Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF

Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Related

Review Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF related questions and content

A physician visits a patient in the ICU while the nurse is out. The patient complains that the pain medication is not effective and that he would like to receive an increased dose. The physician has the nurse paged and consults with him in the hallway regarding the patients request for stronger pain medication. The nurse explains that patient was started on a morphine drip only 20 minutes ago and that the drug has not had time to take effectyet. The physician agrees and tells the patient to give it just a bit more time. Which component of a healthy work environment is most evident in this scenario?

  • A. Skilled communication
  • B. Appropriate staffing
  • C. True collaboration
  • D. Recognizing signs of imminent stroke and paging the physician
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: True collaboration. In this scenario, the physician consults with the nurse to understand the situation and collaborates on the best course of action for the patient's care. This demonstrates effective teamwork, communication, and mutual respect between healthcare professionals, which are key components of a healthy work environment.

Choice A (Skilled communication) is not the best answer because while communication between the physician and nurse is important, the focus in this scenario is more on collaboration and teamwork.

Choice B (Appropriate staffing) is not the best answer as the scenario does not specifically address staffing levels but rather the interaction and collaboration between the physician and nurse.

Choice D (Recognizing signs of imminent stroke and paging the physician) is incorrect as it is unrelated to the scenario described, which is about the physician and nurse collaborating on patient care.

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A nurse decides to seek certification in critical care nursing. What is the most important benefit for the individual nurse in becoming certified in a specialty?

  • A. It will result in a salary increase.
  • B. It is required to work in critical care.
  • C. It demonstrates the nurses personal expertise.
  • D. It is mandated by employers.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because obtaining certification in critical care nursing demonstrates the nurse's personal expertise in the specialty. Certification confirms the nurse's advanced knowledge and skills, enhancing professional credibility and potential for career advancement. This choice focuses on the individual nurse's competency and dedication to the specialty.

Incorrect choices:
A: Salary increase is not the primary benefit of certification, although it may be a potential outcome.
B: Certification is often preferred but not always required to work in critical care.
D: Employers may encourage certification, but it is not always mandated.

Which assessment finding obtained by the nurse when caring for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation indicates the need for suctioning?

  • A. The patient’s oxygen saturation is 93%.
  • B. The patient was last suctioned 6 hours ago.
  • C. The patient’s respiratory rate is 32 breaths/minute.
  • D. The patient has occasional audible expiratory wheezes.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a respiratory rate of 32 breaths/minute indicates increased work of breathing, which could be due to secretions that need to be suctioned. High respiratory rate may suggest inadequate oxygenation and ventilation. Oxygen saturation of 93% (choice A) is within an acceptable range and does not necessarily indicate the need for suctioning. Time since last suctioning (choice B) should be considered but is not as immediate an indication as an increased respiratory rate. Occasional audible expiratory wheezes (choice D) may be indicative of other respiratory issues but do not directly indicate the need for suctioning.

A 6-year-old child is alert but quiet when brought to the emergency center with periorbital ecchymosis and ecchymosis behind the ears. The nurse suspects potential child abuse and continues to assess the child for additional manifestations of a basilar skull fracture. What assessment finding would be consistent with a basilar skull fracture?

  • A. Hematemesis and abdominal distention.
  • B. Asymmetry of the face and eye movements.
  • C. Rhinorrhoea or otorrhoea with Halo sign.
  • D. Abnormal position and movement of the arm.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Rhinorrhoea or otorrhoea with Halo sign. This finding is consistent with a basilar skull fracture because it indicates a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak from the skull base. The Halo sign refers to a ring of CSF surrounded by blood, which can be seen on a white absorbent pad. This specific sign is a classic indicator of a basilar skull fracture, as the CSF leakage from the ears or nose can be tinged with blood due to the fracture disrupting nearby blood vessels.

For the other choices:
A: Hematemesis and abdominal distention are not typical manifestations of a basilar skull fracture. They are more indicative of gastrointestinal issues or internal bleeding.
B: Asymmetry of the face and eye movements can be seen with facial nerve or orbital injuries, but it is not specific to a basilar skull fracture.
D: Abnormal position and movement of the arm are not directly related to a

The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient an d is charting outside the patient’s room when the ventilator alarm sounds. What is the priorit y order for the nurse to complete these actions? (Put a comma and space between each answer choice.)

  • A. Check quickly for possible causes of the alarm that can be fixed.
  • B. After troubleshooting, connect back to mechanical venti lator and reassess patient.
  • C. Go to patient’s bedside.
  • D. Manually ventilate the patient while getting respiratory therapist.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C is correct:
1. Going to the patient’s bedside is the priority as it allows the nurse to assess the patient's condition directly.
2. By being at the bedside, the nurse can quickly evaluate the patient's breathing, vital signs, and other indicators for immediate action.
3. Direct assessment enables timely intervention and avoids delays in addressing potential life-threatening situations.
4. Checking for possible causes of the alarm and reconnection to the ventilator can follow, but assessing the patient's immediate needs takes precedence.

In summary, choice C is correct because direct patient assessment is the fundamental step in responding to a ventilator alarm to ensure patient safety and timely intervention. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they focus on troubleshooting and technical aspects before directly assessing the patient's condition.

A 15-year-old boy is in the ICU and preparing for an appendectomy. He is clearly anxious and fidgets with his IV constantly. He complains that he doesnt want to be there and he is sick of everyone telling him what to do. What would be the best way for the nurse to address this patients anxiety?

  • A. Use physical restraints to keep him from pulling out his IV.
  • B. Offer him the remote to the television.
  • C. Lower the head of his bed so that he can rest more easily.
  • D. Explain to the patient in detail what the appendectomy will consist of.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Offer him the remote to the television. This is the best way to address the patient's anxiety because it provides a distraction and a sense of control, which can help alleviate anxiety. By offering the patient the remote to the television, the nurse is giving him a choice and a way to focus his attention away from his anxiety. This can help him feel more comfortable and empowered in the situation.

Choice A is incorrect because using physical restraints can increase the patient's anxiety and sense of helplessness. Choice C, lowering the head of his bed, may provide physical comfort but does not directly address his anxiety. Choice D, explaining the procedure in detail, may further increase his anxiety as it focuses on the surgery rather than addressing his current emotional state.

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