ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Cardiac Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is managing a donor patient six hours prior to th e scheduled harvesting of the patient’s organs. Which assessment finding requires imme diate action by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The patient's pH of 7.30 indicates acidosis, PaCO2 of 38 mm Hg is low, and HCO3 of 16 mEq/L is also low, suggesting metabolic acidosis. This finding requires immediate action as untreated acidosis can lead to serious complications. Choice A (morning serum blood glucose of 128 mg/dL) is within normal range and does not require immediate action. Choice C (pulmonary artery temperature of 97.8°F) is a normal temperature and does not require immediate action. Choice D (central venous pressure of 8 mm Hg) is within normal range and does not require immediate action.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who requires administration of a neuromuscular blocking (NMB) agent to facilitate ventilation with non-traditional m odes. The nurse understands that neuromuscular blocking agents provide what outcome?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: No sedation or analgesia. Neuromuscular blocking agents do not provide sedation or pain relief; they solely act on skeletal muscles to induce paralysis for procedures like intubation. Choice A is incorrect because NMB agents do not affect anxiety levels. Choice B is incorrect because NMB agents do not provide analgesia. Choice C is incorrect because NMB agents do not induce sedation. The primary purpose of NMB agents is to induce muscle paralysis without affecting consciousness or pain perception.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving intravenous ibup rofen for pain management. The nurse recognizes which laboratory assessment to be a possaibbirlbe.c soimd/ete set ffect of the ibuprofen?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Elevated creatinine. Ibuprofen can cause kidney damage, leading to elevated creatinine levels. This is because ibuprofen is metabolized in the kidneys, and prolonged use can impair kidney function. Elevated platelet count (B), elevated white blood count (C), and low liver enzymes (D) are not typically associated with ibuprofen use. Platelet count and white blood count are more related to inflammation or infection, while low liver enzymes are not a common side effect of ibuprofen.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a critically ill trauma patient who is expected to be hospitalized for an extended period of time. Which of the following nursing interventions would improve the patient’s well-being and reduce anxiety the most?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because pet therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve well-being in hospitalized patients. Interacting with therapy dogs can provide comfort, companionship, and a distraction from the hospital environment. Bringing in a therapy dog can help the trauma patient feel more relaxed and supported during their extended hospital stay. Choice A may be comforting but does not address the therapeutic benefits of pet therapy. Choice C may provide soothing music, but pet therapy has been specifically proven to reduce anxiety in patients. Choice D, observing fish in an aquarium, may be calming but does not involve the interactive benefits of pet therapy.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following factors predispose the critically ill patient to pain and anxiety? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inability to communicate. Critically ill patients often experience pain and anxiety due to their inability to effectively communicate their needs and discomfort. This can lead to unaddressed pain and increased anxiety levels. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while invasive procedures, monitoring devices, and preexisting conditions can contribute to pain and anxiety in critically ill patients, they are not factors that directly predispose patients to these issues. It is the lack of communication that significantly hinders the ability to address and manage pain and anxiety effectively in these patients.