ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 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 3 of 5
The nurse calculates the PaO /FiO ratio for the following values: PaO is 78 mm Hg; FiO is 2 2 2 2 6 (60%). What is the outcome and the relationship to the ARDS diagnosing criteria?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 46.8; meets criteria for ARDS. The PaO /FiO ratio is calculated by dividing the arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO) by the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO). In this case, PaO is 78 mm Hg and FiO is 0.6 (60%). Therefore, the calculation would be 78/0.6 = 130. This value is less than 300, which is indicative of ARDS according to the Berlin criteria. Choices B and C are incorrect as they do not align with the criteria for ARDS. Choice D is incorrect because the data provided is sufficient to compute the ratio.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse caring for a mechanically ventilated patient prepares to include which strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia should be into the patient’s plan of care? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Drain condensate from the ventilator tubing away from the patient. This is crucial to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia as stagnant condensate can harbor harmful bacteria. By draining it away from the patient, the risk of bacterial growth and subsequent aspiration is minimized. Elevating the head of the bed (choice B) helps prevent aspiration but is not specific to preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia. Instilling normal saline during suctioning (choice C) can increase the risk of infection. Performing regular oral care with chlorhexidine (choice D) is important for oral hygiene but not directly related to preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Question 5 of 5
While caring for a patient with a pulmonary artery cathete r, the nurse notes the pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) to be significantly higher than previously recorded values. The nurse assesses respirations to be unlabored at 16 breat hs/min, oxygen saturation of 98% on 3 L of oxygen via nasal cannula, and lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally. What is the priority nursing action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the physician immediately of the assessment findings. The significantly higher PAOP could indicate a potential complication or a change in the patient's condition that needs immediate medical attention. By notifying the physician, further assessment and interventions can be initiated promptly to address the underlying cause. Increasing supplemental oxygen (choice A) may not directly address the elevated PAOP, obtaining a chest x-ray (choice C) may delay urgent intervention, and zero referencing the catheter (choice D) is not a priority in this situation. Notifying the physician ensures timely and appropriate management of the patient's condition.