Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it involves a structured approach to promoting changes in practice. By asking the clinical nurse specialist to lead a journal club on open visitation after each nurse reads a research article, it ensures that all nurses are informed and engaged in the topic. This approach promotes evidence-based practice and encourages active participation. Option B is less effective as discussing pros and cons at a staff meeting may not ensure that all nurses have the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions. Option C may not consider diverse perspectives and may not involve all staff members equally. Option D involves a select group of volunteers and may not reflect the views of the entire team. Overall, option A is the most inclusive and educational approach to promoting changes in practice.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: To validate a nurse�s knowledge of critical care nursing. Certification in critical care nursing validates a nurse's expertise and knowledge in this specialized area of nursing. It demonstrates that the nurse has met certain standards and competencies in critical care practice. This certification ensures that the nurse is well-equipped to provide high-quality care to critically ill patients. A: To assure the consumer that critical nurses will not make a mistake - This choice is incorrect because certification does not guarantee that nurses will not make mistakes. It focuses on validating knowledge and skills rather than infallibility. B: To help prepare the critical care nurse for graduate school - This choice is incorrect as certification is more focused on practice readiness rather than academic preparation. C: To assist in promoting magnet status for a facility - This choice is incorrect as magnet status relates more to the overall excellence and quality of nursing care in a facility, not individual certification.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Option C is the correct answer because when caring for a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter receiving continuous enteral feedings, it is crucial to level and zero reference the transducer with the patient's head of bed elevated to 30 degrees. This position helps to ensure accurate hemodynamic measurements, as the head of bed elevation minimizes the impact of intra-abdominal pressure on the catheter readings. By referencing the transducer in this position, the nurse can obtain reliable and precise hemodynamic values. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: This option is incorrect because delaying documentation until the patient is in the supine position can lead to inaccuracies in the hemodynamic readings due to changes in patient positioning. B: Leveling and zero referencing the transducer with the patient in the supine position is not ideal as it does not account for the impact of intra-abdominal pressure on the catheter readings in patients receiving enteral feedings. D: Leveling and zero referencing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Asking the patient whether he or she wants to get out of bed allows the patient to make a decision regarding their immediate environment, promoting autonomy and control. Step 2: This intervention respects the patient's preferences and fosters a sense of dignity and empowerment, reducing stress. Step 3: Best practice principles in nursing emphasize patient-centered care and promoting patient autonomy. Summary: Choice A is correct as it directly involves the patient in decision-making, enhancing their sense of control. Choices B, C, and D do not provide the same level of autonomy and control to the patient, making them less effective in reducing stress and promoting patient well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because communication with intubated patients is often challenging due to the presence of an artificial airway, which hinders speech. This understanding is crucial when determining appropriate nursing interventions to ensure effective patient care. Choice B is incorrect because different patients may require different modes of ventilation based on their specific condition, and controlled ventilation may not always be the preferred mode for all patients. Choice C is incorrect as patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often have difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation due to their underlying respiratory condition. Choice D is incorrect as wrist restraints are not applied to all patients on mechanical ventilation unless absolutely necessary for safety concerns, such as preventing self-extubation.