ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Questions
Question 1 of 9
When fluid is present in the alveoli what is the result?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Alveoli collapse and atelectasis occurs. When fluid is present in the alveoli, it impairs the surface tension necessary for the alveoli to remain open, leading to collapse and atelectasis. This prevents proper gas exchange, resulting in hypoxemia. Choice B is incorrect because impaired gas diffusion typically occurs with conditions affecting the alveolar-capillary membrane, not fluid in the alveoli. Choice C is incorrect as hypoventilation refers to decreased ventilation, not specifically related to fluid in the alveoli. Choice D is incorrect as fluid in the alveoli is not a direct indicator of heart failure.
Question 2 of 9
A client with osteoarthritis is given a new prescription for a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The client asks the nurse, 'How is this medication different from the acetaminophen I have been taking?' Which information about the therapeutic action of NSAIDs should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide anti-inflammatory response. NSAIDs work by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase, thereby reducing inflammation, pain, and fever. This is different from acetaminophen, which primarily acts as a pain reliever and fever reducer but lacks significant anti-inflammatory properties. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: Are less expensive - Cost is not related to the therapeutic action of NSAIDs. C: Increase hepatotoxic side effects - While NSAIDs can have adverse effects on the liver, hepatotoxicity is not a primary therapeutic action of these drugs. D: Cause gastrointestinal bleeding - While NSAIDs can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, this is a potential side effect rather than the primary therapeutic action.
Question 3 of 9
The spouse of a patient with terminal cancer visits daily and cheerfully talks with the patient about wedding anniversary plans for the next year. When the nurse asks about any concerns, the spouse says, 'I’m busy at work, but otherwise, things are fine.' Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ineffective coping related to lack of grieving. The spouse's behavior of avoiding the reality of the terminal illness and focusing on future plans indicates maladaptive coping. The cheerfulness and denial suggest a lack of acceptance and processing of the impending loss. This can lead to emotional distress and hinder the grieving process. Choice B (Anxiety related to the complicated grieving process) is incorrect because the spouse's behavior does not exhibit signs of anxiety but rather avoidance and denial. Choice C (Caregiver role strain related to feeling overwhelmed) is incorrect as the spouse does not express feeling overwhelmed but instead deflects by focusing on work. Choice D (Hopelessness related to knowledge deficit about cancer) is incorrect because the spouse's behavior does not indicate hopelessness or lack of understanding about cancer, but rather an avoidance of facing the reality of the situation.
Question 4 of 9
A physician visits a patient in the ICU while the nurse is out. The patient complains that the pain medication is not effective and that he would like to receive an increased dose. The physician has the nurse paged and consults with him in the hallway regarding the patients request for stronger pain medication. The nurse explains that patient was started on a morphine drip only 20 minutes ago and that the drug has not had time to take effectyet. The physician agrees and tells the patient to give it just a bit more time. Which component of a healthy work environment is most evident in this scenario?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: True collaboration. In this scenario, the physician consults with the nurse to understand the situation and collaborates on the best course of action for the patient's care. This demonstrates effective teamwork, communication, and mutual respect between healthcare professionals, which are key components of a healthy work environment. Choice A (Skilled communication) is not the best answer because while communication between the physician and nurse is important, the focus in this scenario is more on collaboration and teamwork. Choice B (Appropriate staffing) is not the best answer as the scenario does not specifically address staffing levels but rather the interaction and collaboration between the physician and nurse. Choice D (Recognizing signs of imminent stroke and paging the physician) is incorrect as it is unrelated to the scenario described, which is about the physician and nurse collaborating on patient care.
Question 5 of 9
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 6 of 9
A 68-year-old patient has been in the intensive care unit for 4 days and has a nursing diagnosis of disturbed sensory perception related to sleep deprivation. Which action should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cluster nursing activities so that the patient has uninterrupted rest periods. Rationale: 1. Clustering nursing activities allows for uninterrupted rest periods, essential for improving sleep quality and addressing disturbed sensory perception. 2. Administering sedatives or opioids (Option A) can lead to drug dependence, tolerance, and adverse effects in older adults. 3. Silencing alarms (Option C) compromises patient safety by impeding timely monitoring and response to critical events. 4. Eliminating assessments (Option D) between 0100 and 0600 disregards the necessity of monitoring vital signs and assessing patient condition around the clock.
Question 7 of 9
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 8 of 9
The amount of effort needed to maintain a given level of ventilation is referred to using what term?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Work of breathing. Work of breathing refers to the amount of effort required to maintain a specific level of ventilation. This includes the energy needed for inhalation and exhalation. Compliance (A) refers to the ease with which the lungs expand, resistance (B) is the opposition to airflow in the airways, and tidal volume (C) is the amount of air moved in and out of the lungs during normal breathing. Work of breathing encompasses the overall energy expenditure involved in the breathing process, making it the most appropriate term in this context.
Question 9 of 9
Continuous venovenous hemodialysis is used to
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because continuous venovenous hemodialysis combines ultrafiltration, convection, and dialysis techniques. Ultrafiltration removes excess fluid, convection helps in removing solutes, and dialysis involves the diffusion of solutes across a semipermeable membrane. This comprehensive approach ensures effective removal of both fluid and solutes in critically ill patients. Incorrect Answer Analysis: A: Removing fluids and solutes through convection alone is not the complete process in continuous venovenous hemodialysis. B: While volume overload is addressed, continuous venovenous hemodialysis involves more than just removing plasma water. C: Adding dialysate is not the primary method in continuous venovenous hemodialysis; it involves ultrafiltration, convection, and dialysis techniques.