Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provide for oxygen administration. The first intervention for hypoxemia is to increase oxygen levels to improve oxygen saturation in the blood. Oxygen administration can be achieved through various devices such as nasal cannula, face mask, or non-rebreather mask. This intervention helps to increase the oxygen supply to the patient's tissues and organs, addressing the underlying cause of hypoxemia. Calling for emergency intubation (choice A) is not the first step unless the patient's condition deteriorates. Obtaining an order for BiPAP (choice B) may be beneficial in some cases but is not the initial intervention for hypoxemia. Suctioning secretions (choice D) may be necessary if airway obstruction is present but is not the first step in addressing hypoxemia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Offering the patient a patient-controlled analgesic device. This intervention allows the patient to self-administer pain relief, which can help alleviate discomfort associated with mechanical ventilation and reduce agitation. Breathing exercises (choice A) may not address the root cause of agitation. Asking for antianxiety medication (choice C) may not be immediate or ideal due to potential side effects. Offering an MP3 player (choice D) may provide distraction but may not effectively address the agitation caused by the ventilator.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Evidence-based practice. The AACN Standards for Acute and Critical Care Nursing Practice emphasize the use of evidence-based practice to guide critical care nursing. This framework ensures that nursing interventions are based on the best available evidence, leading to improved patient outcomes. Healthy work environment (B) and National Patient Safety Goals (C) are important but not specific frameworks for critical care nursing. The nursing process (D) is a systematic approach to delivering patient care but is not the primary guiding framework in critical care nursing practice.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Attach cardiac monitoring leads before the procedure. This is essential to monitor the patient's cardiac rhythm and detect any abnormalities during catheter insertion. Cardiac monitoring leads provide real-time information on the patient's heart rate and rhythm, allowing the nurse to promptly address any complications. A: Determining if the cardiac troponin level is elevated is not directly related to assisting with pulmonary artery catheter insertion. B: Auscultating heart and breath sounds during insertion is important but does not take precedence over attaching cardiac monitoring leads. C: Placing the patient on NPO status before the procedure may be necessary for other procedures, but it is not specifically required for assisting with pulmonary artery catheter insertion.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because notifying the organ procurement organization (OPO) once the patient has been pronounced brain dead is a requirement to sustain CMS Conditions of Participation. This step ensures that the proper protocols are followed for organ donation. Choice A is incorrect because notifying the OPO of impending death is not a requirement for sustaining CMS Conditions of Participation. Choice B is incorrect because obtaining informed consent for organ donation is not directly related to meeting the requirements of CMS Conditions of Participation. Choice D is incorrect because while evaluating the patient's suitability for organ donation is important, it is not a specific requirement under CMS Conditions of Participation.