Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clinical practice guidelines. Clinical practice guidelines are evidence-based recommendations that assist nurses in providing appropriate care based on research. They outline best practices for specific patient populations or conditions, helping nurses make informed decisions. Summary: - B: Computerized physician order entry: While it may improve accuracy and efficiency, it does not specifically ensure care based on research. - C: Consulting with advanced practice nurses: While collaboration is valuable, it does not guarantee care based on research. - D: Implementing Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals: Important for patient safety, but not directly related to ensuring care based on research.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Severe pain. In the second phase of the stress response (resistance phase), the body is trying to cope with the stressor. Severe pain is a sign of the body's response to the injury, indicating the activation of the stress response. Labored breathing and elevated heart rate are more likely to be signs of the initial phase (alarm phase) of the stress response. Bleeding heavily from the abdomen is a medical emergency and does not specifically indicate the stress response phase.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The stroke volume is calculated by dividing the cardiac output by the heart rate. Given the cardiac output of 4.7 L/min and a heart rate of 87 bpm, the stroke volume is 54 mL (4700 mL/87 bpm ? 54 mL). Therefore, choice A (54) is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not match the calculated stroke volume based on the provided cardiac output and heart rate.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: High resolution multidetector CT angiogram. This diagnostic procedure is required for a definitive diagnosis of pulmonary embolism because it provides detailed imaging of the pulmonary vasculature, allowing visualization of blood clots in the pulmonary arteries. A: Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis does not directly diagnose pulmonary embolism but may show signs of hypoxemia or respiratory alkalosis, which can be seen in some cases of pulmonary embolism. B: Chest x-ray examination may show nonspecific findings such as atelectasis or pleural effusion but cannot definitively diagnose pulmonary embolism. D: Ventilation-perfusion scanning is another imaging modality used in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, but it is less commonly used compared to CT angiogram due to lower sensitivity and specificity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because effective communication ensures that the patient's wishes and values are understood and respected, leading to informed decision-making. It also promotes shared decision-making among the patient, family, and healthcare team, enhancing the quality of care. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while they are important aspects of end-of-life care, they do not address the core element of communication in facilitating meaningful and informed decisions.