ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient who has 20-second periods of apnea followed by periods of deep and rapid breathing. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient is exhibiting Cheyne-Stokes breathing pattern characterized by periods of apnea followed by deep and rapid breathing. The nurse should document this pattern accurately. Option A is incorrect as suctioning is not indicated. Option B may worsen the respiratory pattern. Option C is not specifically related to addressing the breathing pattern.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is admitted to the ICU with injuries sustained from a fall from a third-story window. The patient is conscious, his breathing is labored, and he is bleeding heavily from the abdomen. He groans constantly and complains of severe pain, but his movements are minimal. His heart rate is elevated. Which of these is a sign that he is in the second phase of the stress response? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Severe pain. In the second phase of the stress response (resistance phase), the body is trying to cope with the stressor. Severe pain is a sign of the body's response to the injury, indicating the activation of the stress response. Labored breathing and elevated heart rate are more likely to be signs of the initial phase (alarm phase) of the stress response. Bleeding heavily from the abdomen is a medical emergency and does not specifically indicate the stress response phase.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following strategies will assist in creating a h ealthy work environment for the critical care nurse? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because implementing a medication safety program designed by pharmacists promotes a safe work environment for critical care nurses by reducing medication errors. Pharmacists are experts in medications and can provide valuable insights to improve safety. A: Celebrating with a pizza party may boost morale but does not directly address work environment factors. C: Modifying staffing ratios may improve patient care but doesn't necessarily address the overall work environment. D: Joint workshops foster collaboration but may not directly impact the work environment's safety and health.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse wishes to practice using the Synergy Model developed by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). What nursing behavior best supports use of this model?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Self-directed study of best practice for the patients she cares for. This choice aligns with the Synergy Model by promoting individualized patient care based on best practices. Self-directed study allows the nurse to enhance their knowledge and skills to provide optimal care tailored to each patient's unique needs. Attending mandatory in-service programs (A) may not directly support the individualized care approach. Gathering demographic data (C) is important but not specific to the Synergy Model's focus on patient acuity and nurse competencies. Participating in a research study (D) may contribute to evidence-based practice, but it does not directly relate to the Synergy Model's emphasis on aligning nurse competencies with patient needs.
Question 5 of 5
After coronary artery bypass graft surgery a patient is transported to the surgical intensive care unit at noon and placed on mechanical ventilation. How sh ould the nurse interpret the patient�s initial arterial blood gas levels? pH 7.31 PaCO 48 mm Hg Bicarbonate 22 mEq/L PaO 115 mm Hg O saturation 99%
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Partly compensated respiratory acidosis, normal oxygen. The pH of 7.31 indicates acidosis, the PaCO2 of 48 mm Hg shows respiratory acidosis, and the bicarbonate level of 22 mEq/L is slightly elevated, indicating the kidneys are compensating. The PaO2 of 115 mm Hg and oxygen saturation of 99% are normal, ruling out hypoxemia. Therefore, the patient is experiencing partly compensated respiratory acidosis. A: Normal arterial blood gas levels with a high oxygen level - Incorrect. The pH is low, indicating acidosis, which is not normal. C: Uncompensated metabolic acidosis with high oxygen level - Incorrect. Metabolic acidosis would have a primary issue with bicarbonate levels, which is not the case here. D: Uncompensated respiratory acidosis; hyperoxygenated - Incorrect. The oxygen levels are normal, ruling out hyperoxygenation.
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