Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Opioid medications given as needed. Opioids are indicated for managing dyspnea and restlessness in palliative care by providing relief from symptoms. They act as potent analgesics and can help decrease the distress associated with difficult breathing and restlessness. Respiratory therapy treatments (A) and incentive spirometry treatments (C) may not address the immediate discomfort caused by dyspnea and restlessness. Increased hydration (D) may not directly alleviate the symptoms and could potentially worsen the patient's discomfort.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). This is crucial in monitoring a patient with a large anterior wall myocardial infarction as it provides information on left ventricular function and fluid status. A high PAWP may indicate left ventricular failure or fluid overload, requiring immediate intervention. A: Central venous pressure (CVP) is not as specific for assessing left ventricular function and may not provide accurate information in this scenario. B: Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) is important in assessing systemic blood flow, but it may not directly indicate left ventricular function in this case. C: Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is more relevant in conditions affecting the pulmonary circulation and may not be as immediately informative in assessing left ventricular function in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hemoglobin of 8 g/dL. Low hemoglobin levels can lead to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues, causing respiratory distress and difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation. This is due to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity leading to increased work of breathing. A: Cardiac output of 6 L/min is within normal range and not directly related to difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation. C: Negative sputum culture and sensitivity indicate absence of respiratory infection but not a direct cause of difficulty weaning. D: White blood cell count of 8000 is within normal range and not a direct cause of difficulty weaning.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: True collaboration. In this scenario, the physician consults with the nurse to understand the situation and collaborates on the best course of action for the patient's care. This demonstrates effective teamwork, communication, and mutual respect between healthcare professionals, which are key components of a healthy work environment. Choice A (Skilled communication) is not the best answer because while communication between the physician and nurse is important, the focus in this scenario is more on collaboration and teamwork. Choice B (Appropriate staffing) is not the best answer as the scenario does not specifically address staffing levels but rather the interaction and collaboration between the physician and nurse. Choice D (Recognizing signs of imminent stroke and paging the physician) is incorrect as it is unrelated to the scenario described, which is about the physician and nurse collaborating on patient care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Work of breathing. Work of breathing refers to the amount of effort required to maintain a specific level of ventilation. This includes the energy needed for inhalation and exhalation. Compliance (A) refers to the ease with which the lungs expand, resistance (B) is the opposition to airflow in the airways, and tidal volume (C) is the amount of air moved in and out of the lungs during normal breathing. Work of breathing encompasses the overall energy expenditure involved in the breathing process, making it the most appropriate term in this context.