1. 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

ANS: 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. The American Nurses

Association supports all nurses. The Society of Critical Care Medicine

represents the multiprofessional critical care team under the direction of

an intensivist.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: p. 4

OBJ: Discussthe purposes and functions of the professional

organizations that support critical care practice.

TOP: NursingProcess Step: N/A

MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment

2. A nurse has been working as a staff nurse in the

surgicalintensive care unit for 2 years and is interested in

certification. Which credential would be most applicable for her to

seek?

a. ACNPC

b. CCNS

c. CCRN

d. PCCN

ANS: C

The CCRN certification is appropriate for nurses in bedside practicewho

care for critically ill patients. The ACNPC certification is for

acute care nurse practitioners. The CCNS certification is for critical care

clinical nurse specialists. The PCCN certification is for staff nurses working

in progressive care, intermediate care, or step-down unit settings.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 5

OBJ: Explain certification options for critical care nurses. TOP: NursingProcess Step:

N/A

MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment

3. The main purposeof 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.

ANS: 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 purposeof certification.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: pp. 4-5

OBJ: Explain certification options for critical care nurses. TOP: NursingProcess Step:

N/A

MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment

4. The synergymodel of practicefocuses on:

a. allowing unrestricted visiting for the patient 24 hours each day.

b. holistic and alternative therapies.

c. needs of patients and their families, which drives nursing

competency.

d. patients needs for energy and support.

ANS: C

The synergymodel of practicestates that the needs of patients and families

influence and drive competencies ofnurses. Nursingpracticebased on the synergy

model would involve tailored visiting to meet the patients and familys needs and

application of alternative therapies if desired by the patient, but

that is not the primaryfocus ofthe model.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 5 | Fig. 1-3

OBJ: Describe standards of professional practicefor critical care nursing.

TOP: NursingProcess Step: N/A MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care

Environment

5. The family of your critically ill patient tells you that they

have not spoken with the physician in over 24 hours and they

have some questions that they want clarified. During morning rounds,

you convey this concern to the attending intensivist and arrange for

her to meet with the family at 4:00 PM in the conference

room. 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

ANS: 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.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: p. 9

OBJ: Describe standards of professional practicefor critical care nursing.

TOP: NursingProcess Step: N/A MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care

Environment

6. The AACN Standards for Acute and Critical Care NursingPracticeuse

what framework to guide critical care nursing practice?

a. Evidence-based practice

b. Healthy work environment

c. National Patient Safety Goals