NUR 265 EXAM 5 COMPREHENSIVE
REVIEW - CRITICAL CARE AND
ADVANCED MED-SURG QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS WITH VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS 2026/2027 UPDATE. JUST
RELEASED
1. A patient in the early stages of septic shock exhibits high cardiac output and low systemic
vascular resistance. Which phase of shock is this patient experiencing?
A. Cold phase
B. Compensatory phase
C. Hypodynamic phase
D. Hyperdynamic phase
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The hyperdynamic phase, or warm phase, is characterized by
high cardiac output and vasodilation (low SVR), which is unique to the early stage of septic
shock.
2. A 70 kg patient has suffered partial-thickness burns to 40% of their body. Using the
Parkland Formula, calculate the total fluid volume needed in the first 24 hours.
A. 11,200 mL
,B. 5,600 mL
C. 2,800 mL
D. 8,400 mL
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Parkland Formula is 4 mL x kg x % TBSA. So, 4 mL x 70 kg x
40 = 11,200 mL.
3. While monitoring a patient on mechanical ventilation, the high-pressure alarm sounds.
Which of the following is a potential cause?
A. A leak in the ventilator circuit
B. Cuff deflation
C. Disconnection of the tubing
D. Patient biting the endotracheal tube
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: High-pressure alarms are triggered by increased resistance,
such as secretions, coughing, or the patient biting the tube. Leaks and disconnections
trigger low-pressure alarms.
4. A patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is receiving PEEP. What is the
primary physiological goal of PEEP in this patient?
A. To keep the alveoli open at the end of expiration
, B. To prevent barotrauma
C. To increase the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)
D. To decrease the work of breathing during inspiration
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) prevents alveolar
collapse (atelectasis) and improves gas exchange by increasing functional residual capacity.
5. Which hemodynamic finding is most characteristic of cardiogenic shock?
A. Increased Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)
B. Decreased Central Venous Pressure (CVP)
C. Increased Cardiac Index (CI)
D. Decreased Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In cardiogenic shock, the body compensates for low cardiac
output by constricting vessels, leading to high SVR. PCWP and CVP are typically elevated
due to fluid backup.
6. During a mass casualty incident, a patient presents with a compound fracture of the femur
and a respiratory rate of 24. How should this patient be tagged?
A. Red (Immediate)
B. Black (Deceased)
REVIEW - CRITICAL CARE AND
ADVANCED MED-SURG QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS WITH VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS 2026/2027 UPDATE. JUST
RELEASED
1. A patient in the early stages of septic shock exhibits high cardiac output and low systemic
vascular resistance. Which phase of shock is this patient experiencing?
A. Cold phase
B. Compensatory phase
C. Hypodynamic phase
D. Hyperdynamic phase
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The hyperdynamic phase, or warm phase, is characterized by
high cardiac output and vasodilation (low SVR), which is unique to the early stage of septic
shock.
2. A 70 kg patient has suffered partial-thickness burns to 40% of their body. Using the
Parkland Formula, calculate the total fluid volume needed in the first 24 hours.
A. 11,200 mL
,B. 5,600 mL
C. 2,800 mL
D. 8,400 mL
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Parkland Formula is 4 mL x kg x % TBSA. So, 4 mL x 70 kg x
40 = 11,200 mL.
3. While monitoring a patient on mechanical ventilation, the high-pressure alarm sounds.
Which of the following is a potential cause?
A. A leak in the ventilator circuit
B. Cuff deflation
C. Disconnection of the tubing
D. Patient biting the endotracheal tube
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: High-pressure alarms are triggered by increased resistance,
such as secretions, coughing, or the patient biting the tube. Leaks and disconnections
trigger low-pressure alarms.
4. A patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is receiving PEEP. What is the
primary physiological goal of PEEP in this patient?
A. To keep the alveoli open at the end of expiration
, B. To prevent barotrauma
C. To increase the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)
D. To decrease the work of breathing during inspiration
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) prevents alveolar
collapse (atelectasis) and improves gas exchange by increasing functional residual capacity.
5. Which hemodynamic finding is most characteristic of cardiogenic shock?
A. Increased Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)
B. Decreased Central Venous Pressure (CVP)
C. Increased Cardiac Index (CI)
D. Decreased Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In cardiogenic shock, the body compensates for low cardiac
output by constricting vessels, leading to high SVR. PCWP and CVP are typically elevated
due to fluid backup.
6. During a mass casualty incident, a patient presents with a compound fracture of the femur
and a respiratory rate of 24. How should this patient be tagged?
A. Red (Immediate)
B. Black (Deceased)
