AACN Critical Care Exam 1 Newest 2026
Questions and Correct Detailed Answers
Already Graded A+
What standardized measures have been implemented to help prevent
communication breakdown at shift change? - CORRECT ANSWER-SBAR,
checklists
What are examples of things you may need to communicate during multi-
professional rounds? - CORRECT ANSWER-D/C needs, greatest safety risk,
assessment and followup, implementation of bundles, assess need for all ordered
meds, identify whether central lines & catheters can be removed, code status,
family needs, advance directives, when to call MD, tx goals
What types of things contribute to sensory overload/deprivation in a critical care
environment? - CORRECT ANSWER-noise level, environment different than
surroundings causing hallucinations, lighting
,What types of interventions can nurses implement to combat sensory
overload/deprivation? - CORRECT ANSWER-Noise: place pt in private room,
soundproof ceiling tiles, sedative music, quickly assess alarms
Hallucinations: post family photos, encourage visitation, interact w pt
Use natural lighting
help design optimal and safe environment
What types of stressors do patients identify from their critical care experience? -
CORRECT ANSWER-difficulty communicating, pain, thirst, difficulty swallowing,
anxiety, lack of control, depression/fear, lack of family/friends, physical restraint,
feelings of dread, inability to get comfortable, difficulty sleeping, loneliness,
thoughts of death
What age-related demographic is at high risk for negative outcomes in the ICU? -
CORRECT ANSWER-older adults >65 yo
Professional organizations that support critical care practice - CORRECT
ANSWER-American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), Society of Critical
Care Medicine
What is the mission of AACN? - CORRECT ANSWER-assisting acute and critical
care nurses to attain knowledge and influence to deliver excellent care
, What is the vision of AACN? - CORRECT ANSWER-supports creating a
healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and families in which critical
care nurses make their optimal contributions...synergy
What are the values of AACN? - CORRECT ANSWER-accountability, advocacy,
integrity, collaboration, leadership, stewardship, lifelong learning, quality,
innovation, commitment
Explain the synergy model and recognize how it is used in practice - CORRECT
ANSWER-- framework that aligns patient needs w nurse competencies
- needs of patient drive nurse competencies for patient care
What types of certifications are available for ICU nurses? - CORRECT ANSWER-
CCRN - critically ill adult, pediatric or neonatal pts
PCCN - acute care in progressive care, telemetry
AACN - nurse managers and leaders
Why are certifications important? - CORRECT ANSWER-validates knowledge of
critical care nursing, promotes professional excellence, helps nurses to maintain
current knowledge base
Questions and Correct Detailed Answers
Already Graded A+
What standardized measures have been implemented to help prevent
communication breakdown at shift change? - CORRECT ANSWER-SBAR,
checklists
What are examples of things you may need to communicate during multi-
professional rounds? - CORRECT ANSWER-D/C needs, greatest safety risk,
assessment and followup, implementation of bundles, assess need for all ordered
meds, identify whether central lines & catheters can be removed, code status,
family needs, advance directives, when to call MD, tx goals
What types of things contribute to sensory overload/deprivation in a critical care
environment? - CORRECT ANSWER-noise level, environment different than
surroundings causing hallucinations, lighting
,What types of interventions can nurses implement to combat sensory
overload/deprivation? - CORRECT ANSWER-Noise: place pt in private room,
soundproof ceiling tiles, sedative music, quickly assess alarms
Hallucinations: post family photos, encourage visitation, interact w pt
Use natural lighting
help design optimal and safe environment
What types of stressors do patients identify from their critical care experience? -
CORRECT ANSWER-difficulty communicating, pain, thirst, difficulty swallowing,
anxiety, lack of control, depression/fear, lack of family/friends, physical restraint,
feelings of dread, inability to get comfortable, difficulty sleeping, loneliness,
thoughts of death
What age-related demographic is at high risk for negative outcomes in the ICU? -
CORRECT ANSWER-older adults >65 yo
Professional organizations that support critical care practice - CORRECT
ANSWER-American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), Society of Critical
Care Medicine
What is the mission of AACN? - CORRECT ANSWER-assisting acute and critical
care nurses to attain knowledge and influence to deliver excellent care
, What is the vision of AACN? - CORRECT ANSWER-supports creating a
healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and families in which critical
care nurses make their optimal contributions...synergy
What are the values of AACN? - CORRECT ANSWER-accountability, advocacy,
integrity, collaboration, leadership, stewardship, lifelong learning, quality,
innovation, commitment
Explain the synergy model and recognize how it is used in practice - CORRECT
ANSWER-- framework that aligns patient needs w nurse competencies
- needs of patient drive nurse competencies for patient care
What types of certifications are available for ICU nurses? - CORRECT ANSWER-
CCRN - critically ill adult, pediatric or neonatal pts
PCCN - acute care in progressive care, telemetry
AACN - nurse managers and leaders
Why are certifications important? - CORRECT ANSWER-validates knowledge of
critical care nursing, promotes professional excellence, helps nurses to maintain
current knowledge base
