Critical Care-Exam 1 Questions

The nurse is caring for an 80-year-old patient who has been treated for gastrointestinal bleeding. The family has agreed to withhold additional treatment. The patient has a written advance directive specifying requests. The directive notes that the patient wants food and fluid to be continued. The nurse anticipates that several orders may be written to comply with this request, including which of the following? (Select all that apply.) a. "Do not resuscitate." b. Change antibiotic to a less expensive medication. c. Discontinue tube feeding. d. Stop any further blood transfusions. e. Water boluses every 4 hours with tube feeding.

a. "Do not resuscitate." d. Stop any further blood transfusions. e. Water boluses every 4 hours with tube feeding.

Elderly patients who require critical care treatment are at risk for increased mortality, functional decline, or decreased quality of life after hospitalization. Assuming each of these patients was discharged from the hospital, which of the following patients is at greatest risk for decreased functional status and quality of life? a. A 70-year-old man who had coronary artery bypass surgery. He developed complications after surgery and had difficulty being weaned from mechanical ventilation. He required a tracheostomy and gastrostomy. He is being discharged to a long-term acute care hospital. He is a widower. b. A 79-year-old woman admitted for exacerbation of heart failure. She manages her care independently but needed diuretic medications adjusted. She states that she is compliant with her medications but sometimes forgets to take them. She lives with her 82-year-old spouse. Both consider themselves to be independent and support each other. c. A 90-year-old man admitted for a carotid endarterectomy. He lives in an assisted living facility (ALF) but is cognitively intact. He is the "social butterfly" at all of the events at the ALF. He is hospitalized for 4 days and discharged to the ALF. d. An 84-year-old woman who had stents placed to treat coronary artery occlusion. She has diabetes that has been managed, lives alone, and was driving prior to hospitalization. She was discharged home within 3 days of the procedure.

a. A 70-year-old man who had coronary artery bypass surgery. He developed complications after surgery and had difficulty being weaned from mechanical ventilation. He required a tracheostomy and gastrostomy. He is being discharged to a long-term acute care hospital. He is a widower.

A patient is admitted to the hospital with multiple trauma and extensive blood loss. The nurse assesses vital signs to be BP 80/50 mm Hg, heart rate 135 beats/min, respirations 36 breaths/min, cardiac output (CO) of 2 L/min, systemic vascular resistance of 3000 dynes/sec/cm-5, and a hematocrit of 20%. The nurse anticipates administration of which the following therapies or medications? a. Blood transfusion b. Furosemide c. Dobutamine infusion d. Dopamine hydrochloride infusion

a. Blood transfusion

Which of the following assists the critical care nurse in ensuring that care is appropriate and based on research? a. Clinical practice guidelines b. Computerized physician order entry c. Consulting with advanced practice nurses d. Implementing Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals

a. Clinical practice guidelines

The VALUE mnemonic is a helpful strategy to enhance communication with family members of critically ill patients. Which of the following statements describes a VALUE strategy? a. View the family as guests on the unit. b. Acknowledge family emotions. c. Learn as much as you can about family structure and function. d. Use a trained interpreter if the family does not speak English.

b. Acknowledge family emotions. The VALUE mnemonic includes the following: V—Value what the family tells you. A—Acknowledge family emotions. L—Listen to the family members. U—Understand the patient as a person. E—Elicit (ask) questions of family members.

The family members of a critically ill patient bring a copy of the patient's living will to the hospital, which identifies the patient's wishes regarding health care. You discuss contents of the living will with the patient's physician. This is an example of implementation of which of the AACN Standards of Professional 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 in practice

b. Acts ethically on the behalf of the patient and family

The provider writes an order to discontinue a patient's left radial arterial line. When discontinuing the patient's invasive line, what is the priority nursing action? a. Apply an air occlusion dressing to insertion site. b. Apply pressure to the insertion site for 5 minutes. c. Elevate the affected limb on pillows for 24 hours. d. Keep the patient's wrist in a neutral position.

b. Apply pressure to the insertion site for 5 minutes

Following insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC), the provider requests the nurse obtain a blood sample for mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2). Which action by the nurse best ensures the obtained value is accurate? a. Zero referencing the transducer at the level of the phlebostatic axis following insertion b. Calibrating the system with a central venous blood sample and arterial blood gas value c. Ensuring patency of the catheter using a 0.9% normal saline solution pressurized at 300 mm Hg d. Using noncompliant pressure tubing that is no longer than 36 to 48 inches and has minimal stopcocks

b. Calibrating the system with a central venous blood sample and arterial blood gas value

You are caring for a critically ill patient whose urine output has been low for 2 consecutive hours. After a thorough patient assessment, you call the intensivist with report. Which information do you convey regarding background? a. Urine output of 40 mL/2 hours b. Current vital signs and history of aortic aneurysm repair 4 hours ago c. A statement that the patient is possibly hypovolemic d. A request for IV fluids

b. Current vital signs and history of aortic aneurysm repair 4 hours ago

The nurse is caring for a patient who has had an arterial line inserted. To reduce the risk of complications, what is the priority nursing intervention? a. Apply a pressure dressing to the insertion site. b. Ensure that all tubing connections are tightened. c. Obtain a portable x-ray to confirm placement. d. Restrain the affected extremity for 24 hours.

b. Ensure that all tubing connections are tightened.

The nurse is caring for a patient who has been declared brain dead. The patient is considered a potential organ donor. To proceed with donation, the nurse understands that a. a signed donor card mandates that organs be retrieved in the event of brain death. b. after brain death has been determined, perfusion and oxygenation of organs is maintained until organs can be removed in the operating room. c. the health care proxy does not need to give consent for the retrieval of organs. d. once a patient has been established as brain dead, life support is withdrawn and organs are retrieved.

b. after brain death has been determined, perfusion and oxygenation of organs is maintained until organs can be removed in the operating room.

