ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
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C is not the best option as using general search terms on search engines like Google or Yahoo may lead to unreliable or outdated information.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 2 of 5
The nurse wishes to increase the use of evidence-based practice in the critical care unit where he works. What is a significant barrier to the implementation of evidence-based practice?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C because lack of knowledge about literature searches hinders the ability to find and utilize evidence-based practice guidelines. Nurses need to be skilled in conducting literature searches to access relevant research. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly impede the implementation of evidence-based practice in the critical care unit.
Question 3 of 5
Todays critical care nursing environment is constantly changing. What nursing behavior best illustrates awareness of current events affecting critical care nursing?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because volunteering to serve on a disaster response planning committee demonstrates awareness of current events affecting critical care nursing. By actively participating in planning for potential disasters, the nurse shows a proactive approach to staying informed and prepared for emergencies. This behavior indicates a commitment to staying up-to-date with the evolving landscape of critical care nursing. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because: A: Participating in recruitment efforts may be important but does not directly demonstrate awareness of current events affecting critical care nursing. C: Adhering to basic nursing program content is necessary but does not show active engagement with current events in critical care nursing. D: Attending hospital-mandated in-services is valuable, but without seeking additional education or involvement in current events, it does not illustrate awareness of the changing critical care nursing environment.
Question 4 of 5
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 5 of 5
A critically ill patient experiences stress and anxiety from many factors. Treatment of the patient focuses on reducing stressors and providing supportive care such as nutrition, oxygenation, pain management, control of anxiety, and specific care of the illness or injury. What is the best rationale for these interventions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Helps to support the patient's immune system. Providing supportive care such as nutrition, oxygenation, pain management, and anxiety control can help reduce stress, which in turn supports the immune system. Stress weakens the immune system, making the patient more vulnerable to infections and complications. By addressing stress and anxiety through supportive care, the patient's immune system is better able to function optimally, aiding in the recovery process. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because: B: Part of good nursing care - While supportive care is indeed part of good nursing care, the key rationale for these interventions in a critically ill patient is to support the immune system, not just to provide good nursing care. C: Mandated by hospital policy - Hospital policies may dictate certain aspects of care, but the primary goal of these interventions is to support the patient's immune system, not just to comply with hospital policies. D: Reassures the patient and family - While providing reass