Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Futility. In this scenario, the primary care provider suggests making the patient a "do not resuscitate" status because further medical treatment is deemed futile. Futility refers to situations where medical interventions are unlikely to achieve the desired outcome. This decision is made when the benefits of continuing treatment do not outweigh the burdens on the patient. Summary: A: Brain death does not apply here as the patient is not brain dead. C: Incompetence refers to the patient's ability to make decisions, not the medical concept being illustrated. D: Life-prolonging procedures are not being discussed; the focus is on the futility of further treatment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer because it reflects a positive attitude towards potential future treatments in the critical care unit and gratitude for being able to see family again. The survivor acknowledges the past experience but remains optimistic. Summary: - Choice B is incorrect as it shows a strong aversion to hospital care, indicating a preference for death over treatment. - Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on the family's reaction and not the survivor's personal experience or perspective. - Choice D is incorrect as it highlights a trivial aspect (eating) rather than reflecting on the ICU experience or future treatments.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: A patient with paradoxical chest movements. This indicates flail chest, a life-threatening condition where a segment of the chest wall moves independently from the rest. 1. Flail chest can lead to respiratory compromise and potential respiratory failure. 2. Immediate intervention is needed to stabilize the chest wall and support breathing. 3. Without prompt treatment, the patient can develop hypoxia and potentially progress to cardiac arrest. Summary: - Choice A: No pedal pulses may indicate vascular compromise but does not pose an immediate threat to life. - Choice B: Open femur fracture requires urgent treatment but does not have the same immediate life-threatening implications as flail chest. - Choice C: Bleeding facial lacerations can be managed after addressing more critical injuries like flail chest.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because volunteering to serve on a disaster response planning committee demonstrates awareness of current events affecting critical care nursing. By actively participating in planning for potential disasters, the nurse shows a proactive approach to staying informed and prepared for emergencies. This behavior indicates a commitment to staying up-to-date with the evolving landscape of critical care nursing. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because: A: Participating in recruitment efforts may be important but does not directly demonstrate awareness of current events affecting critical care nursing. C: Adhering to basic nursing program content is necessary but does not show active engagement with current events in critical care nursing. D: Attending hospital-mandated in-services is valuable, but without seeking additional education or involvement in current events, it does not illustrate awareness of the changing critical care nursing environment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Graduated compression stockings. These stockings help prevent blood from pooling in the legs, reducing the risk of DVT and PE. They improve circulation and reduce venous stasis. Option B, heparin, is used for treatment, not prevention. Option C, sequential compression devices, help prevent DVT but are not as effective as compression stockings. Option D, strict bed rest, can actually increase the risk of DVT by reducing blood flow.