The first critical care units were (Select all that apply.) a. burn units. b. coronary care units. c. recovery rooms. d. neonatal intensive care units. e. high-risk OB units.

b. coronary care units. c. recovery rooms.

The nurse is caring for a patient with an arterial monitoring system. The nurse assesses the patient's noninvasive cuff blood pressure to be 70/40 mm Hg. The arterial blood pressure measurement via an intraarterial catheter in the same arm is assessed by the nurse to be 108/70 mm Hg. What is the best action by the nurse? a. Activate the rapid response system. b. Place the patient in Trendelenburg position. c. Assess the cuff for proper arm size. d. Administer 0.9% normal saline bolus.

c. Assess the cuff for proper arm size.

After pulmonary artery catheter insertion, the nurse assesses a pulmonary artery pressure of 45/25 mm Hg, a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) of 20 mm Hg, a cardiac output of 2.6 L/min and a cardiac index of 1.9 L/min/m2. Which provider order is of the highest priority? a. Apply 50% oxygen via Venturi mask. b. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter. c. Begin a dobutamine infusion. d. Obtain stat cardiac enzymes and troponin.

c. Begin a dobutamine infusion.

A nurse has been working as a staff nurse in the surgical intensive care unit for 2 years and is interested in certification. Which credential would be most applicable for the nurse to seek? a. ACNPC-AG b. CNML c. CCRN d. PCCN

c. CCRN

Ideally, an advance directive should be developed by the a. family if the patient is in critical condition. b. patient as part of the hospital admission process. c. patient before hospitalization. d. patient's health care surrogate.

c. patient before hospitalization.

Comparing the patient's current (home) medications with those ordered during hospitalization and communicating a complete list of medications to the next provider when the patient is transferred within an organization or to another setting are strategies to: a. improve accuracy of patient identification. b. prevent errors related to look-alike and sound-alike medications. c. reconcile medications across the continuum of care. d. reduce harms associated with the administration of anticoagulants.

c. reconcile medications across the continuum of care.

The intensive care nurse is working on a committee to reduce noise in the unit. Which recommendation should the nurse propose first? a. Change telephones to blinking lights instead of audible ringtones. b. Invest in call lights that page the nursing staff instead of beeping. c. Recommend that nurses turn off cardiac monitors on stable patients. d. Soundproof the pneumatic tube system.

d. Soundproof the pneumatic tube system.

Which of the following is a National Patient Safety Goal? (Select all that apply.) a. Accurately identify patients. b. Eliminate the use of patient restraints. c. Reconcile medications across the continuum of care. d. Reduce risks of health care-acquired infection. e. Reduce costs associated with hospitalization.

a. Accurately identify patients. c. Reconcile medications across the continuum of care. d. Reduce risks of health care-acquired infection.

The critical care environment is stressful to the patient. Which interventions assist in reducing this stress? (Select all that apply.) a. Adjust lighting to promote normal sleep-wake cycles. b. Provide clocks, calendars, and personal photos in the patient's room. c. Talk to the patient about other patients you are caring for on the unit. d. Tell the patient the day and time when you are providing routine nursing interventions. e. Allow unlimited visitation tailored to the patient's individual needs.

a. Adjust lighting to promote normal sleep-wake cycles. b. Provide clocks, calendars, and personal photos in the patient's room. e. Allow unlimited visitation tailored to the patient's individual needs.

The critical care environment is often stressful to a critically ill patient. Identify stressors that are common. (Select all that apply.) a. Alarms that sound from various devices b. Bright fluorescent lighting c. Lack of day-night cues d. Sounds from the mechanical ventilator e. Visiting hours tailored to meet individual needs

a. Alarms that sound from various devices b. Bright fluorescent lighting c. Lack of day-night cues d. Sounds from the mechanical ventilator

It is important for critically ill patients to feel safe. Which nursing strategies help the patient to feel safe in the critical care setting? (Select all that apply.) a. Allow family members to remain at the bedside. b. Consult with the charge nurse before making any patient care decisions. c. Provide informal conversation by discussing your plans for after work. d. Respond promptly to call bells or other communication for assistance. e. Inform the patient that you have cared for many similar patients.

a. Allow family members to remain at the bedside. d. Respond promptly to call bells or other communication for assistance.

Which strategy is important in addressing issues associated with the aging workforce? (Select all that apply.) a. Allowing nurses to work flexible shift durations b. Encouraging older nurses to transfer to an outpatient setting that is less stressful c. Hiring nurse technicians who are available to assist with patient care, such as turning the patient d. Remodeling patient care rooms to include devices to assist in patient lifting e. Developing a staffing model that accurately reflects the unit's needs.

a. Allowing nurses to work flexible shift durations c. Hiring nurse technicians who are available to assist with patient care, such as turning the patient d. Remodeling patient care rooms to include devices to assist in patient lifting

Which of the following professional organizations best supports critical care nursing practice? a. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses b. American Heart Association c. American Nurses Association d. Society of Critical Care Medicine

a. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

Which of the following is (are) official journal(s) of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses? (Select all that apply.) a. American Journal of Critical Care b. Critical Care Clinics of North America c. Critical Care Nurse d. Critical Care Nursing Quarterly e. Critical Care Nursing Management

a. American Journal of Critical Care c. Critical Care Nurse

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 (SvO2) of 40% d. Cardiac index of 1.5 L/min/m2

a. Arterial lactate level of 1.0 mEq/L

Noise in the critical care unit can have negative effects on the patient. Which of the following interventions assists in reducing noise levels in the critical care setting? (Select all that apply.) a. Ask the family to bring in the patient's iPod or other device with favorite music. b. Invite a volunteer harpist to play on the unit on a regular basis. c. Remodel the unit to have two-patient rooms to facilitate nursing care. d. Remodel the unit to install acoustical ceiling tiles. e. Turn the volume of equipment alarms as low as they can be adjusted, and "off" if possible.

a. Ask the family to bring in the patient's iPod or other device with favorite music. b. Invite a volunteer harpist to play on the unit on a regular basis. d. Remodel the unit to install acoustical ceiling tiles.

