Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions

Questions 81

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

What is the most critical element of effective early end-of-life decision making?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because effective communication ensures that the patient's wishes and values are understood and respected, leading to informed decision-making. It also promotes shared decision-making among the patient, family, and healthcare team, enhancing the quality of care. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while they are important aspects of end-of-life care, they do not address the core element of communication in facilitating meaningful and informed decisions.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is assessing an older client and determines that the client's left upper eyelid droops, covering more of the iris than the right eyelid. Which description should the nurse use to document this finding?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ptosis on the left eyelid. Ptosis refers to drooping of the eyelid, which is a common condition in older adults. In this scenario, the nurse should document the finding as ptosis on the left eyelid because the client's left upper eyelid is drooping, covering more of the iris than the right eyelid. Explanation: Nystagmus (A) is an involuntary eye movement, not related to eyelid drooping. Exophthalmos (B) is the protrusion of the eyeball and not relevant to this scenario. Astigmatism (D) refers to a refractive error of the eye and does not cause eyelid drooping. Therefore, the correct choice is C as it accurately describes the client's condition.

Question 3 of 5

A patient who is orally intubated and receiving mechanical ventilation is anxious and is fighting the ventilator. Which action should the nurse take next?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Verbally coach the patient to breathe with the ventilator. This approach allows the nurse to address the patient's anxiety and help them synchronize their breathing with the ventilator, promoting better ventilation and oxygenation. It is important to first try non-invasive interventions before resorting to sedation or manual ventilation. Sedating the patient (B) should be a last resort to avoid potential complications. Manual ventilation (C) may disrupt the ventilator settings and cause respiratory distress. Increasing the rate of propofol infusion (D) is not indicated unless the patient's sedation level is inadequate.

Question 4 of 5

Both the electroencephalogram (EEG) monitor and the Bis pectral Index Score (BIS) or Patient State Index (PSI) analyzer monitors are used to ass ess patient sedation levels in critically ill patients. Why are the BIS and PSI monitors simpler to use?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because BIS and PSI monitors provide both raw EEG data and a numeric value, simplifying the interpretation of patient sedation levels. Raw EEG data offers detailed information on brain activity, while the numeric value allows for quick assessment. This simplifies the monitoring process compared to interpreting raw EEG data alone. Choice A is incorrect as BIS and PSI monitors are not restricted to heavily sedated patients. Choice B is incorrect as they are not limited to pediatric patients. Choice D is incorrect as the number of leads required does not determine the simplicity of use; it is the data interpretation that matters.

Question 5 of 5

A family member approaches the nurse caring for their gra vely ill son and states, �We want to donate our son�s organs.� What is the best action by the nu rse?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Notify the organ procurement organization (OPO). This is the best action because the OPO is responsible for coordinating organ donation and transplantation. By involving the OPO, the nurse ensures that the donation process is handled appropriately and ethically. Choice A: Arranging a multidisciplinary meeting with physicians may be necessary but should not be the first step in this situation. Choice B: Consulting the hospital�s ethics committee may be helpful, but the immediate priority is to involve the OPO to facilitate organ donation. Choice D: Obtaining family consent to withdraw life support is not the nurse�s role in this situation. The focus should be on organ donation to honor the family's wishes.

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