ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Anxiety differs from pain in that way? (Select all that app ly.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because anxiety is indeed linked to reward and punishment centers in the limbic system, specifically involving the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. This connection influences emotional responses and behaviors related to anxiety. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because anxiety involves both neurological and psychological processes beyond the brain, is highly subjective like pain, and can lead to physical symptoms without actual tissue injury.
Question 2 of 9
The term used to describe an increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: azotemia. Azotemia refers to an increase in BUN and serum creatinine levels, indicating impaired kidney function. Oliguria (A) is a decrease in urine output, not specific to BUN and creatinine levels. Acute kidney injury (C) is a broader term encompassing various causes of kidney dysfunction, not specific to elevated BUN and creatinine. Prerenal disease (D) refers to conditions affecting blood flow to the kidneys, not directly related to elevated BUN and creatinine levels.
Question 3 of 9
A family member tells the nurse, 'I don’t know how I’m going to manage without my mother. She took care of everything for us.' Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it acknowledges the family member's feelings while offering support and resources for managing the situation gradually. By providing resources, the nurse empowers the family member to learn how to handle things independently over time. This approach promotes self-reliance and resilience. Choice B focuses on time rather than active coping strategies, which may not address the family member's immediate needs. Choice C suggests shifting responsibilities to another family member without considering the emotional impact. Choice D jumps to the conclusion of needing professional counseling without exploring other potential solutions or support systems.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient whose ventilator settings i nclude 15 cm H O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). The nurse understands that although beneficial, PEEP may result in what possible problem?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (D - Low cardiac output secondary to increased intrathoracic pressure): 1. PEEP increases intrathoracic pressure, which can impede venous return to the heart. 2. Impaired venous return reduces preload, leading to decreased cardiac output. 3. Decreased cardiac output can result in inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. 4. Therefore, PEEP may cause low cardiac output due to increased intrathoracic pressure. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A. Fluid overload is not directly related to PEEP but more to fluid administration or kidney function. B. High cardiac index is unlikely as PEEP can decrease cardiac output. C. Hypoxemia is not a direct result of PEEP but may occur due to other factors like inadequate ventilation or oxygenation settings.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient w ith a pulmonary artery catheter who is receiving continuous enteral tube feedings. When obtaining continuous hemodynamic monitoring measurements, what is the best nursing action?a birb.com/test
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Option C is the correct answer because when caring for a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter receiving continuous enteral feedings, it is crucial to level and zero reference the transducer with the patient's head of bed elevated to 30 degrees. This position helps to ensure accurate hemodynamic measurements, as the head of bed elevation minimizes the impact of intra-abdominal pressure on the catheter readings. By referencing the transducer in this position, the nurse can obtain reliable and precise hemodynamic values. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: This option is incorrect because delaying documentation until the patient is in the supine position can lead to inaccuracies in the hemodynamic readings due to changes in patient positioning. B: Leveling and zero referencing the transducer with the patient in the supine position is not ideal as it does not account for the impact of intra-abdominal pressure on the catheter readings in patients receiving enteral feedings. D: Leveling and zero referencing
Question 6 of 9
The central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) is decreasing in a patient who has severe pancreatitis. To determine the possible cause of the decreased ScvO2, the nurse assesses the patient’s:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Temperature. Decreased ScvO2 in severe pancreatitis can be due to systemic inflammatory response leading to increased metabolic demand and decreased tissue oxygen delivery. Monitoring temperature helps assess for presence of infection or sepsis, which can further decrease tissue oxygenation. Lipase (A) is specific for pancreatitis diagnosis, not directly related to ScvO2. Urinary output (C) is important for assessing renal function, not directly related to ScvO2. Body mass index (D) does not provide information on tissue oxygenation status in this context.
Question 7 of 9
What is the most important outcome of effective communi cation?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because reducing patient errors is the most important outcome of effective communication in healthcare. Clear and accurate communication among healthcare providers and patients can prevent misunderstandings, leading to fewer errors in diagnosis, treatment, and medication administration. This ultimately improves patient safety and outcomes. A: Demonstrating caring practices to family members is important but not the most crucial outcome of effective communication in healthcare. B: Ensuring that patient teaching is provided is essential, but patient safety through error reduction takes precedence. C: Meeting the diversity needs of patients is crucial for patient-centered care, but error reduction directly impacts patient safety, making it more critical.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving benzodiazepine intermittently. What is the best way to administer such drugs?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Titrate to a predefined endpoint using a standard sedation scale. This approach ensures individualized dosing based on the patient's response, minimizing the risk of over-sedation or under-treatment. It allows for careful monitoring and adjustment of dosage to achieve the desired level of sedation while avoiding adverse effects. A: Administering medication around the clock may lead to unnecessary sedation and increased risk of side effects. B: Administering medications through a feeding tube is not recommended for benzodiazepines as it may affect absorption and increase the risk of complications. C: Giving the highest allowable dose without considering individual response can result in excessive sedation and adverse effects.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is discussing the role of hospice care with a patient and family. Which statement by the nurse accurately describes hospice care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because hospice care indeed focuses on providing support and comfort for patients at the end of life. This is achieved through pain management, emotional support, and enhancing quality of life. Choice A is incorrect because hospice care does not aim to cure serious illnesses but rather to provide comfort and care. Choice C is incorrect as hospice care is not limited to patients with cancer but is available to individuals with various terminal illnesses. Choice D is incorrect as hospice care does not focus on extending life expectancy but rather on improving the quality of life during the end-of-life period.