Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cry along with the patient�s family members. This action demonstrates empathy and support for the family's grief, showing that the nurse acknowledges and shares their feelings. It can help the family feel understood and supported during a difficult time. By crying with the family, the nurse can validate their emotions and provide comfort without intruding on their personal space. This approach fosters a sense of connection and trust between the nurse and the family, enhancing the quality of care provided. Incorrect Choices: A: Contact a grief counselor as soon as possible - This choice may be premature and could come across as impersonal or distancing in the immediate aftermath of the patient�s death. C: Leave the home as soon as possible - This choice would be insensitive and could make the family feel abandoned in their time of need. D: Consider whether working in hospice is desirable because patient losses are common - This choice is inappropriate as it suggests the nurse should reconsider their career choice based on emotional reactions,

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Restlessness. When the body experiences hypoxemia (low oxygen levels), the brain is deprived of oxygen, leading to early signs such as restlessness. This is due to the brain's attempt to increase oxygen intake by increasing activity. Cyanosis (A) is a late sign of hypoxemia when oxygen levels are critically low. Tachycardia (C) and tachypnea (D) are compensatory mechanisms in response to hypoxemia, but they are not early signs affecting the nervous system directly.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A (Arranging for the nurses on the intermediate care unit to give the family a tour of the new unit) because it helps familiarize the family with the new environment, alleviating their fears. The tour allows them to see where their loved one will be cared for, meet the nursing staff, and ask any questions they may have. This intervention promotes a smooth transition, reduces anxiety, and builds trust. Choice B is incorrect because delaying the transfer doesn't address the fear of change and can prolong stress. Choice C is incorrect as proximity to the nurse's station may not necessarily reduce relocation stress for the family. Choice D is incorrect because meeting the new nurse in the current unit may not provide the same level of comfort and preparation compared to physically visiting the new unit.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C because lack of knowledge about literature searches hinders the ability to find and utilize evidence-based practice guidelines. Nurses need to be skilled in conducting literature searches to access relevant research. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly impede the implementation of evidence-based practice in the critical care unit.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: A patient with paradoxical chest movements. This indicates flail chest, a life-threatening condition where a segment of the chest wall moves independently from the rest. 1. Flail chest can lead to respiratory compromise and potential respiratory failure. 2. Immediate intervention is needed to stabilize the chest wall and support breathing. 3. Without prompt treatment, the patient can develop hypoxia and potentially progress to cardiac arrest. Summary: - Choice A: No pedal pulses may indicate vascular compromise but does not pose an immediate threat to life. - Choice B: Open femur fracture requires urgent treatment but does not have the same immediate life-threatening implications as flail chest. - Choice C: Bleeding facial lacerations can be managed after addressing more critical injuries like flail chest.