These NCLEX-RN practice questions target emergency — including PEA, Pulseless Electrical Activity, Ventricular Fibrillation. The complete NCLEX-RN deck holds 1030 flashcards, 10 of them dedicated to this topic. Study the free samples below, then unlock the whole collection for a one-time $7.
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During a code blue, the nurse monitors the quality of chest compressions. What specific parameters define high-quality CPR for an adult patient according to current standards?
Show answer →1. Rate: 100–120 bpm. 2. Depth: 2–2.4 inches (5–6 cm). 3. Recoil: Allow full chest recoil between compressions (prevents impaired venous return). 4. Interruptions: Minimize to <10 seconds. 5. Ventilation: 2 breaths every 30 compressions (if no advanced airway) or 1 breath every 6 seconds (with advanced airway). Exam Tip: NCLEX often tests the switch frequency—compressors should rotate every 2 minutes or 5 cycles to prevent fatigue and maintain quality.
A patient becomes unresponsive and the monitor shows Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA). After starting compressions, what is the nurse's next priority action regarding electrical therapy?
Show answer →The priority is to NOT shock. PEA and Asystole are non-shockable rhythms. Management focus is high-quality CPR and Epinephrine 1 mg every 3–5 minutes. The nurse should also search for and treat reversible causes (H's and T's). Exam Tip: NCLEX tests your ability to distinguish shockable (VF/Pulseless VT) from non-shockable (PEA/Asystole) rhythms. Shocking PEA/Asystole is a common distractor that delays effective treatment.
A patient's family member enters the room during active resuscitation and is visibly distressed. According to evidence-based practice, what is the most appropriate nursing action?
Show answer →Allow the family member to stay in the room if they wish, provided there is a designated staff member (e.g., chaplain, social worker, or nurse) to support them and explain the procedures. Rationale: Family presence during CPR helps with the grieving process and provides closure, as long as it does not interfere with the code. Exam Tip: NCSBN emphasizes patient-centered care; escorting family out is usually the wrong answer unless they are interfering with life-saving measures.
During CPR, the nurse notes the end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) reading is consistently 8 mmHg. How should the nurse interpret this finding and what action is required?
Show answer →An ETCO2 <10 mmHg indicates poor quality compressions or low cardiac output. The nurse should evaluate and improve compression depth/rate and ensure full chest recoil. If ETCO2 suddenly jumps to 35–45 mmHg, it is a primary indicator of Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC). Rationale: ETCO2 reflects cardiac output during CPR. Exam Tip: NCLEX focuses on objective data to guide interventions; ETCO2 is the gold standard for monitoring CPR effectiveness and ROSC.
A patient remains in Ventricular Fibrillation after three shocks and two doses of Epinephrine. The provider orders an antiarrhythmic. What is the first-line medication and the correct initial dose?
Show answer →Amiodarone is the first-line antiarrhythmic for shock-refractory VF/pVT. Initial dose: 300 mg IV/IO bolus. A second dose of 150 mg can be given if VF/pVT persists. Alternatively, Lidocaine (1–1.5 mg/kg) can be used. Rationale: Antiarrhythmics help stabilize the myocardial membrane to facilitate successful defibrillation. Exam Tip: NCLEX may ask about the sequence: Shock -> CPR -> Shock -> CPR/Epi -> Shock -> CPR/Amiodarone.
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1,030 NCLEX-RN question-and-answer cards across 21 topics, written for this exam. Refund policy.
The full NCLEX-RN deck contains 1030 flashcards, and 10 of them focus on emergency. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our NCLEX-RN deck dedicates 10 of 1030 cards (1%) to emergency — always cross-check the official NCSBN exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
Yes — the samples on this page are free, and the NCLEX-RN preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1030 cards is a one-time $7.
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