The family members of a critically ill, 90-year-old patient bring in a copy of the patient’s living will to the hospital, which identifies the patient’s wiasbhireb.sc orme/gteasrt ding health care. The nurse discusses the contents of the living will with the patient’s physician. This is an example of implementation of which of the AACN Standards of Pr ofessional Performance?

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Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions Questions

Question 1 of 9

The family members of a critically ill, 90-year-old patient bring in a copy of the patient’s living will to the hospital, which identifies the patient’s wiasbhireb.sc orme/gteasrt ding health care. The nurse discusses the contents of the living will with the patient’s physician. This is an example of implementation of which of the AACN Standards of Pr ofessional Performance?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Considers factors related to safe patient care. The scenario involves the nurse discussing the patient's living will with the physician, which is essential for ensuring safe patient care by following the patient's preferences. This aligns with the AACN standard of considering factors related to safe patient care, as the nurse is actively involving all relevant parties in decision-making to provide care that is in line with the patient's wishes. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: Acquires and maintains current knowledge of practice - While important, this choice does not directly relate to the scenario where the focus is on safe patient care through communication and collaboration. B: Acts ethically on behalf of the patient and family - While ethics are important, the scenario is more about following the patient's wishes as outlined in the living will rather than making ethical decisions. D: Uses clinical inquiry and integrates research findings in practice - While valuable in nursing practice, this choice does not directly apply to the scenario where

Question 2 of 9

A nurse in a burn unit observes that a patient is tensed up and frowning but silent. The nurse asks the patient, Can you tell me what you are thinking now? The patient responds, I cant take this pain any more! I feel like Im about to die. What would be the best response for the nurse to give to the patient, considering that the patient is already receiving the maximum amount pain medication that is safe?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct response is C: Your pain medication is already at the highest possible dose. This response acknowledges the patient's pain and reassures them that they are already receiving the maximum safe amount of pain medication. By stating this, the nurse is validating the patient's experience and showing empathy. It is important for the nurse to communicate clearly about the medication to manage the patient's expectations. Choice A is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's pain and can come across as insensitive. Choice B may be well-intentioned but does not address the immediate concern of the patient's pain. Choice D is irrelevant to the patient's statement about pain and does not offer any immediate support or reassurance regarding the pain management.

Question 3 of 9

Which hemodynamic parameter is most appropriate for the nurse to monitor to determine the effectiveness of medications given to a patient to reduce left ventricular afterload?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Systemic vascular resistance (SVR). SVR reflects the resistance the heart must overcome to pump blood into the systemic circulation. By monitoring SVR, the nurse can assess the effectiveness of medications aimed at reducing left ventricular afterload, as these medications work by dilating blood vessels and reducing resistance. An effective reduction in afterload would lead to a decrease in SVR. A: Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is an indicator of perfusion pressure but may not directly reflect changes in afterload. C: Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is specific to the pulmonary circulation and not directly related to left ventricular afterload. D: Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is a measure of left ventricular preload and filling pressures, not afterload.

Question 4 of 9

Which nursing actions are most important for a patient witahb irab .croigmh/tte srta dial arterial line? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Checking circulation to the right hand is crucial for assessing perfusion and detecting potential complications. Step 2: Arterial line placement can compromise blood flow, leading to ischemia if circulation is impaired. Step 3: Monitoring circulation every 2 hours allows for early detection of issues and prompt intervention. Step 4: This action ensures patient safety and prevents complications. Summary: - Choice B is incorrect as pressurized flush solution can increase the risk of complications. - Choice C is incorrect as monitoring the waveform is important but not the most critical action. - Choice D is incorrect as limb restraints can impede circulation and are unnecessary in this scenario.

Question 5 of 9

When providing palliative care, the nurse must keep in mind that the family may include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Unmarried life partners of same sex. When providing palliative care, it's crucial to recognize and respect diverse family structures. Unmarried life partners of the same sex may form a significant familial bond, requiring support and involvement in care decisions. This choice aligns with the principles of inclusivity and non-discrimination in palliative care. Incorrect choices: B: Unmarried life partners of the opposite sex - This choice is incorrect as it limits the definition of family to only opposite-sex partners, excluding same-sex couples. C: Roommates - While roommates may provide support, they do not necessarily have the same level of emotional and decision-making involvement as family members or life partners. D: Close friends - While close friends can be important sources of support, they do not necessarily have the same legal or emotional ties as a life partner.

Question 6 of 9

What are the diagnostic criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray study. ARDS diagnosis requires bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray, indicative of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Choice B, decreased cardiac output, is not a diagnostic criterion for ARDS. Choice C, PaO2/FiO2 ratio of less than 200, is a key diagnostic criteria for ARDS, indicating severe hypoxemia. Choice D, PAOP of more than 18 mm Hg, is used to differentiate between cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic causes of pulmonary edema, but it is not a direct diagnostic criterion for ARDS.

Question 7 of 9

The nurse is caring for a critically ill patient with terminal cancer. The monitor alarms and shows ventricular tachycardia. The patient does not have a “do not resuscitate” order written on the chart. What is the appropriate nursing action?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Initiate CPR and call a code. In this scenario, the patient is critically ill with ventricular tachycardia, a life-threatening arrhythmia. Since there is no "do not resuscitate" order, the appropriate nursing action is to initiate CPR immediately to attempt to restore the patient's cardiac function and circulation. Calling a code will ensure that a team of healthcare providers can respond promptly with necessary interventions. Options A and B involve unnecessary delays in potentially life-saving interventions. Option C is incorrect as withholding intubation can compromise the patient's airway and oxygenation. Thus, option D is the most appropriate action to prioritize the patient's safety and well-being in this critical situation.

Question 8 of 9

What is a minimally acceptable urine output for a patient weighing 75 kg?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (80 mL/hour) because the minimum acceptable urine output for a patient is approximately 0.5-1 mL/kg/hour. For a 75 kg patient, this equates to 37.5-75 mL/hour. Therefore, an output of 80 mL/hour is within this range and is considered minimally acceptable. A: Less than 30 mL/hour is incorrect because it is below the recommended range for a 75 kg patient. B: 37 mL/hour is close to the lower end of the acceptable range, but it is not the minimum acceptable output. D: 150 mL/hour is above the recommended range and would be considered excessive for a 75 kg patient.

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.

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