ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is a mode of ventaiblairbto.croym /atessst istance that produces which of the following conditions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is a mode of ventilation where pressure is maintained in the lungs at the end of expiration. This helps prevent alveolar collapse and improves oxygenation. Option A is incorrect because PEEP does not deliver a full preset tidal volume with each breath initiation. Option B is incorrect because tidal volume in PEEP is not solely determined by the patient's ability to generate negative pressure. Option C is incorrect because in PEEP, breaths are delivered irrespective of the patient's respiratory drive.
Question 2 of 5
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 3 of 5
The nurse assesses a patient who is admitted for an overdo se of sedatives. The nurse expects to find which acid-base alteration?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis. When a patient overdoses on sedatives, it can lead to respiratory depression causing hypoventilation. Hypoventilation results in retention of CO2, leading to respiratory acidosis. This is because the body is not effectively exhaling CO2, causing an increase in carbonic acid levels and a decrease in blood pH. The other choices are incorrect because hyperventilation would lead to respiratory alkalosis (Choice A), hypoventilation does not cause respiratory alkalosis (Choice C), and normal oxygen levels do not indicate the acid-base imbalance caused by sedative overdose (Choice D).
Question 4 of 5
A patient presents to the emergency department in acute re spiratory failure secondary to community-acquired pneumonia. The patient has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The nurse anticipates which treatment to facilitate ventilation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube. In acute respiratory failure, especially in the setting of pneumonia and COPD, mechanical ventilation is often necessary to support breathing. Endotracheal intubation allows for precise control of airway patency, oxygenation, and ventilation. Emergency tracheostomy (choice A) is typically reserved for long-term ventilatory support. Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (choice C) may not provide sufficient support in severe cases. Oxygen via bag-valve-mask (choice D) may not be adequate for ventilatory support in acute respiratory failure.
Question 5 of 5
What is the most common cause of a pulmonary embolus?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: A deep vein thrombosis from lower extremities. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the most common cause of a pulmonary embolus as a blood clot can dislodge from the veins, travel to the lungs, and block blood flow. An amniotic fluid embolus (Choice A) occurs during childbirth and is rare as a cause of pulmonary embolism. A fat embolus (Choice C) typically occurs after a long bone fracture and is more likely to cause issues in the lungs. Vegetation from an infected central venous catheter (Choice D) can cause septic pulmonary embolism, but it is not as common as DVT.