Which of the following statements about family assessment is false? a. Assessment of structure (who comprises the family) is the last step in assessment. b. Interaction among family members is assessed. c. It is important to assess communication among family members to understand roles. d. Ongoing assessment is important, because family functioning may change during the course of illness.

a. Assessment of structure (who comprises the family) is the last step in assessment.

Which of the following nursing activities demonstrates implementation of the AACN Standards of Professional Performance? (Select all that apply.) a. Attending a meeting of the local chapter of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses in which a continuing education program on sepsis is being taught b. Collaborating with a pastoral services colleague to assist in meeting spiritual needs of the patient and family c. Participating on the unit's nurse practice council d. Posting an article from Critical Care Nurse on the management of venous thromboembolism for your colleagues to read e. Using evidence-based strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia

a. Attending a meeting of the local chapter of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses in which a continuing education program on sepsis is being taught b. Collaborating with a pastoral services colleague to assist in meeting spiritual needs of the patient and family c. Participating on the unit's nurse practice council d. Posting an article from Critical Care Nurse on the management of venous thromboembolism for your colleagues to read e. Using evidence-based strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia

A critically ill patient has a living will in the chart. The patient's condition has deteriorated, but the spouse wants "everything done," regardless of the patient's wishes. Which ethical principle is the spouse violating? a. Autonomy b. Beneficence c. Justice d. Nonmaleficence

a. Autonomy

The nurse is caring for a patient whose condition has deteriorated and who is not responding to standard treatment. The physician calls for an ethical consultation with the family to discuss potential withdrawal of treatment versus aggressive treatment. The nurse understands that applying a model for ethical decision making involves which of the following? (Select all that apply.) a. Burden versus benefit b. Family's wishes c. Patient's wishes d. Potential outcomes of treatment options e. Cost savings of withdrawing treatment

a. Burden versus benefit c. Patient's wishes d. Potential outcomes of treatment options

The nurse is caring for a 100-kg patient being monitored with a pulmonary artery catheter. The nurse assesses a blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg, heart rate 110 beats/min, respirations 36/min, oxygen saturation of 89% on 3 L of oxygen via nasal cannula. Bilateral crackles are audible upon auscultation. Which hemodynamic value requires immediate action by the nurse? a. Cardiac index (CI) of 1.2 L/min/m3 b. Cardiac output (CO) of 4 L/min c. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) of 80 dynes/sec/cm-5 d. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) of 1400 dynes/sec/cm-5

a. Cardiac index (CI) of 1.2 L/min/m3

Which of the following strategies will assist in creating a healthy 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 by 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 e. Using the Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) technique for handoff communication

a. Celebrating improved outcomes from a nurse-driven protocol with a pizza party d. Offering quarterly joint nurse-physician workshops to discuss unit issues e. Using the Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) technique for handoff communication

Sleep often is disrupted for critically ill patients. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to promote sleep and rest? a. Consult with the pharmacist to adjust medication times to allow periods of sleep or rest between intervals. b. Encourage family members to talk with the patient whenever they are present in the room. c. Keep the television on to provide white noise and distraction. d. Leave the lights on in the room so that the patient is not frightened of his or her surroundings.

a. Consult with the pharmacist to adjust medication times to allow periods of sleep or rest between intervals.

Patients often have recollections of the critical care experience. Which is likely to be the most common recollection of patients who required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation? a. Difficulty in communicating b. Inability to get comfortable c. Pain d. Sleep disruption

a. Difficulty in communicating

The nurse is caring for a patient following insertion of a left subclavian central venous catheter (CVC). Which assessment finding 2 hours after insertion by the nurse warrants immediate action? a. Diminished breath sounds over left lung field b. Localized pain at catheter insertion site c. Measured central venous pressure of 5 mm Hg d. Slight bloody drainage around insertion site

a. Diminished breath sounds over left lung field

The American Nurses Credential Center Magnet Recognition Program supports many actions to ensure that nurses are engaged and empowered to participate in ethical decision making. Which of the following would assist nurses in being involved in research studies? a. Education on protection of human subjects b. Participation of staff nurses on ethics committees c. Written descriptions of how nurses participate in ethics programs d. Written policies and procedures related to response to ethical issues

a. Education on protection of human subjects

The nurse is a member of a committee to design a critical care unit in a new building. Which design trend would best facilitate family-centered care? a. Ensure that the patient's room is large enough and has adequate space for a sleeper sofa and storage for family members' personal belongings. b. Include a diagnostic suite in close proximity to the unit so that the patient does not have to travel far for testing. c. Incorporate a large waiting room on the top floor of the hospital with a scenic view and amenities such as coffee and tea. d. Provide access to a scenic garden for meditation.

a. Ensure that the patient's room is large enough and has adequate space for a sleeper sofa and storage for family members' personal belongings.

Family presence is encouraged during resuscitation and invasive procedures. Which findings about this practice have been reported in the literature? (Select all that apply.) a. Families benefit by witnessing that everything possible was done. b. Families report reduced anxiety and fear about what is being done to the patient. c. Presence encourages family members to seek litigation for improper care. d. Presence reduces nurses' involvement in explaining things to the family. e. Families report that staff conversations during this time were distressing.

a. Families benefit by witnessing that everything possible was done. b. Families report reduced anxiety and fear about what is being done to the patient.

