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1. Which is the highest priority in the initial assessment of a critically ill patient?
A. Nutrition
B. Airway
C. Mobility
D. Sleep
Correct Answer: B. Airway
Rationale: Airway assessment and protection are the first priorities in emergency and critical
care management.
2. Which oxygen delivery device provides the highest oxygen concentration?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Simple face mask
C. Non-rebreather mask
D. Venturi mask
Correct Answer: C. Non-rebreather mask
Rationale: A non-rebreather mask can deliver up to approximately 90–100% oxygen when
used correctly.
3. What is the normal adult respiratory rate?
A. 4–8 breaths/min
B. 8–12 breaths/min
C. 12–20 breaths/min
D. 24–30 breaths/min
Correct Answer: C. 12–20 breaths/min
Rationale: The normal resting respiratory rate for adults is 12–20 breaths per minute.
4. Which finding suggests respiratory distress?
A. Bradycardia
B. Use of accessory muscles
C. Decreased urine output
D. Constipation
Correct Answer: B. Use of accessory muscles
Rationale: Accessory muscle use is a classic sign of increased work of breathing.
5. What is the primary goal of mechanical ventilation?
A. Cure lung disease
B. Replace kidney function
C. Support oxygenation and ventilation
D. Lower blood pressure
Correct Answer: C. Support oxygenation and ventilation
Rationale: Mechanical ventilation supports gas exchange while underlying conditions are
treated.
, 6. Which arterial blood gas value indicates acidosis?
A. pH 7.50
B. pH 7.45
C. pH 7.40
D. pH 7.30
Correct Answer: D. pH 7.30
Rationale: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis.
7. What is the normal arterial blood pH range?
A. 6.8–7.0
B. 7.10–7.20
C. 7.35–7.45
D. 7.60–7.70
Correct Answer: C. 7.35–7.45
Rationale: Normal physiologic pH is maintained between 7.35 and 7.45.
8. Which electrolyte abnormality is most associated with cardiac arrhythmias?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypermagnesemia
D. Hyperphosphatemia
Correct Answer: A. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Elevated potassium significantly increases the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.
9. Which rhythm requires immediate defibrillation?
A. Sinus rhythm
B. Atrial fibrillation
C. Ventricular fibrillation
D. First-degree AV block
Correct Answer: C. Ventricular fibrillation
Rationale: Ventricular fibrillation is a shockable cardiac arrest rhythm.
10. The most common cause of cardiac arrest in adults is:
A. Hypothermia
B. Coronary artery disease
C. Stroke
D. Liver failure
Correct Answer: B. Coronary artery disease
Rationale: Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of adult cardiac arrest.
11. Which shock type results from severe infection?
A. Cardiogenic
B. Obstructive
C. Septic
D. Neurogenic
Correct Answer: C. Septic
Rationale: Septic shock occurs due to a dysregulated response to infection.
12. Initial fluid resuscitation for septic shock generally uses:
A. Dextrose 5%