Q.1 What is the primary goal of critical care nursing?
To provide routine care to all patients
To prevent deterioration and support vital functions in critically ill patients
To perform administrative tasks in the hospital
To provide only emotional support to patients
Explanation - Critical care nursing focuses on monitoring, supporting, and stabilizing critically ill patients to prevent organ failure and deterioration.
Correct answer is: To prevent deterioration and support vital functions in critically ill patients
Q.2 Which of the following is considered a key component of the ABC approach in critical care?
Airway, Breathing, Circulation
Assessment, Backup, Care
Administration, Breathing, Circulation
Airway, Blood pressure, Comfort
Explanation - The ABC approach is a fundamental principle in emergency and critical care to ensure patient stabilization: airway first, then breathing, then circulation.
Correct answer is: Airway, Breathing, Circulation
Q.3 Which vital sign is most sensitive to early deterioration in critically ill patients?
Blood pressure
Heart rate
Respiratory rate
Temperature
Explanation - Respiratory rate often changes earlier than other vital signs in critically ill patients, serving as an early warning of deterioration.
Correct answer is: Respiratory rate
Q.4 What is the main purpose of hemodynamic monitoring in critical care?
To assess kidney function
To evaluate cardiovascular status and guide therapy
To measure body temperature
To track patient mobility
Explanation - Hemodynamic monitoring assesses heart function, blood flow, and perfusion, guiding fluid therapy and medications in critically ill patients.
Correct answer is: To evaluate cardiovascular status and guide therapy
Q.5 Which device is commonly used for continuous measurement of blood pressure in ICU patients?
Sphygmomanometer
Arterial catheter
Pulse oximeter
Thermometer
Explanation - An arterial catheter allows continuous invasive blood pressure monitoring and frequent arterial blood sampling.
Correct answer is: Arterial catheter
Q.6 What is the main purpose of sedation in critically ill patients?
To relieve pain and anxiety and facilitate mechanical ventilation
To induce long-term unconsciousness
To replace general anesthesia
To reduce fever
Explanation - Sedation is used in ICU to decrease stress, relieve anxiety, and allow safe mechanical ventilation, not for long-term unconsciousness.
Correct answer is: To relieve pain and anxiety and facilitate mechanical ventilation
Q.7 Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with cardiac arrhythmias in critically ill patients?
Hypernatremia
Hypokalemia
Hypocalcemia
Hypermagnesemia
Explanation - Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can disrupt cardiac conduction and increase the risk of arrhythmias in critically ill patients.
Correct answer is: Hypokalemia
Q.8 Which type of shock is primarily due to severe infection?
Cardiogenic shock
Hypovolemic shock
Septic shock
Anaphylactic shock
Explanation - Septic shock occurs due to a severe systemic infection leading to vasodilation, hypotension, and organ dysfunction.
Correct answer is: Septic shock
Q.9 What is the main purpose of mechanical ventilation in critical care?
To improve circulation
To support or replace spontaneous breathing
To administer medications
To monitor oxygen saturation
Explanation - Mechanical ventilation is used when patients cannot maintain adequate ventilation on their own, ensuring oxygenation and CO2 removal.
Correct answer is: To support or replace spontaneous breathing
Q.10 Which of the following is a common complication of prolonged immobilization in ICU patients?
Deep vein thrombosis
Hypertension
Hyperthyroidism
Otitis media
Explanation - Prolonged bed rest and immobility increase the risk of venous stasis and clot formation, leading to DVT.
Correct answer is: Deep vein thrombosis
Q.11 Which scoring system is commonly used to assess severity of illness in ICU patients?
APACHE II
Glasgow Coma Scale
MELD score
Framingham Risk Score
Explanation - APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II) helps predict ICU mortality and assess severity of illness.
Correct answer is: APACHE II
Q.12 Which of the following is a primary goal of infection control in critical care?
Preventing hospital-acquired infections
Eliminating chronic diseases
Ensuring patient mobility
Reducing cost of care
Explanation - Infection control in ICU focuses on preventing nosocomial infections which can increase morbidity and mortality.
