Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Systemic vascular resistance (SVR). SVR reflects the resistance the heart must overcome to pump blood into the systemic circulation. By monitoring SVR, the nurse can assess the effectiveness of medications aimed at reducing left ventricular afterload, as these medications work by dilating blood vessels and reducing resistance. An effective reduction in afterload would lead to a decrease in SVR. A: Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is an indicator of perfusion pressure but may not directly reflect changes in afterload. C: Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is specific to the pulmonary circulation and not directly related to left ventricular afterload. D: Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is a measure of left ventricular preload and filling pressures, not afterload.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Checking circulation to the right hand is crucial for assessing perfusion and detecting potential complications. Step 2: Arterial line placement can compromise blood flow, leading to ischemia if circulation is impaired. Step 3: Monitoring circulation every 2 hours allows for early detection of issues and prompt intervention. Step 4: This action ensures patient safety and prevents complications. Summary: - Choice B is incorrect as pressurized flush solution can increase the risk of complications. - Choice C is incorrect as monitoring the waveform is important but not the most critical action. - Choice D is incorrect as limb restraints can impede circulation and are unnecessary in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Appropriate staffing. In this scenario, the nurse is conflicted because she is the only nurse available to tend to both critical patients. Appropriate staffing ensures that there are enough healthcare professionals to provide timely and effective care to patients in need. In this situation, the lack of adequate staffing is evident as the nurse is overwhelmed and unable to give proper attention to both patients simultaneously. Effective decision making (choice A) can be hindered by inadequate staffing but is not the primary issue here. Authentic leadership (choice C) and meaningful recognition (choice D) are important components of a healthy work environment but are not directly related to the lack of staffing in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Improvement in symptoms and quality of life. In palliative care, the primary focus is on enhancing the patient's quality of life by managing symptoms and providing comfort. This is achieved through effective symptom control, psychosocial support, and improving overall well-being. Complete resolution of the underlying disease (A) is often not possible in palliative care as the focus shifts from curative treatments to comfort care. Increased adherence to curative treatments (C) may not be the main goal in palliative care, as the emphasis is on improving the patient's comfort rather than prolonging life. Achievement of long-term survival goals (D) is not typically the primary outcome in palliative care, as the focus is on providing support and care for patients with life-limiting illnesses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Art therapy. Art therapy can help critically ill patients express emotions, reduce anxiety, and cope with pain in a nonverbal way. It provides a creative outlet for self-expression and can improve overall well-being. Anaerobic exercise (A) may not be suitable for critically ill patients due to physical limitations. Guided imagery (C) may not be effective for all patients and requires a certain level of cognitive ability. Music therapy (D) can be beneficial, but art therapy is specifically known for its effectiveness in addressing emotional and psychological needs in critically ill patients.