Chapter 01: Overview of Critical Care Nursing MULTIPLE CHOICE 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: Discuss the purposes and functions of the professional organizations that support critical care practice. TOP: Nursing Process Step: N/A MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment 2. 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 her to seek? a. ACNPC b. CCNS c. CCRN d. PCCN ANS: C The CCRN certification is appropriate for nurses in bedside practice who 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: Nursing Process Step: N/A MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment 3 3. The main purpose of 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 purpose of certification