Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: To validate a nurse�s knowledge of critical care nursing. Certification in critical care nursing validates a nurse's expertise and knowledge in this specialized area of nursing. It demonstrates that the nurse has met certain standards and competencies in critical care practice. This certification ensures that the nurse is well-equipped to provide high-quality care to critically ill patients. A: To assure the consumer that critical nurses will not make a mistake - This choice is incorrect because certification does not guarantee that nurses will not make mistakes. It focuses on validating knowledge and skills rather than infallibility. B: To help prepare the critical care nurse for graduate school - This choice is incorrect as certification is more focused on practice readiness rather than academic preparation. C: To assist in promoting magnet status for a facility - This choice is incorrect as magnet status relates more to the overall excellence and quality of nursing care in a facility, not individual certification.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Because the patient is unconscious, complete care as quickly and quietly as possible. This is the most appropriate intervention as it prioritizes the patient's comfort and minimizes unnecessary stimulation. Performing care quickly reduces the time the patient is exposed to potentially uncomfortable procedures. Being quiet also helps create a calming environment for the patient, which is important for someone who is unresponsive. Explanation for other choices: A: Asking a family member to help and discussing family structure is not appropriate as it can be intrusive and may not be relevant or beneficial to the patient's care. C: Informing the patient of the day and time is unnecessary as the patient is unresponsive. Providing care is more crucial than updating the patient. D: Turning on the television is inappropriate as it introduces unnecessary noise and distraction, which can be overwhelming for an unresponsive patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because introducing the staff to the PubMed search engine and assigning them topics to research on it is the most effective way to promote evidence-based practice. PubMed is a reputable database that contains a vast collection of peer-reviewed articles and research studies, making it a reliable source for evidence. By assigning specific topics, the nurse can ensure that the staff is focusing on relevant and current information, fostering a deeper understanding of evidence-based practice. Choice A is incorrect because certification in critical care nursing does not guarantee a commitment to evidence-based practice. Choice B is not as effective as it relies on passive exposure to journals rather than active engagement with specific research topics. Choice C is not the best option as using general search terms on search engines like Google or Yahoo may lead to unreliable or outdated information.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Temperature. Decreased ScvO2 in severe pancreatitis can be due to systemic inflammatory response leading to increased metabolic demand and decreased tissue oxygen delivery. Monitoring temperature helps assess for presence of infection or sepsis, which can further decrease tissue oxygenation. Lipase (A) is specific for pancreatitis diagnosis, not directly related to ScvO2. Urinary output (C) is important for assessing renal function, not directly related to ScvO2. Body mass index (D) does not provide information on tissue oxygenation status in this context.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation in severe asthma exacerbation leads to excessive removal of CO2, causing a decrease in carbonic acid levels, resulting in respiratory alkalosis. Metabolic acidosis (A) is not typically associated with hyperventilation. Metabolic alkalosis (B) is caused by excessive loss of acid or gain of bicarbonate, not by hyperventilation. Respiratory acidosis (C) is characterized by an increase in CO2 levels due to inadequate ventilation, which is the opposite of what occurs in severe asthma exacerbation.