PENNSYLVANIA ICU NURSE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES |2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
PDF
1. Which of the following is the most accurate method to assess central
venous pressure (CVP)?
• A. Peripheral IV line
• B. Central venous catheter
• C. Noninvasive BP cuff
• D. Pulse oximetry
CVP is measured directly via a central venous catheter to evaluate right
atrial pressure.
2. The primary goal of mechanical ventilation in ARDS patients is:
• A. Increase cardiac output
• B. Improve oxygenation and reduce work of breathing
• C. Reduce fever
• D. Decrease hemoglobin levels
Mechanical ventilation supports gas exchange and decreases respiratory
effort.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause ventricular
arrhythmias?
• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Hypocalcemia
,• D. Hypermagnesemia
Potassium is crucial for cardiac electrical conduction; low levels can
precipitate arrhythmias.
4. In Pennsylvania, all newly licensed RNs must complete mandatory:
• A. Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
• B. Pain management course
• C. Child abuse recognition and reporting training
• D. ICU orientation
State law requires 3 hours of training in child abuse recognition.
5. A patient with septic shock requires fluid resuscitation. The first-line
fluid is:
• A. Dextrose 5%
• B. Normal saline (0.9% NaCl)
• C. Albumin
• D. Lactated Ringer’s
Crystalloids like normal saline are the first choice for initial resuscitation.
6. Which medication is commonly used to treat bradycardia in the ICU?
• A. Atropine
• B. Dopamine
• C. Furosemide
• D. Epinephrine
Atropine blocks parasympathetic stimulation, increasing heart rate.
7. The Glasgow Coma Scale assesses:
• A. Respiratory function
• B. Cardiac output
• C. Level of consciousness
, • D. Pain threshold
GCS evaluates eye, verbal, and motor responses.
8. When administering IV potassium, the maximum recommended rate in a
peripheral line is:
• A. 20 mEq/hr
• B. 10 mEq/hr
• C. 40 mEq/hr
• D. 5 mEq/hr
Peripheral infusion above 10 mEq/hr can cause vein irritation and
arrhythmias.
9. Which hemodynamic parameter is most indicative of left ventricular
function?
• A. Central venous pressure
• B. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)
• C. Heart rate
• D. Respiratory rate
PAWP reflects left atrial pressure and left ventricular preload.
10. A patient on norepinephrine infusion develops extravasation. The nurse
should:
• A. Stop infusion and apply heat
• B. Stop infusion and administer phentolamine locally
• C. Continue infusion at a lower rate
• D. Apply ice only
Phentolamine counteracts vasoconstriction and prevents tissue necrosis.
11. The preferred sedative for ICU patients requiring mechanical
ventilation is:
• A. Lorazepam
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES |2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
1. Which of the following is the most accurate method to assess central
venous pressure (CVP)?
• A. Peripheral IV line
• B. Central venous catheter
• C. Noninvasive BP cuff
• D. Pulse oximetry
CVP is measured directly via a central venous catheter to evaluate right
atrial pressure.
2. The primary goal of mechanical ventilation in ARDS patients is:
• A. Increase cardiac output
• B. Improve oxygenation and reduce work of breathing
• C. Reduce fever
• D. Decrease hemoglobin levels
Mechanical ventilation supports gas exchange and decreases respiratory
effort.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause ventricular
arrhythmias?
• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Hypocalcemia
,• D. Hypermagnesemia
Potassium is crucial for cardiac electrical conduction; low levels can
precipitate arrhythmias.
4. In Pennsylvania, all newly licensed RNs must complete mandatory:
• A. Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
• B. Pain management course
• C. Child abuse recognition and reporting training
• D. ICU orientation
State law requires 3 hours of training in child abuse recognition.
5. A patient with septic shock requires fluid resuscitation. The first-line
fluid is:
• A. Dextrose 5%
• B. Normal saline (0.9% NaCl)
• C. Albumin
• D. Lactated Ringer’s
Crystalloids like normal saline are the first choice for initial resuscitation.
6. Which medication is commonly used to treat bradycardia in the ICU?
• A. Atropine
• B. Dopamine
• C. Furosemide
• D. Epinephrine
Atropine blocks parasympathetic stimulation, increasing heart rate.
7. The Glasgow Coma Scale assesses:
• A. Respiratory function
• B. Cardiac output
• C. Level of consciousness
, • D. Pain threshold
GCS evaluates eye, verbal, and motor responses.
8. When administering IV potassium, the maximum recommended rate in a
peripheral line is:
• A. 20 mEq/hr
• B. 10 mEq/hr
• C. 40 mEq/hr
• D. 5 mEq/hr
Peripheral infusion above 10 mEq/hr can cause vein irritation and
arrhythmias.
9. Which hemodynamic parameter is most indicative of left ventricular
function?
• A. Central venous pressure
• B. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)
• C. Heart rate
• D. Respiratory rate
PAWP reflects left atrial pressure and left ventricular preload.
10. A patient on norepinephrine infusion develops extravasation. The nurse
should:
• A. Stop infusion and apply heat
• B. Stop infusion and administer phentolamine locally
• C. Continue infusion at a lower rate
• D. Apply ice only
Phentolamine counteracts vasoconstriction and prevents tissue necrosis.
11. The preferred sedative for ICU patients requiring mechanical
ventilation is:
• A. Lorazepam
