Questions 9

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Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

The nurse obtains a heart rate of 92 and a blood pressure of 110/76 prior to administering a scheduled dose of verapamil (Calan) for a client with atrial flutter. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer the dose as prescribed. Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used to treat atrial flutter. The vital signs obtained are within normal range for this medication. A heart rate of 92 and blood pressure of 110/76 are not contraindications for administering verapamil. Option A is incorrect as calcium gluconate is not indicated in this situation. Option B is incorrect because the vital signs are stable and do not warrant withholding the medication. Option D is incorrect as there is no need to delay the administration of verapamil based on the vital signs provided.

Question 2 of 5

The family of a terminally ill patient is concerned about administering increasing doses of opioids for pain management. What is the nurse’s best response?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because opioids are essential for effective pain management in terminally ill patients, improving their quality of life. Alternative methods may not provide sufficient pain relief. Choice A is incorrect as opioids do not necessarily hasten death when used appropriately for pain control. Choice C is incorrect because reducing opioid dose may lead to inadequate pain management. Choice D is incorrect as consulting a pain specialist to reduce medication may not be appropriate for terminally ill patients needing effective pain relief.

Question 3 of 5

The nurse plans a teaching session with a client but postpones the planned session based on which nursing problem?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice C: 1. Activity intolerance is a priority nursing problem postoperatively due to pain. 2. Postoperative pain can limit the client's ability to perform activities. 3. Addressing activity intolerance is crucial for promoting recovery and preventing complications. 4. Delaying the teaching session helps the nurse focus on managing pain first. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: - Choice A: Knowledge deficit can be addressed after managing immediate postoperative issues. - Choice B: Treatment regimen management is important but may not be as urgent as addressing activity intolerance related to pain. - Choice D: Noncompliance with exercise plan can be addressed once the client's pain and activity intolerance are under control.

Question 4 of 5

On their first visit to a critically ill patient, family members stand in the doorway of the room, making no effort to approach the patient. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because instructing the family on where the patient can be touched and what to say helps empower them to interact appropriately with the patient. This action promotes the family's involvement in the patient's care, encourages communication, and fosters a supportive environment. Choice B is incorrect as engaging in social conversation may not address the family's hesitance to approach the patient directly. Choice C is incorrect because waiting for visiting hours to provide information may delay necessary support for the family. Choice D is incorrect as leaving the family without guidance may perpetuate their discomfort and hinder their ability to provide emotional support to the patient.

Question 5 of 5

The patient is getting hemodialysis for the second time when he complains of a headache and nausea and, a little later, of becoming confused. The nurse realizes these are symptoms of

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: dialysis disequilibrium syndrome. This occurs when there is a rapid decrease in urea concentration in the blood during hemodialysis, causing fluid shifts and cerebral edema leading to symptoms like headache, nausea, and confusion. Dialyzer membrane incompatibility (A) would present with allergic reactions, not neurological symptoms. A shift in potassium levels (B) may cause muscle weakness or cardiac arrhythmias, but not the described symptoms. Hypothermia (D) would present with low body temperature and shivering, not the neurological symptoms mentioned.

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