Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because peritoneal dialysis utilizes the patient's own semipermeable membrane, the peritoneal membrane, as the filtration surface. This allows for the exchange of waste products and excess fluids without the need for external dialysis equipment. Choice A is incorrect as peritoneal dialysis can be used for both acute and chronic kidney injury. Choice C is incorrect as peritoneal dialysis can help manage drug overdose and electrolyte imbalances. Choice D is incorrect as peritoneal dialysis can be used in cases of water intoxication to help remove excess fluids.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Notify the organ procurement organization (OPO). This is the best action because the OPO is responsible for coordinating organ donation and transplantation. By involving the OPO, the nurse ensures that the donation process is handled appropriately and ethically. Choice A: Arranging a multidisciplinary meeting with physicians may be necessary but should not be the first step in this situation. Choice B: Consulting the hospital�s ethics committee may be helpful, but the immediate priority is to involve the OPO to facilitate organ donation. Choice D: Obtaining family consent to withdraw life support is not the nurse�s role in this situation. The focus should be on organ donation to honor the family's wishes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: fluid retention of 1.5 liters. The weight gain from 97.5 kg to 99 kg indicates an increase in fluid retention. This difference of 1.5 kg corresponds to fluid retention of 1.5 liters, as 1 liter of water weighs approximately 1 kg. This weight gain suggests that the patient is retaining more fluid than they are excreting, leading to an increase in weight. Incorrect choices: B: fluid loss of 1.5 liters - This is incorrect because the weight increased, indicating fluid retention. C: equal intake and output due to insensible losses - This is incorrect as weight increased, showing an imbalance in intake and output. D: fluid loss of 0.5 liters - This is incorrect as the weight increased, indicating fluid retention, not loss.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provide for oxygen administration. The first intervention for hypoxemia is to increase oxygen levels to improve oxygen saturation in the blood. Oxygen administration can be achieved through various devices such as nasal cannula, face mask, or non-rebreather mask. This intervention helps to increase the oxygen supply to the patient's tissues and organs, addressing the underlying cause of hypoxemia. Calling for emergency intubation (choice A) is not the first step unless the patient's condition deteriorates. Obtaining an order for BiPAP (choice B) may be beneficial in some cases but is not the initial intervention for hypoxemia. Suctioning secretions (choice D) may be necessary if airway obstruction is present but is not the first step in addressing hypoxemia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Apply pressure to the insertion site for 5 minutes. This is the priority nursing action because it helps prevent bleeding and hematoma formation after removing the arterial line. Applying pressure for 5 minutes allows for adequate hemostasis. A: Applying an air occlusion dressing to the insertion site is not the priority action. It does not address the immediate need to control bleeding. C: Elevating the affected limb on pillows for 24 hours is not necessary and does not address the immediate need for hemostasis. D: Keeping the patient's wrist in a neutral position is not the priority action when discontinuing an arterial line. It does not address the need for hemostasis and preventing bleeding.