Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions

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Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

The nurse is caring for a 70-kg patient in septic shock with a pulmonary artery catheter. Which hemodynamic value indicates an appropriate response to therapy aimed at enhancing oxygen delivery to the organs and tissues?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Mixed venous (SvO2) of 40%. In septic shock, improving oxygen delivery to tissues is vital. SvO2 reflects the balance between oxygen delivery and consumption. A value of 40% indicates adequate oxygen delivery to tissues. A: Arterial lactate level of 1.0 mEq/L - Although a low lactate level is good, it does not directly indicate improved oxygen delivery. B: Cardiac output of 2.5 L/min - Cardiac output should ideally increase to improve oxygen delivery, so 2.5 L/min is low for a 70-kg patient. D: Cardiac index of 1.5 L/min/m2 - Cardiac index is cardiac output adjusted for body surface area. 1.5 L/min/m2 is low and indicates inadequate cardiac function for a patient in septic shock.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse obtains the pulse rate of 89 beats/minute for an infant before administering digoxin (Lanoxin). Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Infants typically have higher resting heart rates than adults, so a pulse rate of 89 beats/minute for an infant may indicate bradycardia. Digoxin can further lower the heart rate, leading to potential adverse effects like arrhythmias. Therefore, withholding the medication and contacting the healthcare provider is crucial to ensure the safety of the infant. Choice B is incorrect because administering digoxin without addressing the elevated pulse rate can be dangerous. Choice C is incorrect as assessing respiratory rate does not address the immediate concern of the elevated pulse rate. Choice D is also incorrect as waiting and giving half of the dosage may further exacerbate the situation.

Question 3 of 5

A family member tells the nurse, 'I don�t know how I�m going to manage without my mother. She took care of everything for us.' Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it acknowledges the family member's feelings while offering support and resources for managing the situation gradually. By providing resources, the nurse empowers the family member to learn how to handle things independently over time. This approach promotes self-reliance and resilience. Choice B focuses on time rather than active coping strategies, which may not address the family member's immediate needs. Choice C suggests shifting responsibilities to another family member without considering the emotional impact. Choice D jumps to the conclusion of needing professional counseling without exploring other potential solutions or support systems.

Question 4 of 5

The nurse responds to a ventilator alarm and finds the patient lying in bed holding the endotracheal tube (ET). Which action should the nurse take next?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct action is D: Manually ventilate the patient with 100% oxygen. This is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent hypoxia. Holding the ET tube can lead to extubation and airway compromise. Activating the rapid response team (A) may delay immediate intervention. Providing reassurance (B) is important but not the priority in this situation. Calling the health care provider (C) to reinsert the tube would also lead to a delay in providing essential respiratory support.

Question 5 of 5

The patient�s potassium level is 7.0 mEq/L. Besides dialysis, which of the following actually reduces plasma potassium levels and total body potassium content safely in a patient with renal dysfunction?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Regular insulin Rationale: 1. Insulin promotes cellular uptake of potassium. 2. When insulin is administered, it moves potassium from extracellular to intracellular space. 3. This decreases plasma potassium levels safely. 4. Other options do not directly lower potassium levels in the same manner. Summary of Other Choices: A: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate - exchanges sodium for potassium in the intestines, not reducing total body potassium. B: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate with sorbitol - similar to A, does not reduce total body potassium. D: Calcium gluconate - does not directly lower potassium levels, used for treating hyperkalemia-induced cardiac toxicity.

Similar Questions

The patient�s potassium level is 7.0 mEq/L. Besides dialysis, which of the following actually reduces plasma potassium levels and total body potassium content safely in a patient with renal dysfunction?
The nurse is caring for a patient whose ventilator settings i nclude 15 cm H O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). The nurse understands that although beneficial, PEEP may result in what possible problem?
The nurse is caring for a patient who is mechanically ventilated. The nurse understands that what statement should be considered when determining apapbrirob.pcormia/ttees tn ursing interventions?
The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient in the critica l care unit. The physician has ordered patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for the patient. The nurse understands what facts about the PCA? (Select all that apply.)
The client has been in the CCU for several weeks and has been very unstable. One family member stays at the bedside constantly and even naps in a bedside chair. The nurse understands that the family member is exhibiting which family member response to critical illness?

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