ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which statement is true regarding oral care for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Implementing a comprehensive oral care program is an intervention for preventing VAP. This statement is true because proper oral care, including brushing teeth, oral suctioning, and using chlorhexidine gluconate, has been shown to reduce the risk of VAP by decreasing the colonization of pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity. Regular oral care helps maintain oral hygiene and reduce the risk of aspiration of bacteria into the lungs, which is a common cause of VAP.
Incorrect Answer Analysis:
A:
Tooth brushing every 2 hours may be excessive and could potentially cause harm to the oral mucosa, leading to increased risk of infection.
C: While oral suctioning and brushing teeth are important components of oral care, the statement is not comprehensive enough to address the full range of interventions needed to prevent VAP.
D: While chlorhexidine gluconate can be effective in preventing VAP, the statement implies that it is the only effective intervention, which is not true.
Question 2 of 5
Which patient should the nurse refer for hospice care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient with AIDS-related dementia requires palliative care and pain management, which are key components of hospice care. This patient is likely in the terminal stage of their illness and would benefit from the comprehensive support provided by hospice services.
Choice A is incorrect because the patient's children's inability to discuss dying issues does not necessarily indicate a need for hospice care.
Choice B is incorrect as chronic severe pain due to spinal arthritis is not a sole criterion for hospice referral.
Choice D is incorrect as advanced liver failure alone does not automatically qualify a patient for hospice care.
Question 3 of 5
The family of a terminally ill patient is concerned about administering increasing doses of opioids for pain management. What is the nurse’s best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because opioids are essential for effective pain management in terminally ill patients, improving their quality of life. Alternative methods may not provide sufficient pain relief.
Choice A is incorrect as opioids do not necessarily hasten death when used appropriately for pain control.
Choice C is incorrect because reducing opioid dose may lead to inadequate pain management.
Choice D is incorrect as consulting a pain specialist to reduce medication may not be appropriate for terminally ill patients needing effective pain relief.
Question 4 of 5
An ICU nurse has provided excellent care for a 6-year-old girl who had been admitted to the ICU for a head injury. The nurse was attentive not only to the needs of the patient but also went out of her way to care for the needs of the girls family. According to research, which of the following forms of recognition would the nurse value the most?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A card from the girl's family. The nurse would value this form of recognition the most because it directly reflects the impact of her care on the patient and her family. It is a personal, heartfelt gesture that acknowledges the nurse's compassion and dedication. A card from the family shows genuine appreciation and gratitude for the nurse's efforts, making it the most meaningful form of recognition.
Summary:
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Choice B: A plaque from the ICU physicians could be seen as a formal recognition but lacks the personal touch and direct impact of the nurse's care on the patient and family.
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Choice C: A letter of commendation from the hospital's administration is a professional acknowledgment but may not capture the emotional connection and impact that the nurse had on the family.
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Choice D: A bouquet of flowers from her supervisor is a nice gesture but does not necessarily reflect the specific impact of the nurse's care on the patient and family.
Question 5 of 5
A patient on mechanical ventilation is experiencing severe agitation due to being on the ventilator. Which nursing intervention would be best?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Offering the patient a patient-controlled analgesic device. This intervention allows the patient to self-administer pain relief, which can help alleviate discomfort associated with mechanical ventilation and reduce agitation. Breathing exercises (choice
A) may not address the root cause of agitation. Asking for antianxiety medication (choice
C) may not be immediate or ideal due to potential side effects. Offering an MP3 player (choice
D) may provide distraction but may not effectively address the agitation caused by the ventilator.