Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Ultrafiltration is the correct answer because it involves the removal of plasma water and low-molecular weight particles by using a pressure or osmotic gradient. During ultrafiltration, the pressure gradient pushes the fluid through a semipermeable membrane, separating the substances based on their molecular size. This process allows for the selective removal of unwanted substances while retaining essential components. Dialysis (choice A) involves the removal of waste products from the blood, but it does not specifically target plasma water and low-molecular weight particles. Diffusion (choice B) is the passive movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration and is not specific to the removal of plasma water. Clearance (choice C) refers to the rate at which a substance is removed from the blood and does not involve the mechanism of pressure or osmotic gradient utilized in ultrafiltration.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Systemic vascular resistance (SVR). SVR reflects the resistance the heart must overcome to pump blood into the systemic circulation. By monitoring SVR, the nurse can assess the effectiveness of medications aimed at reducing left ventricular afterload, as these medications work by dilating blood vessels and reducing resistance. An effective reduction in afterload would lead to a decrease in SVR. A: Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is an indicator of perfusion pressure but may not directly reflect changes in afterload. C: Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is specific to the pulmonary circulation and not directly related to left ventricular afterload. D: Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is a measure of left ventricular preload and filling pressures, not afterload.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Checking circulation to the right hand is crucial for assessing perfusion and detecting potential complications. Step 2: Arterial line placement can compromise blood flow, leading to ischemia if circulation is impaired. Step 3: Monitoring circulation every 2 hours allows for early detection of issues and prompt intervention. Step 4: This action ensures patient safety and prevents complications. Summary: - Choice B is incorrect as pressurized flush solution can increase the risk of complications. - Choice C is incorrect as monitoring the waveform is important but not the most critical action. - Choice D is incorrect as limb restraints can impede circulation and are unnecessary in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Collaboration with patients, families, and team members. By addressing the family's concern about lack of communication with the physician and arranging a meeting between the intensivist and the family, the nurse is demonstrating collaboration skills in facilitating communication and ensuring the family's questions are addressed. This competency emphasizes the importance of working together with patients, families, and the healthcare team to provide optimal care. Incorrect choices: A: Advocacy and moral agency in solving ethical issues - While advocacy is important in nursing, in this scenario, the focus is on communication and collaboration rather than ethical issues. B: Clinical judgment and clinical reasoning skills - Although these skills are crucial in critical care nursing, the situation described does not primarily involve clinical judgment but rather communication and collaboration. D: Facilitation of learning for patients, families, and team members - While patient education is important, the main focus of the scenario is on addressing the family's concerns and facilitating communication, rather than educational aspects.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Considers factors related to safe patient care. The scenario involves the nurse discussing the patient's living will with the physician, which is essential for ensuring safe patient care by following the patient's preferences. This aligns with the AACN standard of considering factors related to safe patient care, as the nurse is actively involving all relevant parties in decision-making to provide care that is in line with the patient's wishes. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: Acquires and maintains current knowledge of practice - While important, this choice does not directly relate to the scenario where the focus is on safe patient care through communication and collaboration. B: Acts ethically on behalf of the patient and family - While ethics are important, the scenario is more about following the patient's wishes as outlined in the living will rather than making ethical decisions. D: Uses clinical inquiry and integrates research findings in practice - While valuable in nursing practice, this choice does not directly apply to the scenario where