Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because certification validates nurses' expert knowledge and practice. This is important as it ensures that nurses have the necessary skills and competence to provide high-quality care in critical care settings. Certification is voluntary and not mandated by government regulations (Choice C). It goes beyond demonstrating basic knowledge (Choice D) by confirming specialized expertise. While certification may garner positive publicity (Choice A), the primary benefit is the validation of advanced skills and knowledge.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Families benefit by witnessing that everything possible was done during resuscitation and invasive procedures. Step 2: This reassures families that healthcare providers are doing their best to save the patient. Step 3: It can provide closure and comfort to families knowing that all efforts were made. Step 4: This transparency can also help in the grieving process for families. Summary: Choice A is correct because it highlights the emotional and psychological benefits for families. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the positive impacts of allowing family presence during resuscitation and invasive procedures.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because assessing the catheter site for redness and/or swelling is crucial for early detection of infection. Redness and swelling are common signs of infection at the catheter site, which requires prompt intervention. Applying a sterile gauze dressing (choice A) is not necessary for a temporary percutaneous dialysis catheter. Replacing the transparent dressing every 10 days (choice B) is not recommended as it can increase the risk of infection. Using the catheter for drawing blood samples (choice D) is not appropriate as it can introduce contaminants and increase the risk of infection. Regular assessment of the catheter site is essential for early detection and prevention of complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray study. ARDS diagnosis requires bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray, indicative of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Choice B, decreased cardiac output, is not a diagnostic criterion for ARDS. Choice C, PaO2/FiO2 ratio of less than 200, is a key diagnostic criteria for ARDS, indicating severe hypoxemia. Choice D, PAOP of more than 18 mm Hg, is used to differentiate between cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic causes of pulmonary edema, but it is not a direct diagnostic criterion for ARDS.

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.