ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which assessment finding obtained by the nurse when caring for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation indicates the need for suctioning?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because a respiratory rate of 32 breaths/minute indicates increased work of breathing, which could be due to secretions that need to be suctioned. High respiratory rate may suggest inadequate oxygenation and ventilation. Oxygen saturation of 93% (choice A) is within an acceptable range and does not necessarily indicate the need for suctioning. Time since last suctioning (choice B) should be considered but is not as immediate an indication as an increased respiratory rate. Occasional audible expiratory wheezes (choice D) may be indicative of other respiratory issues but do not directly indicate the need for suctioning.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who has sustained blunt trauma to the left flank area, and is evaluating the patient�s urinalysis results. The nurse should become concerned when
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the presence of red blood cells and albumin in the urine indicates possible kidney damage from the blunt trauma. This is concerning as it may suggest renal injury or dysfunction. A: Creatinine levels in the urine being similar to blood levels is normal as creatinine is filtered by the kidneys. B: Sodium and chloride being present in the urine is expected as they are components of urine. C: Urine uric acid levels matching serum levels is common as uric acid is excreted by the kidneys. In summary, the presence of red blood cells and albumin in the urine is abnormal and indicates potential kidney damage, making it the correct answer.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is having difficulty weaning from mechanical ve ntilation. The nurse assesses the patient and notes what potential cause of this difficult weaning?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hemoglobin of 8 g/dL. Low hemoglobin levels can lead to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues, causing respiratory distress and difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation. This is due to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity leading to increased work of breathing. A: Cardiac output of 6 L/min is within normal range and not directly related to difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation. C: Negative sputum culture and sensitivity indicate absence of respiratory infection but not a direct cause of difficulty weaning. D: White blood cell count of 8000 is within normal range and not a direct cause of difficulty weaning.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with a traumatic brain injury following a motor vehicle crash. The patient�s Glasgow Coma Score is 3 anda binirbte.cromm/ittetset ntly withdraws when painful stimuli are introduced. The patient is ventilator dependent and occasionally takes a spontaneous breath. The primary care provider explains to the family that the patient has severe neurological impairment and it is not expected that the patient will ever recover consciousness. What concept does this situation depict?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: A persistent vegetative state. This choice is correct because the patient exhibits minimal responsiveness, only withdrawing to painful stimuli, and lacks meaningful interaction or consciousness. A persistent vegetative state is characterized by preserved wakefulness without awareness, which aligns with the patient's condition. Choice A: An organ donor is incorrect because the patient's neurological impairment does not necessarily indicate readiness for organ donation. Choice B: Brain death is incorrect because the patient still exhibits some reflexive responses, indicating a level of brain function beyond brain death. Choice D: Terminally ill is incorrect as it does not specifically address the patient's neurological status and prognosis, which is better described by a persistent vegetative state.
Question 5 of 5
An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is being used for a patient who is in cardiogenic shock. Which assessment data indicate to the nurse that the goals of treatment with the IABP are being met?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cardiac output (CO) of 5 L/min. In cardiogenic shock, the primary goal of using an IABP is to improve cardiac output to ensure adequate perfusion to vital organs. A cardiac output of 5 L/min indicates adequate blood flow and perfusion. Choice A is incorrect as urine output is not a direct indicator of cardiac function. Choice B is incorrect as a heart rate of 110 beats/minute alone does not provide information on the effectiveness of the IABP in improving cardiac output. Choice D is incorrect as stroke volume alone does not provide a comprehensive assessment of overall cardiac function.
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