Warning signs that can assist the critical care nurse in recognizing that an ethical dilemma may exist include which of the following? (Select all that apply.) a. Family members are confused about what is happening to the patient. b. Family members are in conflict as to the best treatment options. They disagree with one another and cannot come to consensus. c. The family asks that the patient not be told of treatment plans. d. The patient's condition has changed dramatically for the worse and is not responding to conventional treatment. e. The physician is considering the use of a medication that is not approved to treat the patient's condition.

a. Family members are confused about what is happening to the patient. b. Family members are in conflict as to the best treatment options. They disagree with one another and cannot come to consensus. c. The family asks that the patient not be told of treatment plans. d. The patient's condition has changed dramatically for the worse and is not responding to conventional treatment. e. The physician is considering the use of a medication that is not approved to treat the patient's condition.

The nurse is caring for a patient following insertion of a left subclavian central venous catheter (CVC). Which action by the nurse best reduces the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI)? a. Review daily the necessity of the central venous catheter. b. Cleanse the insertion site daily with isopropyl alcohol. c. Change the pressurized tubing system and flush bag daily. d. Maintain a pressure of 300 mm Hg on the flush bag.

a. Review daily the necessity of the central venous catheter.

The nurse is caring for a patient with severe neurological impairment following a massive stroke. The physician has ordered tests to determine brain death. The nurse understands that criteria for brain death include (Select all that apply.) a. absence of cerebral blood flow. b. absence of brainstem reflexes on neurological examination. c. Cheyne-Stokes respirations. d. flat electroencephalogram. e. responding only to painful stimuli.

a. absence of cerebral blood flow. b. absence of brainstem reflexes on neurological examination. d. flat electroencephalogram

To reduce relocation stress in patients transferring out of the intensive care unit, the nurse can (Select all that apply.) a. ask the nurses on the intermediate care unit to give the family a tour of the new unit. b. contact the intensivist to see if the patient can stay one additional day in the critical care unit so that he and his family can adjust better to the idea of a transfer. c. ensure that the patient will be located near the nurses' station in the new unit. d. invite the nurse who will be assuming the patient's care to meet with the patient and family in the critical care unit prior to transfer. e. help the patient and family focus on the positive meaning of a transfer.

a. ask the nurses on the intermediate care unit to give the family a tour of the new unit. d. invite the nurse who will be assuming the patient's care to meet with the patient and family in the critical care unit prior to transfer. e. help the patient and family focus on the positive meaning of a transfer.

As part of nursing management of a critically ill patient, orders are written to keep the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees, awaken the patient from sedation each morning to assess readiness to wean from mechanical ventilation, and implement oral care protocols every 4 hours. These interventions are done as a group to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia. This group of evidence-based interventions is often called a a. bundle of care. b. clinical practice guideline. c. patient safety goal. d. quality improvement initiative.

a. bundle of care.

The nurse is educating a patient's family member about a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC). Which statement by the family member best indicates understanding of the purpose of the PAC? a. "The catheter will provide multiple sites to give intravenous fluid." b. "The catheter will allow the provider to better manage fluid therapy." c. "The catheter tip comes to rest inside my brother's pulmonary artery." d. "The catheter will be in position until the heart has a chance to heal."

b. "The catheter will allow the provider to better manage fluid therapy."

The nurse is caring for a patient who is declared brain dead and is an organ donor. The following events occur: 1300 Diagnostic tests for brain death are completed. 1330 Intensivist reviews diagnostic test results and writes in the progress note that the patient is brain dead. 1400 Patient is taken to the operating room for organ retrieval. 1800 All organs have been retrieved for donation. The ventilator is discontinued. 1810 Cardiac monitor shows flatline. What is the official time of death recorded in the medical record? a. 1300 b. 1330 c. 1400 d. 1800 e. 1810

b. 1330

Critical illness often results in family conflicts. Which scenario is most likely to result in the greatest conflict? a. A 21-year-old college student of divorced parents hospitalized with multiple trauma. She resides with her mother. The parents are amicable with each other and have similar values. The father blames the daughter's boyfriend for causing the accident. b. A 36-year-old male admitted for a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. He has been living with his 34-year-old girlfriend for 8 years, and they have a 4-year-old daughter. He does not have a written advance directive. His parents arrive from out-of-state and are asked to make decisions about his health care. He has not seen them in over a year. c. A 58-year-old male admitted for coronary artery bypass surgery. He has been living with his same-sex partner for 20 years in a committed relationship. He has designated his sister, a registered nurse, as his health care proxy in a written advance directive. d. A 78-year-old female admitted with gastrointestinal bleeding. Her hemoglobin is decreasing to a critical level. She is a Jehovah's Witness and refuses the treatment of a blood transfusion. She is capable of making her own decisions and has a clearly written advance directive declining any transfusions. Her son is upset with her and tells her she is "committing suicide."

b. A 36-year-old male admitted for a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. He has been living with his 34-year-old girlfriend for 8 years, and they have a 4-year-old daughter. He does not have a written advance directive. His parents arrive from out-of-state and are asked to make decisions about his health care. He has not seen them in over a year.

