Critical Care Nursing Cardiac Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: One chronic and one acute illness. This is because Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition, while influenza is an acute illness. The nurse should develop goals addressing the management and control of the chronic condition (diabetes) as well as the treatment and recovery from the acute illness (influenza). This approach ensures comprehensive care that considers both the long-term management of the chronic illness and the immediate needs related to the acute illness. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the combination of chronic and acute illnesses presented in the scenario. Choice B focuses solely on two acute illnesses, which overlooks the ongoing management required for the chronic condition. Choice C combines an acute and an infectious illness, but fails to account for the chronic illness component. Choice D involves two chronic illnesses, neglecting the immediate care needed for the acute illness.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid infusing vasoactive agents in the port used to obtain the TdCO measurement. This action ensures patient safety by preventing the introduction of vasoactive agents directly into the bloodstream during the measurement process. Infusing vasoactive agents can lead to inaccurate TdCO readings and potentially harm the patient. Choice A is incorrect because zero referencing the transducer system at the level of the phlebostatic axis is important for accurate pressure monitoring but not directly related to TdCO measurement safety. Choice C is incorrect as maintaining a pressure of 300 mm Hg on the flush solution bag is not directly related to the safety of TdCO measurement. Choice D is incorrect as limiting the length of noncompliant pressure tubing is important for accurate pressure readings but not directly related to the safety of TdCO measurement.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because providing a daily update of the patient's progress and facilitating communication with the intensivist directly addresses the family members' need for information in a timely and personalized manner. This intervention ensures that the family is kept informed about the patient's condition and treatment plan, fostering transparency and trust. It also allows for any questions or concerns to be addressed promptly, aiding in the family's understanding and involvement in the patient's care. Now, let's summarize why the other choices are incorrect: A: Handing out a pamphlet may provide information, but it lacks the personalized touch and real-time updates that are crucial for meeting the family's need for information. C: Restricting information and only allowing family members to be present at specific times may create frustration and hinder communication, not effectively meeting their information needs. D: Providing a list of medications is helpful, but it does not offer a comprehensive update on the patient's progress or facilitate direct communication with the medical team, which are

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it demonstrates respect for the patient's autonomy and individual preferences. By asking the patient's husband about religious and cultural preferences, the nurse acknowledges the importance of involving the family in decision-making and shows sensitivity to the patient's beliefs. This approach promotes cultural competence and patient-centered care. Choice A is incorrect because insisting on a female doctor may not align with the patient's preferences and may limit the available medical staff. Choice B is also incorrect as dietary restrictions are not necessarily the most pressing issue in this scenario. Choice C is incorrect as it assumes a cultural practice without verifying the patient's specific preferences and may not be necessary or appropriate in this context.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pressure support ventilation. This mode delivers a set pressure to support each spontaneous breath, decreasing the workload of breathing. Pressure support ventilation assists the patient's inspiratory efforts without providing a set tidal volume like in volume-targeted ventilation. Continuous positive airway pressure (Choice A) maintains a constant level of positive pressure throughout the respiratory cycle but does not actively support spontaneous breathing efforts. Positive end-expiratory pressure (Choice B) maintains positive pressure at the end of expiration to prevent alveolar collapse but does not directly support spontaneous breathing. T-piece adapter (Choice D) is a weaning device that allows the patient to breathe spontaneously without ventilatory support.