ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for an older adult patient who is in card iogenic shock and has failed to respond to medical treatment. The primary care provider conducts a conference to explain that they have exhausted treatment options and suggest that the patient be made a “do not resuscitate” status. This scenario illustrates what medical concept?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Futility. In this scenario, the primary care provider suggests making the patient a "do not resuscitate" status because further medical treatment is deemed futile. Futility refers to situations where medical interventions are unlikely to achieve the desired outcome. This decision is made when the benefits of continuing treatment do not outweigh the burdens on the patient. Summary: A: Brain death does not apply here as the patient is not brain dead. C: Incompetence refers to the patient's ability to make decisions, not the medical concept being illustrated. D: Life-prolonging procedures are not being discussed; the focus is on the futility of further treatment.
Question 2 of 5
After attending an educational program, the nurse understaanbidrbs.c othma/tte swt hich the following situations would require an ethics consultation?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: The correct answer is D because the situation involves a patient with multiple trauma who is not responding to treatment and has no known family members. This indicates a complex ethical dilemma where the medical team may be unsure about the appropriate course of action. Step 2: In this scenario, an ethics consultation is necessary to help guide decision-making regarding the care of the patient. The lack of available family members complicates decision-making, and the consideration of care as futile adds another layer of complexity. Step 3: An ethics consultation can provide a structured framework for evaluating the situation, considering ethical principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice. It can help the healthcare team navigate the ethical considerations and make a well-informed decision in the best interest of the patient. Summary: Choice A: While conflicts between the primary care provider and family may warrant discussions, the agreement on a treatment plan does not necessarily require an ethics consultation. Choice B: Disagreement
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for 80-year-old patient who has been tr eated for gastrointestinal bleeding. The family has agreed to withhold or withdraw additional treatment. The patient has a written advance directive specifying requests. The directive notes that the patient wants food and fluid to be continued and to be made physically comfortable. Th e nurse anticipates that several orders may be written to comply with this request, including which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Do not resuscitate." In this scenario, the patient's advance directive specifies a desire for comfort measures and continuation of food and fluids. A DNR order aligns with this directive by respecting the patient's wish to avoid aggressive life-saving measures. This choice prioritizes the patient's autonomy and quality of life. Other options (B, C, D) are not aligned with the patient's wishes. Changing antibiotics or stopping blood transfusions may be unrelated to the patient's comfort or food/fluid preferences. Discontinuing tube feeding goes against the directive's request for food and fluid continuation.
Question 4 of 5
What should a designated healthcare surrogate base healthcare decisions on?
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.
Question 5 of 5
Which nursing intervention would need to be corrected on a care plan for a patient in order to be consistent with the principles of effective end-of-life ca re?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Limiting visitation to reduce emotional distress contradicts the principles of effective end-of-life care, which emphasize holistic support for the patient and family. 2. Effective end-of-life care encourages open communication and emotional support from loved ones. 3. Limiting visitation may hinder emotional closure and support for both the patient and family. 4. Options A, C, and D align with effective end-of-life care by focusing on symptom management, education, and spiritual support for the patient and family.