Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Notify the health care provider and postpone the transfer. The new onset confusion in an elderly patient in the ICU can be a sign of delirium, which is a serious condition that requires prompt evaluation and management. By notifying the healthcare provider, they can assess the patient's condition, order appropriate tests, and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Postponing the transfer allows for further observation and intervention to address the underlying cause of the confusion. Choice A (Give PRN lorazepam and cancel the transfer) is incorrect because administering lorazepam may worsen the confusion in an elderly patient and should not be done without proper evaluation. Choice B (Inform the receiving nurse and then transfer the patient) is incorrect because transferring the patient without addressing the new onset confusion can lead to potential complications and delay in appropriate management. Choice D (Obtain an order for restraints as needed and transfer the patient) is incorrect because using restraints should only be considered as a

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Zero reference the system daily. Zero referencing ensures accuracy and calibration of pressure monitoring system by setting the baseline pressure to zero. This is crucial to prevent inaccuracies in measurements. Choice A is important but doesn't directly address the accuracy of the monitoring system. Choice B may help in preventing errors but doesn't address the accuracy of pressure measurement. Choice D is important for alerting the nurse but doesn't directly relate to the accuracy of hemodynamic monitoring.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because guided imagery involves using the patient's imagination to focus on pleasant sensory experiences. This helps distract the patient from the current situation and reduces anxiety. By remembering tactile sensations of a pleasant experience, the patient can create a calming mental image. Choice A is incorrect because guided imagery does not require an external focus point like a picture. Choice B is incorrect because the technique does not involve staring at a focus point but rather focusing on mental images. Choice D is incorrect because while relaxation is beneficial, guided imagery specifically focuses on visualization of positive experiences to reduce anxiety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Comfort care is focused on providing relief from suffering and improving quality of life. Step 2: Patient-centered care emphasizes the individual's preferences and values. Step 3: Patient autonomy is a fundamental principle in healthcare decision-making. Step 4: Patients have the right to determine what constitutes comfort care for themselves. Step 5: Therefore, statement C is correct as it aligns with the patient's autonomy and individualized care approach. Summary: - Choice A is incorrect because legal distinctions between withholding and withdrawing treatment may vary. - Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on evaluating procedures rather than the patient's preferences. - Choice D is incorrect as withdrawing life-sustaining treatments is not universally considered euthanasia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decrease the respiratory rate. The ABG results show respiratory alkalosis with decreased PaCO2 and elevated pH. This indicates overventilation, so decreasing the respiratory rate will help normalize the PaCO2 and pH levels. Increasing the FIO2 (Choice A) is not needed as the PaO2 is within normal range. Increasing tidal volume (Choice B) can lead to further hyperventilation. Increasing the respiratory rate (Choice C) would exacerbate the respiratory alkalosis.