Critical Care Nursing
A Holistic Approach
12th Edition
Author(s)Patricia Gonce Morton; Paul
Thurman
TEST BANK
Section A — High-Level MCQs
,Question 1
A newly hired critical care nurse is caring for a patient with
septic shock who suddenly develops hypotension and
decreased urine output. The nurse immediately notifies the
provider, reviews recent laboratory results, and prepares
emergency equipment before new orders are written. Which
characteristic of critical care nursing is best demonstrated?
A. Task-oriented nursing care
B. Anticipation and management of life-threatening problems
C. Delegation of unstable patients to assistive personnel
D. Reliance on standardized interventions only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Critical care nursing involves continuous assessment,
anticipation of complications, and rapid intervention for life-
threatening conditions. The nurse recognized early
deterioration and prepared for potential interventions before
additional orders were received. Task-oriented care does not
reflect holistic critical care practice. Delegation of unstable
patients is inappropriate. Standardized interventions alone are
insufficient because critical care requires individualized clinical
judgment.
Source:
Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach, 12th Edition –
Chapter 1: Critical Care Nursing Practice
,Question 2
The nurse manager is discussing specialty certification with
newly hired ICU nurses. Which statement by the manager best
reflects the value of certification discussed in the text?
A. “Certification replaces the need for continuing education.”
B. “Certification demonstrates specialized knowledge and
commitment to excellence.”
C. “Certification guarantees promotion into leadership roles.”
D. “Certification is required for all nurses working in critical care
units.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Certification demonstrates advanced knowledge, professional
accountability, and commitment to quality patient care. It is
associated with professional growth and improved patient
outcomes. Certification does not eliminate continuing
education requirements, does not guarantee promotion, and is
not universally mandatory for ICU practice.
Source:
Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach, 12th Edition –
Chapter 1: Value of Certification
Question 3
A critically ill patient’s spouse tells the nurse, “I don’t
, understand what all these machines are doing.” Which nursing
action best reflects holistic critical care practice?
A. Advising the spouse to wait for the physician to explain the
equipment
B. Limiting family interaction to reduce stress in the ICU
C. Providing emotional support and explaining the equipment in
understandable terms
D. Referring all communication questions to the charge nurse
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Holistic critical care nursing includes supporting both the
patient and family emotionally, psychologically, and
informationally. Explaining equipment clearly helps reduce
anxiety and improves family-centered care. Delaying
communication or redirecting concerns fails to address
immediate family needs. Limiting interaction is inconsistent
with holistic care principles.
Source:
Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach, 12th Edition –
Chapter 1: Critical Care Nursing Practice
Question 4
The ICU nurse is reviewing a research article before
implementing a new intervention for preventing ventilator-
A Holistic Approach
12th Edition
Author(s)Patricia Gonce Morton; Paul
Thurman
TEST BANK
Section A — High-Level MCQs
,Question 1
A newly hired critical care nurse is caring for a patient with
septic shock who suddenly develops hypotension and
decreased urine output. The nurse immediately notifies the
provider, reviews recent laboratory results, and prepares
emergency equipment before new orders are written. Which
characteristic of critical care nursing is best demonstrated?
A. Task-oriented nursing care
B. Anticipation and management of life-threatening problems
C. Delegation of unstable patients to assistive personnel
D. Reliance on standardized interventions only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Critical care nursing involves continuous assessment,
anticipation of complications, and rapid intervention for life-
threatening conditions. The nurse recognized early
deterioration and prepared for potential interventions before
additional orders were received. Task-oriented care does not
reflect holistic critical care practice. Delegation of unstable
patients is inappropriate. Standardized interventions alone are
insufficient because critical care requires individualized clinical
judgment.
Source:
Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach, 12th Edition –
Chapter 1: Critical Care Nursing Practice
,Question 2
The nurse manager is discussing specialty certification with
newly hired ICU nurses. Which statement by the manager best
reflects the value of certification discussed in the text?
A. “Certification replaces the need for continuing education.”
B. “Certification demonstrates specialized knowledge and
commitment to excellence.”
C. “Certification guarantees promotion into leadership roles.”
D. “Certification is required for all nurses working in critical care
units.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Certification demonstrates advanced knowledge, professional
accountability, and commitment to quality patient care. It is
associated with professional growth and improved patient
outcomes. Certification does not eliminate continuing
education requirements, does not guarantee promotion, and is
not universally mandatory for ICU practice.
Source:
Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach, 12th Edition –
Chapter 1: Value of Certification
Question 3
A critically ill patient’s spouse tells the nurse, “I don’t
, understand what all these machines are doing.” Which nursing
action best reflects holistic critical care practice?
A. Advising the spouse to wait for the physician to explain the
equipment
B. Limiting family interaction to reduce stress in the ICU
C. Providing emotional support and explaining the equipment in
understandable terms
D. Referring all communication questions to the charge nurse
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Holistic critical care nursing includes supporting both the
patient and family emotionally, psychologically, and
informationally. Explaining equipment clearly helps reduce
anxiety and improves family-centered care. Delaying
communication or redirecting concerns fails to address
immediate family needs. Limiting interaction is inconsistent
with holistic care principles.
Source:
Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach, 12th Edition –
Chapter 1: Critical Care Nursing Practice
Question 4
The ICU nurse is reviewing a research article before
implementing a new intervention for preventing ventilator-
