Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient's expressed beliefs and wishes regarding quality of life are personal factors that directly influence the ethical dilemma. This factor reflects the individual's values, beliefs, and preferences, which are essential in making ethical decisions that respect the patient's autonomy. Considering the patient's beliefs helps healthcare professionals navigate complex ethical situations by aligning the care provided with the patient's values. Choices A, B, and D do not directly relate to personal factors but rather focus on hospital policies, physiological symptoms, and the provider's perspective, respectively. Personal factors are crucial in ethical decision-making as they center on the patient's autonomy and preferences.

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The certified nurse will have more knowledge and expertise. Certification in critical care nursing indicates that the candidate has undergone specialized training and passed a standardized exam, demonstrating a higher level of knowledge and skill in critical care practices compared to a non-certified candidate. This certification ensures that the nurse has met specific competency standards in critical care, making them better equipped to handle complex situations in the ICU. Summary: - Choice B (ethical behavior) and Choice C (caring towards patients) are subjective qualities that can be present in both certified and non-certified nurses. - Choice D (collaboration with other nurses) is not directly related to certification but can be influenced by the individual's interpersonal skills. - Ultimately, the certification in critical care nursing provides concrete evidence of the candidate's advanced knowledge and expertise, making them the most compelling choice for the hospital to hire.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Implementing a comprehensive oral care program is an intervention for preventing VAP. This statement is true because proper oral care, including brushing teeth, oral suctioning, and using chlorhexidine gluconate, has been shown to reduce the risk of VAP by decreasing the colonization of pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity. Regular oral care helps maintain oral hygiene and reduce the risk of aspiration of bacteria into the lungs, which is a common cause of VAP. Incorrect Answer Analysis: A: Tooth brushing every 2 hours may be excessive and could potentially cause harm to the oral mucosa, leading to increased risk of infection. C: While oral suctioning and brushing teeth are important components of oral care, the statement is not comprehensive enough to address the full range of interventions needed to prevent VAP. D: While chlorhexidine gluconate can be effective in preventing VAP, the statement implies that it is the only effective intervention, which is not true.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient's expressed beliefs and wishes regarding quality of life are personal factors that directly influence the ethical dilemma. This factor reflects the individual's values, beliefs, and preferences, which are essential in making ethical decisions that respect the patient's autonomy. Considering the patient's beliefs helps healthcare professionals navigate complex ethical situations by aligning the care provided with the patient's values. Choices A, B, and D do not directly relate to personal factors but rather focus on hospital policies, physiological symptoms, and the provider's perspective, respectively. Personal factors are crucial in ethical decision-making as they center on the patient's autonomy and preferences.