ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which organization requires a mechanism for addressing ethical issues?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, The Joint Commission, because it is a regulatory body that accredits healthcare organizations and requires them to have mechanisms for addressing ethical issues to ensure patient safety and quality of care. The other choices (A, B, C) are professional organizations that focus on specific areas of healthcare practice and do not have the authority to set regulatory standards for addressing ethical issues in healthcare organizations.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient whose condition has deter iorated and is now not responding to standard treatment. The primary health care provider ca lls for an ethical consultation with the family to discuss potential withdrawal versus aggressivabei rtbr.ceoamtm/teestn t. The nurse understands that applying a model for ethical decision making involves which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Burden versus benefit. In ethical decision-making, considering the burden of treatment on the patient versus the potential benefits is crucial. This involves weighing the risks, benefits, and potential harm of treatment options. Family's wishes (B) and patient's wishes (C) are important factors but may not always align with what is ethically best for the patient. Potential outcomes of treatment options (D) are relevant but do not directly address the ethical dilemma of balancing burden and benefit. Therefore, A is the correct choice as it directly relates to the ethical principles guiding decision-making in this scenario.
Question 3 of 5
What were the findings of the Study to Understand Progno ses and Preferences for Outcomes and Risks of Treatment (SUPPORT)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the SUPPORT study revealed disparities between patients' care preferences and the actual care provided. This is supported by the findings that many patients did not receive treatments aligned with their preferences. Choice A is incorrect because the study actually highlighted communication challenges between patients and healthcare providers. Choice B is incorrect as the study showed that critical care units often do not meet the needs of dying patients and their families. Choice D is incorrect as the study found that pain and suffering of patients at the end of life are not always well controlled in hospitals.
Question 4 of 5
What is the most critical element of effective early end-of-life decision making?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because effective communication ensures that the patient's wishes and values are understood and respected, leading to informed decision-making. It also promotes shared decision-making among the patient, family, and healthcare team, enhancing the quality of care. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while they are important aspects of end-of-life care, they do not address the core element of communication in facilitating meaningful and informed decisions.
Question 5 of 5
The family is considering withdrawing life-sustaining measures from the patient. The nurse knows that ethical principles for withholding or withdrawi ng life-sustaining treatments include which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it aligns with the ethical principle of patient autonomy, which emphasizes the patient's right to make decisions about their own care. Withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments, including nutrition, antibiotics, and blood products, respects the patient's autonomy. This choice also reflects the principle of beneficence, as it aims to prevent unnecessary suffering and respects the patient's wishes. Option B is incorrect because it focuses on pain and anxiety management rather than the broader ethical considerations of withholding life-sustaining treatments. Option C is incorrect because withdrawing life-sustaining treatments while a patient is receiving paralytic agents can pose additional risks and complications, potentially conflicting with the principles of nonmaleficence and beneficence. Option D is incorrect because the primary goal of withdrawing or withholding treatments is not to hasten death but to respect the patient's autonomy and quality of life. This choice does not align with the ethical principles of patient-centered care.