Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Unmarried life partners of same sex. When providing palliative care, it's crucial to recognize and respect diverse family structures. Unmarried life partners of the same sex may form a significant familial bond, requiring support and involvement in care decisions. This choice aligns with the principles of inclusivity and non-discrimination in palliative care. Incorrect choices: B: Unmarried life partners of the opposite sex - This choice is incorrect as it limits the definition of family to only opposite-sex partners, excluding same-sex couples. C: Roommates - While roommates may provide support, they do not necessarily have the same level of emotional and decision-making involvement as family members or life partners. D: Close friends - While close friends can be important sources of support, they do not necessarily have the same legal or emotional ties as a life partner.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Agitation. In hyperactive delirium, patients often exhibit restlessness, agitation, and hyperactivity. This behavior is a key characteristic indicating hyperactive delirium. Apathy (B), biting (C), and hitting (D) are not typically associated with hyperactive delirium. Apathy may be seen in hypoactive delirium, while biting and hitting are not specific indicators of delirium subtypes. Therefore, the correct choice is A as it aligns with the typical presentation of hyperactive delirium.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray study. ARDS diagnosis requires bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray, indicative of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Choice B, decreased cardiac output, is not a diagnostic criterion for ARDS. Choice C, PaO2/FiO2 ratio of less than 200, is a key diagnostic criteria for ARDS, indicating severe hypoxemia. Choice D, PAOP of more than 18 mm Hg, is used to differentiate between cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic causes of pulmonary edema, but it is not a direct diagnostic criterion for ARDS.

Correct Answer: E

Rationale: Step 1: The scenario describes a decision made based on the patient's previously expressed wishes. Step 2: The decision aligns with the principle of respecting patient autonomy. Step 3: The term that best describes this situation is "Advance Directive." Summary: - A: Incorrect, as it involves actively ending the patient's life without their consent. - B: Incorrect, as euthanasia involves intentionally causing death to relieve suffering. - C: Incorrect, as palliative care focuses on improving quality of life for the patient. - D: Incorrect, as withdrawal of life support involves discontinuing medical interventions, not honoring the patient's wishes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Liver. The nurse should monitor liver function in this client because acetaminophen is primarily metabolized in the liver. Alcohol abuse can also contribute to liver damage, increasing the risk of liver toxicity from acetaminophen. Monitoring liver function tests like AST, ALT, and bilirubin levels can help detect any liver damage early. Choice A, cardiorespiratory, is not directly related to acetaminophen or alcohol abuse in this scenario. Choice C, sensory, is not relevant to monitoring organ function in this context. Choice D, kidney, is not the primary concern because acetaminophen is mainly metabolized in the liver, and kidney function is not typically affected by acetaminophen use.