ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 9
The family of a critically ill patient has asked to discuss organ donation with the patient’s nurse. When preparing to answer the family’s questions, th e nurse understands which concern(s) most often influence a family’s decision to donate? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A: Donor disfigurement influences on funeral care. Families often consider the impact of organ donation on the appearance of their loved one during funeral arrangements. This concern can significantly influence their decision to donate. Incorrect Answers: B: Fear of inferior medical care provided to donor. This is not a common concern as medical care for donors is typically of high quality. C: Age and location of all possible organ recipients. While important, this is not a primary concern for families when deciding on organ donation. D: Concern that donated organs will not be used. Families are generally more concerned about the impact on their loved one's appearance post-donation rather than the utilization of organs.
Question 3 of 9
Following insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC),a bthirbe. cpohmy/tessitc ian orders the nurse to obtain a blood sample for mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO ). Which action by the nurse best ensures the obtained value is accurate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because calibrating the system with central venous and arterial blood samples ensures accuracy of the mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) measurement. This calibration allows for comparison of the values obtained from both sources to confirm the accuracy of the measurement. Choice A is incorrect because zero referencing the transducer at the level of the phlebostatic axis does not directly address the accuracy of the SvO2 measurement. Choice C is incorrect because ensuring patency of the catheter using normal saline pressurized at 300 mm Hg does not directly impact the accuracy of the SvO2 measurement. Choice D is incorrect because using noncompliant pressure tubing does not ensure the accuracy of the SvO2 measurement. The length of the tubing and the presence of stopcocks are not directly related to obtaining an accurate SvO2 value.
Question 4 of 9
Following an emergency Cesarean delivery, the nurse encourages the new mother to breastfeed her newborn. The client asks why she should breastfeed now. Which information should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because breastfeeding helps stimulate the uterus to contract, which reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage in the mother. When the baby suckles at the breast, it triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that causes the uterus to contract. This contraction helps the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size and shape, promoting faster healing and reducing bleeding. Choice B is incorrect because lactation initiation is a separate process that involves hormonal changes and milk production, which may not occur immediately after delivery. Choice C is incorrect as bonding can occur through various interactions beyond breastfeeding. Choice D is incorrect as neonatal hypoglycemia is primarily prevented by ensuring the baby receives adequate nutrition, which can also be achieved through other feeding methods besides breastfeeding.
Question 5 of 9
In calculating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) results for women, the creatinine clearance is usually:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: multiplied by 0.85. This is because women typically have lower muscle mass compared to men, resulting in lower creatinine production. Therefore, to adjust for this difference, the creatinine clearance for women is multiplied by 0.85. This correction factor helps to more accurately estimate the GFR in women. Choices A and B are incorrect because the creatinine clearance for women is not the same as or greater than that for men due to the physiological differences in muscle mass. Choice D is also incorrect as multiplying by 1.15 would overestimate the GFR in women.
Question 6 of 9
During the primary assessment of a victim of a motor vehicle collision, the nurse determines that the patient is breathing and has an unobstructed airway. Which action should the nurse take next?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: The correct action is to observe the patient's respiratory effort next. This step ensures that the patient's breathing remains stable and adequate. If respiratory effort is compromised, immediate intervention is required. Checking for bilateral pulses (A) is important but comes after ensuring respiratory status. Checking level of consciousness (C) is also crucial but not as immediate as monitoring breathing. Examining for external bleeding (D) is important but not the priority when airway and breathing are already determined to be clear.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving peritoneal dialysis. The patient suddenly complains of abdominal pain and chills. The patient’s temperature is elevated. The nurse should
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Abdominal pain, chills, and elevated temperature suggest a serious complication like visceral perforation. Step 2: Peritoneal dialysate return assessment won't address the potential life-threatening issue. Step 3: Checking blood sugar or evaluating neurological status is not relevant to the presenting symptoms. Step 4: Informing the provider of probable visceral perforation is crucial for prompt intervention and further evaluation.
Question 8 of 9
A 100-kg patient gets hemodialysis 3 days a week. In planning the care for this patient, the nurse recommends
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: a diet of 2500 to 3500 kcal per day. During hemodialysis, the patient loses nutrients and energy, so a high-calorie diet is necessary to maintain proper nutrition and energy levels. 2500-3500 kcal/day is a suitable range for a 100-kg patient. Choice B is incorrect because protein intake should be adequate to prevent malnutrition in hemodialysis patients, typically 1.2g/kg body weight/day. Choice C is incorrect as potassium intake should be restricted in hemodialysis patients due to impaired kidney function. Choice D is incorrect because fluid intake should be individualized based on the patient's fluid status and should not be limited to less than 500 mL per day.
Question 9 of 9
What were identified as the first critical care units? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Burn units. Burn units were identified as the first critical care units due to the complex and intensive care required by burn patients. These units were established to provide specialized care for burn victims, including wound management, infection control, and fluid resuscitation. Summary: - Burn units were the first critical care units due to the specialized care needed for burn patients. - Coronary care units focus on cardiac conditions, not the first identified critical care units. - Recovery rooms are for post-operative care, not specifically for critical care. - Neonatal intensive care units are specialized for newborns, not the first critical care units.