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 nurse is caring for a critically ill patient with a very concerned family. Given that the family is under high stress, what nursing intervention will best ameliorate their stress while preserving independence?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the family to participate in patient care tasks. This intervention helps to alleviate stress by involving the family in care, promoting a sense of control and empowerment. It also fosters a collaborative relationship between the family and healthcare team. The other choices are incorrect because B only focuses on asking questions but doesn't actively involve the family in care. C may add pressure on the selected representative and exclude others. D limits family involvement and may increase stress by restricting visitation.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse is preparing to administer atropine, an anticholinergic, to a client scheduled for a cholecystectomy. The client asks the nurse to explain the reason for the prescribed medication. What response is best for the nurse to provide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decrease the risk of bradycardia during surgery. Rationale: 1. Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that works by blocking the parasympathetic nervous system. 2. During surgery, the parasympathetic stimulation can lead to bradycardia (slow heart rate). 3. By administering atropine, the nurse can counteract the bradycardic effects and maintain a normal heart rate during the procedure. 4. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as atropine is not used for inducing anesthesia, relaxation, or minimizing postoperative analgesia.
Question 4 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 5 of 9
A nurse observes that a 38-year-old single father whose 11-year-old daughter is in the ICU is struggling to explain to his 6-year-old son the likelihood that the daughter will die. The young boy asks what will happen to his sister when she dies, but the father breaks down in tears and seems unable to respond. Which of the following would be the most appropriate intervention for the nurse to make?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The nurse should suggest that the father contact his spiritual leader for counseling. This option is appropriate as it recognizes the importance of spirituality in coping with difficult situations. It offers emotional support and guidance to the father and his son during a time of crisis. Option B is incorrect as the nurse sharing her own religious beliefs may not align with the father's beliefs, potentially causing confusion or discomfort. Option C is not the best intervention, as the doctor's role is primarily medical, and explaining the odds of survival may not address the emotional and spiritual needs of the family. Option D is also incorrect as leaving the father and son to grieve alone does not provide them with the necessary support and guidance during such a challenging time.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse recognizes that which patient is likely to benefit most from patient-controlled analgesia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, the 21-year-old with a C4 fracture and quadriplegia. This patient is likely to benefit most from patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) due to the inability to self-administer traditional pain medications. With quadriplegia, the patient may have limited mobility and sensation, making it challenging to communicate pain levels effectively. PCA allows the patient to control their pain relief within preset limits, enhancing autonomy and optimizing pain management. Summary: - Choice B: The 45-year-old with femur fracture and closed head injury may benefit from PCA, but the severity of the head injury could affect their ability to use the device effectively. - Choice C: The 59-year-old postoperative elective bariatric surgery patient can typically manage pain with traditional methods postoperatively. - Choice D: The 70-year-old postoperative cardiac surgery patient with mild dementia may have the cognitive ability to use PCA but could potentially benefit more from other pain management strategies due
Question 7 of 9
What is the most common cause of a pulmonary embolus?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: A deep vein thrombosis from lower extremities. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the most common cause of a pulmonary embolus as a blood clot can dislodge from the veins, travel to the lungs, and block blood flow. An amniotic fluid embolus (Choice A) occurs during childbirth and is rare as a cause of pulmonary embolism. A fat embolus (Choice C) typically occurs after a long bone fracture and is more likely to cause issues in the lungs. Vegetation from an infected central venous catheter (Choice D) can cause septic pulmonary embolism, but it is not as common as DVT.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse manager is assisting a nurse with improving organizational skills and time management. Which nursing activity is the priority in pre-planning a schedule for selected nursing activities in the daily assignment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Medication administration. This is the priority because medication administration is time-sensitive and crucial for patient safety. It requires precise timing and cannot be delayed. Tracheostomy tube suctioning (A), colostomy care instruction (C), and client personal hygiene (D) are important nursing activities but can be adjusted within the schedule based on patient needs and acuity levels. Prioritizing medication administration ensures that patients receive their medications on time, preventing adverse events and promoting optimal health outcomes.
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.