What is critical care? The care and management of critically ill patients requiring sophisticated support,
constant monitoring, and complex decision-making.
What types of patients are typically seen in an ICU? Critically ill patients who are often physiologically unstable and require
comprehensive care.
Where can critical care be provided? Prehospital setting
ED
Acute care settings
What diagnostic testing is done in the ICU? Oximetry
ABG
Bedside measures of pulmonary function
ECG
Ultrasound
What special procedures are done in the ICU? BAL
Pt transport
Bronch
Insert and manage ART and central lines
Thoracentesis
Insert and manage chest tubes
Intubate and advanced techniques
Exchange ET tubes
extubate
Percu trach
change trach tubes
disaster response
List the common types of Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU),
Coronary Care Unit (CCU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU).
What is the difference between a Level I and Level IV Level I provides basic newborn care, while Level IV provides highest intensive
NICU? care for neonates.
What are the characteristics of a Level I Trauma Center? Provides total care for every aspect of injury, with 24-hour in-house coverage by
general surgeons and rapid availability of specialists. Found in teaching
hospitals.
Level 1 NICU care Healthy babies
Level II NICU care Advanced newborn care may provide mech ventilation support
Level III NICU Care Comprehensive intensive care for very premmie infants <32 weeks and <1500g.
Offers conventional vent support, HFOV, iNO, ECMO, Advanced imaging.
Level IV NICU care highest level of complex care with cardiac and abdominal surgery
, Intro to Critical Respiratory Care Chapter 1 | Exam Questions & Answers 2026/2027
What is the role of a Level II Trauma Center? May not have resources for specific types of patients but provides
comprehensive care for a wide variety of disorders.
What is a Level III Trauma Center? Able to stabilize critically ill patients and typically has transfer arrangements with
more comprehensive units.
What types of personnel are needed to staff the ICU? Qualified healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, respiratory
therapists, and other specialists.
What is long-term acute care (LTAC)? A type of care for patients who require extended hospitalization due to complex
medical conditions.
How does a specialty hospital differ from a skilled A specialty hospital focuses on specific medical conditions or treatments, while
nursing facility (SNF)? an SNF provides rehabilitation and long-term care.
What is the importance of assessment of the respiratory To ensure appropriate treatment and monitoring, utilizing various assessment
care patient in the ICU? procedures and methods.
What are common admitting diagnoses seen in the ICU? Conditions such as respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, sepsis, and trauma.
What laboratory tests are important in the ICU? Tests that assess respiratory function, metabolic status, and organ function.
What imaging procedures are commonly performed in X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds to evaluate patient conditions.
the ICU?
What is the purpose of bronchoscopy in the ICU? To visualize the airways and collect samples for diagnosis or treatment.
What is thoracentesis performed for in the ICU? To remove fluid or air from the pleural space for diagnostic or therapeutic
purposes.
What is the significance of the MICU? It specializes in the care of patients with severe medical conditions requiring
intensive monitoring.
What is the role of the SICU? It focuses on post-operative patients or those with surgical complications
requiring intensive care.
What does CCU stand for, and what is its focus? Coronary Care Unit, focusing on patients with severe cardiac conditions.
What is the primary focus of the PICU? To provide specialized care for critically ill children.