ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
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 9
An elderly patient is admitted to the ICU with stage IV lung cancer, diabetes mellitus, and congestive heart failure. The health care team assembled to care for her is large and diverse, including an oncologist, a pulmonologist, an endocrinologist, a cardiologist, and others. The patient is not expected to survive more than a few weeks, and her husband is overwhelmed with stress and grief. Which nurse competency or competencies are most needed in this situation? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Caring practices. In this situation, the patient and her husband are dealing with complex medical conditions and emotional distress. Caring practices involve providing compassionate, empathetic, and supportive care to the patient and her family members during this difficult time. The nurse needs to show sensitivity, understanding, and emotional support to help them cope with their situation. Clinical judgment (A) is important but not the primary focus in this scenario. Collaboration (C) is essential in the interdisciplinary team, but caring practices take precedence in addressing the emotional needs. Response to diversity (D) is also important, but in this case, the focus is more on providing compassionate care rather than addressing cultural or social diversity issues.
Question 3 of 9
Which statement is consistent with societal views of dying in the United States?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is D because the purpose of the healthcare system in the United States is primarily focused on disease prevention and symptom management. This aligns with societal views as healthcare is geared towards improving health outcomes and quality of life. Incorrect choices: A: Dying is not viewed as a failure of the system or providers, rather as a natural part of life. B: Most Americans prefer to die at home or in hospice care rather than in a hospital. C: Illnesses are not always curable, and death can result from various complex conditions beyond treatment.
Question 4 of 9
While neuromuscular blocking agents are used in the management of some ventilated patients what is their primary mode of action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Paralysis. Neuromuscular blocking agents work by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle paralysis. This is essential in ventilated patients to facilitate mechanical ventilation and prevent patient-ventilator dyssynchrony. Rationale: A: Analgesia - Neuromuscular blocking agents do not provide pain relief. They do not have any direct analgesic properties. B: Anticonvulsant - Neuromuscular blocking agents do not prevent or treat seizures. They do not have anticonvulsant effects. D: Sedation - While sedatives may be used in conjunction with neuromuscular blocking agents, the primary mode of action of these agents is muscle paralysis, not sedation.
Question 5 of 9
Many critically ill patients experience anxiety. The nurse can reduce anxiety with which approach?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it addresses the patient's anxiety by providing clear communication and involving the patient in the care process. By explaining the turning procedure, inspecting the skin, and providing comfort through lotion application, the nurse establishes trust and promotes a sense of control for the patient. This approach helps alleviate anxiety by keeping the patient informed and engaged in their care. Choice A is incorrect because limiting family visitation may not directly address the patient's anxiety. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on routine information rather than directly addressing the patient's anxiety. Choice D is incorrect because suctioning the endotracheal tube may cause discomfort and does not address the underlying anxiety issue.
Question 6 of 9
The urgent care center protocol for tick bites includes the following actions. Which action will the nurse take first when caring for a patient with a tick bite?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use tweezers to remove any remaining ticks. The first step is to remove the tick to prevent further transmission of any potential pathogens. This is crucial in preventing tick-borne illnesses. Checking vital signs (B) can be done after the tick is removed. Administering doxycycline (C) should be based on guidelines and individual factors. Obtaining information about recent outdoor activities (D) is important but not the immediate priority.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient with lung cancer in a home hospice program. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because in a home hospice program, it is essential for the nurse to provide holistic care that includes addressing the patient's emotional and psychological needs. Encouraging the patient to discuss past life events and their meaning can help them process emotions, find closure, and improve their quality of life. This approach aligns with the principles of palliative care, which focus on enhancing comfort and well-being. Choice A is incorrect because discussing cancer risk factors and lifestyle modifications may not be relevant or beneficial for a patient in a hospice program. Choice C is incorrect because chemotherapy and radiation are typically not part of hospice care, which focuses on comfort rather than curative treatments. Choice D is incorrect because a thorough head-to-toe assessment multiple times a week may not be necessary or appropriate for a patient in a hospice program.
Question 8 of 9
To maintain proper cuff pressure of an endotracheal tube (ET) when the patient is on mechanical ventilation, the nurse should:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because inflating the cuff until a slight leak is heard only at peak inflation ensures it is adequately sealed but not overinflated, preventing complications like tracheal injury or pressure necrosis. Choice A lacks specificity and can lead to overinflation. Choice B may result in overinflation as the firmness of the balloon is subjective. Choice C relies on a specific pressure reading, which may vary based on factors like tube size and patient anatomy, potentially leading to under- or overinflation.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse recognizes that which patient is likely to benefit most from patient-controlled analgesia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, the 21-year-old with a C4 fracture and quadriplegia. This patient is likely to benefit most from patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) due to the inability to self-administer traditional pain medications. With quadriplegia, the patient may have limited mobility and sensation, making it challenging to communicate pain levels effectively. PCA allows the patient to control their pain relief within preset limits, enhancing autonomy and optimizing pain management. Summary: - Choice B: The 45-year-old with femur fracture and closed head injury may benefit from PCA, but the severity of the head injury could affect their ability to use the device effectively. - Choice C: The 59-year-old postoperative elective bariatric surgery patient can typically manage pain with traditional methods postoperatively. - Choice D: The 70-year-old postoperative cardiac surgery patient with mild dementia may have the cognitive ability to use PCA but could potentially benefit more from other pain management strategies due