ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 9
A client with asthma receives a prescription for high blood pressure during a clinic visit. Which prescription should the nurse anticipate the client to receive that is least likely to exacerbate asthma?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor). Metoprolol is a cardioselective beta-blocker that primarily targets beta-1 receptors in the heart, making it less likely to exacerbate asthma compared to non-selective beta-blockers like Propranolol (choice B) and Pindolol (choice C). Carteolol (choice A) is also a non-selective beta-blocker and can potentially worsen asthma symptoms. Metoprolol's selectivity for beta-1 receptors minimizes bronchoconstriction, making it the safest choice for a client with asthma and high blood pressure.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse observes that an elderly woman, whose granddaughter has been admitted to theICU, is struggling to manage her two great-grandsons, who are toddlers, in the waiting room. What is the most likely explanation for the womans inability to manage the children in this situation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: She is in the exhaustion stage of the general adaptation syndrome to stress. Rationale: 1. In the exhaustion stage, the body's resources are depleted due to prolonged stress, leading to fatigue and reduced ability to cope. 2. The elderly woman is likely experiencing high levels of stress due to her granddaughter's critical condition. 3. Managing toddlers while dealing with the emotional distress of a loved one in the ICU can be overwhelming, causing exhaustion. 4. This explanation aligns with the symptoms of fatigue and difficulty managing the children observed by the nurse. Summary: A: Incorrect. Senility is a cognitive condition unrelated to the stress of the situation. C: Incorrect. Assuming a caregiver role can be stressful, but it does not explain the observed exhaustion. D: Incorrect. Macular degeneration affects vision, not the ability to manage stress and children.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is the only one in the ICU who has not achieved certification in critical care nursing. She often will ask her fellow nurses what to do in caring for a patient because she doubts the accuracy of her knowledge and her intuition. She loves her work but wishes she could do it with a greater level of competence. What is the most important effect that obtaining certification would likely have on the nurses practice?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased confidence in making decisions. Obtaining certification in critical care nursing would likely enhance the nurse's knowledge and skills, leading to increased confidence in making clinical decisions. This confidence would stem from the rigorous training and education required to achieve certification, as well as the validation of her expertise in critical care nursing. With increased confidence, the nurse would be more self-assured in her abilities, leading to improved patient care outcomes. Choice A: Recognition by peers is not the most important effect because while recognition is a positive outcome, it may not directly impact the nurse's ability to provide better patient care. Choice B: Increase in salary and rank is not the most important effect because while financial benefits are important, the primary focus of obtaining certification should be on improving competence and patient care. Choice C: More flexibility in seeking employment is not the most important effect because while certification may open up more job opportunities, the main benefit should be on enhancing the nurse's skills and confidence in providing quality
Question 5 of 9
The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient. T he primary care providers are considering performing a tracheostomy because the patienatb iirsb .hcoamv/itensgt difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation. Related to tracheostomy, the nurse understands which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Procedures performed in the operating room are associated with fewer complications. This is because performing a tracheostomy in the operating room allows for better control of the environment, equipment, and expertise of the surgical team. In this setting, the risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, and injury to surrounding structures is minimized. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: A: Patient outcomes are better if the tracheostomy is done within a week of intubation - This statement is not universally true and depends on individual patient factors. Timing of tracheostomy should be based on the patient's clinical condition and not a set timeline. B: Percutaneous tracheostomy can be done safely at the bedside by the respiratory therapist - While percutaneous tracheostomy can be performed at the bedside, it is typically done by a trained physician or surgeon due to the potential risks and complications involved. D: The greatest risk after a per
Question 6 of 9
A critical care unit has decided to implement several measures designed to improve intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition to an expected improvement in patient outcomes, what is the most important effect that should resultf rom these measures?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: - Improved collaboration enhances job satisfaction and reduces burnout, leading to increased staff retention. - Higher staff retention promotes continuity of care, improves team dynamics, and enhances patient outcomes. Summary: - A: Not directly related to collaboration, more about performance evaluation. - B: Manners may improve, but not the most important effect of collaboration. - D: Collaboration involves open communication, so less discussion in front of patients is not a positive outcome.
Question 7 of 9
A patient is transferred to the ICU from the Birth Center of the hospital in the middle of the night after experiencing complications during delivery of her baby. The patients husband is anxious and explains to the ICU nurse that he doesnt understand why his wife has been moved to the ICU. She is going to die, isnt she? he asks the nurse. What is the nurses best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it addresses the husband's concern directly by assuring him that every measure will be taken to provide the best care for his wife. This response shows empathy and provides reassurance, which is crucial in such a stressful situation. It helps to alleviate the husband's anxiety and fear by emphasizing the hospital's commitment to his wife's well-being. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: B: This response does not address the husband's immediate concern about his wife's well-being and may come across as dismissive. C: Offering a place to relax does not address the husband's specific question and does not provide the information he is seeking. D: Discussing health insurance is not appropriate at this moment of crisis and does not address the husband's fears about his wife's condition.
Question 8 of 9
Upon entering the room of a patient with a right radial arte rial line, the nurse assesses the waveform to be slightly dampened and notices blood to bea bbirabc.ckoemd/te ustp into the pressure tubing. What is the best action by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Disconnect the flush system from the arterial line catheter. This action is necessary to prevent air from entering the patient's bloodstream, which can lead to air embolism. By disconnecting the flush system, the nurse stops the flow of air and ensures patient safety. Checking the inflation volume of the pressurized bag (A) is not the immediate concern in this situation. Zero referencing the transducer system (C) is unrelated to the issue of air entering the arterial line. Reducing the number of stopcocks in the flush system tubing (D) does not address the immediate risk of air embolism.
Question 9 of 9
What is the most important nursing intervention for patien ts who receive neuromuscular blocking agents?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess neurological status every 30 minutes. This intervention is crucial for patients receiving neuromuscular blocking agents to monitor for any adverse effects such as respiratory depression or paralysis. Regular assessments help ensure early detection of complications and prompt intervention. A: Administering sedatives in conjunction with neuromuscular blocking agents can potentiate respiratory depression and lead to respiratory compromise. C: Avoiding interaction with the patient is not appropriate as communication and patient interaction are important aspects of nursing care. D: Restraint should be avoided as it can increase the risk of complications such as pressure ulcers, anxiety, and decreased respiratory function. Overall, regular neurological assessments are essential for ensuring patient safety and prompt intervention in case of any complications.