Questions 9

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Questions

Question 1 of 5

When caring for a patient with a pulmonary artery (PA) pressure catheter, the nurse observes that the PA waveform indicates that the catheter is in the wedged position. Which action should the nurse take next?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Notify the health care provider. When the PA waveform indicates the catheter is in the wedged position, it means the catheter tip is in the pulmonary artery, potentially causing complications. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately to assess and reposition the catheter to prevent further issues. Zero balancing the transducer (A) or activating the fast flush system (B) are not appropriate actions for this situation. Deflating and reinflating the PA balloon (D) could exacerbate the issue and should only be done under the guidance of the healthcare provider.

Question 2 of 5

A 6-year-old child is alert but quiet when brought to the emergency center with periorbital ecchymosis and ecchymosis behind the ears. The nurse suspects potential child abuse and continues to assess the child for additional manifestations of a basilar skull fracture. What assessment finding would be consistent with a basilar skull fracture?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Rhinorrhoea or otorrhoea with Halo sign. This finding is consistent with a basilar skull fracture because it indicates a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak from the skull base. The Halo sign refers to a ring of CSF surrounded by blood, which can be seen on a white absorbent pad. This specific sign is a classic indicator of a basilar skull fracture, as the CSF leakage from the ears or nose can be tinged with blood due to the fracture disrupting nearby blood vessels. For the other choices: A: Hematemesis and abdominal distention are not typical manifestations of a basilar skull fracture. They are more indicative of gastrointestinal issues or internal bleeding. B: Asymmetry of the face and eye movements can be seen with facial nerve or orbital injuries, but it is not specific to a basilar skull fracture. D: Abnormal position and movement of the arm are not directly related to a

Question 3 of 5

Which statement is true regarding venous thromboembolisambir b(.VcoTm/Ete)s ta nd pulmonary embolus (PE)?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because PE should be suspected in patients with unexplained cardiorespiratory complaints and risk factors for VTE. This is important because PE can present with nonspecific symptoms, making it crucial to consider it in the differential diagnosis. Explanation: 1. PE can present with various symptoms, including dyspnea, chest pain, and hemoptysis, but these are not present in all patients. 2. Bradycardia and hyperventilation are not classic symptoms of PE, as it can present with tachycardia and other respiratory findings. 3. Critically ill patients are actually at higher risk for VTE and PE, so prophylaxis is typically recommended. In summary, choice A is correct because it emphasizes the importance of considering PE in patients with cardiorespiratory complaints and risk factors for VTE, while the other choices contain inaccuracies or incomplete information.

Question 4 of 5

The nurse is preparing for insertion of a pulmonary artery acbairtbh.ceotme/rte (sPt AC). During insertion of the catheter, what are the priority nursing actions? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ensure that a sterile field is maintained during the insertion procedure. This is the priority nursing action because maintaining a sterile field is crucial to prevent infection during the invasive procedure. The nurse must follow strict aseptic technique to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria into the patient's bloodstream. All other choices are incorrect: A: Addressing the patient's anxiety is important but not the priority during the insertion procedure. C: Inflating the balloon is a specific action that should be performed by the physician, not the nurse. D: While monitoring the patient's cardiac rhythm is important, ensuring the sterile field takes precedence to prevent complications.

Question 5 of 5

The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with a traumatic brain injury following a motor vehicle crash. The patient’s Glasgow Coma Score is 3 anda binirbte.cromm/ittetset ntly withdraws when painful stimuli are introduced. The patient is ventilator dependent and occasionally takes a spontaneous breath. The primary care provider explains to the family that the patient has severe neurological impairment and it is not expected that the patient will ever recover consciousness. What concept does this situation depict?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: A persistent vegetative state. This choice is correct because the patient exhibits minimal responsiveness, only withdrawing to painful stimuli, and lacks meaningful interaction or consciousness. A persistent vegetative state is characterized by preserved wakefulness without awareness, which aligns with the patient's condition. Choice A: An organ donor is incorrect because the patient's neurological impairment does not necessarily indicate readiness for organ donation. Choice B: Brain death is incorrect because the patient still exhibits some reflexive responses, indicating a level of brain function beyond brain death. Choice D: Terminally ill is incorrect as it does not specifically address the patient's neurological status and prognosis, which is better described by a persistent vegetative state.

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