ATI RN
Introduction to Critical Care Nursing 8th Edition Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse will monitor a patient for signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia if the patient is taking which of these diuretics?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Spironolactone (Aldactone). Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can lead to hyperkalemia due to its mechanism of action, which inhibits aldosterone. Aldosterone promotes potassium excretion, so inhibiting it can lead to potassium retention and hyperkalemia. Hydrochlorothiazide (A) is a thiazide diuretic that can actually cause hypokalemia. Furosemide (B) is a loop diuretic that also can lead to hypokalemia by increasing potassium excretion. Acetazolamide (C) is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor diuretic and is not associated with significant effects on potassium levels.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is admitted to the hospital with possible acute pericarditis. What diagnostic test would the nurse expect the patient to undergo?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Echocardiography. This is because echocardiography is a non-invasive imaging test that can help visualize the pericardium and assess for signs of pericarditis. It can show if there is fluid around the heart or any inflammation. Blood cultures (A) are not typically used to diagnose pericarditis, as it is not an infectious process. Cardiac catheterization (C) is an invasive procedure used to evaluate coronary artery disease, not pericarditis. 24-hour Holter monitor (D) is used to monitor heart rhythms over a period of time and is not typically used in the initial diagnosis of acute pericarditis.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with acute shortness of breath is admitted to the hospital. Which action should the nurse take during the initial assessment of the patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because during an acute episode of respiratory distress, it is essential to quickly gather specific information about the current situation. This allows the nurse to assess the severity of the issue, identify potential causes, and provide immediate interventions. Asking specific questions about the episode helps in determining the onset, triggers, associated symptoms, and any previous similar episodes. This information guides the nurse in prioritizing care and initiating appropriate interventions promptly. Choice A is incorrect because asking the patient to lie down for a full physical assessment is not appropriate during acute respiratory distress as it delays crucial information gathering. Choice B is incorrect as completing the health history and checking for allergies can be done after addressing the immediate respiratory distress. Choice D is incorrect because delaying the physical assessment for pulmonary function tests is not indicated in the acute management of respiratory distress.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with right lower-lobe pneumonia has been treated with IV antibiotics for 3 days. Which assessment data obtained by the nurse indicates that the treatment is effective?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse cares for a client after radiation therapy for neck cancer. The client reports extreme dry mouth. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Option C is correct because xerostomia (dry mouth) is a common side effect of radiation therapy to the head and neck area. It is important for the nurse to educate the client about this potential side effect and provide strategies for managing it. This includes encouraging the client to stay hydrated, suck on sugar-free candy, and avoid alcohol and tobacco. Option A is incorrect as lidocaine-containing mouthwash may not be appropriate for long-term use and may not effectively address the underlying issue of dry mouth. Option B is also incorrect as IV fluid boluses are not indicated for managing dry mouth. Option D is incorrect as assessing the client's neck for redness and swelling is not directly related to the client's complaint of dry mouth.