Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The stroke volume is calculated by dividing the cardiac output by the heart rate. Given the cardiac output of 4.7 L/min and a heart rate of 87 bpm, the stroke volume is 54 mL (4700 mL/87 bpm ? 54 mL). Therefore, choice A (54) is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not match the calculated stroke volume based on the provided cardiac output and heart rate.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The stroke volume is calculated by dividing the cardiac output by the heart rate. Given the cardiac output of 4.7 L/min and a heart rate of 87 bpm, the stroke volume is 54 mL (4700 mL/87 bpm ? 54 mL). Therefore, choice A (54) is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not match the calculated stroke volume based on the provided cardiac output and heart rate.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provide for oxygen administration. The first intervention for hypoxemia is to increase oxygen levels to improve oxygen saturation in the blood. Oxygen administration can be achieved through various devices such as nasal cannula, face mask, or non-rebreather mask. This intervention helps to increase the oxygen supply to the patient's tissues and organs, addressing the underlying cause of hypoxemia. Calling for emergency intubation (choice A) is not the first step unless the patient's condition deteriorates. Obtaining an order for BiPAP (choice B) may be beneficial in some cases but is not the initial intervention for hypoxemia. Suctioning secretions (choice D) may be necessary if airway obstruction is present but is not the first step in addressing hypoxemia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because opioids are essential for effective pain management in terminally ill patients, improving their quality of life. Alternative methods may not provide sufficient pain relief. Choice A is incorrect as opioids do not necessarily hasten death when used appropriately for pain control. Choice C is incorrect because reducing opioid dose may lead to inadequate pain management. Choice D is incorrect as consulting a pain specialist to reduce medication may not be appropriate for terminally ill patients needing effective pain relief.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The FACES scale. This scale uses facial expressions to assess pain, making it suitable for a patient who is unable to verbalize. The nurse can show the patient a series of faces depicting varying levels of pain and ask them to point to the one that best represents their pain level. This method is non-verbal and easy for patients to understand. The other choices are incorrect: B: The Pain Intensity Scale requires the patient to rate their pain on a numerical scale, which may be difficult for a non-verbal patient. C: The PQRST method is a mnemonic for assessing pain characteristics (provocation, quality, region, severity, timing), but it requires patient communication. D: The Visual Analogue Scale involves marking a point on a line to indicate pain intensity, which is not suitable for a non-verbal patient.