ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The wife of a patient who is hospitalized in the critical car e unit following resuscitation for a sudden cardiac arrest at work demands to meet with the nu rsing manager. She states, “I want you to reassign my husband to another nurse. His current n urse is not in the room enough to make sure he is okay.” The nurse recognizes that this respo nse most likely is due to what unspoken need?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Sense of loss of control of the situation. The wife's demand to reassign the nurse indicates her need for control over her husband's care, as she may feel overwhelmed by the sudden cardiac arrest and hospitalization. By requesting a different nurse, she seeks to regain a sense of control and assurance. The other choices are incorrect because: A does not align with the wife's immediate concern, B does not explain her request for a nurse reassignment, and C does not address her emotional response to the situation.
Question 2 of 5
The condition of a critically ill patient with a living will has deteriorated. The patient’s partner wants “everything done,” regardless of the patient’s wishe s. Which ethical principle is the partner violating?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Autonomy. Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects an individual's right to make decisions about their own care and treatment. In this scenario, the partner wanting "everything done" regardless of the patient's wishes violates the patient's autonomy by not honoring their previously expressed wishes outlined in the living will. This decision disregards the patient's right to make choices about their own healthcare. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because: B: Beneficence focuses on doing good for the patient, but in this case, the partner's actions are not necessarily in the patient's best interest. C: Justice pertains to fairness and equal treatment, which is not directly relevant to the situation described. D: Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm, but in this scenario, the harm is not necessarily physical but rather a violation of the patient's autonomy.
Question 3 of 5
Which organization requires a mechanism for addressing ethical issues?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, The Joint Commission, because it is a regulatory body that accredits healthcare organizations and requires them to have mechanisms for addressing ethical issues to ensure patient safety and quality of care. The other choices (A, B, C) are professional organizations that focus on specific areas of healthcare practice and do not have the authority to set regulatory standards for addressing ethical issues in healthcare organizations.
Question 4 of 5
When addressing an ethical dilemma, contextual, physiolo gical, and personal factors of the situation must be considered. Which of the following is an example of a personal factor?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient's expressed beliefs and wishes regarding quality of life are personal factors that directly influence the ethical dilemma. This factor reflects the individual's values, beliefs, and preferences, which are essential in making ethical decisions that respect the patient's autonomy. Considering the patient's beliefs helps healthcare professionals navigate complex ethical situations by aligning the care provided with the patient's values. Choices A, B, and D do not directly relate to personal factors but rather focus on hospital policies, physiological symptoms, and the provider's perspective, respectively. Personal factors are crucial in ethical decision-making as they center on the patient's autonomy and preferences.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient whose condition has deter iorated and is now not responding to standard treatment. The primary health care provider ca lls for an ethical consultation with the family to discuss potential withdrawal versus aggressivabei rtbr.ceoamtm/teestn t. The nurse understands that applying a model for ethical decision making involves which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Burden versus benefit. In ethical decision-making, considering the burden of treatment on the patient versus the potential benefits is crucial. This involves weighing the risks, benefits, and potential harm of treatment options. Family's wishes (B) and patient's wishes (C) are important factors but may not always align with what is ethically best for the patient. Potential outcomes of treatment options (D) are relevant but do not directly address the ethical dilemma of balancing burden and benefit. Therefore, A is the correct choice as it directly relates to the ethical principles guiding decision-making in this scenario.