Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presence of protein in the glomerular filtrate indicates a problem with renal function because in healthy kidneys, proteins are retained in the blood and not filtered into the urine. If protein is found in the filtrate, it suggests damage to the glomerular filtration barrier. Sodium, creatinine, and red blood cells are normally present in the filtrate and are not indicative of renal dysfunction. Sodium is freely filtered and reabsorbed, creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism excreted by the kidneys, and a small number of red blood cells may be filtered due to their small size. Therefore, protein in the glomerular filtrate is the most specific indicator of renal dysfunction.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Unmarried life partners of same sex. When providing palliative care, it's crucial to recognize and respect diverse family structures. Unmarried life partners of the same sex may form a significant familial bond, requiring support and involvement in care decisions. This choice aligns with the principles of inclusivity and non-discrimination in palliative care. Incorrect choices: B: Unmarried life partners of the opposite sex - This choice is incorrect as it limits the definition of family to only opposite-sex partners, excluding same-sex couples. C: Roommates - While roommates may provide support, they do not necessarily have the same level of emotional and decision-making involvement as family members or life partners. D: Close friends - While close friends can be important sources of support, they do not necessarily have the same legal or emotional ties as a life partner.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it acknowledges the partner's feelings while providing information that may help them cope. By stating that unresponsiveness doesn't mean the patient can't hear, the nurse highlights the importance of the partner's presence for emotional support. It encourages the partner to continue visiting, emphasizing their role in providing comfort to the patient. Choice A is incorrect as it dismisses the partner's feelings and lacks empathy. Choice C is incorrect as it implies the nurse will only involve the partner if the patient responds, neglecting the partner's emotional needs. Choice D is incorrect as it deflects responsibility from addressing the partner's concerns and suggests involving other family members without addressing the partner's feelings directly.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Thirty-degree elevation of the head of the bed. This is the priority nursing intervention for a mechanically ventilated patient following bilateral lung transplantation because it helps optimize ventilation-perfusion matching, reduces the risk of aspiration, and improves oxygenation. Elevating the head of the bed also decreases the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia. B: Endotracheal suctioning as needed is important but not the priority intervention in this case. C: Frequent side to side repositioning is important for preventing pressure ulcers but is not the priority for a ventilated patient post-lung transplant. D: Sequential compression stockings are used for preventing deep vein thrombosis, which is important but not the priority in this scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer, D, is supported by the fact that providing aggressive care to patients when nurses believe it is futile can lead to personal ethical conflicts and burnout. This is because nurses may experience moral distress when their values conflict with the care they are providing. This can result in emotional exhaustion and decreased job satisfaction, ultimately leading to burnout. Choice A is incorrect because attending funerals can be a way for nurses to process their grief and find closure, rather than creating additional stress. Choice B is incorrect because caring for dying patients can have emotional impacts on nurses, regardless of their professional approach. Choice C is incorrect because balancing care needs with personal emotional needs can be challenging and may not always be achievable.