ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 5
The nurse is preparing to obtain a right atrial pressure (RA P/CVP) reading. What are the most appropriate nursing actions? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because comparing measured pressures with other physiological parameters ensures accuracy and consistency. This step helps in interpreting the RA P/CVP reading correctly. Choice B is incorrect as flushing the catheter with saline is not necessary for obtaining the pressure reading. Choice C is incorrect as inflating the balloon with air is not part of the correct procedure. Choice D is incorrect because obtaining the measurement during exhalation can affect the accuracy of the reading.
Question 3 of 5
The critical care nurse knows that in critically ill patients, renal dysfunction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Renal dysfunction is common in critically ill patients due to various factors like sepsis, hypotension, and nephrotoxic medications. This affects nearly two thirds of patients, making it a significant issue in critical care. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A is wrong because renal dysfunction is not rare in critically ill patients. C is incorrect as renal replacement therapy does not guarantee low mortality rates. D is inaccurate as renal dysfunction can have a significant impact on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life in critically ill patients.
Question 4 of 5
The term used to describe an increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: azotemia. Azotemia refers to an increase in BUN and serum creatinine levels, indicating impaired kidney function. Oliguria (A) is a decrease in urine output, not specific to BUN and creatinine levels. Acute kidney injury (C) is a broader term encompassing various causes of kidney dysfunction, not specific to elevated BUN and creatinine. Prerenal disease (D) refers to conditions affecting blood flow to the kidneys, not directly related to elevated BUN and creatinine levels.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with acute kidney injury who is being treated with hemodialysis. The patient asks if he will need dialysis for the rest of his life. Which of the following would be the best response?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: “Recovery is possible, but it may take several months.” This response is the best choice as it provides a balanced and accurate explanation to the patient. Here's the rationale: 1. Hemodialysis is often used as a temporary measure to support kidney function while allowing time for the kidneys to recover. 2. Acute kidney injury can be reversible in some cases, especially if the underlying cause is identified and treated promptly. 3. Recovery time varies for each individual, and it can indeed take several months for kidney function to improve. 4. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: - A is overly pessimistic and does not consider the potential for recovery. - B provides a specific timeframe that may not be accurate for all patients. - C is not a reliable indicator of kidney function recovery and may lead to confusion.