ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Cardiac Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who has an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) following a massive heart attack. When assessing the patient, the nurse notices blood backing up into the IABP catheter. In which order should the nurse take the following actions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Correct
Answer: A
Rationale:
1. Ensuring the IABP console is turned off is crucial to prevent further complications and stop potential harm to the patient.
2. By turning off the IABP console, the nurse can halt the pumping action, allowing assessment of the situation without interference.
3. This action takes priority over other steps as it addresses the immediate issue of blood backing up into the IABP catheter.
4. Once the console is turned off, the nurse can proceed with assessing the patient's vital signs, notifying the healthcare provider, and obtaining supplies if needed.
Summary of Incorrect
Choices:
- Option B: Assessing vital signs and orientation is important, but addressing the malfunction of the IABP takes precedence to prevent harm.
- Option C: Notifying the healthcare provider is necessary, but first, the immediate issue of blood backing up into the catheter must be addressed.
- Option D: Obtaining supplies for a new catheter is premature without first addressing
Question 2 of 5
Following insertion of a central venous catheter, the nurse obtains a stat chest x-ray film to verify proper catheter placement. The radiologist reports to the nurse: “The tip of the catheter is located in the superior vena cava.” What is the best inter pretation of these results by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The distal tip of the catheter is in the appropriate position.
Rationale:
1. The superior vena cava is a desirable location for a central venous catheter tip placement as it is close to the heart for rapid medication delivery.
2. Catheter tip in the superior vena cava allows for proper venous return and minimizes the risk of complications.
3. The nurse does not need to remove or adjust the catheter if the tip is in the superior vena cava.
4. Advancing the catheter into the pulmonary artery (option
D) would be incorrect as it can lead to serious complications.
Incorrect choices:
A: Incorrect because placement in the superior vena cava is acceptable.
B: Incorrect as placement in the superior vena cava does not increase the risk of ventricular dysrhythmias.
D: Incorrect as advancing the catheter into the pulmonary artery is unnecessary and risky.
Question 3 of 5
A client who is taking clonidine (Catapres, Duraclon) reports drowsiness. Which additional assessment should the nurse make?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Assessing how long the client has been taking clonidine is crucial as drowsiness is a common side effect that typically improves over time as the body adjusts to the medication. This information helps determine if the drowsiness is a temporary side effect or a more concerning issue.
Choice A (constipation) is not directly related to drowsiness as a side effect of clonidine.
Choice B (missed doses) may contribute to drowsiness but is not the primary assessment priority.
Choice D (tobacco use) is not directly related to clonidine-induced drowsiness.
Question 4 of 5
The patient is admitted to the unit with the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. The patient is started on intravenous (IV) fluids and IV mannitol. What action by the nurse is best?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the patient’s lungs. Rhabdomyolysis can lead to acute kidney injury due to myoglobin release from damaged muscle cells. IV fluids and mannitol are given to prevent kidney damage by promoting myoglobin excretion. Assessing the patient’s lungs is crucial to monitor for potential complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) which can occur as a result of rhabdomyolysis. This assessment helps to ensure early detection and prompt intervention if respiratory issues arise.
Summary of Incorrect
Choices:
A: Assess the patient’s hearing - This is not directly related to rhabdomyolysis or its treatment.
C: Decrease IV fluids once the diuretic has been administered - Decreasing IV fluids can exacerbate kidney injury in rhabdomyolysis.
D: Give extra doses before giving radiological contrast agents - Mannitol is not routinely given before radiological contrast agents in the context of rhabdomyolysis management.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse admits a terminally ill patient to the hospital. What is the first action that the nurse should complete when planning this patient care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because determining the patient's wishes regarding end-of-life care is crucial in providing patient-centered care and ensuring that the patient's preferences are respected. By understanding the patient's preferences, healthcare providers can tailor the care plan to align with the patient's values and goals. This helps in promoting autonomy, dignity, and quality of life for the patient.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although addressing family issues, discussing grief, and encouraging the patient to express fears are important aspects of caring for a terminally ill patient, they are not the first action that should be completed. Prioritizing the patient's wishes ensures that the care plan is centered around the patient's needs and preferences, which is essential in providing holistic and patient-centered care.