ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The patient has just returned from having an arteriovenous fistula placed. The patient asks, “When will they be able to use this and take this other catheter out?” The nurse should reply,
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: “The fistula will be usable in about 4 to 6 weeks.” The rationale for this is that an arteriovenous fistula typically requires 4 to 6 weeks to mature and be ready for use. During this time, the fistula develops the necessary blood flow for efficient dialysis. Choice A is incorrect because immediate use of the fistula is not recommended as it needs time to mature. Choice B is incorrect as it underestimates the time needed for the fistula to heal and mature. Choice D is incorrect as the usability of the fistula is not dependent on the manufacturer but rather on the patient's individual healing process.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving peritoneal dialysis. The patient suddenly complains of abdominal pain and chills. The patient’s temperature is elevated. The nurse should
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Abdominal pain, chills, and elevated temperature suggest a serious complication like visceral perforation. Step 2: Peritoneal dialysate return assessment won't address the potential life-threatening issue. Step 3: Checking blood sugar or evaluating neurological status is not relevant to the presenting symptoms. Step 4: Informing the provider of probable visceral perforation is crucial for prompt intervention and further evaluation.
Question 3 of 5
The most common reasons for initiating dialysis in acute kidney injury include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Volume overload. In acute kidney injury, impaired kidney function leads to fluid retention, causing volume overload. Dialysis helps remove excess fluid to restore fluid balance. Acidosis and hyperkalemia are potential complications of acute kidney injury but not the primary reasons for initiating dialysis. Hypokalemia is unlikely in acute kidney injury due to impaired excretion of potassium by the kidneys. Therefore, the most common reason for initiating dialysis in acute kidney injury is to manage volume overload.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is preparing to administer atropine, an anticholinergic, to a client scheduled for a cholecystectomy. The client asks the nurse to explain the reason for the prescribed medication. What response is best for the nurse to provide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decrease the risk of bradycardia during surgery. Rationale: 1. Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that works by blocking the parasympathetic nervous system. 2. During surgery, the parasympathetic stimulation can lead to bradycardia (slow heart rate). 3. By administering atropine, the nurse can counteract the bradycardic effects and maintain a normal heart rate during the procedure. 4. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as atropine is not used for inducing anesthesia, relaxation, or minimizing postoperative analgesia.
Question 5 of 5
Following an emergency Cesarean delivery, the nurse encourages the new mother to breastfeed her newborn. The client asks why she should breastfeed now. Which information should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because breastfeeding helps stimulate the uterus to contract, which reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage in the mother. When the baby suckles at the breast, it triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that causes the uterus to contract. This contraction helps the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size and shape, promoting faster healing and reducing bleeding. Choice B is incorrect because lactation initiation is a separate process that involves hormonal changes and milk production, which may not occur immediately after delivery. Choice C is incorrect as bonding can occur through various interactions beyond breastfeeding. Choice D is incorrect as neonatal hypoglycemia is primarily prevented by ensuring the baby receives adequate nutrition, which can also be achieved through other feeding methods besides breastfeeding.