The critical care unit environment is very stressful for patients, families, and staff. What nursing action is directed at reducing environmental stress?
- A. Constant expert evaluation of patient status
- B. Limiting visits to immediate family
- C. Bathing all patients during hours of sleep
- D. Maintaining a quiet environment during hours of sleep
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Maintaining a quiet environment during hours of sleep. This action is directed at reducing environmental stress in the critical care unit because noise and disturbances during sleep can negatively impact patients' rest and recovery. By ensuring a quiet environment, patients can have uninterrupted sleep, which is crucial for healing.
Rationale:
1. Constant expert evaluation of patient status (A) may be important but does not directly address environmental stress.
2. Limiting visits to immediate family (B) may hinder patients' emotional support and can be stressful for families.
3. Bathing all patients during hours of sleep (C) may disrupt patients' rest and increase stress levels rather than reduce it.
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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:
- A. Increase the FIO2.
- B. Increase the tidal volume.
- C. Increase the respiratory rate.
- D. Decrease the respiratory rate.
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.
The AACN Standards for Acute and Critical Care Nursing Practice uses what framework to guide critical care nursing practice?
- A. Evidence-based practice
- B. Healthy work environment
- C. National Patient Safety Goals
- D. Nursing process
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Evidence-based practice. The AACN Standards for Acute and Critical Care Nursing Practice emphasize the use of evidence-based practice to guide critical care nursing. This framework ensures that nursing interventions are based on the best available evidence, leading to improved patient outcomes. Healthy work environment (B) and National Patient Safety Goals (C) are important but not specific frameworks for critical care nursing. The nursing process (D) is a systematic approach to delivering patient care but is not the primary guiding framework in critical care nursing practice.
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.
The nurse discharging a patient diagnosed with asthma ins tructs the patient to prevent exacerbation by taking what action?
- A. Obtaining an appointment for follow-up pulmonary fuanbcirtbi.oconm s/tteusdt ies 1 week after discharge.
- B. Limiting activity until patient is able to climb two flights of stairs.
- C. Taking all asthma medications as prescribed.
- D. Taking medications on a “prn” basis according to symapbtiorbm.cosm. /test
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Taking all asthma medications as prescribed. This is the most appropriate action to prevent exacerbation of asthma symptoms. By taking medications as prescribed, the patient can effectively manage and control their asthma, reducing the risk of exacerbation. Following the prescribed medication regimen helps to keep inflammation in check and maintain airway function.
Choice A is incorrect because while follow-up appointments are important, they do not directly prevent exacerbation. Choice B is incorrect as limiting activity may not address the underlying cause of exacerbation. Choice D is incorrect as taking medications on an "as needed" basis may not provide consistent control of asthma symptoms, leading to potential exacerbation.
A nurse wishes to practice using the Synergy Model developed by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). What nursing behavior best supports use of this model?
- A. Attending mandatory hospital-wide in-service programs
- B. Self-directed study of best practice for the patients she cares for
- C. Gathering demographic data on the patients admitted to the unit
- D. Participating in a research study as a data collector
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Self-directed study of best practice for the patients she cares for. This choice aligns with the Synergy Model by promoting individualized patient care based on best practices. Self-directed study allows the nurse to enhance their knowledge and skills to provide optimal care tailored to each patient's unique needs. Attending mandatory in-service programs (A) may not directly support the individualized care approach. Gathering demographic data (C) is important but not specific to the Synergy Model's focus on patient acuity and nurse competencies. Participating in a research study (D) may contribute to evidence-based practice, but it does not directly relate to the Synergy Model's emphasis on aligning nurse competencies with patient needs.