Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions

Questions 81

ATI RN

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Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

The nurse is caring for a patient in acute respiratory failure and understands that the patient should be positioned (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: high Fowler's position. This position promotes optimal lung expansion by allowing the chest to expand fully, improving oxygenation. It also helps reduce the work of breathing. Side lying with the head of the bed elevated (B) may not provide the same level of lung expansion. Sitting in a chair (C) may not be suitable for a patient in acute respiratory failure as it may not provide adequate support for breathing. Supine with the bed flat (D) can worsen respiratory distress by limiting lung expansion.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is caring for a patient who has an intra-aortic balloon pump in place. Which action should be included in the plan of care?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Measure the patient�s urinary output every hour. This is crucial because monitoring urinary output is essential in assessing the patient�s renal function and the effectiveness of the intra-aortic balloon pump in improving cardiac output. Hourly measurement helps in early detection of any changes that may indicate complications. A: Positioning the patient supine at all times is not necessary and can lead to complications. B: Avoiding the use of anticoagulant medications is not appropriate as they are often necessary to prevent clot formation around the balloon pump. D: Providing a massive range of motion for all extremities is not recommended for a patient with an intra-aortic balloon pump as it can dislodge the device or cause harm.

Question 3 of 5

The nurse observes that an elderly woman, whose granddaughter has been admitted to theICU, is struggling to manage her two great-grandsons, who are toddlers, in the waiting room. What is the most likely explanation for the womans inability to manage the children in this situation?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: She is in the exhaustion stage of the general adaptation syndrome to stress. Rationale: 1. In the exhaustion stage, the body's resources are depleted due to prolonged stress, leading to fatigue and reduced ability to cope. 2. The elderly woman is likely experiencing high levels of stress due to her granddaughter's critical condition. 3. Managing toddlers while dealing with the emotional distress of a loved one in the ICU can be overwhelming, causing exhaustion. 4. This explanation aligns with the symptoms of fatigue and difficulty managing the children observed by the nurse. Summary: A: Incorrect. Senility is a cognitive condition unrelated to the stress of the situation. C: Incorrect. Assuming a caregiver role can be stressful, but it does not explain the observed exhaustion. D: Incorrect. Macular degeneration affects vision, not the ability to manage stress and children.

Question 4 of 5

After the change-of-shift report, which patient should the progressive care nurse assess first?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The patient receiving IV heparin with a PTT of 98 seconds is at risk for bleeding due to the therapeutic range of 60-80 seconds. Assessing this patient first is crucial to prevent potential bleeding complications. A high PTT indicates the blood is not clotting properly, increasing the risk of bleeding. Prompt assessment and possible adjustment of heparin infusion are needed. A: The patient with a temperature of 101.4�F may have a fever but is not at immediate risk compared to the patient with a high PTT. B: The patient on BiPAP with a respiratory rate of 16 is stable and does not require immediate assessment. C: The patient post-percutaneous coronary intervention needing to void is a routine need and does not require immediate attention compared to the patient with a critical lab value.

Question 5 of 5

As the nurse admits a patient with end-stage kidney disease to the hospital, the patient tells the nurse, 'If my heart or breathing stops, I do not want to be resuscitated.' Which action is best for the nurse to take?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Asking if these wishes have been discussed with the healthcare provider is important to ensure that the patient's wishes are documented and considered in the care plan. Step 2: The healthcare provider needs to be aware of the patient's preferences regarding resuscitation to provide appropriate care. Step 3: This step helps in clarifying the patient's preferences and ensures that the healthcare team follows the patient's wishes. Step 4: Placing a DNR notation without consulting the healthcare provider may not align with the patient's overall care plan and may lead to potential legal and ethical issues. Step 5: Informing the patient about notarized advance directives and designating a person for healthcare decisions are important but not the immediate step needed in this scenario. In summary, choice A is correct as it prioritizes communication with the healthcare provider to ensure the patient's wishes are properly documented and followed. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not involve confirming the patient's wishes

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