ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is preparing to provide postmortem care for a patient who has just died. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: A: Closing the patient's eyes and placing a pillow under the head is the first step in postmortem care to maintain dignity and prevent airway occlusion. B: Washing the body and changing clothes can be done later and is not the priority. C: Removing medical equipment can wait until after ensuring the patient's comfort. D: Confirming the death certificate is important but not the immediate first step in postmortem care.
Question 2 of 5
A hospice patient is manifesting a decrease in all body system functions except for a heart rate of 124 and a respiratory rate of 28. Which statement, if made by the nurse to the patient’s family member, is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because an increase in heart rate and respiratory rate can be a normal response before body system functions decrease in a hospice patient. This is known as a compensatory mechanism as the body tries to maintain oxygenation. Choice A is incorrect because symptoms may not always continue to increase until death. Choice C is incorrect as it implies a reflex response, which may not be the case. Choice D is incorrect as an improvement in the patient's condition is unlikely in a hospice setting.
Question 3 of 5
A patient nearing death experiences increased secretions and noisy breathing. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer anticholinergic medications as prescribed. Anticholinergic medications can help dry up secretions and improve breathing in a patient nearing death. This intervention targets the underlying cause of increased secretions. Suctioning (choice A) may provide temporary relief but does not address the root issue. Elevating the head of the bed and repositioning (choice C) can help with comfort but do not directly address the secretions. Restricting oral intake (choice D) may lead to dehydration and discomfort without effectively managing the secretions. Administering anticholinergic medications is the priority as it directly targets the symptom of increased secretions, improving the patient's comfort and quality of life.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse has been working as a staff nurse in the surgical inabteirbn.scoivme/t ecsat re unit for 2 years and is interested in certification. Which credential would be most applicable for her to seek?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: CCRN. The nurse works in a surgical unit, making CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) the most applicable credential as it focuses on critical care nursing, which is relevant to the nurse's current practice. ACNPC (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification) and PCCN (Progressive Care Certified Nurse) are not suitable as they are more focused on advanced practice or progressive care respectively, not directly related to surgical units. CCNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification) is not the best choice as it is more geared towards advanced practice roles in specific clinical specialties, not general staff nursing.
Question 5 of 5
The vision of the American Association of Critical-Care N urses is a healthcare system driven by achieving what goal?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the vision of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses focuses on creating respectful, healing, and humane environments. This aligns with the core values of nursing, emphasizing compassion, dignity, and patient-centered care. A is incorrect as the focus is not solely on the work environment. B is incorrect as it emphasizes the role of physicians over the collaborative approach advocated by the AACN. C is incorrect as it only addresses meeting patient needs, whereas the vision encompasses a broader scope of creating healing environments.