Introduction to Critical Care Nursing exam with rationale

Introduction to Critical Care Nursing exam with rationale

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 - Answer: C

The CCRN certification is appropriate for nurses in bedside practice who care for critically ill patients.

The ACNPC-AG certification is for acute care nurse practitioners. The CNML is for critical care nurse

managers or leaders. The PCCN certification is for staff nurses working in progressive care, intermediate care, or step-down unit settings.

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The main purpose of CCRN 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 - Answer: D

Certification assists in validating knowledge of the field, promotes excellence in the profession, and helps

nurses to maintain their knowledge of critical care nursing. Certification helps to assure the consumer that the nurse has a minimum level of knowledge; however, it does not ensure that care will be mistake-free.

Certification does not prepare one for graduate school; however, achieving certification demonstrates

motivation for achievement and professionalism. Magnet facilities are rated on the number of certified nurses; however, that is not the purpose of certification.

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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. - Answer: C

The synergy model of practice states that the needs of patients and families influence and drive

competencies of nurses. Nursing practice based on the synergy model would involve tailored visiting to

meet the patient's and family's needs and the application of alternative therapies if desired by the patient, but that is not the primary focus of the model.

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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 - Answer: C

Although one might consider that all of these competencies are being addressed, communication and

collaboration with the family and physician best exemplify the competency of collaboration

 p. 6 | Fig 1-3 | Box 1

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 - Answer: D

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 - Answer: A

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is the specialty organization that supports and

represents critical care nurses. The American Heart Association supports cardiovascular initiatives. T