The nurse is assigned to care for a patient who is a non-native English speaker. What is the best way to communicate with the patient and family to provide updates and explain procedures? a. Conduct a Google search on the computer to identify resources for the patient and family in their native language. Print these for their use. b. Contact the hospital's interpreter service for someone to translate. c. Get in touch with one of the residents who you know is fluent in the native language and ask him if he can come up to the unit. d. Use the patient's 8-year-old child who is fluent in both English and the native language to translate for you.

b. Contact the hospital's interpreter service for someone to translate

Family assessment can be challenging, and each nurse may obtain additional information regarding family structure and dynamics. What is the best way to share this information from shift to shift? a. Create an informal family information sheet that is kept on the bedside clipboard. That way, everyone can review it quickly when needed. b. Develop a standardized reporting form for family information that is incorporated into the patient's medical record and updated as needed. c. Require that the charge nurse have a detailed list of information about each patient and family member. Thus, someone on the unit is always knowledgeable about potential issues. d. Try to remember to discuss family structure and dynamics as part of the change-of-shift report.

b. Develop a standardized reporting form for family information that is incorporated into the patient's medical record and updated as needed.

The nurse utilizes which of the following strategies when encountering an ethical dilemma in practice? (Select all that apply.) a. Change-of-shift report updates b. Ethics consultation services c. Formal multiprofessional ethics committees d. Pastoral care services e. Social work consultation

b. Ethics consultation services c. Formal multiprofessional ethics committees

Which intervention is appropriate to assist the patient in coping with admission to the critical care unit? a. Allowing unrestricted visiting by several family members at one time b. Explaining all procedures in easy-to-understand terms c. Providing back massage and mouth care d. Turning down the alarm volume on the cardiac monitor

b. Explaining all procedures in easy-to-understand terms

Which nursing interventions would best support the family of a critically ill patient? a. Encourage family members to stay all night in case the patient needs them. b. Give a condition update each morning and whenever changes occur. c. Limit visitation from children into the critical care unit. d. Provide beverages and snacks in the waiting room.

b. Give a condition update each morning and whenever changes occur.

While caring for a patient with a small bowel obstruction, the nurse assesses a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) of 1 mm Hg and hourly urine output of 5 mL. The nurse anticipates which therapeutic intervention? a. Diuretics b. Intravenous fluids c. Negative inotropic agents d. Vasopressors

b. Intravenous fluids

The nurse is caring for a patient with a left subclavian central venous catheter (CVC) and a left radial arterial line. Which assessment finding by the nurse requires immediate action? a. A dampened arterial line waveform b. Numbness and tingling in the left hand c. Slight bloody drainage at subclavian insertion site d. Slight redness at subclavian insertion site

b. Numbness and tingling in the left hand

Family members have a need for information. Which interventions best assist in meeting this need? a. Handing family members a pamphlet that explains all of the critical care equipment b. Providing a daily update of the patient's progress and facilitating communication with the intensivist c. Telling them that you are not permitted to give them a status report but that they can be present at 4:00 PM for family rounds with the intensivist d. Writing down a list of all new medications and doses and giving the list to family members during visitation

b. Providing a daily update of the patient's progress and facilitating communication with the intensivist

The nurse returns from the cardiac catheterization laboratory with a patient following insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter and assists in transferring the patient from the stretcher to the bed. Before obtaining a cardiac output, which action is most important for the nurse to complete? a. Document a pulmonary artery catheter occlusion pressure. b. Zero reference the transducer system at the phlebostatic axis. c. Inflate the pulmonary artery catheter balloon with 1 mL air. d. Inject 10 mL of 0.9% normal saline into the proximal port.

b. Zero reference the transducer system at the phlebostatic axis.

You work in an intermediate care unit and have asked to be involved in developing new guidelines to prevent pressure ulcers in your patient population. The nurse manager tells you that you do not yet have enough experience to be on the prevention task force and that your ideas will be rejected by others. This situation is an example of a. a barrier to handoff communication. b. a work environment that is unhealthy. c. ineffective decision making. d. nursing practice that is not evidence-based.

b. a work environment that is unhealthy.

Nursing strategies to help families cope with the stress of critical illness include: (Select all that apply.) a. asking the family to leave during the morning bath to promote the patient's privacy. b. encouraging family members to make notes of questions they have for the physician during family rounds. c. if possible, providing continuity of nursing care. d. providing a daily update of the patient's condition to the family spokesperson. e. ensuring that a waiting room stocked with snacks is nearby.

b. encouraging family members to make notes of questions they have for the physician during family rounds. c. if possible, providing continuity of nursing care. d. providing a daily update of the patient's condition to the family spokesperson.

The nurse is caring for an elderly patient who is in cardiogenic shock. The patient has failed to respond to medical treatment. The intensivist in charge of the patient conducts a conference to explain that treatment options have been exhausted and to suggest that the patient be given a "do not resuscitate" status. This scenario illustrates the concept of a. brain death. b. futility. c. incompetence. d. life-prolonging procedures.

b. futility.

The nurse is caring for a critically ill patient on mechanical ventilation. The physician identifies the need for a bronchoscopy, which requires informed consent. For the physician to obtain consent from the patient, the patient must be able to a. be weaned from mechanical ventilation. b. have knowledge and competence to make the decision. c. nod his head that it is okay to proceed. d. read and write in English.

b. have knowledge and competence to make the decision.

The charge nurse is supervising care for a group of patients monitored with a variety of invasive hemodynamic devices. Which patient should the charge nurse evaluate first? a. A patient with a central venous pressure (RAP/CVP) of 6 mm Hg and 40 mL of urine output in the past hour b. A patient with a left radial arterial line with a BP of 110/60 mm Hg and slightly dampened arterial waveform c. A patient with a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure of 25 mm Hg and an oxygen saturation of 89% on 3 L of oxygen via nasal cannula d. A patient with a pulmonary artery pressure of 25/10 mm Hg and an oxygen saturation of 94% on 2 L of oxygen via nasal cannula

c. A patient with a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure of 25 mm Hg and an oxygen saturation of 89% on 3 L of oxygen via nasal cannula

Which statement regarding ethical concepts is true? a. A living will is the same as a health care proxy. b. A signed donor card ensures that organ donation will occur in the event of brain death. c. A surrogate is a competent adult designated by a person to make health care decisions in the event the person is incapacitated. d. A persistent vegetative state is the same as brain death in most states.

c. A surrogate is a competent adult designated by a person to make health care decisions in the event the person is incapacitated.

