Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The elevated BUN and creatinine levels with a normal BUN/creatinine ratio indicate impaired kidney function. This pattern is commonly seen in acute kidney injury, such as acute tubular necrosis (ATN). In ATN, there is damage to the renal tubules leading to decreased excretion of waste products, resulting in elevated BUN and creatinine levels. The normal BUN/creatinine ratio suggests that the impairment is due to renal tubular dysfunction rather than prerenal causes like hypovolemia or postrenal causes like urinary obstruction. Increased nitrogen intake would not produce this specific pattern of results. Fluid resuscitation would likely result in dilution of BUN and creatinine levels, leading to lower values.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray study. ARDS diagnosis requires bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray, indicative of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Choice B, decreased cardiac output, is not a diagnostic criterion for ARDS. Choice C, PaO2/FiO2 ratio of less than 200, is a key diagnostic criteria for ARDS, indicating severe hypoxemia. Choice D, PAOP of more than 18 mm Hg, is used to differentiate between cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic causes of pulmonary edema, but it is not a direct diagnostic criterion for ARDS.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A patient with a red tag. In triage, red tags indicate patients with life-threatening injuries who require immediate attention. The nurse must assess this patient first to provide necessary interventions. Patients with blue tags are considered urgent but stable, black tags are deceased or beyond help, and yellow tags are for delayed treatment. Assessing the red-tagged patient first ensures prompt care for those in critical condition.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because certification validates nurses' expert knowledge and practice. This is important as it ensures that nurses have the necessary skills and competence to provide high-quality care in critical care settings. Certification is voluntary and not mandated by government regulations (Choice C). It goes beyond demonstrating basic knowledge (Choice D) by confirming specialized expertise. While certification may garner positive publicity (Choice A), the primary benefit is the validation of advanced skills and knowledge.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The first step in endotracheal intubation is to insert the endotracheal tube with a laryngoscope and blade to visualize the vocal cords and guide the tube into the trachea. This ensures proper placement of the tube for effective ventilation. Assessing the balloon symmetry (Choice A) and lung fields (Choice B) would come after the tube is successfully inserted. Inflating the balloon of the endotracheal tube (Choice C) should be the last step to secure the tube in place.