ATI CRITICAL CARE PROCTORED EXAM 1 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025-2026 COMPLETE SOLUTION

A patient with an acid-base imbalance has an altered potassium level. The nurse
recognizes that the potassium level is altered because
a. Potassium is returned to extracellular fluid when metabolic acidosis is corrected.
b. Hyperkalemia causes an alkalosis that results in potassium being shifted into the
cells.
c. Acidosis causes hydrogen ions in the blood to be exchanged for potassium from the
cells.
d. In alkalosis, potassium is shifted into extracellular fluid to bind excessive bicarbonate.
A patient has the following ABG results: pH 7.48, PaO2 86 mm Hg, PaCO2 44 mm Hg,
HCO3 29 mEq/L. When assessing the patient, the nurse would expect the patient to
have
a. Muscle cramping
b. Warm, flushed skin
c. Respiratory rate of 36
d. Blood pressure of 94/52
A patient with a head injury has an arterial BP of 92/50 mm Hg and ICP of 18 mm Hg.
How should the nurse interpret the results?
a. The CPP is so low that brain death is imminent.
b. The CPP is low, and the BP should be increased.
c. The CPP is high, and the ICP should be reduced.
d. The CPP is adequate for normal cerebral blood flow.
What is the most common buffer system in the body?
a. Plasma protein
b. Hemoglobin
c. Phosphate
d. Bicarbonate-carbonic acid
A patient with increased ICP is positioned in a lateral position with the head of the bed
elevated 30 degrees. The nurse evaluates a need for lowering the head of the bed
when the patient experiences
a. ptosis of the eyelid.
b. unexpected vomiting.
c. a decrease in motor functions.
d. decreasing level of consciousness.