ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is caring for a 70-kg patient in septic shock with a pulmonary artery catheter. Which hemodynamic value indicates an appropriate response to therapy aimed at enhancing oxygen delivery to the organs and tissues?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Mixed venous (SvO2) of 40%. In septic shock, improving oxygen delivery to tissues is vital. SvO2 reflects the balance between oxygen delivery and consumption. A value of 40% indicates adequate oxygen delivery to tissues. A: Arterial lactate level of 1.0 mEq/L - Although a low lactate level is good, it does not directly indicate improved oxygen delivery. B: Cardiac output of 2.5 L/min - Cardiac output should ideally increase to improve oxygen delivery, so 2.5 L/min is low for a 70-kg patient. D: Cardiac index of 1.5 L/min/m2 - Cardiac index is cardiac output adjusted for body surface area. 1.5 L/min/m2 is low and indicates inadequate cardiac function for a patient in septic shock.
Question 2 of 9
When preparing to cool a patient who is to begin therapeutic hypothermia, which intervention will the nurse plan to do (select all that apply)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Continuous cardiac monitoring is crucial during therapeutic hypothermia to monitor the patient's cardiac rhythm and detect any arrhythmias promptly. This intervention allows for immediate intervention if any cardiac issues arise. Explanation of other choices: A: Assisting with endotracheal intubation may be necessary for airway management but is not directly related to cooling the patient for therapeutic hypothermia. B: Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter may be needed for urine output monitoring but is not a priority intervention for cooling the patient. D: Restraining the patient is unnecessary and not indicated for therapeutic hypothermia; it may cause unnecessary distress and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary for patient safety.
Question 3 of 9
Which of the following nursing activities demonstrates im plementation of the AACN Standards of Professional Performance? (Select all that ap ply.)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because participating on the unit's nurse practice council demonstrates adherence to the AACN Standards of Professional Performance, specifically the standard related to quality of practice. By actively engaging in the nurse practice council, the nurse contributes to the development and implementation of policies and procedures that promote quality patient care. This activity also involves collaboration, leadership, and advocacy, which are essential components of professional nursing practice. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Attending a meeting and receiving continuing education on sepsis is important for professional development but does not directly align with the AACN Standards of Professional Performance. B: Collaborating with a pastoral services colleague is essential for holistic patient care but does not specifically address the standards set by the AACN. D: Posting an article for colleagues to read is beneficial for knowledge sharing but does not directly demonstrate adherence to the AACN Standards of Professional Performance.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving continuous norepinephrine (Levophed) IV infusion. Which patient assessment finding indicates that the infusion rate may need to be adjusted?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a low Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) indicates inadequate perfusion, which may require adjusting the norepinephrine infusion rate to increase blood pressure. A: A heart rate of 58 beats/minute is within a normal range and may not necessarily indicate a need for adjustment. C: Elevated Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR) may be an expected response to norepinephrine and does not necessarily indicate a need for adjustment. D: A low Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP) may indicate fluid volume deficit but does not directly relate to the need for adjusting norepinephrine infusion rate.
Question 5 of 9
A 22-year-old patient who experienced a near-drowning accident in a local pool, but now is awake and breathing spontaneously, is admitted for observation. Which assessment will be most important for the nurse to take during the observation period?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Auscultate breath sounds. After a near-drowning incident, the main concern is potential respiratory complications such as aspiration pneumonia or pulmonary edema. Auscultating breath sounds will help the nurse assess for any signs of respiratory distress or complications. This assessment is crucial for early detection and intervention. A: Auscultating heart sounds is important but not as crucial as assessing breath sounds in this scenario. B: Palpating peripheral pulses is important for circulation assessment but does not address the immediate concern of respiratory complications. D: Checking pupil reaction to light is more relevant for neurological assessment and not as critical as assessing breathing in this situation.
Question 6 of 9
What strategies are appropriate for preventing deep vein tharboirbm.cbomo/steisst (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE) in an at-risk patient? (Select all that apply.) WWW .THENURSINGMASTERY.COM
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Graduated compression stockings. These stockings help prevent blood from pooling in the legs, reducing the risk of DVT and PE. They improve circulation and reduce venous stasis. Option B, heparin, is used for treatment, not prevention. Option C, sequential compression devices, help prevent DVT but are not as effective as compression stockings. Option D, strict bed rest, can actually increase the risk of DVT by reducing blood flow.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is assessing a client and identifies a bruit over the thyroid. This finding is consistent with which interpretation?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The presence of a bruit over the thyroid indicates increased blood flow, characteristic of hyperthyroidism. This excess blood flow is due to the hypermetabolic state in hyperthyroidism, leading to turbulent blood flow and the audible bruit. A bruit is not typically associated with hypothyroidism, thyroid cysts, or thyroid cancer, as these conditions do not cause increased blood flow. Therefore, the correct interpretation is hyperthyroidism.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse is discussing the role of hospice care with a patient and family. Which statement by the nurse accurately describes hospice care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because hospice care indeed focuses on providing support and comfort for patients at the end of life. This is achieved through pain management, emotional support, and enhancing quality of life. Choice A is incorrect because hospice care does not aim to cure serious illnesses but rather to provide comfort and care. Choice C is incorrect as hospice care is not limited to patients with cancer but is available to individuals with various terminal illnesses. Choice D is incorrect as hospice care does not focus on extending life expectancy but rather on improving the quality of life during the end-of-life period.
Question 9 of 9
To prevent any unwanted resuscitation after life-sustaininga btirrbe.acotmm/teenstt s have been withdrawn, the nurse should ensure that what intervention has been im plemented?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because writing DNR orders before discontinuation of life-sustaining treatments ensures clear communication and legal documentation of the patient's wishes. Choice B is incorrect as family support is essential in end-of-life care. Choice C is incorrect as DNR orders should be established before withdrawing treatment. Choice D is incorrect as the DNR order should be in place before shift change for immediate implementation if needed.