ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Questions
Question 1 of 9
Sleep often is disrupted for critically ill patients. Which nu rsing intervention is most appropriate to promote sleep and rest?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Consult with the pharmacist to adjust medication times to allow periods of sleep or rest between intervals. This is the most appropriate intervention as medication timings can significantly impact sleep patterns of critically ill patients. Adjusting medication times can help synchronize rest periods, promoting uninterrupted sleep. Choice B is incorrect as encouraging constant conversation can disrupt sleep. Choice C is incorrect as the television noise can be stimulating and hinder rest. Choice D is incorrect as leaving the lights on can disrupt the patient's circadian rhythm and negatively impact sleep quality.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who has sustained blunt trauma to the left flank area, and is evaluating the patient’s urinalysis results. The nurse should become concerned when
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the presence of red blood cells and albumin in the urine indicates possible kidney damage from the blunt trauma. This is concerning as it may suggest renal injury or dysfunction. A: Creatinine levels in the urine being similar to blood levels is normal as creatinine is filtered by the kidneys. B: Sodium and chloride being present in the urine is expected as they are components of urine. C: Urine uric acid levels matching serum levels is common as uric acid is excreted by the kidneys. In summary, the presence of red blood cells and albumin in the urine is abnormal and indicates potential kidney damage, making it the correct answer.
Question 3 of 9
Which assessment finding obtained by the nurse when caring for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation indicates the need for suctioning?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because a respiratory rate of 32 breaths/minute indicates increased work of breathing, which could be due to secretions that need to be suctioned. High respiratory rate may suggest inadequate oxygenation and ventilation. Oxygen saturation of 93% (choice A) is within an acceptable range and does not necessarily indicate the need for suctioning. Time since last suctioning (choice B) should be considered but is not as immediate an indication as an increased respiratory rate. Occasional audible expiratory wheezes (choice D) may be indicative of other respiratory issues but do not directly indicate the need for suctioning.
Question 4 of 9
Which statement made by a staff nurse identifying guidelianbeirsb .fcoomr /pteaslt liative care would need corrected?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because palliative care is not just for the dying but also for those with serious illnesses. A: Correct - basic nursing care is essential in palliative care. B: Correct - common symptoms in palliative care include nausea, agitation, and sleep disturbance. D: Correct - palliative care aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Choice C is incorrect as it wrongly implies palliative care is only for the dying, which is a misconception.
Question 5 of 9
What factors associated with the critical care unit can pred ispose the client to increased pain and anxiety? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The presence of an endotracheal tube can predispose the client to increased pain and anxiety due to discomfort, difficulty breathing, and potential for aspiration. The tube insertion process itself can be painful and traumatic. Frequent vital sign assessment, monitor alarms, and room temperature are not directly associated with increased pain and anxiety from the endotracheal tube.
Question 6 of 9
The patient is diagnosed with acute kidney injury and has been getting dialysis 3 days per week. The patient complains of general malaise and is tachypneic. An arterial blood gas shows that the patient’s pH is 7.19, with a PCO of 30 mm Hg and a bicarbonate level of 13 mEq/L. The nurse prepares to
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: administer intravenous sodium bicarbonate. In this case, the patient has metabolic acidosis with a low pH and low bicarbonate levels. Administering sodium bicarbonate can help correct the acidosis by increasing the bicarbonate levels and improving the pH. This treatment is essential to address the underlying metabolic imbalance. Choice A is incorrect because administering morphine would not address the root cause of the acidosis and could potentially worsen the respiratory status. Choice B is incorrect as intubation and mechanical ventilation are not indicated solely based on the acid-base imbalance. Choice D is also incorrect as canceling the dialysis session would not address the metabolic acidosis and could potentially worsen the patient's condition.
Question 7 of 9
What is the focus of the synergy model of practice?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the synergy model of practice emphasizes considering the needs of patients and their families, which in turn drives nursing competency. This approach recognizes that patient care is not just about the individual but also about the broader support system. This holistic viewpoint helps nurses tailor their care to meet the unique needs of each patient and their family, ultimately leading to better outcomes. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: A: Allowing unrestricted visiting for the patient 24 hours is not directly related to the focus of the synergy model which is more about patient-centered care. B: Providing holistic and alternative therapies is a valid approach, but it is not the primary focus of the synergy model. D: Addressing the patients' needs for energy and support is important but does not capture the comprehensive nature of the synergy model which encompasses the needs of both patients and their families.
Question 8 of 9
After the return of spontaneous circulation following the resuscitation of a patient who had a cardiac arrest, therapeutic hypothermia is ordered. Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Apply external cooling device. Therapeutic hypothermia is a treatment used to protect the brain after cardiac arrest by lowering the body temperature. The nurse should use external cooling devices, such as cooling blankets or ice packs, to achieve and maintain the desired temperature. This method allows for precise temperature control and monitoring. Checking mental status every 15 minutes (choice B) is not the priority as maintaining the temperature is crucial. Avoiding sedative medications (choice C) may be necessary to accurately assess the patient's neurological status. Rewarming if the temperature is <91°F (32.8°C) (choice D) is incorrect as the goal is to maintain hypothermia for a specific duration before gradual rewarming.
Question 9 of 9
What must the patient must be able of in order to provide informed consent?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because informed consent requires the patient to have knowledge and competence to make a decision. This involves understanding the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the proposed treatment. Choice A is incorrect as it pertains to a physical ability unrelated to decision-making. Choice C is incorrect as consent must be verbal or written, not just nodding. Choice D is incorrect as consent can be obtained in various ways, not specifically through reading and writing in English.