ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which intervention is appropriate to assist the patient to co pe with admission to the critical care unit?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Explaining all procedures in easy-to-understand terms. This intervention is appropriate as it helps reduce the patient's anxiety by providing clear information about what to expect during their stay in the critical care unit. This promotes a sense of control and understanding, which can positively impact the patient's coping mechanisms. A: Allowing unrestricted visiting by several family members at one time may overwhelm the patient and interfere with their rest and recovery. C: Providing back massage and mouth care may be beneficial but may not directly address the patient's need for information and understanding. D: Turning down the alarm volume on the cardiac monitor may provide a more comfortable environment but does not address the patient's emotional and psychological needs related to coping with admission to the critical care unit.
Question 2 of 5
The VALUE mnemonic is a helpful strategy to enhance communication with family members of critically ill patients. Which of the following statements describes a VALUE strategy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acknowledge family emotions. This is a key component of the VALUE strategy as it emphasizes empathy and understanding towards the emotions that family members may be experiencing during a difficult time. By acknowledging their emotions, healthcare providers can build trust and establish a supportive relationship with the family. Choice A is incorrect because the VALUE strategy focuses on treating family members as integral members of the care team, not just as guests. Choice C is incorrect as learning about family structure and function is important but not specifically part of the VALUE strategy. Choice D is incorrect as using a trained interpreter is important for effective communication but is not specific to the VALUE mnemonic.
Question 3 of 5
The critical care environment is often stressful to a criticalalbyir bil.clo pma/tteiset nt. Identify stressors that are commonly stressful for the critically ill patient. (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Alarms that sound from various devices. In the critical care environment, alarms often indicate changes in the patient's condition, causing stress. Bright fluorescent lighting (B) may be bothersome but not directly related to patient stress. Lack of day-night cues (C) may disrupt sleep patterns but is not a direct stressor. Sounds from the mechanical ventilator (D) are essential for patient care and not inherently stressful.
Question 4 of 5
Which statement about resuscitation is true?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it accurately states that withholding "extraordinary" resuscitation is legal and should be based on specified criteria in advance directives and physician orders. This is in line with medical ethics and patient autonomy. A is incorrect because family presence during resuscitation can be beneficial for emotional support and decision-making. B is incorrect as it is still necessary for a physician to document "do not resuscitate" orders even with a healthcare surrogate. C is incorrect as "slow codes" are not ethical and go against the principle of beneficence.
Question 5 of 5
A patient who has been declared brain dead is considered a potential organ donor. In order to proceed with donation, the nurse must understand that applicable concept?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because after brain death is confirmed, maintaining perfusion and oxygenation of organs is crucial to ensure their viability for donation. This process allows organs to be retrieved in optimal condition during the operation. Choice A is incorrect because a signed donor card is not a legal mandate for organ retrieval. Choice C is incorrect as the healthcare proxy's consent is typically required for organ donation. Choice D is incorrect because life support is not immediately withdrawn upon brain death confirmation; instead, organ preservation measures are initiated.