Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions

Questions 81

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

While waiting for cardiac transplantation, a patient with severe cardiomyopathy has a ventricular assist device (VAD) implanted. When planning care for this patient, the nurse should anticipate:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because monitoring the surgical incision for signs of infection is essential post-VAD implantation to prevent complications. This step is crucial in early identification and treatment of any potential infection, which can lead to serious outcomes. A) Giving immunosuppressive medications is not typically required for VAD implantation, as the primary goal is to support cardiac function rather than prevent rejection. B) Preparing the patient for a permanent VAD is premature, as the goal is often to bridge to transplantation or recovery, not permanent VAD placement. C) Teaching the patient the reason for complete bed rest is not necessary for VAD implantation, as patients are typically encouraged to gradually increase activity levels under guidance.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse notes that the patient�s arterial blood gas levels indicate hypoxemia. The patient is not intubated and has a respiratory rate of 22 breaths/min. what is the nurse�s first intervention to relieve hypoxemia?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provide for oxygen administration. The first intervention for hypoxemia is to increase oxygen levels to improve oxygen saturation in the blood. Oxygen administration can be achieved through various devices such as nasal cannula, face mask, or non-rebreather mask. This intervention helps to increase the oxygen supply to the patient's tissues and organs, addressing the underlying cause of hypoxemia. Calling for emergency intubation (choice A) is not the first step unless the patient's condition deteriorates. Obtaining an order for BiPAP (choice B) may be beneficial in some cases but is not the initial intervention for hypoxemia. Suctioning secretions (choice D) may be necessary if airway obstruction is present but is not the first step in addressing hypoxemia.

Question 3 of 5

Four hours after mechanical ventilation is initiated for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the patient�s arterial blood gas (ABG) results include a pH of 7.51, PaO2 of 82 mm Hg, PaCO2 of 26 mm Hg, and HCO3 of 23 mEq/L (23 mmol/L). The nurse will anticipate the need to:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decrease the respiratory rate. The ABG results show respiratory alkalosis with decreased PaCO2 and elevated pH. This indicates overventilation, so decreasing the respiratory rate will help normalize the PaCO2 and pH levels. Increasing the FIO2 (Choice A) is not needed as the PaO2 is within normal range. Increasing tidal volume (Choice B) can lead to further hyperventilation. Increasing the respiratory rate (Choice C) would exacerbate the respiratory alkalosis.

Question 4 of 5

Noise in the critical care unit can have negative effects on the patient. Which of the following interventions assists in reducing noise levels in the criticala cbiarbr.ec osme/ttetisnt g? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Bringing in the patient's i-Pod with favorite music can provide personalized, soothing sounds, reducing stress and anxiety for the patient. Step 2: Familiar music can create a calming environment, distracting the patient from external noise. Step 3: Listening to music may improve patient comfort and overall experience in the critical care unit. Summary: Option A is correct as it directly addresses noise reduction by providing a personalized, calming environment for the patient. Options B, C, and D do not specifically target noise reduction but focus on other aspects of care or facility improvement.

Question 5 of 5

The nurse is caring for a patient with cystic fibrosis (CF) and understands that treatment consists of which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Airway clearance therapies. In cystic fibrosis (CF), mucus buildup in the lungs can lead to infections and breathing difficulties. Airway clearance therapies help loosen and clear this mucus, improving lung function. Antibiotic therapy (B) is used to treat infections but is not specific to CF treatment. Nutritional support (C) is crucial in CF due to malabsorption, but it is not the primary treatment. Tracheostomy (D) is a surgical procedure to create an airway bypassing the upper respiratory tract and is not a standard treatment for CF.

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