Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because providing postmortem care to a dying patient is a task that can be safely delegated to an LPN/LVN. This includes tasks such as preparing the body, cleaning, and positioning after death. LPNs/LVNs are trained and competent in performing these duties under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they involve critical thinking, assessment, and teaching skills that are typically within the scope of practice of a registered nurse. Encouraging family members to talk with the patient, determining assessment frequency, and educating about signs of approaching death require a higher level of nursing judgment and expertise, which is beyond the scope of an LPN/LVN's role.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Multidisciplinary support. The Critical Care Family Assistance Program offers a range of professionals such as social workers, counselors, and financial advisors to provide holistic support to the family. This helps address emotional, financial, and practical needs during a challenging time. Option A is incorrect because the program does not directly reduce healthcare costs. Option B is incorrect as the focus is not solely on physical comfort but on comprehensive support. Option D is incorrect as the primary aim is not health promotion but rather addressing the family's immediate concerns and needs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation in severe asthma exacerbation leads to excessive removal of CO2, causing a decrease in carbonic acid levels, resulting in respiratory alkalosis. Metabolic acidosis (A) is not typically associated with hyperventilation. Metabolic alkalosis (B) is caused by excessive loss of acid or gain of bicarbonate, not by hyperventilation. Respiratory acidosis (C) is characterized by an increase in CO2 levels due to inadequate ventilation, which is the opposite of what occurs in severe asthma exacerbation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a low Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) indicates inadequate perfusion, which may require adjusting the norepinephrine infusion rate to increase blood pressure. A: A heart rate of 58 beats/minute is within a normal range and may not necessarily indicate a need for adjustment. C: Elevated Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR) may be an expected response to norepinephrine and does not necessarily indicate a need for adjustment. D: A low Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP) may indicate fluid volume deficit but does not directly relate to the need for adjusting norepinephrine infusion rate.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Equal bilateral breath sounds upon auscultation. This indicates proper placement of the endotracheal tube in the trachea, ensuring both lungs are being ventilated equally. Rationale: 1. Auscultation of air over the epigastrium (Choice A) is incorrect as it indicates esophageal intubation, not tracheal intubation. 2. Position above the carina verified by chest x-ray (Choice C) is incorrect as it does not confirm proper placement at the trachea. 3. Positive detection of carbon dioxide (CO2) (Choice D) is incorrect as it indicates the presence of exhaled CO2, but not necessarily proper placement in the trachea.