Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions

Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Related

Review Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions related questions and content

Which of the following nursing activities demonstrates im plementation of the AACN Standards of Professional Performance? (Select all that ap ply.)

  • A. Attending a meeting of the local chapter of the Americ an Association of Critical-Care Nurses in which a continuing education program on sepsis is being taught
  • B. Collaborating with a pastoral services colleague to assist in meeting spiritual needs of the patient and family
  • C. Participating on the unit’s nurse practice council
  • D. Posting an article from Critical Care Nurse on manage ment of venous thromboembolism for your colleagues to read
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because participating on the unit's nurse practice council demonstrates adherence to the AACN Standards of Professional Performance, specifically the standard related to quality of practice. By actively engaging in the nurse practice council, the nurse contributes to the development and implementation of policies and procedures that promote quality patient care. This activity also involves collaboration, leadership, and advocacy, which are essential components of professional nursing practice.

The other choices are incorrect because:
A: Attending a meeting and receiving continuing education on sepsis is important for professional development but does not directly align with the AACN Standards of Professional Performance.
B: Collaborating with a pastoral services colleague is essential for holistic patient care but does not specifically address the standards set by the AACN.
D: Posting an article for colleagues to read is beneficial for knowledge sharing but does not directly demonstrate adherence to the AACN Standards of Professional Performance.

You may also like to solve these questions

To prevent any unwanted resuscitation after life-sustaininga btirrbe.acotmm/teenstt s have been withdrawn, the nurse should ensure that what intervention has been im plemented?

  • A. Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders are written before dis continuation of the treatments.
  • B. The family is not allowed to visit until the death occur s.
  • C. DNR orders are written as soon as possible after the di scontinuation of the treatments.
  • D. The change-of-shift report includes the information thaatb irtbh.ceo pma/tetiset nt is not to be resuscitated.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because writing DNR orders before discontinuation of life-sustaining treatments ensures clear communication and legal documentation of the patient's wishes. Choice B is incorrect as family support is essential in end-of-life care. Choice C is incorrect as DNR orders should be established before withdrawing treatment. Choice D is incorrect as the DNR order should be in place before shift change for immediate implementation if needed.

The nurse is concerned that a patient is at increased risk of developing a pulmonary embolus and develops a plan of care for prevention to include whic h intervention?

  • A. Antiseptic oral care
  • B. Bed rest with head of bed elevated
  • C. Coughing and deep breathing
  • D. Mobility
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Mobility. Maintaining mobility helps prevent blood stasis, a leading factor in the development of pulmonary embolism. Movement promotes circulation, reducing the risk of blood clots.

A: Antiseptic oral care is important for oral hygiene but not directly related to preventing pulmonary embolism.
B: Bed rest with head of bed elevated can actually increase the risk of clots due to immobility.
C: Coughing and deep breathing are beneficial for preventing respiratory complications but do not address the underlying cause of pulmonary embolism.

Which assessment would cue the nurse to the potential of aa bc iru bt .ce o mre /ts ep sti ratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a patient admitted with respiratory distress?

  • A. Increased oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry
  • B. Increased peak inspiratory pressure on the ventilator
  • C. Normal chest radiograph with enlarged cardiac structures
  • D. PaO /FiO ratio > 300 2 2
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Increased peak inspiratory pressure on the ventilator would cue the nurse to the potential of ARDS in a patient with respiratory distress. ARDS is characterized by severe respiratory failure with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. An increase in peak inspiratory pressure on the ventilator indicates that the lungs are becoming stiffer, which is a common finding in ARDS due to increased inflammation and fluid accumulation in the alveoli. This finding alerts the nurse to the possibility of ARDS and the need for further assessment and intervention.

Summary of other choices:
A: Increased oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry is a nonspecific finding and may not specifically indicate ARDS.
C: Normal chest radiograph with enlarged cardiac structures is more indicative of heart failure rather than ARDS.
D: PaO2/FiO2 ratio > 300 is a criterion used to diagnose ARDS, but a value higher than 300 actually indicates mild ARDS, so it would not necessarily cue the nurse

The nurse responds to a ventilator alarm and finds the patient lying in bed holding the endotracheal tube (ET). Which action should the nurse take next?

  • A. Activate the rapid response team.
  • B. Provide reassurance to the patient.
  • C. Call the health care provider to reinsert the tube.
  • D. Manually ventilate the patient with 100% oxygen.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct action is D: Manually ventilate the patient with 100% oxygen. This is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent hypoxia. Holding the ET tube can lead to extubation and airway compromise. Activating the rapid response team (A) may delay immediate intervention. Providing reassurance (B) is important but not the priority in this situation. Calling the health care provider (C) to reinsert the tube would also lead to a delay in providing essential respiratory support.

The nurse obtains the pulse rate of 89 beats/minute for an infant before administering digoxin (Lanoxin). Which action should the nurse take?

  • A. Withhold the medication and contact the healthcare provider.
  • B. Give the medication dosage as scheduled.
  • C. Assess respiratory rate for one minute next.
  • D. Wait 30 minutes and give half of the dosage of medication.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Infants typically have higher resting heart rates than adults, so a pulse rate of 89 beats/minute for an infant may indicate bradycardia. Digoxin can further lower the heart rate, leading to potential adverse effects like arrhythmias. Therefore, withholding the medication and contacting the healthcare provider is crucial to ensure the safety of the infant.

Choice B is incorrect because administering digoxin without addressing the elevated pulse rate can be dangerous. Choice C is incorrect as assessing respiratory rate does not address the immediate concern of the elevated pulse rate. Choice D is also incorrect as waiting and giving half of the dosage may further exacerbate the situation.

Copyright © 2025 Nokea. All rights reserved.