Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Temperature. Decreased ScvO2 in severe pancreatitis can be due to systemic inflammatory response leading to increased metabolic demand and decreased tissue oxygen delivery. Monitoring temperature helps assess for presence of infection or sepsis, which can further decrease tissue oxygenation. Lipase (A) is specific for pancreatitis diagnosis, not directly related to ScvO2. Urinary output (C) is important for assessing renal function, not directly related to ScvO2. Body mass index (D) does not provide information on tissue oxygenation status in this context.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because participating on the unit's nurse practice council demonstrates adherence to the AACN Standards of Professional Performance, specifically the standard related to quality of practice. By actively engaging in the nurse practice council, the nurse contributes to the development and implementation of policies and procedures that promote quality patient care. This activity also involves collaboration, leadership, and advocacy, which are essential components of professional nursing practice. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Attending a meeting and receiving continuing education on sepsis is important for professional development but does not directly align with the AACN Standards of Professional Performance. B: Collaborating with a pastoral services colleague is essential for holistic patient care but does not specifically address the standards set by the AACN. D: Posting an article for colleagues to read is beneficial for knowledge sharing but does not directly demonstrate adherence to the AACN Standards of Professional Performance.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Communication of uniform messages from all healthcare team members. This intervention is crucial to ensure consistency in information provided to patients and families, reducing confusion and enhancing trust. When all team members convey the same messages, it helps in clarifying options and facilitating decision-making. Choices B and C are incorrect as they focus on care planning and continuity, which are important but not specifically related to facilitating communication in end-of-life care decisions. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests limiting time for families to express feelings, which can hinder effective communication and support during such a sensitive time.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: To validate a nurse�s knowledge of critical care nursing. Certification in critical care nursing validates a nurse's expertise and knowledge in this specialized area of nursing. It demonstrates that the nurse has met certain standards and competencies in critical care practice. This certification ensures that the nurse is well-equipped to provide high-quality care to critically ill patients. A: To assure the consumer that critical nurses will not make a mistake - This choice is incorrect because certification does not guarantee that nurses will not make mistakes. It focuses on validating knowledge and skills rather than infallibility. B: To help prepare the critical care nurse for graduate school - This choice is incorrect as certification is more focused on practice readiness rather than academic preparation. C: To assist in promoting magnet status for a facility - This choice is incorrect as magnet status relates more to the overall excellence and quality of nursing care in a facility, not individual certification.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Anxiety about unfinished business. The patient's desire to settle issues with their siblings before death indicates a concern about unresolved matters. This response aligns with the concept of psychosocial responses to death, specifically the need for closure and resolution. Restlessness (choice A) may not necessarily indicate a specific focus on unfinished business. Yearning and protest (choice B) typically refer to the initial stages of grief, not specifically related to settling unresolved issues. Fear of the meaninglessness of one's life (choice D) is more existential and philosophical, whereas the patient's focus here is on addressing specific issues with their siblings.