Critical Care Nursing
A Holistic Approach
12th Edition
Author(s)Patricia Gonce Morton; Paul
Thurman
TEST BANK
Section A — High-Level MCQs
,Question 1
A newly hired ICU nurse asks why evidence-based practice
(EBP) is emphasized during orientation. Which statement by
the experienced critical care nurse best explains the purpose of
EBP in critical care nursing?
A. “EBP replaces clinical judgment with standardized
protocols.”
B. “EBP integrates research evidence, clinical expertise, and
patient values to improve outcomes.”
C. “EBP is primarily used to reduce nursing documentation.”
D. “EBP eliminates the need for individualized patient care.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Evidence-based practice integrates the best current evidence,
clinical expertise, and patient preferences to improve patient
outcomes and safety in critical care settings. EBP does not
replace clinical judgment or individualized care. Documentation
reduction is not the primary purpose of EBP.
Source:
Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach, 12th Edition –
Chapter 1: Critical Care Nursing Practice
Question 2
A critical care nurse is reviewing research articles before
implementing a new intervention for prevention of ventilator-
,associated complications. Which source of evidence should the
nurse recognize as providing the strongest level of evidence?
A. Expert opinion from experienced ICU nurses
B. A single descriptive study
C. Systematic review of randomized controlled trials
D. Case reports from one institution
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials represent
one of the highest levels of evidence because they synthesize
findings from multiple rigorous studies. Expert opinion and case
reports are lower levels of evidence due to increased potential
for bias and limited generalizability.
Source:
Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach, 12th Edition –
Chapter 1: Critical Care Nursing Practice
Question 3
The charge nurse observes repeated communication
breakdowns during ICU handoff reports. Which Healthy Work
Environment standard is most directly affected?
A. Appropriate Staffing
B. Meaningful Recognition
C. Skilled Communication
D. Authentic Leadership
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Skilled communication is essential for safe and effective critical
care practice. Communication failures during handoffs increase
risk for patient harm and compromise interdisciplinary
collaboration. The scenario specifically focuses on
communication effectiveness rather than staffing or leadership
issues.
Source:
Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach, 12th Edition –
Chapter 1: Critical Care Nursing Practice
Question 4
An ICU nurse identifies a sudden decrease in a patient’s blood
pressure and immediately notifies the provider while initiating
emergency interventions. Which characteristic of critical care
nursing is best demonstrated?
A. Task-oriented nursing care
B. Rapid clinical prioritization
C. Independent medical management
D. Routine patient assessment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Critical care nursing requires rapid recognition of patient
deterioration and prompt prioritization of interventions to
A Holistic Approach
12th Edition
Author(s)Patricia Gonce Morton; Paul
Thurman
TEST BANK
Section A — High-Level MCQs
,Question 1
A newly hired ICU nurse asks why evidence-based practice
(EBP) is emphasized during orientation. Which statement by
the experienced critical care nurse best explains the purpose of
EBP in critical care nursing?
A. “EBP replaces clinical judgment with standardized
protocols.”
B. “EBP integrates research evidence, clinical expertise, and
patient values to improve outcomes.”
C. “EBP is primarily used to reduce nursing documentation.”
D. “EBP eliminates the need for individualized patient care.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Evidence-based practice integrates the best current evidence,
clinical expertise, and patient preferences to improve patient
outcomes and safety in critical care settings. EBP does not
replace clinical judgment or individualized care. Documentation
reduction is not the primary purpose of EBP.
Source:
Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach, 12th Edition –
Chapter 1: Critical Care Nursing Practice
Question 2
A critical care nurse is reviewing research articles before
implementing a new intervention for prevention of ventilator-
,associated complications. Which source of evidence should the
nurse recognize as providing the strongest level of evidence?
A. Expert opinion from experienced ICU nurses
B. A single descriptive study
C. Systematic review of randomized controlled trials
D. Case reports from one institution
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials represent
one of the highest levels of evidence because they synthesize
findings from multiple rigorous studies. Expert opinion and case
reports are lower levels of evidence due to increased potential
for bias and limited generalizability.
Source:
Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach, 12th Edition –
Chapter 1: Critical Care Nursing Practice
Question 3
The charge nurse observes repeated communication
breakdowns during ICU handoff reports. Which Healthy Work
Environment standard is most directly affected?
A. Appropriate Staffing
B. Meaningful Recognition
C. Skilled Communication
D. Authentic Leadership
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Skilled communication is essential for safe and effective critical
care practice. Communication failures during handoffs increase
risk for patient harm and compromise interdisciplinary
collaboration. The scenario specifically focuses on
communication effectiveness rather than staffing or leadership
issues.
Source:
Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach, 12th Edition –
Chapter 1: Critical Care Nursing Practice
Question 4
An ICU nurse identifies a sudden decrease in a patient’s blood
pressure and immediately notifies the provider while initiating
emergency interventions. Which characteristic of critical care
nursing is best demonstrated?
A. Task-oriented nursing care
B. Rapid clinical prioritization
C. Independent medical management
D. Routine patient assessment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Critical care nursing requires rapid recognition of patient
deterioration and prompt prioritization of interventions to
