ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with osteoarthritis is given a new prescription for a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The client asks the nurse, 'How is this medication different from the acetaminophen I have been taking?' Which information about the therapeutic action of NSAIDs should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide anti-inflammatory response. NSAIDs work by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase, thereby reducing inflammation, pain, and fever. This is different from acetaminophen, which primarily acts as a pain reliever and fever reducer but lacks significant anti-inflammatory properties. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: Are less expensive - Cost is not related to the therapeutic action of NSAIDs. C: Increase hepatotoxic side effects - While NSAIDs can have adverse effects on the liver, hepatotoxicity is not a primary therapeutic action of these drugs. D: Cause gastrointestinal bleeding - While NSAIDs can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, this is a potential side effect rather than the primary therapeutic action.
Question 2 of 5
When monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for a patient with a large anterior wall myocardial infarction, the most important information for the nurse to obtain is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). This is crucial in monitoring a patient with a large anterior wall myocardial infarction as it provides information on left ventricular function and fluid status. A high PAWP may indicate left ventricular failure or fluid overload, requiring immediate intervention. A: Central venous pressure (CVP) is not as specific for assessing left ventricular function and may not provide accurate information in this scenario. B: Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) is important in assessing systemic blood flow, but it may not directly indicate left ventricular function in this case. C: Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is more relevant in conditions affecting the pulmonary circulation and may not be as immediately informative in assessing left ventricular function in this context.
Question 3 of 5
The critical care unit environment is very stressful for patients, families, and staff. What nursing action is directed at reducing environmental stress?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Maintaining quiet during hours of sleep. This action is essential in reducing environmental stress in the critical care unit as it promotes a restful environment for patients and allows for better sleep quality. Noise can disrupt sleep patterns and increase stress levels. Constant evaluation of patient status (A) is important but does not directly address environmental stress. Limiting visits to immediate family (B) can be beneficial in some cases but may not always reduce environmental stress. Bathing all patients during hours of sleep (C) may actually increase stress as it can be disruptive and uncomfortable for patients. Overall, maintaining a quiet environment during sleep hours is the most effective nursing action to reduce environmental stress in the critical care unit.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter. Assessment findings include a blood pressure of 85/40 mm Hg, heart rate of 12 5 beats/min, respiratory rate 35 breaths/min, and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO ) of 90% on a 50% venturi mask. 2 Hemodynamic values include a cardiac output (CO) of 1.0 L/min, central venous pressure (CVP) of 1 mm Hg, and a pulmonary artery occlusion pres sure (PAOP) of 3 mm Hg. The nurse questions which of the following primary health care provider’s order?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer furosemide 20 mg intravenously. In this scenario, the patient is hypotensive with a low cardiac output, low CVP, and low PAOP, indicating cardiogenic shock. Administering furosemide, a diuretic, can worsen the patient's condition by further decreasing preload. This can lead to a decrease in cardiac output and exacerbate the shock state. The other options are more appropriate: A: Titrate supplemental oxygen to achieve a SpO > 94% - Correct, as improving oxygenation is essential in cardiogenic shock. B: Infuse 500 mL 0.9% normal saline over 1 hour - Correct, as fluid resuscitation may be necessary to improve perfusion. C: Obtain arterial blood gas and serum electrolytes - Correct, as these tests provide valuable information about the patient's oxygenation and electrolyte balance.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with a traumatic brain injury following a motor vehicle crash. The patient’s Glasgow Coma Score is 3 anda binirbte.cromm/ittetset ntly withdraws when painful stimuli are introduced. The patient is ventilator dependent and occasionally takes a spontaneous breath. The primary care provider explains to the family that the patient has severe neurological impairment and it is not expected that the patient will ever recover consciousness. What concept does this situation depict?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: A persistent vegetative state. This choice is correct because the patient exhibits minimal responsiveness, only withdrawing to painful stimuli, and lacks meaningful interaction or consciousness. A persistent vegetative state is characterized by preserved wakefulness without awareness, which aligns with the patient's condition. Choice A: An organ donor is incorrect because the patient's neurological impairment does not necessarily indicate readiness for organ donation. Choice B: Brain death is incorrect because the patient still exhibits some reflexive responses, indicating a level of brain function beyond brain death. Choice D: Terminally ill is incorrect as it does not specifically address the patient's neurological status and prognosis, which is better described by a persistent vegetative state.
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