ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is on a committee that is trying to reduce the occurrence of hospital-acquired infections in the ICU. Her role is to conduct research to find which interventions have been shown to be most effective in reducing these infections. She consults many different sources and finds conflicting information. Which of the following sources should she consider the most authoritative?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in the American Journal of Nursing. 1. Meta-analyses provide a comprehensive overview of multiple studies, increasing the reliability of the findings. 2. Randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard in research design for assessing intervention effectiveness. 3. The American Journal of Nursing is a reputable source in the field of nursing, ensuring the credibility of the study. 4. By synthesizing data from various trials, the meta-analysis can offer a more robust and generalizable conclusion compared to a single trial or qualitative studies. Incorrect choices: A: AACN expert panel report - Expert opinions may vary and lack the empirical evidence provided by research studies. C: A systematic review of qualitative studies in the Journal of Advanced Nursing - Qualitative studies may provide valuable insights but may not offer concrete evidence on intervention effectiveness like quantitative studies. D: A single randomized controlled trial in the American Journal of Critical Care - Single trials may not capture the full picture and
Question 2 of 5
The nurse caring for a critically ill patient implements several components of care. What component is an example of the use of evidence-based practice?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because applying an insulin sliding scale method based on research is an example of evidence-based practice. This method is derived from scientific evidence and research studies, ensuring the best outcomes for the patient. The other choices lack the same level of evidence-based rationale: A is based on a protocol, which may not be evidence-based; C is a standard safety practice, not necessarily evidence-based; D is a decision based on hospital policy or practicality, not specifically evidence-based.
Question 3 of 5
A Muslim patient has been admitted to the critical care unit with complications after childbirth. Based on the Synergy Model, which nurse would be the most inappropriate to assign to care for this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. The Synergy Model emphasizes matching nurse competencies with patient needs. 2. A male nurse may not be culturally appropriate for a Muslim female patient due to religious beliefs. 3. Gender segregation is important in Islamic culture, especially concerning intimate care. 4. Therefore, assigning a new graduate male nurse to care for a Muslim female patient in critical condition is the most inappropriate choice. Summary: - Choice A is incorrect because being a new graduate does not impact cultural competence. - Choice B is incorrect as experience does not necessarily make a nurse the best fit for a specific patient. - Choice D is incorrect as postpartum experience is relevant, but cultural considerations are more critical in this scenario.
Question 4 of 5
A patient in the ICU is complaining that he is not sleeping well at night because of anxiety. Which of the following would be the most helpful intervention for the nurse to make?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: C: Providing the patient with 5 minutes of effleurage (gentle massage) and minimizing disruptions is the most helpful intervention. Effleurage can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, improving sleep quality. Minimizing disruptions creates a conducive environment for sleep. A: Providing a bath after REM sleep may disrupt the patient's sleep cycle, worsening anxiety. B: Increasing pain medication may not address the root cause of anxiety and could lead to dependency or side effects. D: Monitoring brain waves with polysomnography is an invasive procedure not typically indicated for managing anxiety-related sleep issues.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse understands that a patient being cared for in a critical care unit experiences anacute stress response. What nursing action best demonstrates understanding of the physiological parts of the initial stress response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Treatment for elevated blood pressure. In the initial stress response, the body releases adrenaline and cortisol, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Treating elevated blood pressure is crucial to prevent complications like heart attack or stroke. Adequate pain control (A) and intravenous sedation (B) may help manage symptoms but do not directly address the physiological response to stress. Ignoring an elevated glucose level (D) is not recommended as stress can impact blood sugar levels. Treatment for elevated blood pressure directly targets the physiological response to stress, making it the best nursing action in this scenario.