ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with severe neurological impairment following a massive stroke. The primary care provider has ordered tests to detearbmirbi.ncoem b/treasit n death. The nurse understands that criteria for brain death includes what crite ria? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Absence of cerebral blood flow. Brain death is determined by the irreversible cessation of all brain functions, including blood flow to the brain. When there is no cerebral blood flow, the brain is unable to function, leading to brain death. This criterion is essential in diagnosing brain death as it indicates a complete loss of brain function. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: - B: Absence of brainstem reflexes on neurological examination is a common sign of brain death, but it is not the primary criterion. - C: Presence of Cheyne-Stokes respirations is not indicative of brain death. It is a pattern of breathing that can be seen in various conditions, not specifically brain death. - D: Confirmation of a flat electroencephalogram is a supportive test for brain death but not the primary criterion. The absence of brain activity on an EEG can help confirm brain death but is not as definitive as the absence of cerebral blood flow.
Question 2 of 5
Which statement is consistent with societal views of dying in the United States?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is D because the purpose of the healthcare system in the United States is primarily focused on disease prevention and symptom management. This aligns with societal views as healthcare is geared towards improving health outcomes and quality of life. Incorrect choices: A: Dying is not viewed as a failure of the system or providers, rather as a natural part of life. B: Most Americans prefer to die at home or in hospice care rather than in a hospital. C: Illnesses are not always curable, and death can result from various complex conditions beyond treatment.
Question 3 of 5
All of the patient’s children are distressed by the possibility of removing life-support treatments. The child who is most upset tells the nurse, “T his is the same as killing! I thought you were supposed to help!” What response would the nur se provide to the family?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Acknowledges the child's distress and concerns. 2. Explains the concept of allowing natural death after serious injuries. 3. Helps the family understand the ethical and medical reasoning behind removing life support. 4. Shows empathy and provides education to address misconceptions. Summary of other choices: B: Incorrect - Avoids addressing the family's concerns and provides a vague response. C: Incorrect - Contains a typo and does not directly address the child's distress or misunderstanding. D: Incorrect - Irrelevant response that does not address the ethical dilemma at hand.
Question 4 of 5
Which therapeutic interventions may be withdrawn or withabhirebl.dco mfr/otemst the terminally ill client? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dialysis. In the context of terminally ill clients, withdrawing dialysis is appropriate as it can be burdensome without providing significant benefit towards the end of life. Dialysis does not cure terminal conditions and can prolong suffering unnecessarily. Antibiotics (A) may be necessary for managing infections in terminally ill clients. Nutrition (C) is important for comfort and quality of life. Pain medications (D) are essential for managing pain and should not be withdrawn unless no longer beneficial or requested by the patient.
Question 5 of 5
Which patient should the nurse notify the organ procureme nt organization (OPO) to evaluate for possible organ donation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the patient is a 36-year-old with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 and no activity on electroencephalogram, indicating severe brain injury and likely irreversible neurological damage. This patient meets the criteria for potential organ donation as they are neurologically devastated. Choice B is incorrect because the patient's condition is related to stroke and atrial fibrillation, not severe brain injury that would make them a candidate for organ donation. Choice C is incorrect because although the patient has a brain injury and a lower Glasgow Coma Scale score, the history of a reversible cause (ovarian cancer metastasis) and a higher GCS score compared to choice A make this patient less suitable for organ donation evaluation. Choice D is incorrect as the patient's diabetic and cardiovascular history does not suggest severe brain injury that would qualify for organ donation.