FINAL EXAM: NR 574/ NR574 (NEW 2025/ 2026 UPDATE) ACUTE CARE PRACTICUM I GUIDE| -
CHAMBERLAIN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+| 100% VERIFIED SOLUTIONS………...
Core Domains:
Hemodynamic Monitoring and Shock States
Mechanical Ventilation and Respiratory Failure
Acute Coronary Syndromes and Cardiac Dysrhythmias
Sepsis and Septic Shock Management
Acute Kidney Injury and Renal Replacement Therapy
Neurological Emergencies and Traumatic Brain Injury
Pharmacology in the Acute Care Setting
Multisystem Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS)
Ethical and Legal Issues in Critical Care
Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Interpretation
Introduction
,This comprehensive examination is designed to evaluate the advanced knowledge and clinical reasoning skills
required for successful completion of the Acute Care Practicum I at Chamberlain University. The assessment
focuses on the management of critically ill patients across a variety of acute care settings, emphasizing
hemodynamic monitoring, mechanical ventilation, sepsis management, and multisystem organ dysfunction.
Through multiple-choice questions and clinical scenario-based items, candidates will demonstrate their ability to
synthesize complex clinical data, prioritize nursing interventions, and make evidence-based decisions in high-
acuity situations. Emphasis is placed on the integration of pharmacology, diagnostic interpretation, and ethical
considerations in acute care practice. Successful completion of this exam reflects readiness for advanced clinical
practice in critical care environments.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient in septic shock. Which hemodynamic parameter indicates that the patient is in the
hyperdynamic (warm) phase of shock?
A. Increased systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
B. Decreased cardiac output (CO)
C. Increased cardiac output (CO)
D. Decreased heart rate (HR)
,🟢 C. Increased cardiac output (CO)
🔴 RATIONALE: In the hyperdynamic phase of septic shock, cardiac output is increased due to vasodilation and
compensatory tachycardia. SVR is decreased, not increased, and heart rate is typically elevated.
Question 2
A patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is on mechanical ventilation with a tidal volume of 6
mL/kg of ideal body weight. The nurse understands that this strategy is used to:
A. Prevent alveolar overdistention
B. Increase mean airway pressure
C. Decrease functional residual capacity
D. Improve alveolar ventilation
🟢 A. Prevent alveolar overdistention
🔴 RATIONALE: Low tidal volume ventilation (6 mL/kg) is a lung-protective strategy used in ARDS to prevent
volutrauma and alveolar overdistention. This approach has been shown to reduce mortality.
Question 3
, Which assessment finding in a patient with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) indicates the development of Cushing's
triad?
A. Hypotension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations
B. Hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations
C. Hypertension, tachycardia, and Cheyne-Stokes respirations
D. Hypotension, tachycardia, and Kussmaul respirations
🟢 B. Hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations
🔴 RATIONALE: Cushing's triad—hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations—is a late sign of
increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and indicates impending brain herniation. It requires immediate
intervention.
Question 4
A patient is receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Which complication should the nurse
monitor for most closely?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypothermia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Fluid volume overload
🟢 B. Hypothermia
CHAMBERLAIN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+| 100% VERIFIED SOLUTIONS………...
Core Domains:
Hemodynamic Monitoring and Shock States
Mechanical Ventilation and Respiratory Failure
Acute Coronary Syndromes and Cardiac Dysrhythmias
Sepsis and Septic Shock Management
Acute Kidney Injury and Renal Replacement Therapy
Neurological Emergencies and Traumatic Brain Injury
Pharmacology in the Acute Care Setting
Multisystem Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS)
Ethical and Legal Issues in Critical Care
Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Interpretation
Introduction
,This comprehensive examination is designed to evaluate the advanced knowledge and clinical reasoning skills
required for successful completion of the Acute Care Practicum I at Chamberlain University. The assessment
focuses on the management of critically ill patients across a variety of acute care settings, emphasizing
hemodynamic monitoring, mechanical ventilation, sepsis management, and multisystem organ dysfunction.
Through multiple-choice questions and clinical scenario-based items, candidates will demonstrate their ability to
synthesize complex clinical data, prioritize nursing interventions, and make evidence-based decisions in high-
acuity situations. Emphasis is placed on the integration of pharmacology, diagnostic interpretation, and ethical
considerations in acute care practice. Successful completion of this exam reflects readiness for advanced clinical
practice in critical care environments.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient in septic shock. Which hemodynamic parameter indicates that the patient is in the
hyperdynamic (warm) phase of shock?
A. Increased systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
B. Decreased cardiac output (CO)
C. Increased cardiac output (CO)
D. Decreased heart rate (HR)
,🟢 C. Increased cardiac output (CO)
🔴 RATIONALE: In the hyperdynamic phase of septic shock, cardiac output is increased due to vasodilation and
compensatory tachycardia. SVR is decreased, not increased, and heart rate is typically elevated.
Question 2
A patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is on mechanical ventilation with a tidal volume of 6
mL/kg of ideal body weight. The nurse understands that this strategy is used to:
A. Prevent alveolar overdistention
B. Increase mean airway pressure
C. Decrease functional residual capacity
D. Improve alveolar ventilation
🟢 A. Prevent alveolar overdistention
🔴 RATIONALE: Low tidal volume ventilation (6 mL/kg) is a lung-protective strategy used in ARDS to prevent
volutrauma and alveolar overdistention. This approach has been shown to reduce mortality.
Question 3
, Which assessment finding in a patient with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) indicates the development of Cushing's
triad?
A. Hypotension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations
B. Hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations
C. Hypertension, tachycardia, and Cheyne-Stokes respirations
D. Hypotension, tachycardia, and Kussmaul respirations
🟢 B. Hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations
🔴 RATIONALE: Cushing's triad—hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations—is a late sign of
increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and indicates impending brain herniation. It requires immediate
intervention.
Question 4
A patient is receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Which complication should the nurse
monitor for most closely?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypothermia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Fluid volume overload
🟢 B. Hypothermia
