ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Cardiac Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is preparing to measure the thermodilution cardaiabicrb o.cuomtp/tuest t (TdCO) in a patient being monitored with a pulmonary artery catheter. Which action by the nurse best ensures the safety of the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid infusing vasoactive agents in the port used to obtain the TdCO measurement. This action ensures patient safety by preventing the introduction of vasoactive agents directly into the bloodstream during the measurement process. Infusing vasoactive agents can lead to inaccurate TdCO readings and potentially harm the patient.
Choice A is incorrect because zero referencing the transducer system at the level of the phlebostatic axis is important for accurate pressure monitoring but not directly related to TdCO measurement safety.
Choice C is incorrect as maintaining a pressure of 300 mm Hg on the flush solution bag is not directly related to the safety of TdCO measurement.
Choice D is incorrect as limiting the length of noncompliant pressure tubing is important for accurate pressure readings but not directly related to the safety of TdCO measurement.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse cites evidence-based practice as a rationale for a patient care decision. What isthe best description of evidence-based practice?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Use of best available research data. Evidence-based practice involves integrating the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to make informed decisions about patient care. It emphasizes using scientifically proven data to guide practice and improve patient outcomes. Expert legal testimony (
A) is not necessarily evidence-based. Evolution of nursing practice over time (
C) does not specifically focus on research data. Individual optimization of patient outcomes (
D) is a goal of evidence-based practice, but it does not fully encompass the concept.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a child's weight and height during a clinic visit prior to starting school. The nurse plots the child's weight on the growth chart and notes that the child's weight is in the 95th percentile for the child's height. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Question the type and quantity of foods eaten in a typical day. When a child's weight is in the 95th percentile for their height, it indicates possible overweight or obesity.
To address this, the nurse should assess the child's dietary habits to identify any unhealthy eating patterns contributing to excess weight. By questioning the type and quantity of foods eaten, the nurse can provide appropriate guidance on nutrition and healthy eating habits.
Summary:
B: Encouraging additional snacks may further contribute to weight gain and is not recommended without knowing the current eating habits.
C: Recommending a high intake of whole milk may increase calorie intake and potentially worsen the weight concern.
D: Assessing for signs of poor nutrition, such as a pale appearance, is important but not directly addressing the weight concern in this scenario.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with end-stage heart failure is experiencing consaibdirebr.caobmle/te dsty spnea. What is the appropriate pharmacological management of this symptom ?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administration of morphine, 5 mg IV bolus, and initiation of a continuous morphine infusion. Morphine is the preferred pharmacological management for severe dyspnea in end-stage heart failure due to its potent analgesic and anxiolytic properties.
Step-by-step rationale:
1. Morphine is a potent opioid that helps relieve dyspnea by reducing anxiety, decreasing respiratory drive, and improving overall comfort.
2. The initial IV bolus of 5 mg provides rapid relief of dyspnea.
3. Initiating a continuous morphine infusion ensures sustained relief of dyspnea.
4. Midazolam (choice
A) is a benzodiazepine used for sedation and anxiety, but it is not the first-line treatment for dyspnea in this scenario.
5. Increasing the midazolam (choice
C) or morphine (choice
D) infusions by 100% dose increments hourly is not appropriate as
Question 5 of 5
A 20-year-old patient arrives in the emergency department (ED) several hours after taking 25 to 30 acetaminophen (Tylenol) tablets. Which action will the nurse plan to take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Give N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst). N-acetylcysteine is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose. It helps replenish glutathione, which is depleted by acetaminophen metabolism. This prevents liver damage.
Choice B, chelation therapy, is not indicated for acetaminophen overdose.
Choice C, oxygen therapy, is not directly related to acetaminophen overdose treatment.
Choice D, drinking water, will not address the overdose and may not be safe in high doses.
Therefore, the best course of action is to administer N-acetylcysteine to prevent liver damage in acetaminophen overdose.