Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because developing a standardized reporting form for family information that is incorporated into the patient's medical record ensures consistency and accuracy in sharing vital details about family structure and dynamics from shift to shift. This method allows all healthcare providers to access the information easily and update it as needed, promoting continuity of care and comprehensive understanding of the family's needs. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because: A: Creating an informal family information sheet may lead to inconsistencies in the information shared among healthcare providers and may not be updated regularly. C: Requiring only the charge nurse to have detailed information may result in information silos and lack of accessibility for all team members. D: Discussing family dynamics as part of the change-of-shift report may lead to important details being missed or forgotten, compromising the quality of care provided.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The elevated BUN and creatinine levels with a normal BUN/creatinine ratio indicate impaired kidney function. This pattern is commonly seen in acute kidney injury, such as acute tubular necrosis (ATN). In ATN, there is damage to the renal tubules leading to decreased excretion of waste products, resulting in elevated BUN and creatinine levels. The normal BUN/creatinine ratio suggests that the impairment is due to renal tubular dysfunction rather than prerenal causes like hypovolemia or postrenal causes like urinary obstruction. Increased nitrogen intake would not produce this specific pattern of results. Fluid resuscitation would likely result in dilution of BUN and creatinine levels, leading to lower values.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Influenza can lead to pneumonia as a complication, so getting an annual flu shot can reduce the risk of pneumonia. Step 2: Providing education on the importance of prevention aligns with discharge teaching goals. Step 3: Option A is incorrect as the pneumococcal vaccine doesn't guarantee immunity from all causes of pneumonia. Step 4: Option C is incorrect as cold or drafty places do not directly cause pneumonia. Step 5: Option D is incorrect as having pneumonia once does not confer permanent immunity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (80 to 125 mL/min) because this range reflects the normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in adults. GFR measures the rate at which blood is filtered by the kidneys, typically around 125 mL/min. A GFR below 60 mL/min indicates kidney dysfunction, making option A incorrect. Option C (125 to 180 mL/min) is above the normal range. Option D (more than 189 mL/min) is too high and could indicate hyperfiltration, common in conditions like diabetes. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate within the normal GFR range.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (IMV) allows the patient to breathe spontaneously between the preset mechanical breaths. 2. It provides a set number of breaths per minute while allowing the patient to initiate additional breaths at their own tidal volume. 3. IMV is a partial ventilatory support mode, providing a balance between controlled and spontaneous breathing. 4. Assist/Control Ventilation (A) provides full support with every breath initiated by the patient or the ventilator. 5. Controlled Ventilation (B) does not allow for spontaneous breaths by the patient. 6. Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (D) is a separate mode focusing on maintaining positive pressure at the end of expiration, not providing breaths.