ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is transferred to the ICU from the Birth Center of the hospital in the middle of the night after experiencing complications during delivery of her baby. The patients husband is anxious and explains to the ICU nurse that he doesnt understand why his wife has been moved to the ICU. She is going to die, isnt she? he asks the nurse. What is the nurses best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it addresses the husband's concern directly by assuring him that every measure will be taken to provide the best care for his wife. This response shows empathy and provides reassurance, which is crucial in such a stressful situation. It helps to alleviate the husband's anxiety and fear by emphasizing the hospital's commitment to his wife's well-being. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: B: This response does not address the husband's immediate concern about his wife's well-being and may come across as dismissive. C: Offering a place to relax does not address the husband's specific question and does not provide the information he is seeking. D: Discussing health insurance is not appropriate at this moment of crisis and does not address the husband's fears about his wife's condition.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who is orally intubated and on a mechanical ventilator. The nurse believes that the patient is experiencing excess anxiety. For this patient, what behavior best indicates anxiety?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Restlessness. Restlessness is a common behavioral indicator of anxiety in patients. In this scenario, a patient who is orally intubated and on a ventilator may not be able to verbally express anxiety, making restlessness a more prominent sign. Verbalization may not be possible due to intubation. While increased respiratory rate can be a symptom of anxiety, it is also a common physiological response in patients on mechanical ventilation. A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 indicates severe impairment of consciousness, not specifically anxiety.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a critically ill patient who can speak. The nurse notices that the patient is demonstrating behaviors indicative of anxiety but is silent. What nursing strategy would give the nurse the most information about the patients feelings?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because asking the patient to share his or her internal dialogue can provide direct insight into the patient's thoughts and feelings, allowing the nurse to address specific anxieties. This approach promotes open communication and understanding. Choice A focuses on providing information but may not directly address the patient's feelings. Choice C is unrelated to addressing the patient's anxiety. Choice D addresses pain control, which is important but not directly related to exploring the patient's emotions. Therefore, option B is the most effective strategy for gaining insight into the patient's feelings in this scenario.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse observes that an elderly woman, whose granddaughter has been admitted to theICU, is struggling to manage her two great-grandsons, who are toddlers, in the waiting room. What is the most likely explanation for the womans inability to manage the children in this situation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: She is in the exhaustion stage of the general adaptation syndrome to stress. Rationale: 1. In the exhaustion stage, the body's resources are depleted due to prolonged stress, leading to fatigue and reduced ability to cope. 2. The elderly woman is likely experiencing high levels of stress due to her granddaughter's critical condition. 3. Managing toddlers while dealing with the emotional distress of a loved one in the ICU can be overwhelming, causing exhaustion. 4. This explanation aligns with the symptoms of fatigue and difficulty managing the children observed by the nurse. Summary: A: Incorrect. Senility is a cognitive condition unrelated to the stress of the situation. C: Incorrect. Assuming a caregiver role can be stressful, but it does not explain the observed exhaustion. D: Incorrect. Macular degeneration affects vision, not the ability to manage stress and children.
Question 5 of 5
A young man has just arrived at the ICU from out of town and received news that his girlfriend, who is admitted there, likely only has a few days left to live. Which of the following would be the best approach for the nurse to take in caring for the needs of this young man?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Suggesting that he meet with the hospital chaplain. This approach is best as it addresses the young man's emotional and spiritual needs during a difficult time. The chaplain can provide comfort, support, and guidance in coping with his girlfriend's situation. This option focuses on holistic care and acknowledges the importance of emotional well-being. A: Recommending that he go home and rest is not the best approach as it dismisses the young man's emotional distress. B: Giving him unrestricted visiting hours with the patient may not be appropriate as it can be overwhelming and may not address his emotional needs effectively. D: Recommending that he ask the doctor to evaluate the patient's pain control measures is important but does not directly address the young man's emotional needs in this situation.