ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which treatment can be used to dissolve a thrombus that is lodged in the pulmonary artery?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Thrombolytics. Thrombolytics are medications that can dissolve blood clots, making them effective in treating a thrombus lodged in the pulmonary artery. They work by activating the body's natural clot-dissolving system. Aspirin (A) is an antiplatelet drug and may prevent further clot formation but cannot dissolve an existing thrombus. Embolectomy (B) is a surgical procedure to remove a clot and is invasive, usually reserved for cases where thrombolytics are contraindicated. Heparin (C) is an anticoagulant that prevents clot formation but does not dissolve existing clots like thrombolytics do.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for an elderly patient who was admitted with renal insufficiency. An expected laboratory finding for this patient may be
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: a normal serum creatinine level. In renal insufficiency, the kidneys are not able to filter waste products effectively, leading to an increase in serum creatinine levels. This is a common indicator of renal dysfunction. A: An increased GFR would not be expected in renal insufficiency, as it signifies improved kidney function. C: Increased ability to excrete drugs is not a typical finding in renal insufficiency, as impaired kidney function can lead to drug accumulation. D: Hypokalemia is not directly related to renal insufficiency. It is more commonly associated with factors like diuretic use or gastrointestinal losses.
Question 3 of 5
A client is receiving atenolol (Tenormin) 25 mg PO after a myocardial infarction. The nurse determines the client's apical pulse is 65 beats per minute. What action should the nurse implement next?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer the medication. Atenolol is a beta-blocker used to reduce heart rate and blood pressure. In this scenario, the client's apical pulse of 65 beats per minute is within the normal range for a client taking atenolol after a myocardial infarction. Therefore, the nurse should proceed with administering the medication as prescribed to help maintain the client's heart rate and blood pressure within the therapeutic range. A: Measuring the blood pressure is important but not the immediate next step as the client's heart rate is within the normal range. B: Reassessing the apical pulse is unnecessary since it is already within the normal range for a client on atenolol. C: Notifying the healthcare provider is not indicated as there are no signs of concern with the client's heart rate at 65 bpm.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is admitted to the emergency department (ED) after falling through the ice while ice skating. Which assessment will the nurse obtain first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Body temperature. In a patient who has fallen through the ice, hypothermia is a major concern due to exposure to cold water. Assessing body temperature first is crucial to determine the severity of hypothermia and guide immediate interventions. Heart rate, breath sounds, and level of consciousness can be affected by hypothermia but are secondary assessments. Assessing body temperature is the priority to address the most life-threatening issue first.
Question 5 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.
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