ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Cardiac Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse understands that many strategies are available to address ethical issues that may occur; these strategies include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ethics consultation services. These services involve seeking guidance from experts to navigate complex ethical dilemmas. They provide in-depth analysis and recommendations based on ethical principles, helping healthcare professionals make informed decisions. Change-of-shift report updates (
A) are essential for continuity of care but do not directly address ethical issues. Formal multiprofessional ethics committees (
C) are valuable for reviewing policies and addressing systemic ethical concerns but may not be readily available for immediate guidance. Pastoral care services (
D) offer spiritual support but may not always have the expertise to handle complex ethical dilemmas. Ethics consultation services (
B) are the most suitable option for addressing specific ethical issues promptly and effectively.
Question 2 of 5
Which is likely the most common recollection from a patie nt who required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Difficulty communicating. When a patient undergoes endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, they are unable to speak normally. This leads to frustration and anxiety due to the inability to communicate effectively with healthcare providers and loved ones. The lack of communication can also impact their emotional well-being.
Choices B, C, and D are less likely as the most common recollection because patients might not remember feeling uncomfortable, experiencing pain, or having sleep disruption during sedation and ventilation. Additionally, the inability to communicate is a primary concern for patients in this situation.
Question 3 of 5
When assisting with the placement of a pulmonary artery (PA) catheter, the nurse notes that the catheter is correctly placed when the monitor shows a:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Step-by-step rationale for Answer D being correct:
1. PA catheter measures PA pressures.
2. PAWP reflects left atrial pressure.
3. Correct placement shows typical PAWP tracing.
4. PA pressure waveform (
A) is not specific to PAWP.
5. Systemic arterial pressure tracing (
B) is unrelated.
6. Systemic vascular resistance tracing (
C) is not monitored by PA catheter.
Question 4 of 5
The patient’s significant other is terrified by the prospect o f removing life-sustaining treatments from the patient and asks why anyone would do that. What explanation should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it explains that the decision to remove life-sustaining treatments is based on the fact that these treatments are not helping the patient and may actually be causing discomfort. This rationale aligns with the principle of beneficence, which emphasizes doing good and avoiding harm to the patient. It also respects the patient's autonomy by prioritizing their well-being and quality of life.
Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on financial reasons rather than the patient's best interest.
Choice B is incorrect because it prioritizes hospital resources over individual patient care.
Choice D is incorrect as it lacks clarity and may come across as insensitive to the significant other's concerns.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse cares for a terminally ill patient who is experiencing pain that is continuous and severe. How should the nurse schedule the administration of opioid pain medications?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Give around-the-clock routine administration of analgesics. This is the best approach for managing continuous and severe pain in a terminally ill patient. By providing scheduled doses of opioid pain medications, the nurse ensures a consistent level of pain relief, preventing peaks and troughs in pain control. This approach also helps in preventing the patient from experiencing unnecessary suffering.
Choice B (PRN doses) may lead to inadequate pain control as the patient may wait too long before requesting medication.
Choice C (keeping the patient sedated) is not appropriate as the goal is pain management, not sedation.
Choice D (balancing pain control and respiratory rate) is important, but the priority should be on effectively managing the pain first.