ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 5
The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with hyperactivaebi rdb.ecloimri/tuemst . The nurse focuses interventions toward which priority need?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Safety. In hyperactive delirium, the patient may be agitated, disoriented, and at risk of harm. Safety is the priority to prevent falls or injury. Comfort (A) is important but secondary to safety in this case. Nourishment (B) can wait until safety is ensured. Sedation (D) may be considered but only after safety measures are in place.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following statements regarding pain and anxiety are true? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: A: Correct. Anxiety is characterized by apprehension, agitation, autonomic arousal, and fearful withdrawal, which are distinct from pain. B: Incorrect. Critically ill patients can experience both anxiety and pain, as pain is not exclusive to them. C: Incorrect. While pain and anxiety can be interrelated, they can be differentiated based on their unique physiological and behavioral manifestations. D: Incorrect. Pain is a subjective experience, but it is not solely defined by the individual; objective assessments are also important.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 48-year-old patient who is intubated and on a ventilator following extensive abdominal surgery. Although the patient is respo nsive, the nurse is not able to read the patient’s lips as the patient attempts to mouth the words. Which of the following assessment tools would be the most appropriate for the nu rse to use when assessing the patient’s pain level? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The FACES scale. This scale uses facial expressions to assess pain, making it suitable for a patient who is unable to verbalize. The nurse can show the patient a series of faces depicting varying levels of pain and ask them to point to the one that best represents their pain level. This method is non-verbal and easy for patients to understand. The other choices are incorrect: B: The Pain Intensity Scale requires the patient to rate their pain on a numerical scale, which may be difficult for a non-verbal patient. C: The PQRST method is a mnemonic for assessing pain characteristics (provocation, quality, region, severity, timing), but it requires patient communication. D: The Visual Analogue Scale involves marking a point on a line to indicate pain intensity, which is not suitable for a non-verbal patient.
Question 5 of 5
After coronary artery bypass graft surgery a patient is transported to the surgical intensive care unit at noon and placed on mechanical ventilation. How sh ould the nurse interpret the patient’s initial arterial blood gas levels? pH 7.31 PaCO 48 mm Hg Bicarbonate 22 mEq/L PaO 115 mm Hg O saturation 99%
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Partly compensated respiratory acidosis, normal oxygen. The pH of 7.31 indicates acidosis, the PaCO2 of 48 mm Hg shows respiratory acidosis, and the bicarbonate level of 22 mEq/L is slightly elevated, indicating the kidneys are compensating. The PaO2 of 115 mm Hg and oxygen saturation of 99% are normal, ruling out hypoxemia. Therefore, the patient is experiencing partly compensated respiratory acidosis. A: Normal arterial blood gas levels with a high oxygen level - Incorrect. The pH is low, indicating acidosis, which is not normal. C: Uncompensated metabolic acidosis with high oxygen level - Incorrect. Metabolic acidosis would have a primary issue with bicarbonate levels, which is not the case here. D: Uncompensated respiratory acidosis; hyperoxygenated - Incorrect. The oxygen levels are normal, ruling out hyperoxygenation.