ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse caring for a mechanically ventilated patient note s the high pressure alarm sounding but cannot quickly identify the cause of the alarm. The nurasbeir bn.cootme/ste stht e patient’s oxygen saturation is decreasing and heart rate and respiratory rate are increasing. What is the nurse’s priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse's priority is to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. Calling the rapid response team will allow for immediate assessment by a team of healthcare professionals to address the deteriorating condition. This step takes precedence over troubleshooting the ventilator or manually ventilating the patient. Asking for a new ventilator (
A) or manually ventilating the patient (
D) does not address the urgent need for a comprehensive assessment and intervention. Continuing to troubleshoot the alarm (
C) can delay critical interventions needed for the patient's worsening condition. Thus, calling the rapid response team is the most appropriate action to address the escalating clinical situation promptly.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving peritoneal dialysis. The patient suddenly complains of abdominal pain and chills. The patient’s temperature is elevated. The nurse should
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Step 1: Abdominal pain, chills, and elevated temperature suggest a serious complication like visceral perforation.
Step 2: Peritoneal dialysate return assessment won't address the potential life-threatening issue.
Step 3: Checking blood sugar or evaluating neurological status is not relevant to the presenting symptoms.
Step 4: Informing the provider of probable visceral perforation is crucial for prompt intervention and further evaluation.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse cares for a patient with lung cancer in a home hospice program. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because in a home hospice program, it is essential for the nurse to provide holistic care that includes addressing the patient's emotional and psychological needs. Encouraging the patient to discuss past life events and their meaning can help them process emotions, find closure, and improve their quality of life. This approach aligns with the principles of palliative care, which focus on enhancing comfort and well-being.
Choice A is incorrect because discussing cancer risk factors and lifestyle modifications may not be relevant or beneficial for a patient in a hospice program.
Choice C is incorrect because chemotherapy and radiation are typically not part of hospice care, which focuses on comfort rather than curative treatments.
Choice D is incorrect because a thorough head-to-toe assessment multiple times a week may not be necessary or appropriate for a patient in a hospice program.
Question 4 of 5
The patient is receiving neuromuscular blockade. Which nursing assessment indicates a target level of paralysis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Train-of-four yields two twitches. This assessment indicates a target level of paralysis because a train-of-four ratio of 2 twitches out of 4 suggests a 50% neuromuscular blockade, which is often the goal for patients receiving paralysis for procedures or ventilation.
A: A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 assesses consciousness, not neuromuscular blockade.
C: A Bispectral index of 60 measures depth of anesthesia, not paralysis level.
D: CAM-ICU assesses delirium, not neuromuscular blockade.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse has been working as a staff nurse in the surgical inabteirbn.scoivme/t ecsat re unit for 2 years and is interested in certification. Which credential would be most applicable for her to seek?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: CCRN. The nurse works in a surgical unit, making CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) the most applicable credential as it focuses on critical care nursing, which is relevant to the nurse's current practice. ACNPC (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification) and PCCN (Progressive Care Certified Nurse) are not suitable as they are more focused on advanced practice or progressive care respectively, not directly related to surgical units. CCNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification) is not the best choice as it is more geared towards advanced practice roles in specific clinical specialties, not general staff nursing.