ATI RN
Introduction to Critical Care Nursing 8th Edition Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is admitted to the hospital with possible acute pericarditis. What diagnostic test would the nurse expect the patient to undergo?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Echocardiography. This is because echocardiography is a non-invasive imaging test that can help visualize the pericardium and assess for signs of pericarditis. It can show if there is fluid around the heart or any inflammation. Blood cultures (A) are not typically used to diagnose pericarditis, as it is not an infectious process. Cardiac catheterization (C) is an invasive procedure used to evaluate coronary artery disease, not pericarditis. 24-hour Holter monitor (D) is used to monitor heart rhythms over a period of time and is not typically used in the initial diagnosis of acute pericarditis.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with right lower-lobe pneumonia has been treated with IV antibiotics for 3 days. Which assessment data obtained by the nurse indicates that the treatment is effective?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse cares for a client after radiation therapy for neck cancer. The client reports extreme dry mouth. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Option C is correct because xerostomia (dry mouth) is a common side effect of radiation therapy to the head and neck area. It is important for the nurse to educate the client about this potential side effect and provide strategies for managing it. This includes encouraging the client to stay hydrated, suck on sugar-free candy, and avoid alcohol and tobacco. Option A is incorrect as lidocaine-containing mouthwash may not be appropriate for long-term use and may not effectively address the underlying issue of dry mouth. Option B is also incorrect as IV fluid boluses are not indicated for managing dry mouth. Option D is incorrect as assessing the client's neck for redness and swelling is not directly related to the client's complaint of dry mouth.
Question 4 of 5
An assistive personnel (AP) was feeding a client with a tracheostomy. Later that evening, the UAP reports that the client had a coughing spell during the meal. What action by the nurse is best?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the client's lung sounds. This is the best action because coughing during a meal with a tracheostomy could indicate aspiration, which can lead to respiratory complications. Assessing lung sounds can help determine if there are any signs of respiratory distress. B: Assign a different AP to the client - This is not the best action as the priority is to assess the client's condition first. C: Report the AP to the manager - This is not the best action as the immediate concern is the client's well-being and assessing their condition. D: Request thicker liquids for meals - This is not the best action as it does not address the potential respiratory issue the client may be experiencing.
Question 5 of 5
Which assessment finding for a patient who has been admitted with a right calf venous thromboembolism (VTE) requires immediate action by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. New onset shortness of breath is concerning for a pulmonary embolism, a serious complication of VTE. The nurse should act immediately to assess the patient's respiratory status and initiate appropriate interventions. A: Report of right calf pain is expected with VTE and does not require immediate action. B: Erythema of right lower leg can be a sign of inflammation but does not necessitate urgent intervention. D: Temperature of 100.4° F is a low-grade fever, which may indicate an infection but does not require immediate action in this context.