ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
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 9
During the primary assessment of a victim of a motor vehicle collision, the nurse determines that the patient is breathing and has an unobstructed airway. Which action should the nurse take next?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: The correct action is to observe the patient's respiratory effort next. This step ensures that the patient's breathing remains stable and adequate. If respiratory effort is compromised, immediate intervention is required. Checking for bilateral pulses (A) is important but comes after ensuring respiratory status. Checking level of consciousness (C) is also crucial but not as immediate as monitoring breathing. Examining for external bleeding (D) is important but not the priority when airway and breathing are already determined to be clear.
Question 3 of 9
A 65-year-old patient with a history of metastatic lung car cinoma has been unresponsive to chemotherapy. The medical team has determined that ther e are no additional treatments available that will prolong life or improve the quality of lifaebi ribn.c oamn/yte smt eaningful way. Despite the poor prognosis, the patient continues to receive chemotherapy and full nutrition support. This is an example of what end-of-life concept?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Medical futility. In this scenario, the patient's condition is terminal with no treatment options left. Continuing chemotherapy offers no benefit and may even harm the patient. Medical futility refers to interventions that are unlikely to achieve the desired outcome. B: Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, which is not being addressed in this case. C: Terminal weaning involves gradually removing life-support measures, which is not happening here. D: Withdrawal of treatment would be appropriate if the treatments were no longer beneficial, but the issue here is the continued provision of futile treatment.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage who is intubated and placed on a mechanical ventilator with 10 cm H2O of peak end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). When monitoring the patient, the nurse will need to notify the healthcare provider immediately if the patient develops:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased jugular venous distention. In a patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage and on mechanical ventilation, increased jugular venous distention can indicate increased intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately as it may require urgent intervention to prevent further neurological deterioration. A: Oxygen saturation of 93% is within the acceptable range for a patient on mechanical ventilation and may not require immediate notification. B: Respirations of 20 breaths/minute are within normal limits for a ventilated patient and do not necessarily indicate a critical condition. C: Green nasogastric tube drainage may indicate the presence of bile and could be related to gastrointestinal issues, but it does not pose an immediate threat to the patient's neurological status.
Question 5 of 9
What factors are common to both pain and anxiety? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cyclical exacerbation of one another. Pain and anxiety can intensify each other in a cyclical manner. Pain can trigger anxiety, making the pain feel worse, and anxiety can heighten pain perception. This relationship is well-documented in research and clinical practice. Choice B is incorrect because although both pain and anxiety benefit from thorough nursing assessment, it is not a factor common to both conditions. Choice C is incorrect as both pain and anxiety can be influenced by real and perceived phenomena, not solely real phenomena. Choice D is incorrect because while previous experiences can impact pain and anxiety perception, it is not a factor common to both conditions.
Question 6 of 9
The VALUE mnemonic is a helpful strategy to enhance communication with family members of critically ill patients. Which of the following statements describes a VALUE strategy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acknowledge family emotions. This is a key component of the VALUE strategy as it emphasizes empathy and understanding towards the emotions that family members may be experiencing during a difficult time. By acknowledging their emotions, healthcare providers can build trust and establish a supportive relationship with the family. Choice A is incorrect because the VALUE strategy focuses on treating family members as integral members of the care team, not just as guests. Choice C is incorrect as learning about family structure and function is important but not specifically part of the VALUE strategy. Choice D is incorrect as using a trained interpreter is important for effective communication but is not specific to the VALUE mnemonic.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse has been working as a staff nurse in the surgical inabteirbn.scoivme/t ecsat re unit for 2 years and is interested in certification. Which credential would be most applicable for her to seek?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: CCRN. The nurse works in a surgical unit, making CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) the most applicable credential as it focuses on critical care nursing, which is relevant to the nurse's current practice. ACNPC (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification) and PCCN (Progressive Care Certified Nurse) are not suitable as they are more focused on advanced practice or progressive care respectively, not directly related to surgical units. CCNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification) is not the best choice as it is more geared towards advanced practice roles in specific clinical specialties, not general staff nursing.
Question 8 of 9
The family of a critically ill patient has asked to discuss organ donation with the patient’s nurse. When preparing to answer the family’s questions, th e nurse understands which concern(s) most often influence a family’s decision to donate? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A: Donor disfigurement influences on funeral care. Families often consider the impact of organ donation on the appearance of their loved one during funeral arrangements. This concern can significantly influence their decision to donate. Incorrect Answers: B: Fear of inferior medical care provided to donor. This is not a common concern as medical care for donors is typically of high quality. C: Age and location of all possible organ recipients. While important, this is not a primary concern for families when deciding on organ donation. D: Concern that donated organs will not be used. Families are generally more concerned about the impact on their loved one's appearance post-donation rather than the utilization of organs.
Question 9 of 9
A Muslim patient has been admitted to the critical care unit with complications after childbirth. Based on the Synergy Model, which nurse would be the most inappropriate to assign to care for this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. The Synergy Model emphasizes matching nurse competencies with patient needs. 2. A male nurse may not be culturally appropriate for a Muslim female patient due to religious beliefs. 3. Gender segregation is important in Islamic culture, especially concerning intimate care. 4. Therefore, assigning a new graduate male nurse to care for a Muslim female patient in critical condition is the most inappropriate choice. Summary: - Choice A is incorrect because being a new graduate does not impact cultural competence. - Choice B is incorrect as experience does not necessarily make a nurse the best fit for a specific patient. - Choice D is incorrect as postpartum experience is relevant, but cultural considerations are more critical in this scenario.