Critical Care Nursing MCQs

1. Which of the following is a priority intervention for a patient experiencing acute respiratory distress?

a) Administering oral medications
b) Providing supplemental oxygen
c) Performing routine diagnostic tests
d) Initiating physical therapy

Answer: b) Providing supplemental oxygen

2. What is the primary purpose of monitoring central venous pressure (CVP) in critically ill patients?

a) To assess cardiac output
b) To evaluate the patient’s nutritional status
c) To measure intracranial pressure
d) To determine fluid status and venous return

Answer: d) To determine fluid status and venous return

3. Which of the following is a common complication associated with mechanical ventilation?

a) Hypoglycemia
b) Pneumothorax
c) Dehydration
d) Bradycardia

Answer: b) Pneumothorax

4. In managing a patient with septic shock, which of the following interventions is crucial?

a) Administering antibiotics promptly
b) Restricting fluid intake
c) Providing high-dose insulin
d) Avoiding vasopressor medications

Answer: a) Administering antibiotics promptly

5. When monitoring a patient with acute myocardial infarction (MI), which of the following is a critical finding?

a) Bradycardia
b) Elevated blood glucose
c) Chest pain or discomfort
d) Decreased respiratory rate

Answer: c) Chest pain or discomfort

6. Which medication is commonly used to manage hypotension in critically ill patients?

a) Insulin
b) Furosemide
c) Norepinephrine
d) Atorvastatin

Answer: c) Norepinephrine

7. In the context of renal failure, what does dialysis primarily do?

a) Replace lost electrolytes
b) Remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood
c) Enhance erythropoiesis
d) Provide nutritional support

Answer: b) Remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood

8. Which of the following is a common sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

a) Decreased blood pressure
b) Sudden onset of severe headache
c) Rapid weight loss
d) Elevated blood glucose

Answer: b) Sudden onset of severe headache

9. What is the primary purpose of hemodynamic monitoring in critical care?

a) To assess the patient’s mobility
b) To evaluate and manage cardiovascular function
c) To monitor electrolyte levels
d) To determine the need for nutritional supplements

Answer: b) To evaluate and manage cardiovascular function

10. Which of the following interventions is important for a patient with acute kidney injury (AKI)?

a) Administering high doses of diuretics
b) Restricting fluid intake and monitoring electrolyte levels
c) Providing routine antibiotics
d) Increasing protein intake

Answer: b) Restricting fluid intake and monitoring electrolyte levels