CRITICAL CARE Exam 2 Questions
well answered to pass
A nurse is caring for a client in the ICU diagnosed with respiratory failure secondary to a right
lower lobe pneumonia. Which position will the nurse position the client to promote
oxygenation?
Supine with HOB elevated 30 degrees
Right side
Left side
Prone with HOB elevated 30 degrees - correct answer ✔✔Right side
A nurse is evaluating a chest X-ray on a client with ARDS and note bilateral "white-outs". The
nurse understands that ARDS occurs because of:
Cardiogenic pulmonary edema
Respiratory alkalosis
Increased pulmonary capillary permeability
Acute Renal Failure - correct answer ✔✔Increased pulmonary capillary permeability
What is the acid-base imbalance for the following ABG results?
pH 7.42
PaCO2 38
,HCO3 28
Metabolic Alkalosis, uncompensated
Metabolic Alkalosis, partially compensated
Respiratory Alkalosis, uncompensated
Respiratory Alkalosis, partially compensated - correct answer ✔✔Metabolic Alkalosis, partially
compensated
A nurse is caring for a post-op patient. What assessment finding would the nurse recognize as
an indication of a pulmonary embolism?
Difficulty swallowing
Bradycardia
Tracheal deviation
Sudden onset of dyspnea - correct answer ✔✔Sudden onset of dyspnea
A client with a pulmonary embolism is experiencing increased right ventricular afterload. Which
of the following is a priority concern of the nurse?
Cardiogenic shock
Myocardial infarction
Stroke
Decreased urine output - correct answer ✔✔Cardiogenic shock
A nurse is assessing a client with multiple trauma who is at risk for developing acute respiratory
distress syndrome (ARDS). The nurse should assess for which earliest sign of ARDS?
, Wheezing bilaterally on auscultation
Peripheral edema
Increased respiratory rate
Intercostal retractions - correct answer ✔✔Increased respiratory rate
Which of the following clients is at highest risk for developing a pulmonary embolism?
A healthy 27-year-old male who runs marathons
A 38-year-old female smoker, who was recently prescribed birth control
A 42-year-old male with a history of hypertension
A 14-year-old female who broke her arm in gymnastics - correct answer ✔✔A 38-year-old
female smoker, who was recently prescribed birth control
Which intervention for a client with a pulmonary embolism would the RN assign to the LPN on
the healthcare team?
Auscultating the lungs for crackles
Evaluating the patient's reports of chest pain
Monitoring lab values for changes in oxygenation
Assessing for symptoms of respiratory failure - correct answer ✔✔Auscultating the lungs for
crackles
A nurse in the ED is caring for a client who has pulmonary edema, reports shortness of breath,
and appears visibly anxious. The client's BP is 108/79, pulse is 112, and respiratory rate is 26.
Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention?
Reassure the client
well answered to pass
A nurse is caring for a client in the ICU diagnosed with respiratory failure secondary to a right
lower lobe pneumonia. Which position will the nurse position the client to promote
oxygenation?
Supine with HOB elevated 30 degrees
Right side
Left side
Prone with HOB elevated 30 degrees - correct answer ✔✔Right side
A nurse is evaluating a chest X-ray on a client with ARDS and note bilateral "white-outs". The
nurse understands that ARDS occurs because of:
Cardiogenic pulmonary edema
Respiratory alkalosis
Increased pulmonary capillary permeability
Acute Renal Failure - correct answer ✔✔Increased pulmonary capillary permeability
What is the acid-base imbalance for the following ABG results?
pH 7.42
PaCO2 38
,HCO3 28
Metabolic Alkalosis, uncompensated
Metabolic Alkalosis, partially compensated
Respiratory Alkalosis, uncompensated
Respiratory Alkalosis, partially compensated - correct answer ✔✔Metabolic Alkalosis, partially
compensated
A nurse is caring for a post-op patient. What assessment finding would the nurse recognize as
an indication of a pulmonary embolism?
Difficulty swallowing
Bradycardia
Tracheal deviation
Sudden onset of dyspnea - correct answer ✔✔Sudden onset of dyspnea
A client with a pulmonary embolism is experiencing increased right ventricular afterload. Which
of the following is a priority concern of the nurse?
Cardiogenic shock
Myocardial infarction
Stroke
Decreased urine output - correct answer ✔✔Cardiogenic shock
A nurse is assessing a client with multiple trauma who is at risk for developing acute respiratory
distress syndrome (ARDS). The nurse should assess for which earliest sign of ARDS?
, Wheezing bilaterally on auscultation
Peripheral edema
Increased respiratory rate
Intercostal retractions - correct answer ✔✔Increased respiratory rate
Which of the following clients is at highest risk for developing a pulmonary embolism?
A healthy 27-year-old male who runs marathons
A 38-year-old female smoker, who was recently prescribed birth control
A 42-year-old male with a history of hypertension
A 14-year-old female who broke her arm in gymnastics - correct answer ✔✔A 38-year-old
female smoker, who was recently prescribed birth control
Which intervention for a client with a pulmonary embolism would the RN assign to the LPN on
the healthcare team?
Auscultating the lungs for crackles
Evaluating the patient's reports of chest pain
Monitoring lab values for changes in oxygenation
Assessing for symptoms of respiratory failure - correct answer ✔✔Auscultating the lungs for
crackles
A nurse in the ED is caring for a client who has pulmonary edema, reports shortness of breath,
and appears visibly anxious. The client's BP is 108/79, pulse is 112, and respiratory rate is 26.
Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention?
Reassure the client
