Answers 2026
The nurse admits a patient to the critical care unit following a
motorcycle crash. Assessment findings by the nurse include blood
pressure 100/50 mm Hg, heart rate 58 beats/min, respiratory rate
30 breaths/min, and temperature of 100.5. The patient is lethargic,
responds to voice but falls asleep readily when not stimulated.
Which nursing action is most important to include in this patients
plan of care? -
correct answer ✅Frequent neurological assessments
While caring for a patient with a traumatic brain injury, the nurse
assesses an ICP of 20 mm Hg and a CPP of 85 mm Hg. What is the
best interpretation by the nurse? -
correct answer ✅ICP is high; CPP is normal.
The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient with a
sustained ICP of 18 mm Hg. The nurse needs to perform an hourly
neurological assessment, suction the endotracheal tube, perform
oral hygiene care, and reposition the patient to the left side. What
is the best action by the nurse? -
correct answer ✅Provide rest periods between nursing
interventions.
While caring for a patient with a basilar skull fracture, the nurse
assesses clear drainage from the patients left naris. What is the best
, ICU Final Exam Actual Questions and
Answers 2026
nursing action? -
correct answer ✅Place a nasal drip pad under the nose.
The nurse is caring for a patient who was hit on the head with a
hammer. The patient was unconscious at the scene briefly but is
now conscious upon arrival at the emergency department (ED) with
a GCS score of 15. One hour later, the nurse assesses a GCS score of
3. What is the priority nursing action? -
correct answer ✅Notify the physician immediately.
The nurse is caring for a patient with an ICP of 18 mm Hg and a GCS
score of 3. Following the administration of mannitol (Osmitrol),
which assessment finding by the nurse requires further action? -
correct answer ✅CVP of 2 mm Hg
The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient with a
brain injury. Arterial blood gas values indicate a PaCO2 of 60 mm
Hg. The nurse understands this value to have which effect on
cerebral blood flow? -
correct answer ✅Increased cerebral blood volume due to vessel
dilation