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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Do not resuscitate." In this scenario, the patient's advance directive specifies a desire for comfort measures and continuation of food and fluids. A DNR order aligns with this directive by respecting the patient's wish to avoid aggressive life-saving measures. This choice prioritizes the patient's autonomy and quality of life. Other options (B, C, D) are not aligned with the patient's wishes. Changing antibiotics or stopping blood transfusions may be unrelated to the patient's comfort or food/fluid preferences. Discontinuing tube feeding goes against the directive's request for food and fluid continuation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Helps to support the patient's immune system. Providing supportive care such as nutrition, oxygenation, pain management, and anxiety control can help reduce stress, which in turn supports the immune system. Stress weakens the immune system, making the patient more vulnerable to infections and complications. By addressing stress and anxiety through supportive care, the patient's immune system is better able to function optimally, aiding in the recovery process. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because: B: Part of good nursing care - While supportive care is indeed part of good nursing care, the key rationale for these interventions in a critically ill patient is to support the immune system, not just to provide good nursing care. C: Mandated by hospital policy - Hospital policies may dictate certain aspects of care, but the primary goal of these interventions is to support the patient's immune system, not just to comply with hospital policies. D: Reassures the patient and family - While providing reass

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: First, the nurse should assess the patient's lungs to rule out any potential respiratory issues causing fluid retention. This is crucial as the patient has signs of fluid imbalance with decreased output and increased weight. Assessing the lungs can help identify conditions like heart failure or pneumonia that may contribute to these changes. Drawing a trough level (choice A) is not a priority as it doesn't address the immediate concern of fluid imbalance. Placing the patient on fluid restriction (choice B) should only be done after identifying the cause of the imbalance. Inserting an indwelling catheter (choice D) is not necessary at this point as the issue is related to fluid balance, not urinary elimination.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because reducing patient errors is the most important outcome of effective communication in healthcare. Clear and accurate communication among healthcare providers and patients can prevent misunderstandings, leading to fewer errors in diagnosis, treatment, and medication administration. This ultimately improves patient safety and outcomes. A: Demonstrating caring practices to family members is important but not the most crucial outcome of effective communication in healthcare. B: Ensuring that patient teaching is provided is essential, but patient safety through error reduction takes precedence. C: Meeting the diversity needs of patients is crucial for patient-centered care, but error reduction directly impacts patient safety, making it more critical.