ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Questions
Question 1 of 9
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 9
The nurse aware that a shortage of organs exists knows that which statement is true?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (B - Brain death determination is required before organs can be retrieved for transplant): 1. Brain death determination is a medical necessity to ensure the organs are viable for transplant. 2. Organs must be retrieved promptly after brain death to maintain their functionality. 3. Brain death criteria ensure that the donor is truly deceased before organ retrieval. Summary of Why Other Choices are Incorrect: A: While discussing organ donation is important, comfort level is not the main factor in organ shortage awareness. C: Donation after cardiac death is ethically acceptable, but it is not directly related to the need for brain death determination. D: Withdrawing life support solely to become an organ donor is ethically questionable and not a necessary step in organ donation.
Question 3 of 9
A patient in a critical care unit has increased stress from the constant noise and light levels. What nursing intervention best attenuates these sources of stress?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dimming lights during the night. This intervention helps reduce stress by creating a more calming environment, promoting rest and sleep. Constant observation (choice A) may increase stress due to lack of privacy. Frequent group rounds (choice C) may disrupt rest. Use of tile floors (choice D) is unrelated to addressing noise and light stress.
Question 4 of 9
What is the focus of the synergy model of practice?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the synergy model of practice emphasizes considering the needs of patients and their families, which in turn drives nursing competency. This approach recognizes that patient care is not just about the individual but also about the broader support system. This holistic viewpoint helps nurses tailor their care to meet the unique needs of each patient and their family, ultimately leading to better outcomes. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: A: Allowing unrestricted visiting for the patient 24 hours is not directly related to the focus of the synergy model which is more about patient-centered care. B: Providing holistic and alternative therapies is a valid approach, but it is not the primary focus of the synergy model. D: Addressing the patients' needs for energy and support is important but does not capture the comprehensive nature of the synergy model which encompasses the needs of both patients and their families.
Question 5 of 9
The sister of a patient in the ICU has been at the patients bedside non-stop for 48 hours. The nurse suggests to her that she return home to rest. Which of the following is the proper rationale for the nurse making such a suggestion?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: The sister needs to maintain her own health during this time. It is essential for the sister to take care of her own health and well-being to be able to provide the best support to the patient. Continuous stress and lack of rest can negatively impact her ability to support the patient effectively. Encouraging her to rest will ensure she remains physically and mentally well to continue supporting the patient in the long run. Incorrect Choices: A: The sister is in the way of the health care providers - This is incorrect as the primary concern is the well-being of the sister and her ability to provide support. B: The patient may become annoyed by her continual presence - This is not the main reason for suggesting the sister to rest, as the focus is on her own health. C: The patient will recover more easily in peace and quiet - While peace and quiet can be beneficial for the patient, the main focus here is on the sister's well-being.
Question 6 of 9
The patient’s spouse is very upset because the patient, who is near death, has dyspnea and restlessness. The nurse explains what options to decrease the discomfort?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Opioid medications given as needed. Opioids are indicated for managing dyspnea and restlessness in palliative care by providing relief from symptoms. They act as potent analgesics and can help decrease the distress associated with difficult breathing and restlessness. Respiratory therapy treatments (A) and incentive spirometry treatments (C) may not address the immediate discomfort caused by dyspnea and restlessness. Increased hydration (D) may not directly alleviate the symptoms and could potentially worsen the patient's discomfort.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who has sustained blunt trauma to the left flank area, and is evaluating the patient’s urinalysis results. The nurse should become concerned when
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the presence of red blood cells and albumin in the urine indicates possible kidney damage from the blunt trauma. This is concerning as it may suggest renal injury or dysfunction. A: Creatinine levels in the urine being similar to blood levels is normal as creatinine is filtered by the kidneys. B: Sodium and chloride being present in the urine is expected as they are components of urine. C: Urine uric acid levels matching serum levels is common as uric acid is excreted by the kidneys. In summary, the presence of red blood cells and albumin in the urine is abnormal and indicates potential kidney damage, making it the correct answer.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse calculates the PaO /FiO ratio for the following values: PaO is 78 mm Hg; FiO is 2 2 2 2 6 (60%). What is the outcome and the relationship to the ARDS diagnosing criteria?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 46.8; meets criteria for ARDS. The PaO /FiO ratio is calculated by dividing the arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO) by the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO). In this case, PaO is 78 mm Hg and FiO is 0.6 (60%). Therefore, the calculation would be 78/0.6 = 130. This value is less than 300, which is indicative of ARDS according to the Berlin criteria. Choices B and C are incorrect as they do not align with the criteria for ARDS. Choice D is incorrect because the data provided is sufficient to compute the ratio.
Question 9 of 9
Her urine output for the past 2 hours totaled only 40 mL. She arrived from s urgery to repair an aortic aneurysm 4 hours ago and remains on mechanical ventilation. In the past 2 hours, her heart rate has increased from 80 to 100 beats per minute and he r blood pressure has decreased from 128/82 to 100/70 mm Hg. She is being given an infusaiboirnb .coofm n/toesrtm al saline at 100 mL per hour. Her right atrial pressure through the subclavian cen tral line is low at 3 mm Hg. Her urine is concentrated. Her BUN and creatinine levels have been stable and in normal range. Her abdominal dressing is dry with no indication of bleeding. My assessment suggests that Mrs. P. is hypovolemic and I would like you to consider in creasing her fluids or giving her a fluid challenge. Using the SBAR model for communication, the information the nurse gives about the patient’s history and vital signs is appropriate fo r what part of the model?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assessment. In the SBAR communication model, the nurse's information about the patient's history and vital signs falls under the Assessment component. This is because the nurse is providing a detailed evaluation of the patient's current condition based on objective data such as urine output, heart rate, blood pressure, and other key indicators. The nurse is analyzing the situation and forming a judgment that the patient is hypovolemic, indicating a fluid deficit. This assessment is crucial for informing further actions or interventions, such as increasing fluids or providing a fluid challenge. Summary of other choices: A: Situation - This choice would refer to a brief summary of the current situation without detailed analysis or interpretation. B: Background - This choice would involve providing relevant background information about the patient, such as medical history or recent procedures, but not the current assessment of the patient's condition. D: Recommendation - This choice would involve suggesting a course of action or treatment based on the assessment, which comes after