ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The patient is on intake and output (I&O), as well as daily weights. The nurse notes that output is considerably less than intake over the last shift, and daily weight is 1 kg more than yesterday. The nurse should
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: First, the nurse should assess the patient's lungs to rule out any potential respiratory issues causing fluid retention. This is crucial as the patient has signs of fluid imbalance with decreased output and increased weight. Assessing the lungs can help identify conditions like heart failure or pneumonia that may contribute to these changes. Drawing a trough level (choice A) is not a priority as it doesn't address the immediate concern of fluid imbalance. Placing the patient on fluid restriction (choice B) should only be done after identifying the cause of the imbalance. Inserting an indwelling catheter (choice D) is not necessary at this point as the issue is related to fluid balance, not urinary elimination.
Question 2 of 5
What is an early signs of the effect of hypoxemia on the nervous system?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Restlessness. When the body experiences hypoxemia (low oxygen levels), the brain is deprived of oxygen, leading to early signs such as restlessness. This is due to the brain's attempt to increase oxygen intake by increasing activity. Cyanosis (A) is a late sign of hypoxemia when oxygen levels are critically low. Tachycardia (C) and tachypnea (D) are compensatory mechanisms in response to hypoxemia, but they are not early signs affecting the nervous system directly.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse recommends that the family of a critically ill patient seek help from the Critical Care Family Assistance Program. What benefit for the family does the nurse anticipate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Multidisciplinary support. The Critical Care Family Assistance Program offers a range of professionals such as social workers, counselors, and financial advisors to provide holistic support to the family. This helps address emotional, financial, and practical needs during a challenging time. Option A is incorrect because the program does not directly reduce healthcare costs. Option B is incorrect as the focus is not solely on physical comfort but on comprehensive support. Option D is incorrect as the primary aim is not health promotion but rather addressing the family's immediate concerns and needs.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assisting with endotracheal intubation and un derstands correct placement of the endotracheal tube in the trachea would be identified by which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Equal bilateral breath sounds upon auscultation. This indicates proper placement of the endotracheal tube in the trachea, ensuring both lungs are being ventilated equally. Rationale: 1. Auscultation of air over the epigastrium (Choice A) is incorrect as it indicates esophageal intubation, not tracheal intubation. 2. Position above the carina verified by chest x-ray (Choice C) is incorrect as it does not confirm proper placement at the trachea. 3. Positive detection of carbon dioxide (CO2) (Choice D) is incorrect as it indicates the presence of exhaled CO2, but not necessarily proper placement in the trachea.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse who works in an intermediate care unit has experienced high nursing turnover. The nurse manager is often considered to be an autocratic leade r by staff members and that leadership style is contributing to turnover. The nurse asks to be involved in developing new guidelines to prevent pressure ulcers in the patient populat ion. The nurse manager suggests that the nurse has not yet had enough experience to be on tahbierb p.croemv/teenstt ion task force. This situation and setting is an example of what form of ineffec tive leadership?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Displaying ineffective decision making. In this scenario, the nurse manager's decision to exclude the nurse from participating in developing new guidelines is an example of ineffective decision making. By dismissing the nurse's request based on lack of experience rather than considering their input and involvement, the manager is not utilizing the nurse's expertise and potentially missing out on valuable insights. This decision reflects a lack of inclusivity, collaboration, and respect for the nurse's professional growth and potential contributions. The other choices are not directly applicable in this context as the core issue lies in the manager's decision-making process.