ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with a traumatic brain injury following a motor vehicle crash. The patient’s Glasgow Coma Score is 3 anda binirbte.cromm/ittetset ntly withdraws when painful stimuli are introduced. The patient is ventilator dependent and occasionally takes a spontaneous breath. The primary care provider explains to the family that the patient has severe neurological impairment and it is not expected that the patient will ever recover consciousness. What concept does this situation depict?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: A persistent vegetative state. This choice is correct because the patient exhibits minimal responsiveness, only withdrawing to painful stimuli, and lacks meaningful interaction or consciousness. A persistent vegetative state is characterized by preserved wakefulness without awareness, which aligns with the patient's condition. Choice A: An organ donor is incorrect because the patient's neurological impairment does not necessarily indicate readiness for organ donation. Choice B: Brain death is incorrect because the patient still exhibits some reflexive responses, indicating a level of brain function beyond brain death. Choice D: Terminally ill is incorrect as it does not specifically address the patient's neurological status and prognosis, which is better described by a persistent vegetative state.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse aware that a shortage of organs exists knows that which statement is true?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (B - Brain death determination is required before organs can be retrieved for transplant): 1. Brain death determination is a medical necessity to ensure the organs are viable for transplant. 2. Organs must be retrieved promptly after brain death to maintain their functionality. 3. Brain death criteria ensure that the donor is truly deceased before organ retrieval. Summary of Why Other Choices are Incorrect: A: While discussing organ donation is important, comfort level is not the main factor in organ shortage awareness. C: Donation after cardiac death is ethically acceptable, but it is not directly related to the need for brain death determination. D: Withdrawing life support solely to become an organ donor is ethically questionable and not a necessary step in organ donation.
Question 3 of 5
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 4 of 5
Which statement made by a staff nurse identifying guidelianbeirsb .fcoomr /pteaslt liative care would need corrected?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because palliative care is not just for the dying but also for those with serious illnesses. A: Correct - basic nursing care is essential in palliative care. B: Correct - common symptoms in palliative care include nausea, agitation, and sleep disturbance. D: Correct - palliative care aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Choice C is incorrect as it wrongly implies palliative care is only for the dying, which is a misconception.
Question 5 of 5
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.