ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is assigned to care for a patient who is a non-na tive English speaker. What is the best way to communicate with the patient and family to provide updates and explain procedures?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Contact the hospital’s interpreter service for someone to translate. This is the best option as it ensures accurate communication between the nurse, patient, and family. Hospital interpreters are trained professionals who can accurately convey medical information, ensuring understanding and informed decision-making. Using Google search (A) may result in inaccurate information and is not reliable for medical communication. Asking a resident (C) who is fluent may not guarantee accuracy in medical terminology. Using a young family member (D) as a translator can lead to miscommunication due to potential language barriers or lack of medical knowledge. Overall, option B is the most appropriate and ethical choice for effective communication in a healthcare setting.
Question 2 of 9
A physician visits a patient in the ICU while the nurse is out. The patient complains that the pain medication is not effective and that he would like to receive an increased dose. The physician has the nurse paged and consults with him in the hallway regarding the patients request for stronger pain medication. The nurse explains that patient was started on a morphine drip only 20 minutes ago and that the drug has not had time to take effectyet. The physician agrees and tells the patient to give it just a bit more time. Which component of a healthy work environment is most evident in this scenario?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: True collaboration. In this scenario, the physician consults with the nurse to understand the situation and collaborates on the best course of action for the patient's care. This demonstrates effective teamwork, communication, and mutual respect between healthcare professionals, which are key components of a healthy work environment. Choice A (Skilled communication) is not the best answer because while communication between the physician and nurse is important, the focus in this scenario is more on collaboration and teamwork. Choice B (Appropriate staffing) is not the best answer as the scenario does not specifically address staffing levels but rather the interaction and collaboration between the physician and nurse. Choice D (Recognizing signs of imminent stroke and paging the physician) is incorrect as it is unrelated to the scenario described, which is about the physician and nurse collaborating on patient care.
Question 3 of 9
The amount of effort needed to maintain a given level of ventilation is referred to using what term?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Work of breathing. Work of breathing refers to the amount of effort required to maintain a specific level of ventilation. This includes the energy needed for inhalation and exhalation. Compliance (A) refers to the ease with which the lungs expand, resistance (B) is the opposition to airflow in the airways, and tidal volume (C) is the amount of air moved in and out of the lungs during normal breathing. Work of breathing encompasses the overall energy expenditure involved in the breathing process, making it the most appropriate term in this context.
Question 4 of 9
A patient in a critical care unit has increased stress from the constant noise and light levels. What nursing intervention best attenuates these sources of stress?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dimming lights during the night. This intervention helps reduce stress by creating a more calming environment, promoting rest and sleep. Constant observation (choice A) may increase stress due to lack of privacy. Frequent group rounds (choice C) may disrupt rest. Use of tile floors (choice D) is unrelated to addressing noise and light stress.
Question 5 of 9
In which situation would a healthcare surrogate or proxy a ssume the end-of-life decision-making role for a patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because in this situation, the patient is no longer able to make decisions for themselves due to being heavily sedated. The healthcare surrogate or proxy steps in to make decisions on behalf of the patient to ensure their comfort and well-being. Choice B is incorrect because the patient is competent and able to make their own decisions, so there is no need for a surrogate to take over decision-making. Choice C is incorrect because the patient is competent and has the right to make decisions about their own treatment, even if they go against medical recommendations. Choice D is incorrect because the patient is competent and receiving appropriate treatment for their pain and anxiety, so there is no need for a surrogate to intervene in this scenario.
Question 6 of 9
While caring for a patient with a pulmonary artery cathete r, the nurse notes the pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) to be significantly higher than previously recorded values. The nurse assesses respirations to be unlabored at 16 breat hs/min, oxygen saturation of 98% on 3 L of oxygen via nasal cannula, and lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally. What is the priority nursing action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the physician immediately of the assessment findings. The significantly higher PAOP could indicate a potential complication or a change in the patient's condition that needs immediate medical attention. By notifying the physician, further assessment and interventions can be initiated promptly to address the underlying cause. Increasing supplemental oxygen (choice A) may not directly address the elevated PAOP, obtaining a chest x-ray (choice C) may delay urgent intervention, and zero referencing the catheter (choice D) is not a priority in this situation. Notifying the physician ensures timely and appropriate management of the patient's condition.
Question 7 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 8 of 9
A patient who is undergoing withdrawal of mechanical ventilation appears anxious and agitated. The patient is on a continuous morphine infusion and has an additional order for lorazepam 1 to 2 mg IV as needed (prn). The patient has received no lorazepam during this course of illness. What is the most appropriate nursing intearbvirbe.ncotmio/tnes tt o control agitation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice B is correct: 1. Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used for sedation and anxiolysis. 2. It acts quickly and has a short duration of action, suitable for acute agitation. 3. Lorazepam (also a benzodiazepine) is in the same drug class, ensuring compatibility. 4. Lorazepam is specifically ordered for this patient, indicating its appropriateness. 5. Administering midazolam addresses the patient's agitation efficiently and safely. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A: Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic, not ideal for managing agitation. C: Increasing morphine infusion can exacerbate sedation or respiratory depression. D: Paralytic agents are used for neuromuscular blockade, not agitation control.
Question 9 of 9
The sister of a patient in the ICU has been at the patients bedside non-stop for 48 hours. The nurse suggests to her that she return home to rest. Which of the following is the proper rationale for the nurse making such a suggestion?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: The sister needs to maintain her own health during this time. It is essential for the sister to take care of her own health and well-being to be able to provide the best support to the patient. Continuous stress and lack of rest can negatively impact her ability to support the patient effectively. Encouraging her to rest will ensure she remains physically and mentally well to continue supporting the patient in the long run. Incorrect Choices: A: The sister is in the way of the health care providers - This is incorrect as the primary concern is the well-being of the sister and her ability to provide support. B: The patient may become annoyed by her continual presence - This is not the main reason for suggesting the sister to rest, as the focus is on her own health. C: The patient will recover more easily in peace and quiet - While peace and quiet can be beneficial for the patient, the main focus here is on the sister's well-being.