ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
Two unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are arguing on the unit about who deserves to take a break first. What is the most important basic guideline that the nurse should follow in resolving the conflict?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Deal with issues and not personalities. This guideline is important because it focuses on resolving the conflict based on the actual problem at hand, rather than personal biases or emotions. By addressing the issues causing the argument, the nurse can help the UAPs find a fair and logical solution. A: Requiring the UAPs to reach a compromise may not address the root cause of the conflict and could lead to further disagreements. B: Weighing the consequences is important but may not be as effective in resolving the conflict as directly addressing the issues. C: Encouraging humor may temporarily diffuse the situation but may not lead to a lasting resolution.
Question 2 of 5
What must the patient must be able of in order to provide informed consent?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because informed consent requires the patient to have knowledge and competence to make a decision. This involves understanding the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the proposed treatment. Choice A is incorrect as it pertains to a physical ability unrelated to decision-making. Choice C is incorrect as consent must be verbal or written, not just nodding. Choice D is incorrect as consent can be obtained in various ways, not specifically through reading and writing in English.
Question 3 of 5
A patient who is undergoing withdrawal of mechanical ventilation appears anxious and agitated. The patient is on a continuous morphine infusion and has an additional order for lorazepam 1 to 2 mg IV as needed (prn). The patient has received no lorazepam during this course of illness. What is the most appropriate nursing intearbvirbe.ncotmio/tnes tt o control agitation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice B is correct: 1. Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used for sedation and anxiolysis. 2. It acts quickly and has a short duration of action, suitable for acute agitation. 3. Lorazepam (also a benzodiazepine) is in the same drug class, ensuring compatibility. 4. Lorazepam is specifically ordered for this patient, indicating its appropriateness. 5. Administering midazolam addresses the patient's agitation efficiently and safely. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A: Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic, not ideal for managing agitation. C: Increasing morphine infusion can exacerbate sedation or respiratory depression. D: Paralytic agents are used for neuromuscular blockade, not agitation control.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is counseling a family about end-of-life care for their loved one. Which statement by the family indicates understanding of palliative care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because palliative care indeed focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms, enhancing quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. This aligns with the essence of palliative care, which is to provide holistic support to improve comfort and well-being. The other choices are incorrect: B is wrong because palliative care does not aim to cure the underlying disease but rather to alleviate suffering; C is incorrect as palliative care can be initiated earlier in the disease trajectory, not just during the final days; and D is inaccurate because patients can continue receiving treatments alongside palliative care to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Question 5 of 5
A 15-year-old boy is in the ICU and preparing for an appendectomy. He is clearly anxious and fidgets with his IV constantly. He complains that he doesnt want to be there and he is sick of everyone telling him what to do. What would be the best way for the nurse to address this patients anxiety?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Offer him the remote to the television. This is the best way to address the patient's anxiety because it provides a distraction and a sense of control, which can help alleviate anxiety. By offering the patient the remote to the television, the nurse is giving him a choice and a way to focus his attention away from his anxiety. This can help him feel more comfortable and empowered in the situation. Choice A is incorrect because using physical restraints can increase the patient's anxiety and sense of helplessness. Choice C, lowering the head of his bed, may provide physical comfort but does not directly address his anxiety. Choice D, explaining the procedure in detail, may further increase his anxiety as it focuses on the surgery rather than addressing his current emotional state.