Critical Care Nursing Questions

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the vision of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses focuses on creating respectful, healing, and humane environments. This aligns with the core values of nursing, emphasizing compassion, dignity, and patient-centered care. A is incorrect as the focus is not solely on the work environment. B is incorrect as it emphasizes the role of physicians over the collaborative approach advocated by the AACN. C is incorrect as it only addresses meeting patient needs, whereas the vision encompasses a broader scope of creating healing environments.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: There is redness at the catheter insertion site. Redness at the catheter insertion site could indicate infection, which is a serious complication that requires immediate attention to prevent sepsis. Reporting this to the healthcare provider promptly is crucial for timely intervention. Choices A, C, and D are not as urgent. A positive Allen test (choice A) assesses collateral circulation and is important for assessing perfusion before arterial cannulation but does not require immediate intervention. Choice C (MAP is 86 mm Hg) falls within the normal range, so it does not indicate an urgent issue. The visibility of the dicrotic notch in the arterial waveform (choice D) is a normal finding and does not require immediate action.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is D because the purpose of the healthcare system in the United States is primarily focused on disease prevention and symptom management. This aligns with societal views as healthcare is geared towards improving health outcomes and quality of life. Incorrect choices: A: Dying is not viewed as a failure of the system or providers, rather as a natural part of life. B: Most Americans prefer to die at home or in hospice care rather than in a hospital. C: Illnesses are not always curable, and death can result from various complex conditions beyond treatment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decrease the risk of bradycardia during surgery. Rationale: 1. Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that works by blocking the parasympathetic nervous system. 2. During surgery, the parasympathetic stimulation can lead to bradycardia (slow heart rate). 3. By administering atropine, the nurse can counteract the bradycardic effects and maintain a normal heart rate during the procedure. 4. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as atropine is not used for inducing anesthesia, relaxation, or minimizing postoperative analgesia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). PVR is the most appropriate parameter to monitor in a patient with pulmonary hypertension as it directly reflects the resistance in the pulmonary circulation. A decrease in PVR indicates a reduction in the constriction of blood vessels in the lungs, suggesting improvement in pulmonary hypertension. Monitoring CVP (A) is more relevant in assessing fluid status, SVR (B) is more indicative of systemic vascular tone, and PAWP (D) is useful in assessing left-sided heart function, but they are not as specific to evaluating the effectiveness of treatment for pulmonary hypertension.