Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because opioids are essential for effective pain management in terminally ill patients, improving their quality of life. Alternative methods may not provide sufficient pain relief. Choice A is incorrect as opioids do not necessarily hasten death when used appropriately for pain control. Choice C is incorrect because reducing opioid dose may lead to inadequate pain management. Choice D is incorrect as consulting a pain specialist to reduce medication may not be appropriate for terminally ill patients needing effective pain relief.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Taking all asthma medications as prescribed. This is the most appropriate action to prevent exacerbation of asthma symptoms. By taking medications as prescribed, the patient can effectively manage and control their asthma, reducing the risk of exacerbation. Following the prescribed medication regimen helps to keep inflammation in check and maintain airway function. Choice A is incorrect because while follow-up appointments are important, they do not directly prevent exacerbation. Choice B is incorrect as limiting activity may not address the underlying cause of exacerbation. Choice D is incorrect as taking medications on an "as needed" basis may not provide consistent control of asthma symptoms, leading to potential exacerbation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Evidence-based practice. The AACN Standards for Acute and Critical Care Nursing Practice emphasize the use of evidence-based practice to guide critical care nursing. This framework ensures that nursing interventions are based on the best available evidence, leading to improved patient outcomes. Healthy work environment (B) and National Patient Safety Goals (C) are important but not specific frameworks for critical care nursing. The nursing process (D) is a systematic approach to delivering patient care but is not the primary guiding framework in critical care nursing practice.

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 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.