The family of your critically ill patient tells you that they have not spoken with the physician in over 24 hours and that they have some questions they want clarified. During morning rounds, you convey this concern to the attending intensivist and arrange a meeting with the family at 4:00 PM. Which competency of critical care nursing does this represent? a. Advocacy and moral agency in solving ethical issues b. Clinical judgment and clinical reasoning skills c. Collaboration with patients, families, and team members d. Facilitation of learning for patients, families, and team members

c. Collaboration with patients, families, and team members

While inflating the balloon of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) with 1.0 mL of air to obtain a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP), the nurse encounters resistance. What is the best nursing action? a. Add an additional 0.5 mL of air to the balloon and repeat the procedure. b. Advance the catheter with the balloon deflated and repeat the procedure. c. Deflate the balloon and obtain a chest x-ray study to determine line placement. d. Lock the balloon in the inflated position, and flush the distal port of the PAC with normal saline.

c. Deflate the balloon and obtain a chest x-ray study to determine line placement.

Open visitation policies are expected by many professional organizations. Which statement reflects adherence to current recommendations? a. Allow animals on the unit; however, these can only be "therapy" animals through the hospital's pet therapy program. b. Allow family visitation throughout the day except at change of shift and during rounds. c. Determine, in collaboration with the patient and family, who can visit and when. Facilitate open visitation policies. d. Permit open visitation by adults 18 years of age and older; limit visits of children to 1 hour.

c. Determine, in collaboration with the patient and family, who can visit and when. Facilitate open visitation policies.

The provider prescribes a pulmonary artery occlusive pressure reading (PAOP) for a patient being monitored with a pulmonary artery catheter. Immediately after obtaining an occlusive pressure, the nurse notes the change in waveform indicated on the strip below. What are the best actions by the nurse? Figure from Geiter H, Jr.: Swan-Ganz Catheters. http://www.nurse411.com. Accessed April 2012. a. Turn the patient to the left side; obtain a stat portable chest x-ray. b. Place the patient supine; repeat zero referencing of the system. c. Document the wedge pressure; continue to monitor the patient. d. Perform an immediate dynamic response test; obtain a chest x-ray.

c. Document the wedge pressure; continue to monitor the patient.

The nurse knows that which of the following statements about organ donation is true? a. Anyone who is comfortable approaching the family should discuss the option of organ donation. b. Brain death determination is required before organs can be retrieved for transplant. c. Donation of selected organs after cardiac death is ethically acceptable. d. Family members should consider the withdrawal of life support so that the patient can become an organ donor.

c. Donation of selected organs after cardiac death is ethically acceptable.

Many critically ill patients experience anxiety. The nurse can reduce anxiety with which approach? a. Ask family members to limit their visitation to 2-hour periods in morning, afternoon, and evening. b. Explain the unit routine. c. Explain procedures before and while you are doing them. d. Suction Mr. J.'s endotracheal tube immediately when he starts to cough.

c. Explain procedures before and while you are doing them.

Family assessment is essential to meet family needs. Which of the following must be assessed first to assist the nurse in providing family-centered care? a. Assessment of patient and family's developmental stages and needs b. Description of the patient's home environment c. Identification of immediate family, extended family, and decision makers d. Observation and assessment of how family members function with each other

c. Identification of immediate family, extended family, and decision makers

The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient with a pulmonary artery catheter who is receiving continuous enteral tube feedings. When obtaining continuous hemodynamic monitoring measurements, what is the best nursing action? a. Do not document hemodynamic values until the patient can be placed in the supine position. b. Level and zero reference the air-fluid interface of the transducer with the patient in the supine position and record hemodynamic values. c. Level and zero reference the air-fluid interface of the transducer with the patient's head of bed elevated to 30 degrees and record hemodynamic values. d. Level and zero reference the air-fluid interface of the transducer with the patient supine in the side-lying position and record hemodynamic values.

c. Level and zero reference the air-fluid interface of the transducer with the patient's head of bed elevated to 30 degrees and record hemodynamic values.

The nurse is caring for a patient who sustained a head injury and is unresponsive to painful stimuli. Which intervention is most appropriate while bathing the patient? a. Ask a family member to help you bathe the patient, and discuss the family structure with the family member during the procedure. b. Because the patient is unconscious, complete care as quickly and quietly as possible. c. Tell the patient the day and time, and that you are providing a bath. Reassure the patient that you are there. d. Turn the television on to the evening news so that you and the patient can be updated to current events.

c. Tell the patient the day and time, and that you are providing a bath. Reassure the patient that you are there.

Following insertion of a central venous catheter, the nurse obtains a stat chest x-ray film to verify proper catheter placement. The radiologist reports to the nurse: "The tip of the catheter is located in the superior vena cava." What is the best interpretation of these results by the nurse? a. The catheter is not positioned correctly and should be removed. b. The catheter position increases the risk of ventricular dysrhythmias. c. The distal tip of the catheter is in the appropriate position. d. The physician should be called to advance the catheter into the pulmonary artery.

c. The distal tip of the catheter is in the appropriate position.

