PROGRESSIVE CARE RN A V1 FINAL SCRIPT
2026 COMPLETE CRITICAL CARE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PACKAGE
◉ When identifying pt allergies, what else must the nurse verify?
Answer: -type of reaction that occurs
-what, if any, treatment is used to alleviate the allergic
response
◉ When a pt is transferred to the PCU, who is the LEADER of the
receiving team?
Answer: -the PCU nurse
◉ What are the responsibilities of the PCU nurse?
Answer: -assumes responsibility for assessing the "ABCDE's"
-directs team in completing delegated tasks
◉ Why is having a designated LEADER of the receiving team so
critical?
Answer: -prevents fragmentation of care
-reduces possibility that vital assessment clues overlooked
,◉ If preliminary assessment deviates from normal then:
Answer: -interventions are immediately initiated BEFORE
continuing with the arrival quick check assessment
◉ How does the nurse verify the patency of the pt airway?
Answer: -have pt speak
-watching chest rise or fall
-both
◉ What INITIAL action is initiated if the airway appears
compromised?
Answer: -verify the head positioned properly to prevent the tongue
from occluding the airway
◉ What should the upper airway be inspected for before inserting
an artificial airway?
Answer: -blood
-vomitus
-foreign objectys
,◉ What should the nurse ENSURE if a pt has an artificial airway such
as a cricothyrotomy or tracheostomy?
Answer: -airway is secured properly
-note position and size markings
◉ Describe
Answer:
◉ Identify THREE characteristics of secretions, that should be
assessed when suctioned from the airway?
Answer: -amount
-color
-consistency
◉ Identify elements observed when assessing a pt's breathing
status?
Answer: -rate, depth, pattern
-symmetry of breathing
-effort
-use of accessory muscles
◉ When a pt is on mechanical ventilation assess for:
, Answer: -whether breathing is in synchrony with the ventilator
◉ Identify THREE nonverbal signs of respiratory distress>
Answer: -restlessness
-anxiety
-change in mental status
◉ Auscultate the chest for:
Answer: -presence of bilateral breath sounds
-quality of breath sounds
-bilateral chest expansion
◉ During the arrival quick check assessment, where does
auscultation of the chest usually take place?
Answer: -anterior chest
◉ When chest tubes are present, assess for:
Answer: -type (pleural or mediatsinal)
-connected to suction (wall or water)
-not clamped or kinked
-functioning properly (FOCA & DOPE)
2026 COMPLETE CRITICAL CARE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PACKAGE
◉ When identifying pt allergies, what else must the nurse verify?
Answer: -type of reaction that occurs
-what, if any, treatment is used to alleviate the allergic
response
◉ When a pt is transferred to the PCU, who is the LEADER of the
receiving team?
Answer: -the PCU nurse
◉ What are the responsibilities of the PCU nurse?
Answer: -assumes responsibility for assessing the "ABCDE's"
-directs team in completing delegated tasks
◉ Why is having a designated LEADER of the receiving team so
critical?
Answer: -prevents fragmentation of care
-reduces possibility that vital assessment clues overlooked
,◉ If preliminary assessment deviates from normal then:
Answer: -interventions are immediately initiated BEFORE
continuing with the arrival quick check assessment
◉ How does the nurse verify the patency of the pt airway?
Answer: -have pt speak
-watching chest rise or fall
-both
◉ What INITIAL action is initiated if the airway appears
compromised?
Answer: -verify the head positioned properly to prevent the tongue
from occluding the airway
◉ What should the upper airway be inspected for before inserting
an artificial airway?
Answer: -blood
-vomitus
-foreign objectys
,◉ What should the nurse ENSURE if a pt has an artificial airway such
as a cricothyrotomy or tracheostomy?
Answer: -airway is secured properly
-note position and size markings
◉ Describe
Answer:
◉ Identify THREE characteristics of secretions, that should be
assessed when suctioned from the airway?
Answer: -amount
-color
-consistency
◉ Identify elements observed when assessing a pt's breathing
status?
Answer: -rate, depth, pattern
-symmetry of breathing
-effort
-use of accessory muscles
◉ When a pt is on mechanical ventilation assess for:
, Answer: -whether breathing is in synchrony with the ventilator
◉ Identify THREE nonverbal signs of respiratory distress>
Answer: -restlessness
-anxiety
-change in mental status
◉ Auscultate the chest for:
Answer: -presence of bilateral breath sounds
-quality of breath sounds
-bilateral chest expansion
◉ During the arrival quick check assessment, where does
auscultation of the chest usually take place?
Answer: -anterior chest
◉ When chest tubes are present, assess for:
Answer: -type (pleural or mediatsinal)
-connected to suction (wall or water)
-not clamped or kinked
-functioning properly (FOCA & DOPE)
