Critical Care Nursing
A Holistic Approach
12th Edition
Author(s)Patricia Gonce Morton; Paul
Thurman
TEST BANK
1. Foundations of Critical Care
2. Special Populations
3. Special Situations
4. Cardiovascular System
,5. Respiratory System
6. Renal System
7. Nervous System
8. Gastrointestinal System
9. Endocrine System
• Key Disorders:
10. Hematologic & Immune
11. Integumentary System
12. Multisystem & Emergencies
CORE PRIORITIES (ALWAYS REMEMBER)
• ABCs: Airway, Breathing, Circulation
• Early recognition + rapid intervention
• Holistic care: patient + family
• Interprofessional collaboration
• Patient safety & ethical practice
,Section A — High-Level MCQs (10)
Question 1
A critically ill patient’s condition is rapidly deteriorating. The
ICU nurse identifies subtle changes in mental status and urine
output before vital signs worsen. Which concept best explains
this nursing action?
A. Task-based intervention
B. Holistic critical care practice
C. Routine monitoring protocol
D. Delegated clinical judgment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Holistic critical care nursing emphasizes early recognition of
physiologic, psychosocial, and subtle clinical changes before
overt instability occurs. This supports early intervention and
improved outcomes.
A: Task-based care focuses on tasks, not comprehensive
assessment.
C: Routine monitoring may miss subtle cues.
D: Clinical judgment cannot be delegated.
Source: Morton & Thurman, Ch. 1
Question 2
A nurse uses current research to guide prevention of ICU-
acquired infections despite resistance from colleagues. Which
, barrier to evidence-based practice (EBP) is being
demonstrated?
A. Lack of clinical expertise
B. Organizational resistance to change
C. Inadequate patient data
D. Insufficient technology
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Resistance from colleagues reflects organizational and cultural
barriers that impede EBP implementation.
A: The nurse demonstrates expertise.
C: Data is not the issue.
D: Technology is not implicated.
Source: Morton & Thurman, Ch. 1
Question 3
A certified critical care nurse is assigned to a patient with
rapidly evolving shock. Which outcome is most directly
associated with certification?
A. Reduced need for physician intervention
B. Improved patient outcomes through advanced clinical
judgment
C. Elimination of clinical errors
D. Decreased ICU workload
A Holistic Approach
12th Edition
Author(s)Patricia Gonce Morton; Paul
Thurman
TEST BANK
1. Foundations of Critical Care
2. Special Populations
3. Special Situations
4. Cardiovascular System
,5. Respiratory System
6. Renal System
7. Nervous System
8. Gastrointestinal System
9. Endocrine System
• Key Disorders:
10. Hematologic & Immune
11. Integumentary System
12. Multisystem & Emergencies
CORE PRIORITIES (ALWAYS REMEMBER)
• ABCs: Airway, Breathing, Circulation
• Early recognition + rapid intervention
• Holistic care: patient + family
• Interprofessional collaboration
• Patient safety & ethical practice
,Section A — High-Level MCQs (10)
Question 1
A critically ill patient’s condition is rapidly deteriorating. The
ICU nurse identifies subtle changes in mental status and urine
output before vital signs worsen. Which concept best explains
this nursing action?
A. Task-based intervention
B. Holistic critical care practice
C. Routine monitoring protocol
D. Delegated clinical judgment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Holistic critical care nursing emphasizes early recognition of
physiologic, psychosocial, and subtle clinical changes before
overt instability occurs. This supports early intervention and
improved outcomes.
A: Task-based care focuses on tasks, not comprehensive
assessment.
C: Routine monitoring may miss subtle cues.
D: Clinical judgment cannot be delegated.
Source: Morton & Thurman, Ch. 1
Question 2
A nurse uses current research to guide prevention of ICU-
acquired infections despite resistance from colleagues. Which
, barrier to evidence-based practice (EBP) is being
demonstrated?
A. Lack of clinical expertise
B. Organizational resistance to change
C. Inadequate patient data
D. Insufficient technology
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Resistance from colleagues reflects organizational and cultural
barriers that impede EBP implementation.
A: The nurse demonstrates expertise.
C: Data is not the issue.
D: Technology is not implicated.
Source: Morton & Thurman, Ch. 1
Question 3
A certified critical care nurse is assigned to a patient with
rapidly evolving shock. Which outcome is most directly
associated with certification?
A. Reduced need for physician intervention
B. Improved patient outcomes through advanced clinical
judgment
C. Elimination of clinical errors
D. Decreased ICU workload
