Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Because the patient is unconscious, complete care as quickly and quietly as possible. This is the most appropriate intervention as it prioritizes the patient's comfort and minimizes unnecessary stimulation. Performing care quickly reduces the time the patient is exposed to potentially uncomfortable procedures. Being quiet also helps create a calming environment for the patient, which is important for someone who is unresponsive. Explanation for other choices: A: Asking a family member to help and discussing family structure is not appropriate as it can be intrusive and may not be relevant or beneficial to the patient's care. C: Informing the patient of the day and time is unnecessary as the patient is unresponsive. Providing care is more crucial than updating the patient. D: Turning on the television is inappropriate as it introduces unnecessary noise and distraction, which can be overwhelming for an unresponsive patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it shows empathy and promotes patient education. By describing the procedure and its necessity, the nurse can alleviate the patient's anxiety and build trust. This approach allows the patient to feel informed and in control, reducing fear and increasing cooperation. It also demonstrates respect for the patient's feelings and promotes a therapeutic relationship. Choice A is incorrect as it disregards the patient's fear and can lead to increased distress. Choice B might be an option, but it doesn't address the patient's anxiety in the moment. Choice C, while helpful in some cases, doesn't directly address the patient's specific fear of the blood draw procedure.

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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: intrarenal disease, probably acute tubular necrosis. The patient's symptoms of general malaise, fatigue, decreased urinary output, along with the presence of coarse, muddy brown granular casts and hematuria in the urinalysis indicate kidney damage. Acute tubular necrosis is a common cause of acute kidney injury characterized by damage to the renal tubules, leading to impaired kidney function. The presence of granular casts and hematuria suggests tubular injury and bleeding within the kidney. Choices A and B are incorrect as they refer to prerenal and postrenal causes of kidney injury, respectively, which do not align with the patient's symptoms and urinalysis findings. Choice D is incorrect as a urinary tract infection would typically present with different symptoms and urinalysis findings.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Mobility. Maintaining mobility helps prevent blood stasis, a leading factor in the development of pulmonary embolism. Movement promotes circulation, reducing the risk of blood clots. A: Antiseptic oral care is important for oral hygiene but not directly related to preventing pulmonary embolism. B: Bed rest with head of bed elevated can actually increase the risk of clots due to immobility. C: Coughing and deep breathing are beneficial for preventing respiratory complications but do not address the underlying cause of pulmonary embolism.