Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions

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.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because reducing patient errors is the most important outcome of effective communication in healthcare. Clear and accurate communication among healthcare providers and patients can prevent misunderstandings, leading to fewer errors in diagnosis, treatment, and medication administration. This ultimately improves patient safety and outcomes. A: Demonstrating caring practices to family members is important but not the most crucial outcome of effective communication in healthcare. B: Ensuring that patient teaching is provided is essential, but patient safety through error reduction takes precedence. C: Meeting the diversity needs of patients is crucial for patient-centered care, but error reduction directly impacts patient safety, making it more critical.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Infants typically have higher resting heart rates than adults, so a pulse rate of 89 beats/minute for an infant may indicate bradycardia. Digoxin can further lower the heart rate, leading to potential adverse effects like arrhythmias. Therefore, withholding the medication and contacting the healthcare provider is crucial to ensure the safety of the infant. Choice B is incorrect because administering digoxin without addressing the elevated pulse rate can be dangerous. Choice C is incorrect as assessing respiratory rate does not address the immediate concern of the elevated pulse rate. Choice D is also incorrect as waiting and giving half of the dosage may further exacerbate the situation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Option C is the correct answer because when caring for a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter receiving continuous enteral feedings, it is crucial to level and zero reference the transducer with the patient's head of bed elevated to 30 degrees. This position helps to ensure accurate hemodynamic measurements, as the head of bed elevation minimizes the impact of intra-abdominal pressure on the catheter readings. By referencing the transducer in this position, the nurse can obtain reliable and precise hemodynamic values. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: This option is incorrect because delaying documentation until the patient is in the supine position can lead to inaccuracies in the hemodynamic readings due to changes in patient positioning. B: Leveling and zero referencing the transducer with the patient in the supine position is not ideal as it does not account for the impact of intra-abdominal pressure on the catheter readings in patients receiving enteral feedings. D: Leveling and zero referencing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it involves a structured approach to promoting changes in practice. By asking the clinical nurse specialist to lead a journal club on open visitation after each nurse reads a research article, it ensures that all nurses are informed and engaged in the topic. This approach promotes evidence-based practice and encourages active participation. Option B is less effective as discussing pros and cons at a staff meeting may not ensure that all nurses have the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions. Option C may not consider diverse perspectives and may not involve all staff members equally. Option D involves a select group of volunteers and may not reflect the views of the entire team. Overall, option A is the most inclusive and educational approach to promoting changes in practice.