Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why Answer A is correct: 1. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) allows patients to self-administer pain medication within preset limits, promoting pain management. 2. PCA is considered safe and effective as it provides better pain control, reduces the risk of overdose, and allows for individualized dosing. 3. Healthcare providers can monitor and adjust the PCA settings as needed to ensure optimal pain relief. 4. Studies have shown that PCA is a preferred method for postoperative pain management due to its efficacy and safety profile. 5. Overall, PCA is a reliable and beneficial approach to analgesia administration in postoperative patients. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: While PCA may have fewer side effects compared to some routes, this is not a defining characteristic of PCA. C: While patients do have some control over their treatment with PCA, the primary focus is on pain management rather than giving control to critically ill patients. D: PCA can be used effectively without family

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: To validate a nurse’s knowledge of critical care nursing. Certification in critical care nursing validates a nurse's expertise and knowledge in this specialized area of nursing. It demonstrates that the nurse has met certain standards and competencies in critical care practice. This certification ensures that the nurse is well-equipped to provide high-quality care to critically ill patients. A: To assure the consumer that critical nurses will not make a mistake - This choice is incorrect because certification does not guarantee that nurses will not make mistakes. It focuses on validating knowledge and skills rather than infallibility. B: To help prepare the critical care nurse for graduate school - This choice is incorrect as certification is more focused on practice readiness rather than academic preparation. C: To assist in promoting magnet status for a facility - This choice is incorrect as magnet status relates more to the overall excellence and quality of nursing care in a facility, not individual certification.

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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the healthcare surrogate should base decisions on recommendations of the physician and healthcare team who have the expertise to provide medical advice. They are best positioned to understand the patient's condition and treatment options. Personal beliefs (A) may not align with medical best practices. Family and friends' recommendations (B) may not be informed by medical knowledge. Wishes previously expressed by the patient (D) are important but may need to be interpreted in the context of the current medical situation, which healthcare professionals can provide.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Regular insulin Rationale: 1. Insulin promotes cellular uptake of potassium. 2. When insulin is administered, it moves potassium from extracellular to intracellular space. 3. This decreases plasma potassium levels safely. 4. Other options do not directly lower potassium levels in the same manner. Summary of Other Choices: A: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate - exchanges sodium for potassium in the intestines, not reducing total body potassium. B: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate with sorbitol - similar to A, does not reduce total body potassium. D: Calcium gluconate - does not directly lower potassium levels, used for treating hyperkalemia-induced cardiac toxicity.