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
Sleep often is disrupted for critically ill patients. Which nu rsing intervention is most appropriate to promote sleep and rest?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Consult with the pharmacist to adjust medication times to allow periods of sleep or rest between intervals. This is the most appropriate intervention as medication timings can significantly impact sleep patterns of critically ill patients. Adjusting medication times can help synchronize rest periods, promoting uninterrupted sleep. Choice B is incorrect as encouraging constant conversation can disrupt sleep. Choice C is incorrect as the television noise can be stimulating and hinder rest. Choice D is incorrect as leaving the lights on can disrupt the patient's circadian rhythm and negatively impact sleep quality.
Question 3 of 9
What is the treatment for an acute exacerbation of asthma?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inhaled bronchodilators and intravenous corticosteroids. Bronchodilators help to quickly open up the airways during an asthma exacerbation, providing immediate relief. Intravenous corticosteroids help reduce airway inflammation and prevent further worsening of symptoms. Corticosteroids by mouth (Choice A) are not as effective as intravenous administration during an acute exacerbation. Prone positioning or continuous lateral rotation (Choice C) is not a recommended treatment for asthma exacerbation. Sedation and inhaled bronchodilators (Choice D) are not appropriate as sedation can depress respiratory function and worsen the condition.
Question 4 of 9
The patient is in the critical care unit and will receive dialysis this morning. The nurse will (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because evaluating morning lab results is crucial to monitor the patient's condition before dialysis. Abnormal results may impact the dialysis treatment plan. Option B is incorrect as administering antihypertensive medications is not directly related to dialysis. Option C is incorrect as assessing the dialysis access site is the responsibility of the dialysis team. Option D is incorrect as weighing the patient is not typically done immediately before dialysis.
Question 5 of 9
A 65-year-old patient admitted to the progressive care unit with a diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia, has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes. A set of arterial blood gases obtained on admissiaobnir bw.coitmh/oteustt supplemental oxygen shows pH 7.35; PaCO 55 mm Hg; bicarbonate 30 mEq/L ; PaO 65 mm Hg. These blood 2 2 gases reflect what condition?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypoxemia and compensated respiratory acidosis. The patient's pH is within normal range (7.35), indicating compensation. The elevated PaCO2 (55 mm Hg) indicates respiratory acidosis due to inadequate ventilation, likely from COPD. The low PaO2 (65 mm Hg) indicates hypoxemia, common in pneumonia. The normal bicarbonate level (30 mEq/L) suggests metabolic compensation for respiratory acidosis. Choice A is incorrect as there is no metabolic alkalosis present. Choice C is incorrect as the patient has hypoxemia. Choice D is incorrect as the patient is showing compensated respiratory acidosis, not uncompensated.
Question 6 of 9
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 7 of 9
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 8 of 9
The nurse has identified an increase in medication errors in the critical care unit over the past several months. What aspect of medication procedures should be evaluated first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Adherence to procedures by nursing staff. This should be evaluated first because medication errors are often caused by human factors such as staff not following proper procedures. By assessing adherence, the root cause of errors can be identified and addressed. Choice B: Clarity of interdisciplinary communication may contribute to errors but doesn't directly address staff adherence to procedures. Choice C: Number of new employees could be a factor, but focusing on adherence to procedures is more crucial. Choice D: Changes in administration procedures may impact errors, but evaluating staff adherence is more immediate and directly related to errors.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is educating a patient’s family member about a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC). Which statement by the family member best indicates undaebrisrbt.acnomd/itnesgt of the purpose of the PAC?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it shows understanding that the PAC helps in managing fluid therapy effectively. The PAC measures pressures in the heart and lungs, guiding fluid management. Choice A is incorrect as the PAC is not primarily for IV fluid administration. Choice C shows understanding of the catheter placement but not its purpose. Choice D is incorrect as the PAC is not for the heart to heal but to monitor cardiac status.