PROGRESSIVE CARE RN A VERSION 1 2026
EXAM PREPARATION WORKBOOK
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
HIGH SCORE A+
◉ Identify the assessment priorities for each of the four types of
assessment: Answer: Pre-arrival = prepare environment
Quick Check = validates basic cardiac/respiratory function
is adequate
-Comprehensive = vital to successful outcomes by
providing insight into proactive interventions
-Ongoing = re-evaluates pt's specific condition, treatments
& response to therapy
◉ Admission of an acutely ill pt can be chaotic and staff must be
cognizant of: Answer: -accurate assessments & data gathering to
ensure the pt is
cared for safely with appropriate interventions.
◉ Obtaining inaccurate information on admission can lead to:
Answer: -ongoing errors that may not be easily rectified or
discovered
,-lead to poor pt outcomes
◉ Obtaining information from an acutely ill pt may be difficult.
Name other sources that must be utilized: Answer: -family
-electronic health records (EHR)
-past medical records
-transport records
-pt belongings
◉ What is of particular importance when a pt is admitted? Answer: -
obtaining accurate pt ID
-PMH
-allergies
-current Rx
◉ Identifying current meds the pt takes can: Answer: -provide clues
to medical condition
-contributing facts to the current condition
◉ Name THREE types of imperative medical information: Answer: -
advance directives
-allergies
-next of kin
,◉ What is of particular importance during the assessment? Answer:
-risk for pressure ulcers formation
-alteration in mental status
-falls
accurate patient ID
◉ Name FOUR things that can contribute to skin breakdown in
elderly patients. Answer: -loss of muscle mass
-osteoporosis
-osteoarthritis
-kyphosis
◉ Name some safety issues nurses need to be cognizant of as
treatment begins. Answer: -accurate programming of pumps
infusing high-risk Rx
-use all safety equipment available
-pre-programmed drug libraries
-bar coding technology
-ensure safety of invasive procedures
◉ Identify the key information that should be included in the pre-
arrival report: Answer: -chief complain
, -diagnosis
-reason for admission
-pertinent history details
-physiologic stability
-gender & age
-presence of invasive tubes & lines
-medications being administered
-ongoing treatments
-pending or completed labs/diagnostic tests
-isolation requirements
◉ Why is being prepared for isolation needs important? Answer: -
prevents potentially serious exposures to patient, room-
mates and HC workers
◉ What should be VERIFIED prior to the pt's arrival? Answer: -
proper functioning of all bedside equipment
◉ From the moment the pt arrives in the PCU, what is
IMMEDIATELY observed? Answer: - general appearance
-assessment of "ABCDE"
EXAM PREPARATION WORKBOOK
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
HIGH SCORE A+
◉ Identify the assessment priorities for each of the four types of
assessment: Answer: Pre-arrival = prepare environment
Quick Check = validates basic cardiac/respiratory function
is adequate
-Comprehensive = vital to successful outcomes by
providing insight into proactive interventions
-Ongoing = re-evaluates pt's specific condition, treatments
& response to therapy
◉ Admission of an acutely ill pt can be chaotic and staff must be
cognizant of: Answer: -accurate assessments & data gathering to
ensure the pt is
cared for safely with appropriate interventions.
◉ Obtaining inaccurate information on admission can lead to:
Answer: -ongoing errors that may not be easily rectified or
discovered
,-lead to poor pt outcomes
◉ Obtaining information from an acutely ill pt may be difficult.
Name other sources that must be utilized: Answer: -family
-electronic health records (EHR)
-past medical records
-transport records
-pt belongings
◉ What is of particular importance when a pt is admitted? Answer: -
obtaining accurate pt ID
-PMH
-allergies
-current Rx
◉ Identifying current meds the pt takes can: Answer: -provide clues
to medical condition
-contributing facts to the current condition
◉ Name THREE types of imperative medical information: Answer: -
advance directives
-allergies
-next of kin
,◉ What is of particular importance during the assessment? Answer:
-risk for pressure ulcers formation
-alteration in mental status
-falls
accurate patient ID
◉ Name FOUR things that can contribute to skin breakdown in
elderly patients. Answer: -loss of muscle mass
-osteoporosis
-osteoarthritis
-kyphosis
◉ Name some safety issues nurses need to be cognizant of as
treatment begins. Answer: -accurate programming of pumps
infusing high-risk Rx
-use all safety equipment available
-pre-programmed drug libraries
-bar coding technology
-ensure safety of invasive procedures
◉ Identify the key information that should be included in the pre-
arrival report: Answer: -chief complain
, -diagnosis
-reason for admission
-pertinent history details
-physiologic stability
-gender & age
-presence of invasive tubes & lines
-medications being administered
-ongoing treatments
-pending or completed labs/diagnostic tests
-isolation requirements
◉ Why is being prepared for isolation needs important? Answer: -
prevents potentially serious exposures to patient, room-
mates and HC workers
◉ What should be VERIFIED prior to the pt's arrival? Answer: -
proper functioning of all bedside equipment
◉ From the moment the pt arrives in the PCU, what is
IMMEDIATELY observed? Answer: - general appearance
-assessment of "ABCDE"
