Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Sense of loss of control of the situation. The wife's demand to reassign the nurse indicates her need for control over her husband's care, as she may feel overwhelmed by the sudden cardiac arrest and hospitalization. By requesting a different nurse, she seeks to regain a sense of control and assurance. The other choices are incorrect because: A does not align with the wife's immediate concern, B does not explain her request for a nurse reassignment, and C does not address her emotional response to the situation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Elevate head of bed to 30 degrees. Elevating the head of the bed helps promote optimal airway clearance by facilitating drainage of secretions and reducing the risk of aspiration. This position also improves lung expansion and oxygenation. Choice B is important for preventing venous thromboembolism but not directly related to airway clearance. Choice C may not be appropriate as excessive sedation can impair airway clearance. Choice D is important for preventing pressure ulcers but does not directly address airway clearance.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because implementing a medication safety program designed by pharmacists promotes a safe work environment for critical care nurses by reducing medication errors. Pharmacists are experts in medications and can provide valuable insights to improve safety. A: Celebrating with a pizza party may boost morale but does not directly address work environment factors. C: Modifying staffing ratios may improve patient care but doesn't necessarily address the overall work environment. D: Joint workshops foster collaboration but may not directly impact the work environment's safety and health.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient is exhibiting Cheyne-Stokes breathing pattern characterized by periods of apnea followed by deep and rapid breathing. The nurse should document this pattern accurately. Option A is incorrect as suctioning is not indicated. Option B may worsen the respiratory pattern. Option C is not specifically related to addressing the breathing pattern.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the SUPPORT study revealed disparities between patients' care preferences and the actual care provided. This is supported by the findings that many patients did not receive treatments aligned with their preferences. Choice A is incorrect because the study actually highlighted communication challenges between patients and healthcare providers. Choice B is incorrect as the study showed that critical care units often do not meet the needs of dying patients and their families. Choice D is incorrect as the study found that pain and suffering of patients at the end of life are not always well controlled in hospitals.