BKAT Practice Exam – 69 Questions & Answers | Cardiac, Hemodynamics, Ventilators, Neuro, DKA & Renal Care | 2026/2027

This BKAT Practice Exam 2026/2027 study document contains approximately 69 questions and answers covering high-yield critical care and intensive care nursing topics, including cardiovascular emergencies, hemodynamic monitoring, ECG and dysrhythmias, critical-care medications, mechanical ventilation, respiratory complications, neurological assessment, diabetic emergencies, acute renal failure and enteral nutrition. The 9-page resource uses concise questions, clinical scenarios and direct answers for BKAT preparation and ICU knowledge review. The uploaded document does not identify a specific course code or university, so these details are listed as “Not Specified” rather than inferred. The opening portion reviews gastrointestinal care and critical-care pharmacology. Topics include low intermittent suction, radiographic verification of NG-tube placement, postoperative exploratory-laparotomy findings, Dilantin compatibility and protection of nitroprusside from light. The material also reviews corticosteroid tapering, digitalis toxicity and selected medication-related adverse effects. A substantial section concentrates on acute cardiovascular care and myocardial infarction. Questions cover angina treatment, ST-segment elevation in acute myocardial infarction, cardiac isoenzymes, cardiogenic shock, cardiac output and the combined hemodynamic effects of nitroprusside and dobutamine. The document also includes psychosocial nursing care following AMI and a scenario involving a change in mental status during tPA administration. The resource provides extensive practice in invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Students review arterial-line indications and removal, central venous pressure (CVP), right atrial pressure, pulmonary artery pressures and pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP). The document presents a normal PAOP range of 6–12 mmHg while noting an 8–12 mmHg value from the referenced book. It also associates elevated CVP with right-sided heart failure and discusses clinical interpretations of PAOP. Another major section covers ECG interpretation, dysrhythmias and emergency cardiac treatment. Topics include atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, bundle branch block, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, complete heart block, symptomatic bradycardia and cardiac tamponade. Questions also address transcutaneous pacing, cardioversion, defibrillation and medications such as amiodarone, diltiazem, dopamine and epinephrine. The exam includes focused anticoagulation and medication-safety content, identifying protamine sulfate and vitamin K as antidotes for heparin and warfarin respectively. It also discusses dopamine infiltration, drug dosage ranges and other bedside medication considerations as presented in the source. Respiratory critical care is addressed through mechanical ventilation, airway management and thoracic complications. Students review low- and high-pressure ventilator alarms, endotracheal-tube cuff assessment, bilateral breath sounds, suction pressure, postoperative chest-tube drainage and diminished breath sounds. Clinical scenarios cover atelectasis, pneumothorax and fat embolism following fracture. The neurological portion focuses on increased intracranial pressure, stroke and cervical spinal cord injury. The material identifies changes in level of consciousness as an early indicator of increased ICP and emphasizes LOC assessment during neurological checks. It also covers widened pulse pressure, mannitol, the significance of a positive Babinski response and respiratory assessment following cervical spinal injury. Students additionally review endocrine and metabolic emergencies, particularly diabetic ketoacidosis and hypoglycemia. Questions cover fruity breath, deep rapid respirations, weakness, headache, sweating, insulin requirements during acute illness and the peak-action periods for regular and NPH insulin stated in the document. The final section addresses renal and nutritional critical care. It covers BUN and creatinine, medication-dose considerations in acute renal failure, dietary restrictions involving protein, potassium and sodium, fluid overload and aspiration prevention during continuous tube feeding. The document also briefly includes rifampin and a dopamine infusion range among its review points. The material covers many of the core systems traditionally addressed in critical-care nursing references, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, endocrine and renal assessment. A relevant academic companion is AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, which provides broader clinical context for assessment, monitoring and management of critically ill adults. Because this uploaded document is a condensed practice-question resource, its individual clinical answers should be studied alongside current course materials and clinical guidelines rather than used independently for patient-care decisions. APA reference: Burns, S. M., Delgado, S. A., & McCallum, D. M. (Eds.). (2023). AACN essentials of critical care nursing (5th ed.). McGraw Hill. Relevant Students This resource is particularly relevant to BKAT candidates, ICU nurses, Critical Care Nursing students, registered nurses transitioning into intensive care, nursing students completing ICU clinical rotations and nurses preparing for critical-care competency assessments. It may also benefit students studying Adult Health Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Emergency Nursing and Acute Care Nursing. The question bank is especially useful for students reviewing hemodynamics, CVP, PAOP, arterial lines, myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, ECG interpretation, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, cardiac pacing, mechanical ventilation, airway assessment, pneumothorax, increased ICP, DKA, insulin, acute renal failure and enteral feeding. 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