Critical Care Exam 1 Questions and

1

Critical Care Exam 1 Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

What is the priority assessment in a client with a suspected myocardial infarction?

• Bowel sounds

✔✔B. Chest pain and ECG changes

• Urine output
• Skin integrity

Which lab value is most specific for identifying myocardial injury?

A. BUN

✔✔B. Troponin I

• Hematocrit
• Sodium

What is the primary purpose of administering norepinephrine in critical care?

• To lower heart rate

✔✔B. To increase blood pressure in hypotensive patients 1 / 4

2

• To reduce fever
• To prevent seizures

Which intervention is most important during the first hour of sepsis management?

• Insert Foley catheter

✔✔B. Administer IV fluids and antibiotics

• Monitor blood glucose
• Elevate head of bed

Which finding requires immediate intervention in a patient on a ventilator?

• RR of 16/min
• Clear lung sounds

✔✔C. High-pressure alarm and absent breath sounds

• SpO₂ 96%

What is the primary goal in treating a patient with ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)?

• Reduce urine output 2 / 4

3

✔✔B. Improve oxygenation

• Increase heart rate
• Prevent weight gain

Which of the following assessments is most critical before giving a beta-blocker in the ICU?

• Bowel movement frequency

✔✔B. Heart rate and blood pressure

• Skin turgor
• Urine color

Why is lactate level monitored in septic patients?

• To assess liver function

✔✔B. To evaluate tissue perfusion and oxygenation

• To detect kidney injury
• To predict fever

What is the most appropriate action when a patient's central line dressing becomes loose?

• Leave it alone until the next scheduled change 3 / 4

4

✔✔B. Replace the dressing using sterile technique

• Tape it down and document
• Ask another nurse to check it

Which rhythm requires immediate defibrillation?

• Atrial fibrillation

✔✔B. Ventricular fibrillation

• First-degree heart block
• Sinus bradycardia

What is the primary purpose of sedation in a ventilated patient?

• To cure infection
• To increase blood pressure

✔✔C. To reduce anxiety and promote synchrony with the ventilator

• To stimulate breathing

Which electrolyte abnormality is most concerning in a patient with cardiac dysrhythmias?✔✔A. Hypokalemia

• / 4