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A nurse needs to communicate with a patients family regarding consent to treat an unconscious patient in the ICU. Which member of the group should the nurse approach first?
- A. A man she recognizes as the patients brother
- B. A teenage boy who approaches the nurse
- C. A woman who originally escorted the patient in
- D. A woman in the group whom the others look at and call over when the nurse approaches
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: A woman who originally escorted the patient in. This choice is correct because she is most likely the person responsible for the patient's care and thus likely has legal authority to make medical decisions on behalf of the patient. The other choices are incorrect because simply being recognized as the patient's brother (A), being a teenage boy who approaches the nurse (B), or being a woman whom the others look at and call over (D) does not necessarily indicate that they have the legal authority to make medical decisions for the unconscious patient.
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The patient’s serum creatinine level is 0.7 mg/dL. The expected BUN level should be
- A. 1 to 2 mg/dL.
- B. 7 to 14 mg/dL.
- C. 10 to 20 mg/dL.
- D. 20 to 30 mg/dL.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (10 to 20 mg/dL). The normal BUN-to-creatinine ratio is approximately 10:1. With a serum creatinine level of 0.7 mg/dL, the expected BUN level should be around 7 to 14 mg/dL. Therefore, choice C (10 to 20 mg/dL) falls within this expected range. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the typical BUN-to-creatinine ratio and would indicate abnormal kidney function.
Which of the following strategies will assist in creating a h ealthy work environment for the critical care nurse? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Celebrating improved outcomes from a nurse-driven protocol with a pizza party
- B. Implementing a medication safety program designed b y pharmacists
- C. Modifying the staffing pattern to ensure a 1:1 nurse/patient ratio
- D. Offering quarterly joint nurse-physician workshops to discuss unit issues
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because implementing a medication safety program designed by pharmacists promotes a safe work environment for critical care nurses by reducing medication errors. Pharmacists are experts in medications and can provide valuable insights to improve safety.
A: Celebrating with a pizza party may boost morale but does not directly address work environment factors.
C: Modifying staffing ratios may improve patient care but doesn't necessarily address the overall work environment.
D: Joint workshops foster collaboration but may not directly impact the work environment's safety and health.
The nurse is assessing the exhaled tidal volume (EV ) in a mechanically ventilated patient. T What is the rationale for this assessment?
- A. Assess for tension pneumothorax.
- B. Assess the level of positive end-expiratory pressure.
- C. Compare the tidal volume delivered with the tidal volu me prescribed.
- D. Determine the patient’s work of breathing.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Determine the patient’s work of breathing. Assessing the exhaled tidal volume (EV) in a mechanically ventilated patient helps determine how much effort the patient is exerting to breathe. By monitoring the EV, the nurse can evaluate the patient's respiratory status and adjust ventilator settings if needed. It is crucial to ensure that the patient is not working too hard to breathe, as this can lead to respiratory distress.
Incorrect answers:
A: Assess for tension pneumothorax - Tension pneumothorax is typically assessed through other means such as physical examination and chest X-ray.
B: Assess the level of positive end-expiratory pressure - The level of positive end-expiratory pressure is usually set based on the patient's condition and not solely based on the exhaled tidal volume.
C: Compare the tidal volume delivered with the tidal volume prescribed - This comparison is important but does not directly relate to assessing the patient's work of breathing.
A young adult patient with metastatic cancer, who is very close to death, appears restless. The patient keeps repeating, 'I am not ready to die.' Which action is best for the nurse to take?
- A. Remind the patient that no one feels ready for death.
- B. Sit at the bedside and ask if there is anything the patient needs.
- C. Insist that family members remain at the bedside with the patient.
- D. Tell the patient that everything possible is being done to delay death.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because sitting at the bedside and asking if there is anything the patient needs demonstrates empathy and support. It allows the patient to express their concerns and fears, providing emotional comfort. It shows the nurse is actively listening and willing to help address any immediate needs or concerns.
Choice A is incorrect because it dismisses the patient's feelings and may come across as invalidating. Choice C is incorrect because insisting that family members remain may not be what the patient needs at that moment and could cause additional stress. Choice D is incorrect because it does not address the patient's emotional distress and may not be true in the context of terminal illness.
The patient is getting hemodialysis for the second time when he complains of a headache and nausea and, a little later, of becoming confused. The nurse realizes these are symptoms of
- A. dialyzer membrane incompatibility.
- B. a shift in potassium levels.
- C. dialysis disequilibrium syndrome.
- D. hypothermia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: dialysis disequilibrium syndrome. This occurs when there is a rapid decrease in urea concentration in the blood during hemodialysis, causing fluid shifts and cerebral edema leading to symptoms like headache, nausea, and confusion. Dialyzer membrane incompatibility (A) would present with allergic reactions, not neurological symptoms. A shift in potassium levels (B) may cause muscle weakness or cardiac arrhythmias, but not the described symptoms. Hypothermia (D) would present with low body temperature and shivering, not the neurological symptoms mentioned.