Identify which substances in the glomerular filtrate would indicate a problem with renal function. (Select all that apply.)
- A. Protein
- B. Sodium
- C. Creatinine
- D. Red blood cells
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The presence of protein in the glomerular filtrate indicates a problem with renal function because in healthy kidneys, proteins are retained in the blood and not filtered into the urine. If protein is found in the filtrate, it suggests damage to the glomerular filtration barrier. Sodium, creatinine, and red blood cells are normally present in the filtrate and are not indicative of renal dysfunction. Sodium is freely filtered and reabsorbed, creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism excreted by the kidneys, and a small number of red blood cells may be filtered due to their small size. Therefore, protein in the glomerular filtrate is the most specific indicator of renal dysfunction.
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The nurse is caring for four patients on the progressive car e unit. Which patient is at greatest risk for developing delirium?
- A. 36-year-old recovering from a motor vehicle crash with an alcohol withdrawal protocol.
- B. 54-year-old postoperative aortic aneurysm resection with an elevated creatinine level
- C. 86-year-old from nursing home, postoperative from coalboirnb .croemse/tecstti on
- D. 95-year-old with community-acquired pneumonia; fam ily has brought in eyeglasses and hearing aid
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, the 86-year-old postoperative from colonic resection. This patient is at the greatest risk for delirium due to being elderly, having undergone surgery, and having a history of being from a nursing home. These factors contribute to an increased susceptibility to delirium.
A: The 36-year-old with alcohol withdrawal may be at risk for delirium tremens, but the older age of the patient in choice C places them at higher risk.
B: The 54-year-old with an elevated creatinine level postoperative is at risk for complications, but age and history of nursing home placement increase the risk for delirium in choice C.
D: The 95-year-old with community-acquired pneumonia is at risk for delirium, but the combination of age, surgery, and nursing home history in choice C presents a greater risk.
The charge nurse has a Vigileo pulse contour cardiac output monitoring system available for use in the surgical intensive care unit. For which patient isa buisrbe.c oomf /ttehsits device most appropriate?
- A. A patient with a history of aortic insufficiency admitte d with a postoperative myocardial infarction
- B. A mechanically ventilated patient with cardiogenic sho ck being treated with an intraaortic balloon pump
- C. A patient with a history of atrial fibrillation having frequent episodes of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
- D. A mechanically ventilated patient admitted following repair of an acute bowel obstruction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a mechanically ventilated patient with cardiogenic shock being treated with an intra-aortic balloon pump would benefit most from having a Vigileo pulse contour cardiac output monitoring system. This device provides continuous cardiac output monitoring and can help guide hemodynamic management in critically ill patients, especially those with hemodynamic instability like cardiogenic shock. It allows for real-time adjustments of fluid and vasoactive medications to optimize cardiac output and tissue perfusion.
Choice A is incorrect because a patient with a history of aortic insufficiency and postoperative myocardial infarction may not require continuous cardiac output monitoring like the patient in choice B. Choice C is incorrect as the patient with atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia does not necessarily need cardiac output monitoring. Choice D is also incorrect as a mechanically ventilated patient following repair of an acute bowel obstruction may not require continuous cardiac output monitoring unless there are specific complications.
The nurse is caring for a critically ill patient with terminal cancer. The monitor alarms and shows ventricular tachycardia. The patient does not have a “do not resuscitate” order written on the chart. What is the appropriate nursing action?
- A. Contact the attending physician immediately to determ ine if CPR should be initiated.
- B. Contact the family immediately to determine if they waabnirtb .CcoPmR/te stot be started.
- C. Give emergency medications but withhold intubation.
- D. Initiate CPR and call a code.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Initiate CPR and call a code. In this scenario, the patient is critically ill with ventricular tachycardia, a life-threatening arrhythmia. Since there is no "do not resuscitate" order, the appropriate nursing action is to initiate CPR immediately to attempt to restore the patient's cardiac function and circulation. Calling a code will ensure that a team of healthcare providers can respond promptly with necessary interventions. Options A and B involve unnecessary delays in potentially life-saving interventions. Option C is incorrect as withholding intubation can compromise the patient's airway and oxygenation. Thus, option D is the most appropriate action to prioritize the patient's safety and well-being in this critical situation.
A critical care unit has decided to implement several measures designed to improve intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition to an expected improvement in patient outcomes, what is the most important effect that should resultf rom these measures?
- A. Identification of incompetent practitioners
- B. Improvement in manners on the unit
- C. Increased staff retention
- D. Less discussion in front of patients and families
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale:
- Improved collaboration enhances job satisfaction and reduces burnout, leading to increased staff retention.
- Higher staff retention promotes continuity of care, improves team dynamics, and enhances patient outcomes.
Summary:
- A: Not directly related to collaboration, more about performance evaluation.
- B: Manners may improve, but not the most important effect of collaboration.
- D: Collaboration involves open communication, so less discussion in front of patients is not a positive outcome.
The family members of a critically ill, 90-year-old patient bring in a copy of the patient’s living will to the hospital, which identifies the patient’s wiasbhireb.sc orme/gteasrt ding health care. The nurse discusses the contents of the living will with the patient’s physician. This is an example of implementation of which of the AACN Standards of Pr ofessional Performance?
- A. Acquires and maintains current knowledge of practice
- B. Acts ethically on the behalf of the patient and family
- C. Considers factors related to safe patient care
- D. Uses clinical inquiry and integrates research findings i n practice
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Considers factors related to safe patient care. The scenario involves the nurse discussing the patient's living will with the physician, which is essential for ensuring safe patient care by following the patient's preferences. This aligns with the AACN standard of considering factors related to safe patient care, as the nurse is actively involving all relevant parties in decision-making to provide care that is in line with the patient's wishes.
Explanation of why other choices are incorrect:
A: Acquires and maintains current knowledge of practice - While important, this choice does not directly relate to the scenario where the focus is on safe patient care through communication and collaboration.
B: Acts ethically on behalf of the patient and family - While ethics are important, the scenario is more about following the patient's wishes as outlined in the living will rather than making ethical decisions.
D: Uses clinical inquiry and integrates research findings in practice - While valuable in nursing practice, this choice does not directly apply to the scenario where