When addressing an ethical dilemma, contextual, physiological, and personal factors of the situation must be considered. Which of the following is an example of a personal factor? a. The hospital has a policy that everyone must have an advance directive on the chart. b. The patient has lost 20 pounds in the past month and is fatigued all the time. c. The patient has told you what quality of life means and his or her wishes. d. The physician considers care to be futile in a given situation.

c. The patient has told you what quality of life means and his or her wishes

Which scenarios contribute to effective handoff communication at change of shift? (Select all that apply.) a. The nephrology consultant physician is making rounds and asks you for an update on the patient's status and to assist in placing a central line for hemodialysis. b. The noise level is high because twice as many staff members are present and everyone is giving report in the nurses' station. c. The unit has decided to use a standardized checklist/tool for change-of-shift reports and patient transfers. d. You and the oncoming nurse conduct a standardized report at the patient's bedside and review key assessment findings. e. The off-going nurse is giving the patient medications at the same time as giving handoff report to the oncoming nurse.

c. The unit has decided to use a standardized checklist/tool for change-of-shift reports and patient transfers. d. You and the oncoming nurse conduct a standardized report at the patient's bedside and review key assessment findings.

Which intervention about visitation in the critical care unit is true? a. The majority of critical care nurses implement restricted visiting hours to allow the patient to rest. b. Children should never be permitted to visit a critically ill family member. c. Visitation that is individualized to the needs of patients and family members is ideal. d. Visiting hours should always be unrestricted.

c. Visitation that is individualized to the needs of patients and family members is ideal.

The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with a traumatic brain injury following a motor vehicle crash. Several weeks later, the patient is still ventilator dependent and unresponsive to stimulation but occasionally takes a spontaneous breath. The physician explains to the family that the patient has severe neurological impairment and is not expected to recover consciousness. The nurse recognizes that this patient is a. an organ donor. b. brain dead. c. in a persistent vegetative state. d. terminally ill.

c. in a persistent vegetative state.

The nurse is caring for a patient who is not responding to medical treatment. The intensivist holds a conference with the family, and a decision is made to withdraw life support. The nurse's religious beliefs are not in agreement with the withdrawal of life support. However, the nurse assists with the process to avoid confronting the charge nurse. Afterward the nurse feels guilty for "killing the patient." This scenario is likely to cause a. abandonment. b. family stress. c. moral distress. d. negligence.

c. moral distress.

A nurse caring for a patient with neurological impairment often must use painful stimuli to elicit the patient's response. The nurse uses subtle measures of painful stimuli, such as nailbed pressure. She neither slaps the patient nor pinches the nipple to elicit a response to pain. In this scenario, the nurse is exemplifying the ethical principle of a. beneficence. b. fidelity. c. nonmaleficence. d. veracity.

c. nonmaleficence.

A nurse who plans care based on the patient's gender, ethnicity, spirituality, and lifestyle is said to a. be a moral advocate. b. facilitate learning. c. respond to diversity. d. use clinical judgment.

c. respond to diversity.

The vision of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is a health care system driven by a. a healthy work environment. b. care from a multiprofessional team under the direction of a critical care physician. c. the needs of critically ill patients and families. d. respectful, healing, and humane environments.

c. the needs of critically ill patients and families.

The synergy model of practice focuses on a. allowing unrestricted visiting for the patient 24 hours a day. b. holistic and alternative therapies. c. the needs of patients and their families, which drive nursing competency. d. patients' needs for energy and support.

c. the needs of patients and their families, which drive nursing competency.

The charge nurse has a pulse contour cardiac output monitoring system available for use in the surgical intensive care unit. For which patient is use of this device most appropriate? a. A patient with a history of aortic insufficiency admitted with a postoperative myocardial infarction b. A mechanically ventilated patient with cardiogenic shock 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

d. A mechanically ventilated patient admitted following repair of an acute bowel obstruction

The nurse is caring for a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter. Assessment findings include a blood pressure of 85/40 mm Hg, heart rate of 125 beats/min, respiratory rate 35 breaths/min, and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 90% on a 50% Venturi mask. Hemodynamic values include a cardiac output (CO) of 1.0 L/min, central venous pressure (CVP) of 1 mm Hg, and a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) of 3 mm Hg. The nurse questions which of the following physician's orders? a. Titrate supplemental oxygen to achieve a SpO2 94%. b. Infuse 500 mL 0.9% normal saline over 1 hour. c. Obtain arterial blood gas and serum electrolytes. d. Administer furosemide (Lasix) 20 mg intravenously.

d. Administer furosemide (Lasix) 20 mg intravenously.

The nurse is caring for a patient with an admitting diagnosis of congestive heart failure. While attempting to obtain a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure in the supine position, the patient becomes anxious and tachypneic. What is the best action by the nurse? a. Limit the patient's supine position to no more than 10 seconds. b. Administer antianxiety medications while recording the pressure. c. Encourage the patient to take slow, deep breaths while supine. d. Elevate the head of the bed 45 degrees while recording pressures.

d. Elevate the head of the bed 45 degrees while recording pressures.

During insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter, the provider asks the nurse to assist by inflating the balloon with 1.5 mL of air. As the provider advances the catheter, the nurse notices premature ventricular contractions on the monitor. What is the best action by the nurse? a. Deflate the balloon while slowly withdrawing the catheter. b. Instruct the patient to cough and deep-breathe forcefully. c. Inflate the catheter balloon with an additional 1 mL of air. d. Ensure lidocaine hydrochloride (IV) is immediately available.

d. Ensure lidocaine hydrochloride (IV) is immediately available.

The nurse is caring for a critically ill patient with terminal cancer. The monitor alarms and shows a potentially lethal rhythm. The patient has no pulse. 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 determine if CPR should be initiated. b. Contact the family immediately to determine if they want CPR to be started. c. Give emergency medications but withhold intubation. d. Initiate CPR and call a code.

d. Initiate CPR and call a code.

