Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer the dose as prescribed. Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used to treat atrial flutter. The vital signs obtained are within normal range for this medication. A heart rate of 92 and blood pressure of 110/76 are not contraindications for administering verapamil. Option A is incorrect as calcium gluconate is not indicated in this situation. Option B is incorrect because the vital signs are stable and do not warrant withholding the medication. Option D is incorrect as there is no need to delay the administration of verapamil based on the vital signs provided.

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clinical practice guidelines. Clinical practice guidelines are evidence-based recommendations that assist nurses in providing appropriate care based on research. They outline best practices for specific patient populations or conditions, helping nurses make informed decisions. Summary: - B: Computerized physician order entry: While it may improve accuracy and efficiency, it does not specifically ensure care based on research. - C: Consulting with advanced practice nurses: While collaboration is valuable, it does not guarantee care based on research. - D: Implementing Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals: Important for patient safety, but not directly related to ensuring care based on research.

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: 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.