Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions

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.

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.

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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the SUPPORT study revealed disparities between patients' care preferences and the actual care provided. This is supported by the findings that many patients did not receive treatments aligned with their preferences. Choice A is incorrect because the study actually highlighted communication challenges between patients and healthcare providers. Choice B is incorrect as the study showed that critical care units often do not meet the needs of dying patients and their families. Choice D is incorrect as the study found that pain and suffering of patients at the end of life are not always well controlled in hospitals.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The stroke volume is calculated by dividing the cardiac output by the heart rate. Given the cardiac output of 4.7 L/min and a heart rate of 87 bpm, the stroke volume is 54 mL (4700 mL/87 bpm ? 54 mL). Therefore, choice A (54) is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not match the calculated stroke volume based on the provided cardiac output and heart rate.