Questions 9

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

A hospice nurse who has become close to a terminally ill patient is present in the home when the patient dies and feels saddened and tearful as the family members begin to cry. Which action should the nurse take at this time?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cry along with the patient’s family members. This action demonstrates empathy and support for the family's grief, showing that the nurse acknowledges and shares their feelings. It can help the family feel understood and supported during a difficult time. By crying with the family, the nurse can validate their emotions and provide comfort without intruding on their personal space. This approach fosters a sense of connection and trust between the nurse and the family, enhancing the quality of care provided. Incorrect Choices: A: Contact a grief counselor as soon as possible - This choice may be premature and could come across as impersonal or distancing in the immediate aftermath of the patient’s death. C: Leave the home as soon as possible - This choice would be insensitive and could make the family feel abandoned in their time of need. D: Consider whether working in hospice is desirable because patient losses are common - This choice is inappropriate as it suggests the nurse should reconsider their career choice based on emotional reactions,

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is discussing the role of hospice care with a patient and family. Which statement by the nurse accurately describes hospice care?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because hospice care indeed focuses on providing support and comfort for patients at the end of life. This is achieved through pain management, emotional support, and enhancing quality of life. Choice A is incorrect because hospice care does not aim to cure serious illnesses but rather to provide comfort and care. Choice C is incorrect as hospice care is not limited to patients with cancer but is available to individuals with various terminal illnesses. Choice D is incorrect as hospice care does not focus on extending life expectancy but rather on improving the quality of life during the end-of-life period.

Question 3 of 5

The nurse is assisting with endotracheal intubation and un derstands correct placement of the endotracheal tube in the trachea would be identified by which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Equal bilateral breath sounds upon auscultation. This indicates proper placement of the endotracheal tube in the trachea, ensuring both lungs are being ventilated equally. Rationale: 1. Auscultation of air over the epigastrium (Choice A) is incorrect as it indicates esophageal intubation, not tracheal intubation. 2. Position above the carina verified by chest x-ray (Choice C) is incorrect as it does not confirm proper placement at the trachea. 3. Positive detection of carbon dioxide (CO2) (Choice D) is incorrect as it indicates the presence of exhaled CO2, but not necessarily proper placement in the trachea.

Question 4 of 5

During the primary survey of a patient with severe leg trauma, the nurse observes that the patient’s left pedal pulse is absent and the leg is swollen. Which action will the nurse take next?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess further for a cause of the decreased circulation. The nurse should prioritize assessing the cause of the absent left pedal pulse and leg swelling to address the severe leg trauma effectively. This step involves identifying potential vascular compromise or compartment syndrome, which are critical conditions requiring immediate intervention. Sending blood for a complete blood count (A) is not the priority in this situation. Finishing the primary survey (C) may delay addressing the circulation issue. Starting normal saline infusion (D) without addressing the circulation problem first could potentially worsen the condition. Therefore, assessing further for the cause of decreased circulation is the most appropriate next step to ensure timely and appropriate management of the patient's condition.

Question 5 of 5

The patient’s potassium level is 7.0 mEq/L. Besides dialysis, which of the following actually reduces plasma potassium levels and total body potassium content safely in a patient with renal dysfunction?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Regular insulin Rationale: 1. Insulin promotes cellular uptake of potassium. 2. When insulin is administered, it moves potassium from extracellular to intracellular space. 3. This decreases plasma potassium levels safely. 4. Other options do not directly lower potassium levels in the same manner. Summary of Other Choices: A: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate - exchanges sodium for potassium in the intestines, not reducing total body potassium. B: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate with sorbitol - similar to A, does not reduce total body potassium. D: Calcium gluconate - does not directly lower potassium levels, used for treating hyperkalemia-induced cardiac toxicity.

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