Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions

Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Related

Review Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions related questions and content

The nurse is caring for an older adult patient who is in card iogenic shock and has failed to respond to medical treatment. The primary care provider conducts a conference to explain that they have exhausted treatment options and suggest that the patient be made a “do not resuscitate” status. This scenario illustrates what medical concept?

  • A. Brain death
  • B. Futility
  • C. Incompetence
  • D. Life-prolonging procedures
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Futility. In this scenario, the primary care provider suggests making the patient a "do not resuscitate" status because further medical treatment is deemed futile. Futility refers to situations where medical interventions are unlikely to achieve the desired outcome. This decision is made when the benefits of continuing treatment do not outweigh the burdens on the patient.

Summary:
A: Brain death does not apply here as the patient is not brain dead.
C: Incompetence refers to the patient's ability to make decisions, not the medical concept being illustrated.
D: Life-prolonging procedures are not being discussed; the focus is on the futility of further treatment.

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The term used to describe an increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine is

  • A. oliguria.
  • B. azotemia.
  • C. acute kidney injury.
  • D. prerenal disease.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: azotemia. Azotemia refers to an increase in BUN and serum creatinine levels, indicating impaired kidney function. Oliguria (A) is a decrease in urine output, not specific to BUN and creatinine levels. Acute kidney injury (C) is a broader term encompassing various causes of kidney dysfunction, not specific to elevated BUN and creatinine. Prerenal disease (D) refers to conditions affecting blood flow to the kidneys, not directly related to elevated BUN and creatinine levels.

The nurse manager recognizes which action as an effectiveab sirtbr.acotmeg/teys tf or promoting changes in practice?

  • A. Asking the clinical nurse specialist to lead a journal clu b on open visitation after each nurse is tasked to read one research article about visitation.
  • B. Discussing pros and cons of open visitation at the next staff meeting.
  • C. Inviting the nurses with the most experience to develop a revised policy.
  • D. Tasking the unit-based nurse practice council to invite volunteers to serve on the council to revise the current policy toward more liberaal bviribs.ciotamt/iteosnt .
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it involves a structured approach to promoting changes in practice. By asking the clinical nurse specialist to lead a journal club on open visitation after each nurse reads a research article, it ensures that all nurses are informed and engaged in the topic. This approach promotes evidence-based practice and encourages active participation.

Option B is less effective as discussing pros and cons at a staff meeting may not ensure that all nurses have the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions. Option C may not consider diverse perspectives and may not involve all staff members equally. Option D involves a select group of volunteers and may not reflect the views of the entire team. Overall, option A is the most inclusive and educational approach to promoting changes in practice.

The nurse is caring for a 70-kg patient in septic shock with a pulmonary artery catheter. Which hemodynamic value indicates an appropriate response to therapy aimed at enhancing oxygen delivery to the organs and tissues?

  • A. Arterial lactate level of 1.0 mEq/L
  • B. Cardiac output of 2.5 L/min
  • C. Mixed venous (SvO ) of 40%
  • D. Cardiac index of 1.5 L/min/m2
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Mixed venous (SvO2) of 40%. In septic shock, improving oxygen delivery to tissues is vital. SvO2 reflects the balance between oxygen delivery and consumption. A value of 40% indicates adequate oxygen delivery to tissues.

A: Arterial lactate level of 1.0 mEq/L - Although a low lactate level is good, it does not directly indicate improved oxygen delivery.

B: Cardiac output of 2.5 L/min - Cardiac output should ideally increase to improve oxygen delivery, so 2.5 L/min is low for a 70-kg patient.

D: Cardiac index of 1.5 L/min/m2 - Cardiac index is cardiac output adjusted for body surface area. 1.5 L/min/m2 is low and indicates inadequate cardiac function for a patient in septic shock.

The nurse is concerned that the patient will pull out the en dotracheal tube. As part of the nursing management, the nurse should obtain an order for what intervention?

  • A. A Posey-type vest
  • B. A higher dosage of lorazepam
  • C. Propofol
  • D. Soft wrist restraints
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A Posey-type vest is a restraint designed to prevent patients from pulling out medical devices like endotracheal tubes, ensuring their safety. It is a less restrictive option compared to wrist restraints and sedatives (B and C), which can have adverse effects and may not directly address the concern of tube removal. Using a Posey-type vest promotes patient autonomy by allowing some movement while still providing the necessary protection.

The nurse wishes to increase the use of evidence-based practice in the critical care unit where he works. What is a significant barrier to the implementation of evidence-based practice?

  • A. Use of computerized records by the hospital
  • B. Health Information Privacy and Portability Act (HIPPA)
  • C. Lack of knowledge about literature searches
  • D. Strong collaborative relationships in the work setting
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale:
The correct answer is C because lack of knowledge about literature searches hinders the ability to find and utilize evidence-based practice guidelines. Nurses need to be skilled in conducting literature searches to access relevant research. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly impede the implementation of evidence-based practice in the critical care unit.

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