Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions

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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it involves patient-centered care and respects the family's preferences. By asking the family members whether they would prefer to remain in the patient's room or wait outside, the nurse acknowledges their needs and allows them to make an informed decision based on their comfort level. This empowers the family members and promotes a supportive environment during a stressful situation. Choice A is incorrect because it assumes that keeping the family in the room without their input is the best approach, which may not be the case for all families. Choice B is incorrect because asking the family to wait outside without considering their preferences may not be the most supportive action. Choice D is incorrect because it makes a blanket statement about patient comfort without considering individual family dynamics and preferences.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because implementing a medication safety program designed by pharmacists promotes a safe work environment for critical care nurses by reducing medication errors. Pharmacists are experts in medications and can provide valuable insights to improve safety. A: Celebrating with a pizza party may boost morale but does not directly address work environment factors. C: Modifying staffing ratios may improve patient care but doesn't necessarily address the overall work environment. D: Joint workshops foster collaboration but may not directly impact the work environment's safety and health.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it aligns with the ethical principle of patient autonomy, which emphasizes the patient's right to make decisions about their own care. Withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments, including nutrition, antibiotics, and blood products, respects the patient's autonomy. This choice also reflects the principle of beneficence, as it aims to prevent unnecessary suffering and respects the patient's wishes. Option B is incorrect because it focuses on pain and anxiety management rather than the broader ethical considerations of withholding life-sustaining treatments. Option C is incorrect because withdrawing life-sustaining treatments while a patient is receiving paralytic agents can pose additional risks and complications, potentially conflicting with the principles of nonmaleficence and beneficence. Option D is incorrect because the primary goal of withdrawing or withholding treatments is not to hasten death but to respect the patient's autonomy and quality of life. This choice does not align with the ethical principles of patient-centered care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Implementing a comprehensive oral care program is an intervention for preventing VAP. This statement is true because proper oral care, including brushing teeth, oral suctioning, and using chlorhexidine gluconate, has been shown to reduce the risk of VAP by decreasing the colonization of pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity. Regular oral care helps maintain oral hygiene and reduce the risk of aspiration of bacteria into the lungs, which is a common cause of VAP. Incorrect Answer Analysis: A: Tooth brushing every 2 hours may be excessive and could potentially cause harm to the oral mucosa, leading to increased risk of infection. C: While oral suctioning and brushing teeth are important components of oral care, the statement is not comprehensive enough to address the full range of interventions needed to prevent VAP. D: While chlorhexidine gluconate can be effective in preventing VAP, the statement implies that it is the only effective intervention, which is not true.