Emergencies happen fast, and every nurse must be ready to respond. On the NCLEX, you’ll often see questions about quick priorities in life-threatening conditions like shock, sepsis, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke. In real life, these situations require clear thinking, rapid action, and good teamwork. That’s why “emergency crash cards” are a great way for an RN nurse or student to remember the steps quickly.
This guide breaks down each emergency, what to look for, and what to do right away.
🩸 Shock: Types and Nursing Priorities
What it is:
Shock happens when the body can’t deliver enough blood and oxygen to the tissues. Types include hypovolemic (blood loss), cardiogenic (heart pump failure), distributive (like septic or anaphylactic), and obstructive (PE, tamponade).
Early Signs:
- Restlessness, anxiety
- Tachycardia
- Low urine output
- Cool, clammy skin
Nursing Priorities:
- Airway, breathing, circulation (ABCs) first
- Give oxygen
- Start IV access and fluids (normal saline, LR) unless contraindicated
- Monitor blood pressure and urine output
- Prepare for vasopressors if fluids don’t help
💡 NCLEX tip: Always stabilize ABCs before giving medications.
🦠 Sepsis: The Silent Killer
What it is:
A life-threatening infection that spreads into the bloodstream, causing organ damage and septic shock.
Key Red Flags:
- Fever or hypothermia
- Tachycardia, tachypnea
- Low blood pressure
- Confusion or altered mental status
- High lactate levels
Nursing Priorities (The “Sepsis Bundle”):
- Blood cultures before antibiotics
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics ASAP
- IV fluids to support blood pressure
- Monitor urine output and lactate
- Oxygen to maintain SpO₂ > 94%
💡 NCLEX tip: Giving antibiotics quickly can be life-saving—do not delay.
❤️ Myocardial Infarction (MI): “Heart Attack”
What it is:
Blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to tissue death.
Classic Symptoms:
- Chest pain/pressure radiating to arm, neck, or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating, nausea, vomiting
- Anxiety or feeling of doom
Nursing Priorities (MONA):
- Morphine for pain
- Oxygen
- Nitroglycerin (check BP first)
- Aspirin (antiplatelet)
Also:
- Place patient on ECG monitor
- Get IV access
- Notify provider/cardiology team
💡 NCLEX tip: Administer aspirin first unless contraindicated.
🧠 Stroke: Ischemic vs. Hemorrhagic
What it is:
- Ischemic stroke: clot blocks blood flow
- Hemorrhagic stroke: bleeding in the brain
Warning Signs (FAST):
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech slurred
- Time to call emergency
Nursing Priorities:
- Airway and oxygen first
- Do CT scan to determine ischemic vs. hemorrhagic
- For ischemic: prepare for tPA (thrombolytic) if within time window
- For hemorrhagic: no anticoagulants, manage blood pressure, prep for neurosurgery
- Frequent neuro checks
💡 NCLEX tip: Never give tPA until hemorrhage has been ruled out by imaging.
📌 Why Crash Cards Help Nurses
Emergency crash cards act as quick cheat sheets for registered nurses (RNs) and nursing students. They help in:
- NCLEX prep
- Clinical practice
- Reducing anxiety during simulations or codes
- Giving clear step-by-step guidance during real emergencies
Many nursing bundles include emergency reference cards, so students can practice recalling priorities quickly.
✅ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re preparing for the NCLEX, practicing as a nurse, or learning in clinicals as an RN nurse, knowing how to act in emergencies is essential. Shock, sepsis, MI, and stroke all require fast recognition and quick interventions. By studying and practicing with crash cards, you’ll be ready to respond with confidence and keep your patients safe.