Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: - Improved collaboration enhances job satisfaction and reduces burnout, leading to increased staff retention. - Higher staff retention promotes continuity of care, improves team dynamics, and enhances patient outcomes. Summary: - A: Not directly related to collaboration, more about performance evaluation. - B: Manners may improve, but not the most important effect of collaboration. - D: Collaboration involves open communication, so less discussion in front of patients is not a positive outcome.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: �This injection is being given to prevent blood clots from forming.� Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots. It is administered through injection, not orally (A). Enoxaparin does not dissolve existing blood clots (C). Contacting the primary care provider to discuss the medication is not necessary in this scenario (D). The correct choice emphasizes the purpose of enoxaparin in preventing new blood clots.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Thirty-degree elevation of the head of the bed. This is the priority nursing intervention for a mechanically ventilated patient following bilateral lung transplantation because it helps optimize ventilation-perfusion matching, reduces the risk of aspiration, and improves oxygenation. Elevating the head of the bed also decreases the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia. B: Endotracheal suctioning as needed is important but not the priority intervention in this case. C: Frequent side to side repositioning is important for preventing pressure ulcers but is not the priority for a ventilated patient post-lung transplant. D: Sequential compression stockings are used for preventing deep vein thrombosis, which is important but not the priority in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Considers factors related to safe patient care. The scenario involves the nurse discussing the patient's living will with the physician, which is essential for ensuring safe patient care by following the patient's preferences. This aligns with the AACN standard of considering factors related to safe patient care, as the nurse is actively involving all relevant parties in decision-making to provide care that is in line with the patient's wishes. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: Acquires and maintains current knowledge of practice - While important, this choice does not directly relate to the scenario where the focus is on safe patient care through communication and collaboration. B: Acts ethically on behalf of the patient and family - While ethics are important, the scenario is more about following the patient's wishes as outlined in the living will rather than making ethical decisions. D: Uses clinical inquiry and integrates research findings in practice - While valuable in nursing practice, this choice does not directly apply to the scenario where

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Obtain a Glasgow Coma Scale score. During the primary survey, assessing the patient's level of consciousness is crucial as it helps determine the severity of the injury and guides further management. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a standardized tool used to assess the level of consciousness based on eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. It provides valuable information about the patient's neurological status. A: Obtaining a complete set of vital signs is important but assessing the level of consciousness takes priority in this scenario. C: Asking about chronic medical conditions is important but not as critical as assessing the patient's level of consciousness during the primary survey. D: Attaching a cardiac electrocardiogram monitor is not necessary during the primary survey unless there are specific indications of cardiac issues, which are not evident in this case. In summary, obtaining a Glasgow Coma Scale score is essential for assessing the patient's level of consciousness and determining the severity of the injury during the primary survey.