Priorities in Critical Care Nursing, Test 1

According to the transactional theories on stress, what does a person do first when confronted by stress? - Determines the perceived degree of threat imposed Nearly 25% of people surviving a critical illness and an intensive care unit stay subsequently exhibit symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A patient with PTSD may manifest which behavior? - Intrusive recall of the event A subjective state in which an individual sees extremely limited or no alternatives and is unable to mobilize energy on his or her behalf is known as: - Hopelessness Which statement regarding regression as a coping mechanism for critical care patients is accurate? - It is necessary to some degree to allow staff to administer care Which concept supports patients and helps them endure the physical and psychological insults of their critical illness? - Hope Which therapeutic technique may be used to enhance coping in the critical care environment? - Foster trust in the interprofessional health care team Which nursing intervention can help family members who are extremely upset? - Supporting the family members away from the bedside A patient has been admitted with a severed spinal cord injury at the T2 level. The patient has been in halo traction with immobilization for the past week. The practitioner has explained to the patient that the spinal cord has been severed and that the patient will not be able to walk again. The patient states, "I can't wait until I can get on my feet and walk again." Which defense mechanism is the patient exhibiting in this statement? - Denial An adult patient sustains third- and fourth-degree burns to more than 70% of her body related to a house fire. The patient begins a pattern of behavior similar to that of a young child, in which she repeatedly whines and throws "temper tantrums" in an attempt to keep her nurse at the bedside. What coping mechanism is the patient exhibiting? - Regression A patient is admitted with the diagnosis of gunshot wound to the head due to a suicide attempt. While the patient is in the critical care unit, the plan of care should include which intervention? - Validating the patient's need to talk about the incident What happens when the critical illness is so severe that the patient or family becomes overwhelmed? - Stress overload Which medications are commonly used for alcohol withdrawal symptoms? - Chlordiazepoxide and lorazepam Prolonged periods of anxious waiting, disrupted sleep patterns, witnessing emergency interventions, and financial concerns could put family members at risk for developing what problem? - PTSD Anxiety can cause emotional changes in which part of the brain? - Neurotransmitters A patient is admitted complaining of pain from a femur fracture and is anxious and agitated. The patient is receiving steroids and theophylline for exacerbation of asthma. What disorder should the nurse suspect the patient may be experiencing? - Anxiety A patient tells his family, "I don't know why I was placed on this earth just to suffer from cancer all my life. I just want to die." What psychosocial issue is the patient experiencing? - Spiritual Distress Through what mechanism can a nurse demonstrate caring and support to a patient? - Providing empathy and physical contact What serious concern regarding the critical care environment affects the patient's ability to cope and heal? - Deprivation of sleep What type of diet would be appropriate for a patient with heart failure? - Low-salt diet The loss of exocrine function in pancreatitis results in what disorder? - Malabsorption A patient on mechanical ventilation is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which statement is true? - Excessive calorie intake can cause an increase in PaCO2 What intervention should be included in a nutrition plan for a patient with a myocardial infarction? - Monitor the effects of caffeine on the patient The loss of endocrine function in pancreatitis results in what disorder? - Hyperglycemia Which complication can be the result of malnutrition in the hospitalized patient? - Respiratory failure What is the rationale for careful intake and output for patients with pulmonary alterations? - Fluid volume excess can lead to right-sided heart failure A patient who has sustained a head injury has increased nutritional needs related to what physiologic mechanism? - Hypermetabolism and catabolism associated with the injury The patient is receiving corticosteroid treatment for neurologic alterations. The patient should be routinely monitored for what