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
,Question 1
A newly licensed nurse asks why certification in critical care
nursing is encouraged in the ICU. Which response by the charge
nurse best reflects the value of certification?
A. Certification primarily increases hospital reimbursement
rates
B. Certification demonstrates specialized knowledge and
promotes improved patient outcomes
C. Certification replaces the need for annual competency
validation
D. Certification is required before caring for critically ill patients
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Certification validates specialized critical care knowledge and
clinical expertise, which supports improved patient care quality
and professional development. Hospital reimbursement is not
the primary purpose of certification. Certification does not
replace competency validation, and certification is not
universally required for ICU practice.
Source: Morton & Thurman, Ch. 1
Question 2
A critically ill patient’s spouse states, “No one tells me what is
, happening.” Which action by the nurse best reflects the AACN
standard of skilled communication?
A. Avoiding detailed discussions to reduce family anxiety
B. Asking the physician to speak with the spouse instead
C. Providing clear, timely, and compassionate explanations
regarding care
D. Limiting communication to visiting hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Skilled communication involves accurate, timely, respectful,
and compassionate communication among healthcare
professionals and families. Avoiding discussion increases
anxiety and impairs trust. Communication is an interdisciplinary
responsibility and should not be deferred solely to physicians.
Restricting communication undermines family-centered care.
Source: Morton & Thurman, Ch. 1
Question 3
A nurse identifies increasing ventilator-associated pneumonia
rates in the ICU and reviews current literature before
recommending practice changes. Which process is the nurse
demonstrating?
A. Quality assurance
B. Evidence-based practice
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
,Question 1
A newly licensed nurse asks why certification in critical care
nursing is encouraged in the ICU. Which response by the charge
nurse best reflects the value of certification?
A. Certification primarily increases hospital reimbursement
rates
B. Certification demonstrates specialized knowledge and
promotes improved patient outcomes
C. Certification replaces the need for annual competency
validation
D. Certification is required before caring for critically ill patients
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Certification validates specialized critical care knowledge and
clinical expertise, which supports improved patient care quality
and professional development. Hospital reimbursement is not
the primary purpose of certification. Certification does not
replace competency validation, and certification is not
universally required for ICU practice.
Source: Morton & Thurman, Ch. 1
Question 2
A critically ill patient’s spouse states, “No one tells me what is
, happening.” Which action by the nurse best reflects the AACN
standard of skilled communication?
A. Avoiding detailed discussions to reduce family anxiety
B. Asking the physician to speak with the spouse instead
C. Providing clear, timely, and compassionate explanations
regarding care
D. Limiting communication to visiting hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Skilled communication involves accurate, timely, respectful,
and compassionate communication among healthcare
professionals and families. Avoiding discussion increases
anxiety and impairs trust. Communication is an interdisciplinary
responsibility and should not be deferred solely to physicians.
Restricting communication undermines family-centered care.
Source: Morton & Thurman, Ch. 1
Question 3
A nurse identifies increasing ventilator-associated pneumonia
rates in the ICU and reviews current literature before
recommending practice changes. Which process is the nurse
demonstrating?
A. Quality assurance
B. Evidence-based practice
