FCCS FUNDAMENTAL CRITICAL CARE
SUPPORT REVIEW 2026 QUESTIONS
WITH SOLUTIONS TESTED QUESTIONS.
⫸ A 52yoM presents after a MVC with hypotension and obvious signs
of hemorrhagic shock. FAST exam is positive, and an emergent surgical
consult is obtained for operative intervention. While awaiting surgeon
and transport to OR for definitive hemorrhage control, his BP continues
to decline and resuscitation begins.
Which of the following is the best strategy for resuscitation in this
setting of massive hemorrhage?
A) infusion of packed red blood cells only until laboratory results are
available to assess for the presence of coagulopathy and
thrombocytopenia
B) balanced resuscitation using a combination of packed red blood cells,
fresh frozen plasma, and platelets in a 1:1:1 ratio
C) limited infusion of IV fluids or blood products until definitive control
of hemorrhage is achieved, regardless of blood pressure or
hemodynamic status
D) aggressive isotonic crystalloid infusion to maintain normal blood
pressure. Answer: B) balanced resuscitation using a combination of
packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets in a 1:1:1 ratio
,⫸ A 75yoF is admitted to the ED with AMS. A CTH shows intracranial
hemorrhage. Decision is made to intubate her, but there is concern fro
increased ICP.
Which of the following pretreatment agents is most appropriate before
performing RSI?
A) cisatracurium
B) succinylcholine
C) lidocaine
D) rocuronium. Answer: B) succinylcholine
⫸ A patient arrives in the ED with RR 4. She is not intubated. Overdose
with a centrally acting nervous system depressant is suspected.
Which of the following is the most likely finding on the initial blood
gas?
A) chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure only
B) acute hypoxemic respiratory failure only
C) mixed hypoxemic and hypercapnic respiratory failure
D) acute hypercapnic respiratory failure only. Answer: D) acute
hypercapnic respiratory failure only
⫸ A 35yoM develops ARDS from smoke inhalation injury. He is
receiving invasive mechanical ventilation in volume assist control mode.
His ventilator settings are: TV 350 (6mL/kg IBW), RR 28, gas flow rate
80, PEEP 10. His plateau pressure on these settings is 26.
, ABG: pH 7.28, PCO2 50, PO2 50, bicarb 26, SpO2 82%.
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in
management?
A) increase PEEP to 14 cm H2O
B) increase the respiratory rate to 35 breaths/min
C) start a bicarbonate infusion
D) lower the tidal volume to 5 mL/kg ideal body weight. Answer: A)
increase PEEP to 14 cm H2O
⫸ A 68yoM with Crohn disease was admitted with a small bowel
fistula. Now POD#2 after a small bowel resection, he has hematochezia,
n/v, abdominal pain, and distention. HR 134, BPP 84/52, Hgb 6.2. POX
has poor waveform and readings are poor and inconsistent. Which of the
following is most likely causing the poor pulse oximetry readings?
A) drop in hemoglobin
B) excessive nail polish
C) elevated carbon dioxide
D) vasoconstriction. Answer: D) vasoconstriction
⫸ A 46yoM PMHx polysubstance abuse, BMI 20, and prominent
thyroid cartilage is found obtunded. He is intubated and admitted to the
ICU. Subsequently regains consciousness, becomes agitated, violently
pulls out his ET tube. He is unable to breathe; attempts to assist with bag
mask ventilation are unsuccessful. Direct laryngoscopy reveals swollen,
SUPPORT REVIEW 2026 QUESTIONS
WITH SOLUTIONS TESTED QUESTIONS.
⫸ A 52yoM presents after a MVC with hypotension and obvious signs
of hemorrhagic shock. FAST exam is positive, and an emergent surgical
consult is obtained for operative intervention. While awaiting surgeon
and transport to OR for definitive hemorrhage control, his BP continues
to decline and resuscitation begins.
Which of the following is the best strategy for resuscitation in this
setting of massive hemorrhage?
A) infusion of packed red blood cells only until laboratory results are
available to assess for the presence of coagulopathy and
thrombocytopenia
B) balanced resuscitation using a combination of packed red blood cells,
fresh frozen plasma, and platelets in a 1:1:1 ratio
C) limited infusion of IV fluids or blood products until definitive control
of hemorrhage is achieved, regardless of blood pressure or
hemodynamic status
D) aggressive isotonic crystalloid infusion to maintain normal blood
pressure. Answer: B) balanced resuscitation using a combination of
packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets in a 1:1:1 ratio
,⫸ A 75yoF is admitted to the ED with AMS. A CTH shows intracranial
hemorrhage. Decision is made to intubate her, but there is concern fro
increased ICP.
Which of the following pretreatment agents is most appropriate before
performing RSI?
A) cisatracurium
B) succinylcholine
C) lidocaine
D) rocuronium. Answer: B) succinylcholine
⫸ A patient arrives in the ED with RR 4. She is not intubated. Overdose
with a centrally acting nervous system depressant is suspected.
Which of the following is the most likely finding on the initial blood
gas?
A) chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure only
B) acute hypoxemic respiratory failure only
C) mixed hypoxemic and hypercapnic respiratory failure
D) acute hypercapnic respiratory failure only. Answer: D) acute
hypercapnic respiratory failure only
⫸ A 35yoM develops ARDS from smoke inhalation injury. He is
receiving invasive mechanical ventilation in volume assist control mode.
His ventilator settings are: TV 350 (6mL/kg IBW), RR 28, gas flow rate
80, PEEP 10. His plateau pressure on these settings is 26.
, ABG: pH 7.28, PCO2 50, PO2 50, bicarb 26, SpO2 82%.
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in
management?
A) increase PEEP to 14 cm H2O
B) increase the respiratory rate to 35 breaths/min
C) start a bicarbonate infusion
D) lower the tidal volume to 5 mL/kg ideal body weight. Answer: A)
increase PEEP to 14 cm H2O
⫸ A 68yoM with Crohn disease was admitted with a small bowel
fistula. Now POD#2 after a small bowel resection, he has hematochezia,
n/v, abdominal pain, and distention. HR 134, BPP 84/52, Hgb 6.2. POX
has poor waveform and readings are poor and inconsistent. Which of the
following is most likely causing the poor pulse oximetry readings?
A) drop in hemoglobin
B) excessive nail polish
C) elevated carbon dioxide
D) vasoconstriction. Answer: D) vasoconstriction
⫸ A 46yoM PMHx polysubstance abuse, BMI 20, and prominent
thyroid cartilage is found obtunded. He is intubated and admitted to the
ICU. Subsequently regains consciousness, becomes agitated, violently
pulls out his ET tube. He is unable to breathe; attempts to assist with bag
mask ventilation are unsuccessful. Direct laryngoscopy reveals swollen,
