General Critical Care ACCS Exam Prep – 155 Verified
Questions & Answers | Latest Update 2026 | Exam Q&A
PDF | 100% Pass Guarantee
1. In a scenario where a patient has an arterial line reading of 90/60 mmHg and
a cuff reading of 100/70 mmHg, what should be your next step in
management?
Trust the arterial line reading and assess the patient's hemodynamic
status.
Adjust medications based on the cuff reading.
Recheck the cuff reading before making any decisions.
Immediately administer fluids based on the cuff reading.
2. What is a common EKG finding associated with myocardial ischemia?
Q wave formation
T wave inversion
ST segment depression
ST segment elevation
3. A STEMI myocardial infarction is represented on an EKG by:
ST segment elevation.
ST segment depression.
A prolonged ST segment.
An absent ST segment.
,4. In a scenario where a patient with a chest tube shows no bubbling in the
water-seal chamber, what would be the most appropriate next step in
management?
Administer supplemental oxygen to the patient.
Monitor the patient for signs of respiratory improvement.
Immediately replace the chest tube.
Increase the suction pressure on the drainage system.
5. Describe the significance of using a chest X-ray in the diagnosis of pleural
effusions.
A chest X-ray is significant because it helps in the assessment of bone
fractures.
A chest X-ray is significant because it can measure blood flow in the
lungs.
A chest X-ray is significant because it allows for the visualization of
fluid accumulation in the pleural space, aiding in diagnosis.
A chest X-ray is significant because it provides detailed images of the
heart's structure.
6. A patient has developed refractory hypoxemia with a PaO2/FIO2 (P/F) index
of 150 mm Hg. The most appropriate intervention for this condition is:
noninvasive positive pressure ventilation
mechanical ventilation.
oxygen therapy.
positive end-expiratory pressure.
,7. Describe the significance of the sulcus sign in the context of pulmonary
conditions.
The sulcus sign indicates the presence of pleural effusion, which can
affect lung function and requires further evaluation.
The sulcus sign is a marker for lung cancer diagnosis.
The sulcus sign suggests a normal lung condition without any issues.
The sulcus sign shows lung consolidation, indicating pneumonia.
8. Normal resting breathing (12 - 20 breaths per minute)
dyspnea
apnea
orthopnea
eupnea
9. Following the insertion of an endotracial tube (ETT) the nurse auscultates
breath sounds over the right thorax but none over the left thorax. the nurse
should anticipate that the ETT will need to be
pulled back a few centimeters
Attached the ventilator tubing
Removed so that it can be re-inserted
Advanced by a few centimeters
10. What does the absence of bubbling in the water-seal chamber typically
suggest?
The water-seal chamber is filled with fluid.
The patient is experiencing a pneumothorax.
, The system is functioning properly and there is no air leak.
There is a blockage in the drainage system.
11. Which AHI is considered severe?
5 or less
Greater than 30
3.14
15
12. The most commonly used and the less invasive imaging method for
detection of pleural effusions is:
MRI
high resolution computed tomography HRCT
X-ray - AP and also lateral projection
ultrasonography
13. If an endotracheal tube is found to be positioned below the carina on an x-
ray, what immediate action should be taken?
Increase the ventilatory support settings.
Administer a sedative to the patient.
Leave the tube in place and monitor the patient.
Reposition the endotracheal tube to the appropriate level.
14. In a scenario where a patient presents with septic shock, what would be the
most appropriate initial treatment approach?
Perform immediate intubation and ventilation
Questions & Answers | Latest Update 2026 | Exam Q&A
PDF | 100% Pass Guarantee
1. In a scenario where a patient has an arterial line reading of 90/60 mmHg and
a cuff reading of 100/70 mmHg, what should be your next step in
management?
Trust the arterial line reading and assess the patient's hemodynamic
status.
Adjust medications based on the cuff reading.
Recheck the cuff reading before making any decisions.
Immediately administer fluids based on the cuff reading.
2. What is a common EKG finding associated with myocardial ischemia?
Q wave formation
T wave inversion
ST segment depression
ST segment elevation
3. A STEMI myocardial infarction is represented on an EKG by:
ST segment elevation.
ST segment depression.
A prolonged ST segment.
An absent ST segment.
,4. In a scenario where a patient with a chest tube shows no bubbling in the
water-seal chamber, what would be the most appropriate next step in
management?
Administer supplemental oxygen to the patient.
Monitor the patient for signs of respiratory improvement.
Immediately replace the chest tube.
Increase the suction pressure on the drainage system.
5. Describe the significance of using a chest X-ray in the diagnosis of pleural
effusions.
A chest X-ray is significant because it helps in the assessment of bone
fractures.
A chest X-ray is significant because it can measure blood flow in the
lungs.
A chest X-ray is significant because it allows for the visualization of
fluid accumulation in the pleural space, aiding in diagnosis.
A chest X-ray is significant because it provides detailed images of the
heart's structure.
6. A patient has developed refractory hypoxemia with a PaO2/FIO2 (P/F) index
of 150 mm Hg. The most appropriate intervention for this condition is:
noninvasive positive pressure ventilation
mechanical ventilation.
oxygen therapy.
positive end-expiratory pressure.
,7. Describe the significance of the sulcus sign in the context of pulmonary
conditions.
The sulcus sign indicates the presence of pleural effusion, which can
affect lung function and requires further evaluation.
The sulcus sign is a marker for lung cancer diagnosis.
The sulcus sign suggests a normal lung condition without any issues.
The sulcus sign shows lung consolidation, indicating pneumonia.
8. Normal resting breathing (12 - 20 breaths per minute)
dyspnea
apnea
orthopnea
eupnea
9. Following the insertion of an endotracial tube (ETT) the nurse auscultates
breath sounds over the right thorax but none over the left thorax. the nurse
should anticipate that the ETT will need to be
pulled back a few centimeters
Attached the ventilator tubing
Removed so that it can be re-inserted
Advanced by a few centimeters
10. What does the absence of bubbling in the water-seal chamber typically
suggest?
The water-seal chamber is filled with fluid.
The patient is experiencing a pneumothorax.
, The system is functioning properly and there is no air leak.
There is a blockage in the drainage system.
11. Which AHI is considered severe?
5 or less
Greater than 30
3.14
15
12. The most commonly used and the less invasive imaging method for
detection of pleural effusions is:
MRI
high resolution computed tomography HRCT
X-ray - AP and also lateral projection
ultrasonography
13. If an endotracheal tube is found to be positioned below the carina on an x-
ray, what immediate action should be taken?
Increase the ventilatory support settings.
Administer a sedative to the patient.
Leave the tube in place and monitor the patient.
Reposition the endotracheal tube to the appropriate level.
14. In a scenario where a patient presents with septic shock, what would be the
most appropriate initial treatment approach?
Perform immediate intubation and ventilation
