ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which interventions can the nurse use to facilitate communication with patients and families who are in the process of making decisions regarding end- of-life care options? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Communication of uniform messages from all healthcare team members. This intervention is crucial to ensure consistency in information provided to patients and families, reducing confusion and enhancing trust. When all team members convey the same messages, it helps in clarifying options and facilitating decision-making. Choices B and C are incorrect as they focus on care planning and continuity, which are important but not specifically related to facilitating communication in end-of-life care decisions. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests limiting time for families to express feelings, which can hinder effective communication and support during such a sensitive time.
Question 2 of 9
Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care for a female client with severe postpartum depression who is admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because supervised and guided visits with the infant allow the client to bond with her baby in a safe and structured environment, promoting maternal-infant attachment while ensuring the safety and well-being of both. Restricting visitors who irritate the client (choice A) may increase feelings of isolation and distress. Full rooming-in for the infant and mother (choice B) may overwhelm the client with severe postpartum depression. Daily visits with her significant other (choice D) may not directly address the client's need for bonding with her infant.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient whose ventilator settings i nclude 15 cm H O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). The nurse understands that although beneficial, PEEP may result in what possible problem?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (D - Low cardiac output secondary to increased intrathoracic pressure): 1. PEEP increases intrathoracic pressure, which can impede venous return to the heart. 2. Impaired venous return reduces preload, leading to decreased cardiac output. 3. Decreased cardiac output can result in inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. 4. Therefore, PEEP may cause low cardiac output due to increased intrathoracic pressure. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A. Fluid overload is not directly related to PEEP but more to fluid administration or kidney function. B. High cardiac index is unlikely as PEEP can decrease cardiac output. C. Hypoxemia is not a direct result of PEEP but may occur due to other factors like inadequate ventilation or oxygenation settings.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse wishes to assess the quality of a patient’s pain. Which questions is appropriate to obtain this assessment if the patient is able to give a verbal response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because asking if the pain is sharp, dull, or crushing helps assess the quality of pain, providing specific information on the type of sensation felt. This is crucial for understanding the underlying cause and guiding appropriate treatment. A: Asking about pain being constant or intermittent addresses duration, not quality. C: Inquiring about what makes pain better or worse focuses on triggers, not quality. D: Asking when the pain started addresses onset time, not quality.
Question 5 of 9
After attending an educational program, the nurse understaanbidrbs.c othma/tte swt hich the following situations would require an ethics consultation?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: The correct answer is D because the situation involves a patient with multiple trauma who is not responding to treatment and has no known family members. This indicates a complex ethical dilemma where the medical team may be unsure about the appropriate course of action. Step 2: In this scenario, an ethics consultation is necessary to help guide decision-making regarding the care of the patient. The lack of available family members complicates decision-making, and the consideration of care as futile adds another layer of complexity. Step 3: An ethics consultation can provide a structured framework for evaluating the situation, considering ethical principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice. It can help the healthcare team navigate the ethical considerations and make a well-informed decision in the best interest of the patient. Summary: Choice A: While conflicts between the primary care provider and family may warrant discussions, the agreement on a treatment plan does not necessarily require an ethics consultation. Choice B: Disagreement
Question 6 of 9
The family members are excited about being transferring t heir loved one from the critical care unit to the intermediate care unit. However, they are also fearful of the change in environment and nursing staff. To reduce relocation stress, the nurse ca n implement what intervention? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A (Arranging for the nurses on the intermediate care unit to give the family a tour of the new unit) because it helps familiarize the family with the new environment, alleviating their fears. The tour allows them to see where their loved one will be cared for, meet the nursing staff, and ask any questions they may have. This intervention promotes a smooth transition, reduces anxiety, and builds trust. Choice B is incorrect because delaying the transfer doesn't address the fear of change and can prolong stress. Choice C is incorrect as proximity to the nurse's station may not necessarily reduce relocation stress for the family. Choice D is incorrect because meeting the new nurse in the current unit may not provide the same level of comfort and preparation compared to physically visiting the new unit.
Question 7 of 9
A patient is experiencing severe pain, despite receiving pain medication for the past 24 hours. The patients wife expresses concern about this to the nurse. Which response by the nurse would be most empowering to the patients family?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it empowers the family to take action by requesting a physician evaluation of the patient's pain control. This step is crucial in ensuring that the patient's pain is adequately managed. By involving the physician, the family can advocate for the patient's needs and potentially explore alternative pain management strategies. Choice A is incorrect because it dismisses the family's concerns and fails to address the need for further evaluation. Choice B may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of inadequate pain control. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests delaying action, which could lead to prolonged suffering for the patient.
Question 8 of 9
Which interventions can the nurse use to facilitate communication with patients and families who are in the process of making decisions regarding end- of-life care options? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Communication of uniform messages from all healthcare team members. This intervention is crucial to ensure consistency in information provided to patients and families, reducing confusion and enhancing trust. When all team members convey the same messages, it helps in clarifying options and facilitating decision-making. Choices B and C are incorrect as they focus on care planning and continuity, which are important but not specifically related to facilitating communication in end-of-life care decisions. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests limiting time for families to express feelings, which can hinder effective communication and support during such a sensitive time.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who sustained a head injury and is unresponsive to painful stimuli. Which intervention is most appropriate while bathaibnirgb. ctohme/ tpesatt ient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Because the patient is unconscious, complete care as quickly and quietly as possible. This is the most appropriate intervention as it prioritizes the patient's comfort and minimizes unnecessary stimulation. Performing care quickly reduces the time the patient is exposed to potentially uncomfortable procedures. Being quiet also helps create a calming environment for the patient, which is important for someone who is unresponsive. Explanation for other choices: A: Asking a family member to help and discussing family structure is not appropriate as it can be intrusive and may not be relevant or beneficial to the patient's care. C: Informing the patient of the day and time is unnecessary as the patient is unresponsive. Providing care is more crucial than updating the patient. D: Turning on the television is inappropriate as it introduces unnecessary noise and distraction, which can be overwhelming for an unresponsive patient.