ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
A physician visits a patient in the ICU while the nurse is out. The patient complains that the pain medication is not effective and that he would like to receive an increased dose. The physician has the nurse paged and consults with him in the hallway regarding the patients request for stronger pain medication. The nurse explains that patient was started on a morphine drip only 20 minutes ago and that the drug has not had time to take effectyet. The physician agrees and tells the patient to give it just a bit more time. Which component of a healthy work environment is most evident in this scenario?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: True collaboration. In this scenario, the physician consults with the nurse to understand the situation and collaborates on the best course of action for the patient's care. This demonstrates effective teamwork, communication, and mutual respect between healthcare professionals, which are key components of a healthy work environment. Choice A (Skilled communication) is not the best answer because while communication between the physician and nurse is important, the focus in this scenario is more on collaboration and teamwork. Choice B (Appropriate staffing) is not the best answer as the scenario does not specifically address staffing levels but rather the interaction and collaboration between the physician and nurse. Choice D (Recognizing signs of imminent stroke and paging the physician) is incorrect as it is unrelated to the scenario described, which is about the physician and nurse collaborating on patient care.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse has identified an increase in medication errors in the critical care unit over the past several months. What aspect of medication procedures should be evaluated first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Adherence to procedures by nursing staff. This should be evaluated first because medication errors are often caused by human factors such as staff not following proper procedures. By assessing adherence, the root cause of errors can be identified and addressed. Choice B: Clarity of interdisciplinary communication may contribute to errors but doesn't directly address staff adherence to procedures. Choice C: Number of new employees could be a factor, but focusing on adherence to procedures is more crucial. Choice D: Changes in administration procedures may impact errors, but evaluating staff adherence is more immediate and directly related to errors.
Question 3 of 5
The critical care unit environment is very stressful for patients, families, and staff. What nursing action is directed at reducing environmental stress?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Maintaining quiet during hours of sleep. This action is essential in reducing environmental stress in the critical care unit as it promotes a restful environment for patients and allows for better sleep quality. Noise can disrupt sleep patterns and increase stress levels. Constant evaluation of patient status (A) is important but does not directly address environmental stress. Limiting visits to immediate family (B) can be beneficial in some cases but may not always reduce environmental stress. Bathing all patients during hours of sleep (C) may actually increase stress as it can be disruptive and uncomfortable for patients. Overall, maintaining a quiet environment during sleep hours is the most effective nursing action to reduce environmental stress in the critical care unit.
Question 4 of 5
A 15-year-old boy is in the ICU and preparing for an appendectomy. He is clearly anxious and fidgets with his IV constantly. He complains that he doesnt want to be there and he is sick of everyone telling him what to do. What would be the best way for the nurse to address this patients anxiety?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Offer him the remote to the television. This is the best way to address the patient's anxiety because it provides a distraction and a sense of control, which can help alleviate anxiety. By offering the patient the remote to the television, the nurse is giving him a choice and a way to focus his attention away from his anxiety. This can help him feel more comfortable and empowered in the situation. Choice A is incorrect because using physical restraints can increase the patient's anxiety and sense of helplessness. Choice C, lowering the head of his bed, may provide physical comfort but does not directly address his anxiety. Choice D, explaining the procedure in detail, may further increase his anxiety as it focuses on the surgery rather than addressing his current emotional state.
Question 5 of 5
A patient in a critical care unit has increased stress from the constant noise and light levels. What nursing intervention best attenuates these sources of stress?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dimming lights during the night. This intervention helps reduce stress by creating a more calming environment, promoting rest and sleep. Constant observation (choice A) may increase stress due to lack of privacy. Frequent group rounds (choice C) may disrupt rest. Use of tile floors (choice D) is unrelated to addressing noise and light stress.