ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Following an earthquake, patients are triaged by emergency medical personnel and are transported to the emergency department (ED). Which patient will the nurse need to assess first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A patient with a red tag. In triage, red tags indicate patients with life-threatening injuries who require immediate attention. The nurse must assess this patient first to provide necessary interventions. Patients with blue tags are considered urgent but stable, black tags are deceased or beyond help, and yellow tags are for delayed treatment. Assessing the red-tagged patient first ensures prompt care for those in critical condition.
Question 2 of 9
Family assessment is essential in order to meet family nee ds. Which of the following must be assessed first to assist the nurse in providing family-centered care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because assessing the patient and family's developmental stages and needs is crucial in understanding their current situation and determining the appropriate care plan. By assessing developmental stages, the nurse can tailor interventions to meet the family's specific needs. This assessment also helps in identifying potential challenges or areas requiring support. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses solely on the physical environment and does not address the family's developmental stages and needs. Choice C is incorrect as it emphasizes identifying family members without considering the importance of understanding their developmental stages and needs in providing family-centered care. Choice D is incorrect as it concentrates on family dynamics without directly addressing the crucial aspect of assessing developmental stages and needs for effective family-centered care.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is the only one in the ICU who has not achieved certification in critical care nursing. She often will ask her fellow nurses what to do in caring for a patient because she doubts the accuracy of her knowledge and her intuition. She loves her work but wishes she could do it with a greater level of competence. What is the most important effect that obtaining certification would likely have on the nurses practice?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased confidence in making decisions. Obtaining certification in critical care nursing would likely enhance the nurse's knowledge and skills, leading to increased confidence in making clinical decisions. This confidence would stem from the rigorous training and education required to achieve certification, as well as the validation of her expertise in critical care nursing. With increased confidence, the nurse would be more self-assured in her abilities, leading to improved patient care outcomes. Choice A: Recognition by peers is not the most important effect because while recognition is a positive outcome, it may not directly impact the nurse's ability to provide better patient care. Choice B: Increase in salary and rank is not the most important effect because while financial benefits are important, the primary focus of obtaining certification should be on improving competence and patient care. Choice C: More flexibility in seeking employment is not the most important effect because while certification may open up more job opportunities, the main benefit should be on enhancing the nurse's skills and confidence in providing quality
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is assessing the critically ill patient for delirium . The nurse recognizes which characteristics that indicate hyperactive delirium? (Select aabllir bt.hcaomt /atepstp ly.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Agitation. In hyperactive delirium, patients often exhibit restlessness, agitation, and hyperactivity. This behavior is a key characteristic indicating hyperactive delirium. Apathy (B), biting (C), and hitting (D) are not typically associated with hyperactive delirium. Apathy may be seen in hypoactive delirium, while biting and hitting are not specific indicators of delirium subtypes. Therefore, the correct choice is A as it aligns with the typical presentation of hyperactive delirium.
Question 5 of 9
Which intervention about visitation in the critical care unit is true?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because individualized visitation meets the unique needs of patients and family members, promoting holistic care and emotional support. Choice A is incorrect as strictly restricted visiting hours may hinder family involvement in care. Choice B is incorrect as children can provide comfort and support. Choice D is incorrect as unrestricted visiting may disrupt patient rest and care routines.
Question 6 of 9
Following an earthquake, patients are triaged by emergency medical personnel and are transported to the emergency department (ED). Which patient will the nurse need to assess first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A patient with a red tag. In triage, red tags indicate patients with life-threatening injuries who require immediate attention. The nurse must assess this patient first to provide necessary interventions. Patients with blue tags are considered urgent but stable, black tags are deceased or beyond help, and yellow tags are for delayed treatment. Assessing the red-tagged patient first ensures prompt care for those in critical condition.
Question 7 of 9
A client with asthma receives a prescription for high blood pressure during a clinic visit. Which prescription should the nurse anticipate the client to receive that is least likely to exacerbate asthma?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor). Metoprolol is a cardioselective beta-blocker that primarily targets beta-1 receptors in the heart, making it less likely to exacerbate asthma compared to non-selective beta-blockers like Propranolol (choice B) and Pindolol (choice C). Carteolol (choice A) is also a non-selective beta-blocker and can potentially worsen asthma symptoms. Metoprolol's selectivity for beta-1 receptors minimizes bronchoconstriction, making it the safest choice for a client with asthma and high blood pressure.
Question 8 of 9
Which is the most important outcome for a patient receiving palliative care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Improvement in symptoms and quality of life. In palliative care, the primary focus is on enhancing the patient's quality of life by managing symptoms and providing comfort. This is achieved through effective symptom control, psychosocial support, and improving overall well-being. Complete resolution of the underlying disease (A) is often not possible in palliative care as the focus shifts from curative treatments to comfort care. Increased adherence to curative treatments (C) may not be the main goal in palliative care, as the emphasis is on improving the patient's comfort rather than prolonging life. Achievement of long-term survival goals (D) is not typically the primary outcome in palliative care, as the focus is on providing support and care for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
Question 9 of 9
The assessment of pain and anxiety is a continuous proces s. When critically ill patients exhibit signs of anxiety, what is the nurse’s first priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: To identify and treat the underlying cause. The first priority of the nurse when critically ill patients exhibit signs of anxiety is to determine the root cause of the anxiety. By identifying and addressing the underlying cause, the nurse can effectively manage the patient's anxiety and prevent further complications. Administering medications without understanding the cause can mask the symptoms and lead to ineffective treatment. Reassessing the patient hourly may not address the root cause and could delay appropriate intervention. Pain medication may not be necessary if the anxiety is not related to pain. Treating the underlying cause ensures holistic and effective care for the patient.