Critical Care Nursing
A Holistic Approach
12th Edition
Author(s)Patricia Gonce Morton; Paul
Thurman
TEST BANK
1. Foundations of Critical Care
2. Special Populations
3. Special Situations
4. Cardiovascular System
,5. Respiratory System
6. Renal System
7. Nervous System
8. Gastrointestinal System
9. Endocrine System
• Key Disorders:
10. Hematologic & Immune
11. Integumentary System
12. Multisystem & Emergencies
CORE PRIORITIES (ALWAYS REMEMBER)
• ABCs: Airway, Breathing, Circulation
• Early recognition + rapid intervention
• Holistic care: patient + family
• Interprofessional collaboration
• Patient safety & ethical practice
,Question 1 A newly hired ICU nurse is preparing to care for a
patient receiving mechanical ventilation and vasoactive
support. The charge nurse emphasizes the role of evidence-
based practice (EBP) in reducing complications associated with
critical illness. Which nursing action best reflects application of
EBP in critical care nursing?
A. Following unit traditions for ventilator management
regardless of current evidence B. Combining current research
findings with clinical expertise and patient preferences C.
Relying only on physician preference when implementing
patient care interventions D. Using interventions that are
familiar to experienced nurses despite conflicting evidence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because evidence-based
practice integrates the best available evidence, clinical
expertise, and patient values to improve patient outcomes in
critical care settings. Option A is incorrect because tradition
alone does not ensure optimal outcomes. Option C is incorrect
because interdisciplinary collaboration is essential, and nursing
judgment remains important. Option D is incorrect because
interventions should align with current evidence rather than
familiarity.
Source: Morton & Thurman, Ch. 1
, Question 2 An ICU nurse identifies that multiple patients are
experiencing delayed recognition of sepsis. Which action best
demonstrates effective decision making within a healthy work
environment?
A. Independently revising the unit sepsis protocol without team
involvement B. Reporting concerns and participating in
interdisciplinary review of current practices C. Waiting for
administration to identify the problem before addressing
concerns D. Avoiding discussion to prevent conflict among staff
members
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because effective decision
making includes collaborative participation in clinical problem
solving and organizational processes that improve patient care.
Option A is incorrect because unilateral changes undermine
collaboration. Option C delays patient safety improvements.
Option D prevents communication necessary for early
deterioration recognition and quality improvement.
Source: Morton & Thurman, Ch. 1
Question 3 A critically ill patient develops acute respiratory
distress requiring escalation of ventilator support. Which nurse
behavior best reflects skilled communication within the ICU
team?
A. Delaying communication until all assessment findings are
complete B. Reporting only abnormal findings during
A Holistic Approach
12th Edition
Author(s)Patricia Gonce Morton; Paul
Thurman
TEST BANK
1. Foundations of Critical Care
2. Special Populations
3. Special Situations
4. Cardiovascular System
,5. Respiratory System
6. Renal System
7. Nervous System
8. Gastrointestinal System
9. Endocrine System
• Key Disorders:
10. Hematologic & Immune
11. Integumentary System
12. Multisystem & Emergencies
CORE PRIORITIES (ALWAYS REMEMBER)
• ABCs: Airway, Breathing, Circulation
• Early recognition + rapid intervention
• Holistic care: patient + family
• Interprofessional collaboration
• Patient safety & ethical practice
,Question 1 A newly hired ICU nurse is preparing to care for a
patient receiving mechanical ventilation and vasoactive
support. The charge nurse emphasizes the role of evidence-
based practice (EBP) in reducing complications associated with
critical illness. Which nursing action best reflects application of
EBP in critical care nursing?
A. Following unit traditions for ventilator management
regardless of current evidence B. Combining current research
findings with clinical expertise and patient preferences C.
Relying only on physician preference when implementing
patient care interventions D. Using interventions that are
familiar to experienced nurses despite conflicting evidence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because evidence-based
practice integrates the best available evidence, clinical
expertise, and patient values to improve patient outcomes in
critical care settings. Option A is incorrect because tradition
alone does not ensure optimal outcomes. Option C is incorrect
because interdisciplinary collaboration is essential, and nursing
judgment remains important. Option D is incorrect because
interventions should align with current evidence rather than
familiarity.
Source: Morton & Thurman, Ch. 1
, Question 2 An ICU nurse identifies that multiple patients are
experiencing delayed recognition of sepsis. Which action best
demonstrates effective decision making within a healthy work
environment?
A. Independently revising the unit sepsis protocol without team
involvement B. Reporting concerns and participating in
interdisciplinary review of current practices C. Waiting for
administration to identify the problem before addressing
concerns D. Avoiding discussion to prevent conflict among staff
members
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because effective decision
making includes collaborative participation in clinical problem
solving and organizational processes that improve patient care.
Option A is incorrect because unilateral changes undermine
collaboration. Option C delays patient safety improvements.
Option D prevents communication necessary for early
deterioration recognition and quality improvement.
Source: Morton & Thurman, Ch. 1
Question 3 A critically ill patient develops acute respiratory
distress requiring escalation of ventilator support. Which nurse
behavior best reflects skilled communication within the ICU
team?
A. Delaying communication until all assessment findings are
complete B. Reporting only abnormal findings during
