ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
All of the patient’s children are distressed by the possibility of removing life-support treatments. The child who is most upset tells the nurse, “T his is the same as killing! I thought you were supposed to help!” What response would the nur se provide to the family?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Acknowledges the child's distress and concerns. 2. Explains the concept of allowing natural death after serious injuries. 3. Helps the family understand the ethical and medical reasoning behind removing life support. 4. Shows empathy and provides education to address misconceptions. Summary of other choices: B: Incorrect - Avoids addressing the family's concerns and provides a vague response. C: Incorrect - Contains a typo and does not directly address the child's distress or misunderstanding. D: Incorrect - Irrelevant response that does not address the ethical dilemma at hand.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient following insertion of a left subclavian central venous catheter (CVC). Which assessment finding 2 hours after insertion by the nurse warrants immediate action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diminished breath sounds over the left lung field. This finding could indicate a pneumothorax, a serious complication of subclavian CVC insertion. Immediate action is required to prevent respiratory distress. Incorrect answers: B: Localized pain at insertion site is common post-procedure and may not indicate a serious issue. C: A central venous pressure of 5 mm Hg is within the normal range and does not require immediate action. D: Slight bloody drainage is expected initially and can be managed with routine care.
Question 3 of 9
The family of a critically ill patient has asked to discuss organ donation with the patient’s nurse. When preparing to answer the family’s questions, th e nurse understands which concern(s) most often influence a family’s decision to donate? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A: Donor disfigurement influences on funeral care. Families often consider the impact of organ donation on the appearance of their loved one during funeral arrangements. This concern can significantly influence their decision to donate. Incorrect Answers: B: Fear of inferior medical care provided to donor. This is not a common concern as medical care for donors is typically of high quality. C: Age and location of all possible organ recipients. While important, this is not a primary concern for families when deciding on organ donation. D: Concern that donated organs will not be used. Families are generally more concerned about the impact on their loved one's appearance post-donation rather than the utilization of organs.
Question 4 of 9
A hospice patient is manifesting a decrease in all body system functions except for a heart rate of 124 and a respiratory rate of 28. Which statement, if made by the nurse to the patient’s family member, is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because an increase in heart rate and respiratory rate can be a normal response before body system functions decrease in a hospice patient. This is known as a compensatory mechanism as the body tries to maintain oxygenation. Choice A is incorrect because symptoms may not always continue to increase until death. Choice C is incorrect as it implies a reflex response, which may not be the case. Choice D is incorrect as an improvement in the patient's condition is unlikely in a hospice setting.
Question 5 of 9
A patient who has been declared brain dead is considered a potential organ donor. In order to proceed with donation, the nurse must understand that applicable concept?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because after brain death is confirmed, maintaining perfusion and oxygenation of organs is crucial to ensure their viability for donation. This process allows organs to be retrieved in optimal condition during the operation. Choice A is incorrect because a signed donor card is not a legal mandate for organ retrieval. Choice C is incorrect as the healthcare proxy's consent is typically required for organ donation. Choice D is incorrect because life support is not immediately withdrawn upon brain death confirmation; instead, organ preservation measures are initiated.
Question 6 of 9
What factors may predispose a patient to respiratory acido as bi is rb? . com/test
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Central nervous system depression. This factor can lead to respiratory acidosis by depressing the respiratory drive, causing hypoventilation and retention of carbon dioxide. Anxiety and fear (A) may lead to hyperventilation, reducing carbon dioxide levels. Diabetic ketoacidosis (C) results in metabolic acidosis, not respiratory acidosis. Nasogastric suctioning (D) may cause respiratory alkalosis from excessive removal of carbon dioxide. Thus, central nervous system depression is the most likely factor predisposing a patient to respiratory acidosis.
Question 7 of 9
A patients family is exhibiting increasingly impaired coping as the patients condition deteriorates. The nurse asks the family to state the biggest concern from their perspective.What is the most important rationale for this question?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because asking the family to state their biggest concern clarifies the nurse's understanding of the current family needs. This step allows the nurse to assess the specific areas where the family may require support or assistance, leading to more tailored interventions. By identifying the primary concern, the nurse can better address the family's emotional, informational, or practical needs. Choice A is incorrect because the question is not solely about active listening; it serves a deeper purpose of assessment. Choice B is incorrect as the question goes beyond validating knowledge to understanding emotional and practical needs. Choice D is incorrect because the question focuses on identifying concerns rather than defining the degree of understanding.
Question 8 of 9
A patient is admitted to the emergency department (ED) after falling through the ice while ice skating. Which assessment will the nurse obtain first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Body temperature. In a patient who has fallen through the ice, hypothermia is a major concern due to exposure to cold water. Assessing body temperature first is crucial to determine the severity of hypothermia and guide immediate interventions. Heart rate, breath sounds, and level of consciousness can be affected by hypothermia but are secondary assessments. Assessing body temperature is the priority to address the most life-threatening issue first.
Question 9 of 9
While caring for a patient with a small bowel obstruction, the nurse assesses a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) of 1 mm Hg and hourly urine output of 5 mL. The nurse anticipates which therapeutic intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Intravenous fluids. In the scenario of a small bowel obstruction, a PAOP of 1 mm Hg indicates hypovolemia requiring fluid resuscitation to improve cardiac output and tissue perfusion. The low urine output suggests inadequate renal perfusion, further supporting the need for fluids. Diuretics (choice A) would worsen the hypovolemia. Negative inotropic agents (choice C) decrease cardiac contractility, which is not indicated in this scenario. Vasopressors (choice D) are used for hypotension, not for hypovolemia. Therefore, the most appropriate intervention is to administer intravenous fluids to address the hypovolemia and improve tissue perfusion.