ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing pain levels in a critically ill patient . The nurse recognizes that which patient action as indicatin g the greatest level of pain?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C (Grimacing) Rationale: 1. Grimacing is a universal nonverbal sign of pain. 2. It involves facial muscles, indicating a high level of discomfort. 3. Brow lowering and eyelid closing are subtle signs, less indicative of severe pain. 4. Staring may signify concentration, not necessarily pain. Summary: Grimacing is the correct choice as it directly correlates with pain intensity, unlike the other options which are less specific or relevant indicators of severe pain.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse recognizes that which patient is likely to benefit most from patient-controlled analgesia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, the 21-year-old with a C4 fracture and quadriplegia. This patient is likely to benefit most from patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) due to the inability to self-administer traditional pain medications. With quadriplegia, the patient may have limited mobility and sensation, making it challenging to communicate pain levels effectively. PCA allows the patient to control their pain relief within preset limits, enhancing autonomy and optimizing pain management. Summary: - Choice B: The 45-year-old with femur fracture and closed head injury may benefit from PCA, but the severity of the head injury could affect their ability to use the device effectively. - Choice C: The 59-year-old postoperative elective bariatric surgery patient can typically manage pain with traditional methods postoperatively. - Choice D: The 70-year-old postoperative cardiac surgery patient with mild dementia may have the cognitive ability to use PCA but could potentially benefit more from other pain management strategies due
Question 4 of 5
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 5 of 5
Which of the following are accepted nonpharmacological approaches to managing pain and/or anxiety in critically ill patients? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Environmental manipulation involves adjusting factors like lighting, noise levels, and room temperature to create a soothing environment, which can help reduce pain and anxiety. Step 2: By controlling the physical surroundings, patients may feel more comfortable and relaxed, leading to improved pain management and reduced anxiety levels. Step 3: Explanations of monitoring equipment and guided imagery are not directly related to environmental changes that can impact pain and anxiety. Step 4: Music therapy, while beneficial for some patients, is not categorized as environmental manipulation.