ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Both the electroencephalogram (EEG) monitor and the Bis pectral Index Score (BIS) or Patient State Index (PSI) analyzer monitors are used to ass ess patient sedation levels in critically ill patients. Why are the BIS and PSI monitors simpler to use?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because BIS and PSI monitors provide both raw EEG data and a numeric value, simplifying the interpretation of patient sedation levels. Raw EEG data offers detailed information on brain activity, while the numeric value allows for quick assessment. This simplifies the monitoring process compared to interpreting raw EEG data alone. Choice A is incorrect as BIS and PSI monitors are not restricted to heavily sedated patients. Choice B is incorrect as they are not limited to pediatric patients. Choice D is incorrect as the number of leads required does not determine the simplicity of use; it is the data interpretation that matters.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse plans a teaching session with a client but postpones the planned session based on which nursing problem?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice C: 1. Activity intolerance is a priority nursing problem postoperatively due to pain. 2. Postoperative pain can limit the client's ability to perform activities. 3. Addressing activity intolerance is crucial for promoting recovery and preventing complications. 4. Delaying the teaching session helps the nurse focus on managing pain first. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: - Choice A: Knowledge deficit can be addressed after managing immediate postoperative issues. - Choice B: Treatment regimen management is important but may not be as urgent as addressing activity intolerance related to pain. - Choice D: Noncompliance with exercise plan can be addressed once the client's pain and activity intolerance are under control.
Question 3 of 9
What is the best way to monitor agitation and effectivenes s of treating it in the critically ill patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS). RASS is specifically designed to monitor agitation and sedation levels in critically ill patients, providing a standardized and objective assessment. It includes clear descriptors for different levels of agitation and sedation, allowing for consistent monitoring and treatment adjustments. CAM-ICU is mainly used for delirium assessment, not agitation. FACES assessment tool is more appropriate for pain assessment. Glasgow Coma Scale is focused on assessing level of consciousness, not agitation specifically. By using RASS, healthcare providers can accurately track agitation levels and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in managing agitation in critically ill patients.
Question 4 of 9
An 81-year-old patient who has been in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a week is now stable, and transfer to the progressive care unit is planned. On rounds, the nurse notices that the patient has new onset confusion. The nurse will plan to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Notify the health care provider and postpone the transfer. The new onset confusion in an elderly patient in the ICU can be a sign of delirium, which is a serious condition that requires prompt evaluation and management. By notifying the healthcare provider, they can assess the patient's condition, order appropriate tests, and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Postponing the transfer allows for further observation and intervention to address the underlying cause of the confusion. Choice A (Give PRN lorazepam and cancel the transfer) is incorrect because administering lorazepam may worsen the confusion in an elderly patient and should not be done without proper evaluation. Choice B (Inform the receiving nurse and then transfer the patient) is incorrect because transferring the patient without addressing the new onset confusion can lead to potential complications and delay in appropriate management. Choice D (Obtain an order for restraints as needed and transfer the patient) is incorrect because using restraints should only be considered as a
Question 5 of 9
A family of a young girl who has been diagnosed with leukemia has travelled 12 hours by car to admit her to the ICU and be with her during her treatment. Which aspect of the critical care family assistance program would most likely be needed by this family initially?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hospitality programs. Given the family's long journey and the stressful situation of having a child diagnosed with leukemia, their immediate need would likely be for accommodations and support services provided by hospitality programs, such as lodging, meals, transportation assistance, and emotional support. This would help alleviate the burden of their travel and allow them to focus on being with their daughter in the ICU. Incorrect answers: A: Educational materials - While education is crucial for families, it may not be the most immediate need in this situation. B: Weekly group family information sessions - These sessions may be helpful for support and information-sharing, but they are not as urgent as addressing the family's immediate needs. D: Pet therapy - While pet therapy can provide emotional support, it may not be the most pressing need for this family at the moment.
Question 6 of 9
Critical illness often results in family conflicts. Which scenario is most likely to result in the greatest conflict?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it involves a conflict between the patient's autonomy and her son's beliefs. The patient, a Jehovah's Witness, has clearly stated her refusal of a blood transfusion in her advance directive, which aligns with her religious beliefs. Her son's disagreement with her decision creates a significant ethical dilemma and conflict. This scenario highlights the clash between respecting the patient's autonomy and the son's concerns for her well-being. Choice A is less likely to result in the greatest conflict as both parents have similar values and are amicable, with the conflict being directed towards the daughter's boyfriend. Choice B involves a conflict between the patient's girlfriend and parents, but the patient's lack of advance directives and estranged relationship with his parents do not present as significant a conflict as in the correct answer. Choice C involves a designated healthcare proxy and a committed relationship, which are less likely to result in a conflict as compared to the clash of beliefs and autonomy seen in Choice D.
Question 7 of 9
A hospital interviews two different candidates for a position in the ICU. Both candidates have around 10 years of experience working in the ICU. Both have excellent interpersonal skills and highly positive references. One, however, has certification in critical care nursing. Which of the following is the most compelling and accurate reason for the hospital to hire the candidate with certification?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The certified nurse will have more knowledge and expertise. Certification in critical care nursing indicates that the candidate has undergone specialized training and passed a standardized exam, demonstrating a higher level of knowledge and skill in critical care practices compared to a non-certified candidate. This certification ensures that the nurse has met specific competency standards in critical care, making them better equipped to handle complex situations in the ICU. Summary: - Choice B (ethical behavior) and Choice C (caring towards patients) are subjective qualities that can be present in both certified and non-certified nurses. - Choice D (collaboration with other nurses) is not directly related to certification but can be influenced by the individual's interpersonal skills. - Ultimately, the certification in critical care nursing provides concrete evidence of the candidate's advanced knowledge and expertise, making them the most compelling choice for the hospital to hire.
Question 8 of 9
Noise in the critical care unit can have negative effects on the patient. Which of the following interventions assists in reducing noise levels in the criticala cbiarbr.ec osme/ttetisnt g? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Bringing in the patient's i-Pod with favorite music can provide personalized, soothing sounds, reducing stress and anxiety for the patient. Step 2: Familiar music can create a calming environment, distracting the patient from external noise. Step 3: Listening to music may improve patient comfort and overall experience in the critical care unit. Summary: Option A is correct as it directly addresses noise reduction by providing a personalized, calming environment for the patient. Options B, C, and D do not specifically target noise reduction but focus on other aspects of care or facility improvement.
Question 9 of 9
A family member approaches the nurse caring for their gra vely ill son and states, “We want to donate our son’s organs.” What is the best action by the nu rse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Notify the organ procurement organization (OPO). This is the best action because the OPO is responsible for coordinating organ donation and transplantation. By involving the OPO, the nurse ensures that the donation process is handled appropriately and ethically. Choice A: Arranging a multidisciplinary meeting with physicians may be necessary but should not be the first step in this situation. Choice B: Consulting the hospital’s ethics committee may be helpful, but the immediate priority is to involve the OPO to facilitate organ donation. Choice D: Obtaining family consent to withdraw life support is not the nurse’s role in this situation. The focus should be on organ donation to honor the family's wishes.