Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions

Questions 81

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

An 80-year-old client is given morphine sulphate for postoperative pain. Which concomitant medication should the nurse question that poses a potential development of urinary retention in this geriatric client?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tricyclic antidepressants. Tricyclic antidepressants can cause anticholinergic effects, including urinary retention, especially in the elderly. Morphine sulfate can also contribute to urinary retention. Antacids (A) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (C) are not known to cause urinary retention. Insulin (D) does not pose a risk for urinary retention in this scenario.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is caring for a 70-kg patient in septic shock with a pulmonary artery catheter. Which hemodynamic value indicates an appropriate response to therapy aimed at enhancing oxygen delivery to the organs and tissues?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Mixed venous (SvO2) of 40%. In septic shock, improving oxygen delivery to tissues is vital. SvO2 reflects the balance between oxygen delivery and consumption. A value of 40% indicates adequate oxygen delivery to tissues. A: Arterial lactate level of 1.0 mEq/L - Although a low lactate level is good, it does not directly indicate improved oxygen delivery. B: Cardiac output of 2.5 L/min - Cardiac output should ideally increase to improve oxygen delivery, so 2.5 L/min is low for a 70-kg patient. D: Cardiac index of 1.5 L/min/m2 - Cardiac index is cardiac output adjusted for body surface area. 1.5 L/min/m2 is low and indicates inadequate cardiac function for a patient in septic shock.

Question 3 of 5

A patient who is receiving positive pressure ventilation is scheduled for a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Which finding by the nurse is most important to discuss with the health care provider before starting the SBT?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: New ST segment elevation is noted on the cardiac monitor. This finding is concerning because it may indicate myocardial ischemia or infarction, which can be exacerbated by the physiological stress of weaning from mechanical ventilation. It is crucial to address any cardiac issues before initiating a spontaneous breathing trial to prevent potential cardiac complications during the weaning process. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: B: Enteral feedings being given through an orogastric tube are not contraindicated for starting a spontaneous breathing trial. C: Scattered rhonchi heard when auscultating breath sounds may indicate retained secretions but are not a contraindication for a spontaneous breathing trial. D: The use of HYDROmorphone to treat postoperative pain is not a contraindication for a spontaneous breathing trial unless it is causing respiratory depression, which would need to be addressed separately.

Question 4 of 5

A nurse who works in an intermediate care unit has experienced high nursing turnover. The nurse manager is often considered to be an autocratic leade r by staff members and that leadership style is contributing to turnover. The nurse asks to be involved in developing new guidelines to prevent pressure ulcers in the patient populat ion. The nurse manager suggests that the nurse has not yet had enough experience to be on tahbierb p.croemv/teenstt ion task force. This situation and setting is an example of what form of ineffec tive leadership?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Displaying ineffective decision making. In this scenario, the nurse manager's decision to exclude the nurse from participating in developing new guidelines is an example of ineffective decision making. By dismissing the nurse's request based on lack of experience rather than considering their input and involvement, the manager is not utilizing the nurse's expertise and potentially missing out on valuable insights. This decision reflects a lack of inclusivity, collaboration, and respect for the nurse's professional growth and potential contributions. The other choices are not directly applicable in this context as the core issue lies in the manager's decision-making process.

Question 5 of 5

A family member tells the nurse, 'I don�t know how I�m going to manage without my mother. She took care of everything for us.' Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it acknowledges the family member's feelings while offering support and resources for managing the situation gradually. By providing resources, the nurse empowers the family member to learn how to handle things independently over time. This approach promotes self-reliance and resilience. Choice B focuses on time rather than active coping strategies, which may not address the family member's immediate needs. Choice C suggests shifting responsibilities to another family member without considering the emotional impact. Choice D jumps to the conclusion of needing professional counseling without exploring other potential solutions or support systems.

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