ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 4
The primary health care provider writes an order to discon tinue a patient’s left radial arterial line. When discontinuing the patient’s invasive line, what is the priority nursing action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Apply pressure to the insertion site for 5 minutes. This is the priority nursing action because it helps prevent bleeding and hematoma formation after removing the arterial line. Applying pressure for 5 minutes allows for adequate hemostasis. A: Applying an air occlusion dressing to the insertion site is not the priority action. It does not address the immediate need to control bleeding. C: Elevating the affected limb on pillows for 24 hours is not necessary and does not address the immediate need for hemostasis. D: Keeping the patient's wrist in a neutral position is not the priority action when discontinuing an arterial line. It does not address the need for hemostasis and preventing bleeding.
Question 2 of 4
The nurse is caring for a patient with an arterial monitoring system. The nurse assesses the patient’s noninvasive cuff blood pressure to be 70/40 mm Hg. The arterial blood pressure measurement via an intraarterial catheter in the same arm is assessed by the nurse to be 108/70 mm Hg. What is the best action by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C - Assess the cuff for proper arm size): 1. The cuff blood pressure (70/40 mm Hg) is significantly lower than the arterial blood pressure (108/70 mm Hg). 2. Discrepancy suggests cuff size mismatch, leading to inaccurate readings. 3. Assessing cuff size ensures accurate blood pressure measurement. 4. Ensures appropriate interventions based on accurate readings. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Rapid response not warranted based solely on blood pressure discrepancy. B: Trendelenburg position not indicated for cuff size issue. D: Normal saline bolus not appropriate without accurate blood pressure measurement.
Question 3 of 4
The nurse is caring for a patient with a left radial arterial lianbierb, .caonmd/t eas tp ulmonary artery catheter inserted into the right subclavian vein. Which action by th e nurse best ensures the safety of the patient being monitored with invasive hemodynamic moni toring lines?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Zero reference the system daily. Zero referencing ensures accuracy and calibration of pressure monitoring system by setting the baseline pressure to zero. This is crucial to prevent inaccuracies in measurements. Choice A is important but doesn't directly address the accuracy of the monitoring system. Choice B may help in preventing errors but doesn't address the accuracy of pressure measurement. Choice D is important for alerting the nurse but doesn't directly relate to the accuracy of hemodynamic monitoring.
Question 4 of 4
Which of the following situations may result in a low cardiac output and low cardiac index? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Certainly. Hypovolemia, or low blood volume, can lead to low cardiac output and cardiac index because the heart has less blood to pump, resulting in reduced circulation. Exercise typically increases cardiac output to meet increased demand. Myocardial infarction may reduce cardiac output temporarily, but not consistently. Shock, a condition where the body's tissues do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, can lead to low cardiac output, making it a possible cause.