cardiac output and urine output in

patients.

Dobutamine has no effect on cardiac output but increases urine

output.

Dobutamine increases cardiac output by enhancing heart rate

and contractility, which also leads to increased urine output.

Dobutamine only affects heart rate without impacting urine

output.

Dobutamine decreases cardiac output by lowering heart rate and

contractility, resulting in decreased urine output.

3. What is the primary risk associated with the use of gentamicin in older

patients?

Acute hepatic failure

Acute delirium

Sepsis

Acute kidney injury

4. The patient is 72 hours post-op for CABG. The patient's vital signs

include 103°F temperature, heart rate of 112 BPM, respiratory rate of 22,

blood pressure of 101/58 mmHg, and oxygen saturation of 94% on 3%

nasal cannula. The nurse suspects the patient has developed what

problem?

cardiac tamponade and notifies MD asap

delirium caused by elevated temperature

infection and notifies MD asap

infection, which is common post-op so monitor the patient

5. A client develops sudden onset dyspnea, a respiratory rate of 36

breaths per minute, and pink, frothy sputum. Which diuretic should the

nurse anticipate administering as ordered