Question 1

Which statement should the nurse use when concluding SBAR communication about a patient issue?

Accepted Answer

A)  "The patient's immediate history is…" 
B)  "The patient's physical findings are…" 
C)  "I am requesting that you…" 
D)  "I have assessed the patient personally."

Question 2

Which action ensures that a patient has consented to care?

Accepted Answer

A)  Provide a consent form to sign to receive medications. 
B)  Ask the patient to sign a consent form to have dressings changed. 
C)  Discuss a consent form to sign to be turned in bed. 
D)  Explain how a dressing is to be changed.

Question 3

What might occur when a nurse employs conscientious refusal to participate?

Accepted Answer

A)  Dismissal from a nursing position 
B)  Employer sanctions 
C)  Support from nursing administrators 
D)  Protection from the state boards of nursing 
E)  Support by the patient

Question 4

The nurse manager reviews the standards of self-care for caregivers during a staff meeting. Which staff nurse comment indicates that teaching about the standards has been effective?

Accepted Answer

A)  "I will consider yoga classes." 
B)  "I will play tennis with my sister at least twice a week." 
C)  "I do love to read, but at times I review the events of the day and I'm distracted." 
D)  "Going to the zoo with my nephew might be a good idea if I'm not needed for overtime."

Question 5

A nurse is preparing to communicate an issue about patient care to a physician using the SBAR technique. Which phrase is an appropriate initial statement?

Accepted Answer

A)  "I am concerned about…" 
B)  "The patient's immediate history is…" 
C)  "I think the problem is…" 
D)  "I would like you to…"

Question 6

Which condition is most likely to occur when a patient is restrained?

Accepted Answer

A)  Pulling out an endotracheal tube 
B)  Pulling out an intravenous line 
C)  Disconnecting ventilator tubing 
D)  Developing a nosocomial infection

Question 7

Which actions by the critical care nurse demonstrate an understanding of patient advocacy?

Accepted Answer

A)  Maintaining attendance at the bedside with the patient during a physician visit 
B)  Assisting and supporting the patient and family as they reveal their needs 
C)  Alerting the physician to concerns about client placement after hospitalization 
D)  Encouraging and supporting a patient's spouse in preparing for a family meeting 
E)  Seeing the big picture when planning patient care

Question 8

The nurse employed in a hospital in a small rural town would expect to provide which level of care in the critical care unit?

Accepted Answer

A)  Level I 
B)  Level II 
C)  Level III 
D)  It is unlikely that the hospital would have a critical care unit.

Question 9

Which patient should the nurse expect to be transferred to a critical care unit? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A)  Experiences an acetaminophen overdose 
B)  Diagnosed with an acute mental illness 
C)  Receiving treatment for chronic renal failure 
D)  New onset of acute decompensated heart failure 
E)  Treatment for bacteremia from an infected foot wound

Question 10

The nurse reviews assessment data on a group of patients. Which patient should the nurse identify as experiencing a critical illness?

Accepted Answer

A)  Chronic airflow limitation with VS: BP 110/72, P 110, R 16 
B)  Acute bronchospasm with VS: BP 100/60, P 124, R 32 
C)  Motor vehicle crash with VS: BP 124/74, P 74, R 18 
D)  Chronic renal failure on hemodialysis with no urine output with VS: BP 98/50, P 108, R 12

Question 11

What is associated with moral distress in critical care nurses?

Accepted Answer

A)  Having no voice in clinical decision making 
B)  Providing aggressive care to patients who cannot benefit 
C)  Realizing that nurses maintain power in bedside decision making 
D)  Knowing the right thing to do but not being able to do it 
E)  Leaving employment as a critical care nurse

Question 12

Which statement should the nurse include for "A-Assessment" in the SBAR technique for communication?

Accepted Answer

A)  "I think the problem is…" 
B)  "The patient's vital signs are…" 
C)  "The patient's treatments are…" 
D)  "I would like you to…"

Question 13

What must the patient demonstrate for a nurse to be found guilty of negligence?

Accepted Answer

A)  Was assaulted 
B)  Incurred damages 
C)  Suffered a wrongful death 
D)  Was not consulted before being touched

Question 14

While completing a self-evaluation, the critical care nurse compares personal practice to the competencies identified by the AACN Synergy Model. Which behaviors are consistent with those in the Synergy Model? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A)  Seeks out research studies to update protocols 
B)  Approaches patient care by looking at the "big picture" 
C)  Ensures family members are comfortable when visiting critical care patients 
D)  Encourages patient families to discuss issues with the physician 
E)  Telling the next shift that a patient needs help with understanding instructions

Question 15

With which individuals should the nurse expect to provide patient care in an "open" ICU?

Accepted Answer

A)  Multidisciplinary team with physicians who are also responsible for patients on other units 
B)  Multidisciplinary team that includes a physician employed by the hospital 
C)  Physician in charge of patient care who is a specialist in critical care 
D)  Primary care physician who must consult a critical care specialist

Question 16

A patient is admitted to an "open" intensive care unit. In addition to the nurse, which health care providers will assist in the care of this patient? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A)  Pharmacist 
B)  Respiratory therapist 
C)  Attending physician 
D)  Dietician 
E)  Social worker

Question 17

The adult daughter of a client with end-stage kidney disease informs the health care provider that all interventions are to be provided even though the client is heard telling the spouse that "enough is enough." What should be done first when analyzing this situation?

Accepted Answer

A)  Identify significant information. 
B)  Determine the decision maker for the client. 
C)  Estimate the resources needed for care. 
D)  Calculate the expense of providing care to the client.

Exam 1: What Is Critical Care