The AACN Standards for Acute and Critical Care Nursing Practice use what framework to guide critical care nursing practice? a. Evidence-based practice b. Healthy work environment c. National Patient Safety Goals d. Nursing process

d. Nursing process

The critical care nurse wants a better understanding of when to initiate an ethics consult. After attending an educational program, the nurse understands that the following situation would require an ethics consultation: a. Conflict has occurred between the physician and family regarding treatment decisions. A family conference is held, and the family and physician agree to a treatment plan that includes aggressive treatment for 24 hours followed by reevaluation. b. Family members disagree as to a patient's course of treatment. The patient has designated a health care proxy and has a written advance directive. c. Patient postoperative coronary artery bypass surgery who sustained a cardiopulmonary arrest in the operating room. He was successfully resuscitated, but now is not responding to treatment. He has a written advance directive, and his wife is present. d. Patient with multiple trauma and is not responding to treatment. No family members are known, and the health care team is debating if care is futile.

d. Patient with multiple trauma and is not responding to treatment. No family members are known, and the health care team is debating if care is futile.

The nurse is preparing to obtain a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) reading for a patient who is mechanically ventilated. Ensuring that the air-fluid interface is at the level of the phlebostatic axis, what is the best nursing action? a. Place the patient in the supine position and record the PAOP immediately after exhalation. b. Place the patient in the supine position and document the average PAOP obtained after three measurements. c. Place the patient with the head of bed elevated 30 degrees and document the average PAOP pressure obtained. d. Place the patient with the head of bed elevated 30 degrees and record the PAOP just before the increase in pressures during inhalation.

d. Place the patient with the head of bed elevated 30 degrees and record the PAOP just before the increase in pressures during inhalation.

Changing visitation policies can be challenging. The nurse manager recognizes which of the following as an effective strategy for promoting changes in practice? a. Ask the clinical nurse specialist to lead a journal club on open visitation after each nurse is tasked to read one research article about visitation. b. Discuss the pros and cons of open visitation at the next staff meeting. c. Invite the nurses with the most experience to develop a revised policy. d. Task the unit-based nurse practice council to invite volunteers to serve on the council to revise the current policy toward more liberal visitation.

d. Task the unit-based nurse practice council to invite volunteers to serve on the council to revise the current policy toward more liberal visitation.

Which of the following organizations requires a mechanism for addressing ethical issues? a. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses b. American Hospital Association c. Society of Critical Care Medicine d. The Joint Commission

d. The Joint Commission

Which of the following statements describes the core concept of the synergy model of practice? a. All nurses must be certified in order to have the synergy model implemented. b. Family members must be included in daily interdisciplinary rounds. c. Nurses and physicians must work collaboratively and synergistically to influence care. d. Unique needs of patients and their families influence nursing competencies.

d. Unique needs of patients and their families influence nursing competencies.

Which of the following statements about resuscitation is true? a. Family members should never be present during resuscitation. b. It is not necessary for a physician to write "do not resuscitate" orders in the chart if a patient has a health care surrogate. c. "Slow codes" are ethical and should be considered in futile situations if advanced directives are unavailable. d. Withholding "extraordinary" resuscitation is legal and ethical if specified in advance directives and physician orders.

d. Withholding "extraordinary" resuscitation is legal and ethical if specified in advance directives and physician orders.

While caring for a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter, the nurse notes the pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) to be significantly higher than previously recorded values. The nurse assesses respirations to be unlabored at 16 breaths/min, oxygen saturation of 98% on 3 L of oxygen via nasal cannula, and lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally. What is the priority nursing action? a. Increase supplemental oxygen and notify respiratory therapy. b. Notify the provider immediately of the assessment findings. c. Obtain a stat chest x-ray film to verify proper catheter placement. d. Zero reference and level the catheter at the phlebostatic axis.

d. Zero reference and level the catheter at the phlebostatic axis.

A specific request made by a competent person that directs medical care related to life-prolonging procedures in the event that person loses capacity to make decisions is called a a. "do not resuscitate" order. b. health care proxy. c. informed consent. d. living will.

d. living will.

The most important outcome of effective communication is to a. demonstrate caring practices to family members. b. ensure that patient teaching is done. c. meet the diversity needs of patients. d. reduce patient errors.

d. reduce patient errors.

The spouse of a patient who is hospitalized in the critical care unit following resuscitation for a sudden cardiac arrest at work demands to meet with the nursing manager. The spouse demands, "I want you to reassign us to another nurse. His current nurse is not in the room enough to make sure everything is okay." The nurse recognizes that this response most likely is due to the spouse's a. desire to pursue a lawsuit if the assignment is not changed. b. inability to participate in the husband's care. c. lack of prior experience in a critical care setting. d. sense of loss of control of the situation.

d. sense of loss of control of the situation

The constant noise of a ventilator, monitor alarms, and infusion pumps predisposes the patient to: a. anxiety. b. pain. c. powerlessness. d. sensory overload.

d. sensory overload.

The charge nurse is responsible for making the patient assignments on the critical care unit. An experienced, certified nurse is assigned to care for the acutely ill patient with sepsis who also requires continuous renal replacement therapy and mechanical ventilation. The nurse with less than 1 year of experience is assigned to two patients who are more stable. This assignment reflects implementation of the a. crew resource management model. b. National Patient Safety Goals. c. Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) model. d. synergy model of practice.

d. synergy model of practice.

The main purpose of certification is to a. assure the consumer that you will not make a mistake. b. prepare for graduate school. c. promote magnet status for your facility. d. validate knowledge of critical care nursing.

d. validate knowledge of critical care nursing.