ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse walks into a patients room and begins preparing a syringe to perform a blood draw on the patient. The nurse observes that the patient is firmly gripping the side of the bed, averting her eyes, and sweating from her forehead when she sees the needle. What would be the best intervention for the nurse to make?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it shows empathy and promotes patient education. By describing the procedure and its necessity, the nurse can alleviate the patient's anxiety and build trust. This approach allows the patient to feel informed and in control, reducing fear and increasing cooperation. It also demonstrates respect for the patient's feelings and promotes a therapeutic relationship. Choice A is incorrect as it disregards the patient's fear and can lead to increased distress. Choice B might be an option, but it doesn't address the patient's anxiety in the moment. Choice C, while helpful in some cases, doesn't directly address the patient's specific fear of the blood draw procedure.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse caring for a patient with an endotracheal tube un derstands that endotracheal suctioning is needed to facilitate removal of secretions. What additional information is the nurse aware of concerning this intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer C: Endotracheal suctioning should be done as indicated by patient assessment because not all patients require routine suctioning. Performing unnecessary suctioning can lead to potential complications such as mucosal damage and increased risk of infection. Therefore, the nurse must assess the patient's respiratory status, auscultate lung sounds, monitor oxygen saturation levels, and observe for signs of increased secretions before deciding to perform suctioning. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Endotracheal suctioning does not directly impact intracranial pressure. It is primarily focused on maintaining airway patency and removing respiratory secretions. B: While endotracheal suctioning may temporarily suppress the cough reflex during the procedure, its primary purpose is to clear airway secretions to prevent complications such as atelectasis and respiratory distress. D: Saline instillation before suctioning is not recommended as it can lead to negative outcomes such as dehydration, mucosal damage, and increased risk of infection
Question 3 of 9
represent?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Oxygen that is chemically combined with hemoglobin. This is because oxygen primarily travels in the blood by binding to hemoglobin in red blood cells, forming oxyhemoglobin. This process allows for efficient transport of oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because: A: Alveolar oxygen tension refers to the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli of the lungs, not the specific form of oxygen in the blood. C: Oxygen physically dissolved in plasma refers to the small amount of oxygen that is not bound to hemoglobin and is less significant in oxygen transport compared to oxygen bound to hemoglobin. D: Total oxygen consumption is the overall amount of oxygen utilized by the body, not specifically the form of oxygen bound to hemoglobin for transport.
Question 4 of 9
Complications common to patients receiving hemodialysis for acute kidney injury include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, hypotension. During hemodialysis for acute kidney injury, fluid removal can lead to hypotension due to rapid changes in blood volume. This can cause dizziness, weakness, and even loss of consciousness. Dysrhythmias (choice B) are less common but can occur due to electrolyte imbalances. Muscle cramps (choice C) may occur during or after dialysis due to electrolyte imbalances or fluid shifts, but they are not as common as hypotension. Hemolysis (choice D) is not a common complication of hemodialysis for acute kidney injury, as it is more commonly associated with issues related to the dialysis machine or blood tubing.
Question 5 of 9
The intensive care unit (ICU) nurse educator will determine that teaching arterial pressure monitoring to staff nurses has been effective when the nurse:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because positioning the zero-reference stopcock line level with the hemostatic axis ensures accurate arterial pressure monitoring. Placing the stopcock at the hemostatic axis allows for correct measurement of blood pressure without any errors due to height differences. This positioning helps in obtaining precise and reliable readings. A: Balancing and calibrating the monitoring equipment every 2 hours is important for equipment maintenance but does not directly impact the accuracy of arterial pressure monitoring. C: Ensuring the patient is supine with the head of the bed flat is a standard position for arterial pressure monitoring but does not specifically address the correct positioning of the stopcock. D: Rechecking the location of the hemostatic axis when changing the patient's position is essential for maintaining accuracy, but it does not directly relate to the initial correct positioning of the stopcock.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse who has been recently hired to manage the nursing staff of the ICU is concerned at the lack of evidence-based practice she sees among the staff. Which of the following would be the best step for her to take to promote incorporating evidence into clinical practice?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because introducing the staff to the PubMed search engine and assigning them topics to research on it is the most effective way to promote evidence-based practice. PubMed is a reputable database that contains a vast collection of peer-reviewed articles and research studies, making it a reliable source for evidence. By assigning specific topics, the nurse can ensure that the staff is focusing on relevant and current information, fostering a deeper understanding of evidence-based practice. Choice A is incorrect because certification in critical care nursing does not guarantee a commitment to evidence-based practice. Choice B is not as effective as it relies on passive exposure to journals rather than active engagement with specific research topics. Choice C is not the best option as using general search terms on search engines like Google or Yahoo may lead to unreliable or outdated information.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving continuous norepinephrine (Levophed) IV infusion. Which patient assessment finding indicates that the infusion rate may need to be adjusted?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a low Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) indicates inadequate perfusion, which may require adjusting the norepinephrine infusion rate to increase blood pressure. A: A heart rate of 58 beats/minute is within a normal range and may not necessarily indicate a need for adjustment. C: Elevated Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR) may be an expected response to norepinephrine and does not necessarily indicate a need for adjustment. D: A low Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP) may indicate fluid volume deficit but does not directly relate to the need for adjusting norepinephrine infusion rate.
Question 8 of 9
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 9 of 9
The family members are excited about being transferring t heir loved one from the critical care unit to the intermediate care unit. However, they are also fearful of the change in environment and nursing staff. To reduce relocation stress, the nurse ca n implement what intervention? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A (Arranging for the nurses on the intermediate care unit to give the family a tour of the new unit) because it helps familiarize the family with the new environment, alleviating their fears. The tour allows them to see where their loved one will be cared for, meet the nursing staff, and ask any questions they may have. This intervention promotes a smooth transition, reduces anxiety, and builds trust. Choice B is incorrect because delaying the transfer doesn't address the fear of change and can prolong stress. Choice C is incorrect as proximity to the nurse's station may not necessarily reduce relocation stress for the family. Choice D is incorrect because meeting the new nurse in the current unit may not provide the same level of comfort and preparation compared to physically visiting the new unit.