FCCS Review Exam 2025 Questions and
Answers
What is the most important sign in a critically ill pt? Why? - ANSWER✔✔-Tachypnea
Indicates metabolic acidosis w/ respiratory alkalosis compensation
A pt misses dialysis for a few days and comes in with fluid overload. He's tachycardic and
tachypneic. On physical exam, you find JVD, pulsus paradoxus (20 mmHg drop during inspiration),
and HoTN (80/40) with distant, muffled heart sounds. Lungs are clear to auscultation. What is the
dx? - ANSWER✔✔-Cardiac tamponade; obstructive shock
If a pt has a thyromental distance of 2 cm, what can you expect about their airway? - ANSWER✔✔-
Difficult airway w/ an anteriorly displaced larynx
A COPD pt comes in with difficulty breathing. He then becomes apneic and unresponsive. How
would you ventilate this pt? - ANSWER✔✔-BVM
A pt arrives after falling from a ladder and has a frontal laceration. On examination, you find
papilledema and labored breathing w/o being able to clear secretions. What is your biggest concern
when intubating this pt? - ANSWER✔✔-Cerebral edema/increasing ICP
FOR STUDY PURPOSES ONLY COPYRIGHT © 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, Intubation tends to cause an increase in ICP. Administer lidocaine prior to intubation to inhibit
vagal stimulation.
An ESRD pt w/ hyperkalemia develops dyspnea and requires intubation. Which paralytic
agent/NMB should you avoid and why? - ANSWER✔✔-Succinylcholine
Worsens hyperkalemia
A pt is admitted after an OD. He starts to have apneic episodes and his SpO2 is dropping. You
place him on a non-rebreather mask w/ 100% O2, yet his SpO2 remains at 80%. Why is it not being
corrected?
Then, if you try a BVM and it also fails, and video laryngoscopy is unavailable, what is your next best
choice for an airway? - ANSWER✔✔-The pt is having apneic episodes, which means that
administering high-flow O2 will be ineffective.
Choose an LMA if the BVM fails.
What intervention improves outcomes with ROSC after cardiac arrest? - ANSWER✔✔-Targeted
temperature management.
32-36 C
FOR STUDY PURPOSES ONLY COPYRIGHT © 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
Answers
What is the most important sign in a critically ill pt? Why? - ANSWER✔✔-Tachypnea
Indicates metabolic acidosis w/ respiratory alkalosis compensation
A pt misses dialysis for a few days and comes in with fluid overload. He's tachycardic and
tachypneic. On physical exam, you find JVD, pulsus paradoxus (20 mmHg drop during inspiration),
and HoTN (80/40) with distant, muffled heart sounds. Lungs are clear to auscultation. What is the
dx? - ANSWER✔✔-Cardiac tamponade; obstructive shock
If a pt has a thyromental distance of 2 cm, what can you expect about their airway? - ANSWER✔✔-
Difficult airway w/ an anteriorly displaced larynx
A COPD pt comes in with difficulty breathing. He then becomes apneic and unresponsive. How
would you ventilate this pt? - ANSWER✔✔-BVM
A pt arrives after falling from a ladder and has a frontal laceration. On examination, you find
papilledema and labored breathing w/o being able to clear secretions. What is your biggest concern
when intubating this pt? - ANSWER✔✔-Cerebral edema/increasing ICP
FOR STUDY PURPOSES ONLY COPYRIGHT © 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, Intubation tends to cause an increase in ICP. Administer lidocaine prior to intubation to inhibit
vagal stimulation.
An ESRD pt w/ hyperkalemia develops dyspnea and requires intubation. Which paralytic
agent/NMB should you avoid and why? - ANSWER✔✔-Succinylcholine
Worsens hyperkalemia
A pt is admitted after an OD. He starts to have apneic episodes and his SpO2 is dropping. You
place him on a non-rebreather mask w/ 100% O2, yet his SpO2 remains at 80%. Why is it not being
corrected?
Then, if you try a BVM and it also fails, and video laryngoscopy is unavailable, what is your next best
choice for an airway? - ANSWER✔✔-The pt is having apneic episodes, which means that
administering high-flow O2 will be ineffective.
Choose an LMA if the BVM fails.
What intervention improves outcomes with ROSC after cardiac arrest? - ANSWER✔✔-Targeted
temperature management.
32-36 C
FOR STUDY PURPOSES ONLY COPYRIGHT © 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
