ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
While caring for a critically ill patient, the nurse knows that fostering patient control over the environment is a method for stress reduction. What nursing intervention gives the patient the most environmental control while still adhering to best practice principles?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Asking the patient whether he or she wants to get out of bed allows the patient to make a decision regarding their immediate environment, promoting autonomy and control. Step 2: This intervention respects the patient's preferences and fosters a sense of dignity and empowerment, reducing stress. Step 3: Best practice principles in nursing emphasize patient-centered care and promoting patient autonomy. Summary: Choice A is correct as it directly involves the patient in decision-making, enhancing their sense of control. Choices B, C, and D do not provide the same level of autonomy and control to the patient, making them less effective in reducing stress and promoting patient well-being.
Question 2 of 9
What strategies are appropriate for preventing deep vein tharboirbm.cbomo/steisst (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE) in an at-risk patient? (Select all that apply.) WWW .THENURSINGMASTERY.COM
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Graduated compression stockings. These stockings help prevent blood from pooling in the legs, reducing the risk of DVT and PE. They improve circulation and reduce venous stasis. Option B, heparin, is used for treatment, not prevention. Option C, sequential compression devices, help prevent DVT but are not as effective as compression stockings. Option D, strict bed rest, can actually increase the risk of DVT by reducing blood flow.
Question 3 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 4 of 9
When preparing to cool a patient who is to begin therapeutic hypothermia, which intervention will the nurse plan to do (select all that apply)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Continuous cardiac monitoring is crucial during therapeutic hypothermia to monitor the patient's cardiac rhythm and detect any arrhythmias promptly. This intervention allows for immediate intervention if any cardiac issues arise. Explanation of other choices: A: Assisting with endotracheal intubation may be necessary for airway management but is not directly related to cooling the patient for therapeutic hypothermia. B: Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter may be needed for urine output monitoring but is not a priority intervention for cooling the patient. D: Restraining the patient is unnecessary and not indicated for therapeutic hypothermia; it may cause unnecessary distress and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary for patient safety.
Question 5 of 9
To prevent any unwanted resuscitation after life-sustaininga btirrbe.acotmm/teenstt s have been withdrawn, the nurse should ensure that what intervention has been im plemented?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because writing DNR orders before discontinuation of life-sustaining treatments ensures clear communication and legal documentation of the patient's wishes. Choice B is incorrect as family support is essential in end-of-life care. Choice C is incorrect as DNR orders should be established before withdrawing treatment. Choice D is incorrect as the DNR order should be in place before shift change for immediate implementation if needed.
Question 6 of 9
The critical care nurse knows that in critically ill patients, renal dysfunction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Renal dysfunction is common in critically ill patients due to various factors like sepsis, hypotension, and nephrotoxic medications. This affects nearly two thirds of patients, making it a significant issue in critical care. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A is wrong because renal dysfunction is not rare in critically ill patients. C is incorrect as renal replacement therapy does not guarantee low mortality rates. D is inaccurate as renal dysfunction can have a significant impact on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life in critically ill patients.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is preparing to obtain a right atrial pressure (RA P/CVP) reading. What are the most appropriate nursing actions? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because comparing measured pressures with other physiological parameters ensures accuracy and consistency. This step helps in interpreting the RA P/CVP reading correctly. Choice B is incorrect as flushing the catheter with saline is not necessary for obtaining the pressure reading. Choice C is incorrect as inflating the balloon with air is not part of the correct procedure. Choice D is incorrect because obtaining the measurement during exhalation can affect the accuracy of the reading.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving continuous norepinephrine (Levophed) IV infusion. Which patient assessment finding indicates that the infusion rate may need to be adjusted?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a low Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) indicates inadequate perfusion, which may require adjusting the norepinephrine infusion rate to increase blood pressure. A: A heart rate of 58 beats/minute is within a normal range and may not necessarily indicate a need for adjustment. C: Elevated Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR) may be an expected response to norepinephrine and does not necessarily indicate a need for adjustment. D: A low Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP) may indicate fluid volume deficit but does not directly relate to the need for adjusting norepinephrine infusion rate.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is caring for an older adult patient who is in card iogenic shock and has failed to respond to medical treatment. The primary care provider conducts a conference to explain that they have exhausted treatment options and suggest that the patient be made a “do not resuscitate” status. This scenario illustrates what medical concept?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Futility. In this scenario, the primary care provider suggests making the patient a "do not resuscitate" status because further medical treatment is deemed futile. Futility refers to situations where medical interventions are unlikely to achieve the desired outcome. This decision is made when the benefits of continuing treatment do not outweigh the burdens on the patient. Summary: A: Brain death does not apply here as the patient is not brain dead. C: Incompetence refers to the patient's ability to make decisions, not the medical concept being illustrated. D: Life-prolonging procedures are not being discussed; the focus is on the futility of further treatment.