Critical Care Final Exam Practice

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

What is the primary goal in the management of a patient in critical care?

• To provide comfort measures only

✔✔B. To stabilize the patient's condition and prevent further deterioration

• To improve the patient’s nutritional status
• To administer high doses of medications

Which of the following assessments is most important for a critically ill patient who is on a ventilator?

• Daily weight
• Urine output

✔✔C. Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation

• Serum albumin levels

What is a common complication of prolonged mechanical ventilation?

• Hypokalemia 1 / 4

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✔✔B. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)

• Hypernatremia
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Which of the following is a primary nursing intervention for a patient with shock?✔✔A. Administer IV fluids and medications to support blood pressure

• Provide comfort measures and pain management
• Restrict all fluid intake to prevent overload
• Encourage the patient to ambulate to increase circulation

What is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with a high intracranial pressure

(ICP)?

• Elevate the legs to improve venous return
• Encourage coughing and deep breathing to clear the airways

✔✔C. Keep the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees and avoid neck flexion

• Administer sedatives to reduce agitation
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What is the priority action for a nurse when a patient shows signs of a possible myocardial infarction (MI)?✔✔A. Administer oxygen and notify the healthcare provider immediately

• Place the patient in a high Fowler’s position
• Monitor vital signs for changes only
• Provide a tranquilizer to reduce anxiety

What is a characteristic sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in critically ill patients?

• Red, itchy rash over the legs

✔✔B. Unilateral swelling, pain, and warmth in the affected leg

• Sudden sharp chest pain on inspiration
• Generalized leg weakness

Which lab result would be most concerning in a patient with acute kidney injury (AKI)?

• Elevated glucose levels
• Decreased potassium levels

✔✔C. Elevated serum creatinine levels

• Low blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 3 / 4

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What is a common complication in a patient with a severe burn injury?✔✔A. Hypovolemic shock

• Respiratory alkalosis
• Hyperglycemia
• Hypertension

In the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which strategy is most beneficial for improving oxygenation?✔✔A. Using low tidal volumes and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)

• Administering high-flow oxygen continuously
• Encouraging the patient to breathe spontaneously
• Positioning the patient in the supine position

Which of the following should be included in the care plan for a patient experiencing septic shock?

• Administer vasopressors without fluid resuscitation
• Delay antibiotic therapy until blood cultures are completed
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