Correct answer is: Preventing hospital-acquired infections
Q.13 Which type of IV fluid is preferred for rapid volume resuscitation in hypovolemic shock?
Dextrose 5%
Normal saline (0.9% NaCl)
Half-normal saline (0.45% NaCl)
Ringer's lactate
Explanation - Isotonic saline is preferred for rapid expansion of intravascular volume in hypovolemic shock.
Correct answer is: Normal saline (0.9% NaCl)
Q.14 Which parameter is most important to monitor during vasopressor therapy?
Heart rate
Blood pressure
Respiratory rate
Urine color
Explanation - Vasopressors are used to maintain adequate perfusion pressure; thus continuous blood pressure monitoring is crucial.
Correct answer is: Blood pressure
Q.15 Which organ is most sensitive to hypoperfusion during shock?
Skin
Brain
Spleen
Gallbladder
Explanation - The brain is highly sensitive to low perfusion; inadequate blood flow can quickly lead to hypoxic injury.
Correct answer is: Brain
Q.16 Which intervention is crucial to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)?
Frequent suctioning and oral hygiene
Routine antibiotics for all patients
Lowering ventilator oxygen levels
Keeping patients supine
Explanation - Proper oral care, suctioning, and elevation of the head of the bed reduce the risk of VAP in ventilated patients.
Correct answer is: Frequent suctioning and oral hygiene
Q.17 Which acid-base disturbance is most common in ICU patients with sepsis?
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory acidosis
Explanation - Sepsis often leads to tissue hypoperfusion, lactic acid accumulation, and metabolic acidosis.
Correct answer is: Metabolic acidosis
Q.18 What is the most reliable indicator of tissue perfusion in critically ill patients?
Heart rate
Capillary refill and lactate levels
Temperature
Blood pressure alone
Explanation - Capillary refill, urine output, and lactate levels provide information on perfusion at the tissue level, beyond just blood pressure.
Correct answer is: Capillary refill and lactate levels
Q.19 Which of the following is considered a common cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
Pneumonia
Hypertension
Chronic kidney disease
Diabetes mellitus
Explanation - ARDS is often triggered by direct lung injury such as pneumonia or indirect causes like sepsis.
Correct answer is: Pneumonia
Q.20 Which monitoring parameter is essential for detecting early renal dysfunction in ICU patients?
Urine output
Heart rate
Respiratory rate
Blood glucose
Explanation - Monitoring urine output provides early detection of acute kidney injury, which is common in critically ill patients.
Correct answer is: Urine output
Q.21 Which is the first-line vasopressor in septic shock?
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
Epinephrine
Vasopressin
Explanation - Norepinephrine is the first-line agent to maintain mean arterial pressure in septic shock.
Correct answer is: Norepinephrine
Q.22 Which nutrition strategy is preferred in critically ill patients who cannot eat orally?
Parenteral nutrition only
Enteral nutrition via feeding tube
High-fat oral supplements
Fasting until recovery
Explanation - Enteral feeding maintains gut integrity, reduces infection risk, and is preferred over parenteral nutrition when feasible.
Correct answer is: Enteral nutrition via feeding tube
Q.23 Which principle is crucial when titrating sedative medications in ICU patients?
Use maximum dose always
Use minimum effective dose and reassess regularly
Avoid monitoring sedation levels
Sedation should be constant regardless of condition
Explanation - Sedatives should be titrated to the lowest effective dose to reduce complications such as delirium and prolonged ventilation.
Correct answer is: Use minimum effective dose and reassess regularly
Q.24 Which is the most common arrhythmia seen in critically ill patients?
Ventricular tachycardia
Atrial fibrillation
Third-degree heart block
Sinus bradycardia
Explanation - Atrial fibrillation is common in critically ill patients due to stress, electrolyte imbalances, and underlying heart disease.
Correct answer is: Atrial fibrillation