Critical Care Nursing Practice Exam
Questions With Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
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1. A patient in septic shock has a MAP of 55 mmHg. What is the
priority intervention?
A. Administer antihypertensives
B. Start IV vasopressor therapy
C. Restrict fluids
D. Encourage oral intake
Rationale: In septic shock, hypotension with MAP <65 mmHg
requires vasopressors after fluid resuscitation to maintain
perfusion.
2. Which ABG result indicates respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.48, PaCO₂ 30
B. pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 55
C. pH 7.50, HCO₃ 30
D. pH 7.40, PaCO₂ 40
Rationale: Elevated CO₂ with low pH indicates hypoventilation and
respiratory acidosis.
,3. The earliest sign of hypoxia in a critical care patient is:
A. Cyanosis
B. Hypotension
C. Restlessness
D. Bradycardia
Rationale: Restlessness and agitation occur early due to cerebral
hypoxia.
4. Which medication is first-line for cardiogenic shock?
A. Dopamine
B. Dobutamine
C. Furosemide
D. Atropine
Rationale: Dobutamine improves cardiac contractility in
cardiogenic shock.
5. A patient develops ventricular fibrillation. The nurse should:
A. Check pulse
B. Administer amiodarone first
C. Defibrillate immediately
D. Start CPR after medications
Rationale: VF requires immediate defibrillation for survival.
6. Normal central venous pressure (CVP) range is:
A. 0–2 mmHg
B. 2–6 mmHg
, C. 10–15 mmHg
D. 15–20 mmHg
Rationale: CVP 2–6 mmHg reflects normal right atrial pressure.
7. Which finding suggests increased intracranial pressure?
A. Bradycardia, hypertension, irregular respirations
B. Tachycardia, hypotension
C. Fever and tachypnea
D. Polyuria
Rationale: Cushing’s triad indicates increased ICP.
8. Mannitol is used in ICU primarily to:
A. Lower blood pressure
B. Increase urine output in kidney failure
C. Reduce intracranial pressure
D. Treat infection
Rationale: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to decrease
cerebral edema.
9. A patient on mechanical ventilation has high peak airway pressure
alarms. First action?
A. Increase sedation
B. Check for airway obstruction or secretions
C. Extubate patient
D. Increase tidal volume
Questions With Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. A patient in septic shock has a MAP of 55 mmHg. What is the
priority intervention?
A. Administer antihypertensives
B. Start IV vasopressor therapy
C. Restrict fluids
D. Encourage oral intake
Rationale: In septic shock, hypotension with MAP <65 mmHg
requires vasopressors after fluid resuscitation to maintain
perfusion.
2. Which ABG result indicates respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.48, PaCO₂ 30
B. pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 55
C. pH 7.50, HCO₃ 30
D. pH 7.40, PaCO₂ 40
Rationale: Elevated CO₂ with low pH indicates hypoventilation and
respiratory acidosis.
,3. The earliest sign of hypoxia in a critical care patient is:
A. Cyanosis
B. Hypotension
C. Restlessness
D. Bradycardia
Rationale: Restlessness and agitation occur early due to cerebral
hypoxia.
4. Which medication is first-line for cardiogenic shock?
A. Dopamine
B. Dobutamine
C. Furosemide
D. Atropine
Rationale: Dobutamine improves cardiac contractility in
cardiogenic shock.
5. A patient develops ventricular fibrillation. The nurse should:
A. Check pulse
B. Administer amiodarone first
C. Defibrillate immediately
D. Start CPR after medications
Rationale: VF requires immediate defibrillation for survival.
6. Normal central venous pressure (CVP) range is:
A. 0–2 mmHg
B. 2–6 mmHg
, C. 10–15 mmHg
D. 15–20 mmHg
Rationale: CVP 2–6 mmHg reflects normal right atrial pressure.
7. Which finding suggests increased intracranial pressure?
A. Bradycardia, hypertension, irregular respirations
B. Tachycardia, hypotension
C. Fever and tachypnea
D. Polyuria
Rationale: Cushing’s triad indicates increased ICP.
8. Mannitol is used in ICU primarily to:
A. Lower blood pressure
B. Increase urine output in kidney failure
C. Reduce intracranial pressure
D. Treat infection
Rationale: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to decrease
cerebral edema.
9. A patient on mechanical ventilation has high peak airway pressure
alarms. First action?
A. Increase sedation
B. Check for airway obstruction or secretions
C. Extubate patient
D. Increase tidal volume
