ATI RN
Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which nursing intervention would need to be corrected on a care plan for a patient in order to be consistent with the principles of effective end-of-life ca re?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Limiting visitation to reduce emotional distress contradicts the principles of effective end-of-life care, which emphasize holistic support for the patient and family. 2. Effective end-of-life care encourages open communication and emotional support from loved ones. 3. Limiting visitation may hinder emotional closure and support for both the patient and family. 4. Options A, C, and D align with effective end-of-life care by focusing on symptom management, education, and spiritual support for the patient and family.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient whose ventilator settings i nclude 15 cm H O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). The nurse understands that although beneficial, PEEP may result in what possible problem?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (D - Low cardiac output secondary to increased intrathoracic pressure): 1. PEEP increases intrathoracic pressure, which can impede venous return to the heart. 2. Impaired venous return reduces preload, leading to decreased cardiac output. 3. Decreased cardiac output can result in inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. 4. Therefore, PEEP may cause low cardiac output due to increased intrathoracic pressure. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A. Fluid overload is not directly related to PEEP but more to fluid administration or kidney function. B. High cardiac index is unlikely as PEEP can decrease cardiac output. C. Hypoxemia is not a direct result of PEEP but may occur due to other factors like inadequate ventilation or oxygenation settings.
Question 3 of 5
The patient�s potassium level is 7.0 mEq/L. Besides dialysis, which of the following actually reduces plasma potassium levels and total body potassium content safely in a patient with renal dysfunction?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Regular insulin Rationale: 1. Insulin promotes cellular uptake of potassium. 2. When insulin is administered, it moves potassium from extracellular to intracellular space. 3. This decreases plasma potassium levels safely. 4. Other options do not directly lower potassium levels in the same manner. Summary of Other Choices: A: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate - exchanges sodium for potassium in the intestines, not reducing total body potassium. B: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate with sorbitol - similar to A, does not reduce total body potassium. D: Calcium gluconate - does not directly lower potassium levels, used for treating hyperkalemia-induced cardiac toxicity.
Question 4 of 5
Anxiety differs from pain in that way? (Select all that app ly.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because anxiety is indeed linked to reward and punishment centers in the limbic system, specifically involving the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. This connection influences emotional responses and behaviors related to anxiety. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because anxiety involves both neurological and psychological processes beyond the brain, is highly subjective like pain, and can lead to physical symptoms without actual tissue injury.
Question 5 of 5
A critically ill patient who is intubated and agitated is restrained with soft wrist restraints. Based on research findings, what is the best nursing action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assess and intervene for causes of agitation. In a critically ill patient, agitation while intubated could indicate underlying issues like pain, delirium, or inadequate sedation. By assessing and addressing the root cause of agitation, the nurse can improve patient comfort and prevent potential harm from restraints. Removing restraints periodically for skin integrity (B) and range of motion (C) is important but should not be the primary focus when agitation is present. Maintaining restraints (A) without addressing the agitation could lead to increased distress and potential complications.
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