HEALTHSTREAM ICU KNOWLEDGE EXAM
SCRIPT 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS
◉ A patient is experiencing a cardiogenic shock. The nurse
understands the goal of treatment focuses on increasing the:
Answer: Cardiac Output
◉ The patient diagnosed with acute tubular necrosis (ATN) and
experiencing severe dehydration, sepsis, and pneumonia is now in
the polyureic stage of ATN. The most important nursing action is to:
Answer: Monitor electrolyte levels and signs of fluid depletion
◉ The mechanically ventilated patient has increased respiratory
rate ranging from 12-24 and oxygen saturation decreased to 90%
despite oxygen increase to 100%. The patient assessment reveals
basilar crackles that were not previously present, high peak airway
pressures, and use of accessory muscles. Arterial blood gas reveals
pH 7.50, pCO2 32, and pO2 49. Chest X-ray results are significant for
diffuse ground glass opacities. The patient is likely experiencing:
Answer: Acute respiratory distress syndrome
◉ A patient is a victim of a motor vehicle accident and has closed
chest trauma. As you assess your patient, you notice that he has
, diminished breath sounds. Your patient is most likely experiencing
a: Answer: pneumothorax.
◉ Which drug is given first to a patient with pulseless electrical
activity (PEA)? Answer: Epinephrine
◉ What would be the most effective intervention to be ordered to
treat a hemodynamically unstable patient with third-degree heart
block? Answer: Transcutaneous pacing
◉ You are caring for a patient with severe sepsis and third-degree
heart block. The patient is hypotensive. The treatment for this life-
threatening rhythm change includes: Answer: Transcutaneous
pacing
◉ A patient assessment reveals distended neck veins, pulsus
paradoxus, and decreased systolic pressure. This assessment is most
consistent with: Answer: Cardiac tamponade
◉ A mechanically ventilated patient from the OR is admitted to the
ICU following an MVA. The patient experienced head trauma and
blunt trauma to the abdomen. You are assessing this patient and
notice that his heart rate is 130-145 per minute in sinus tachycardia;
his CVP is 2. The patient remains hypotensive despite the use of
vasopressors. The patient has a chest tube connected to wall suction
and the TAC is putting out large amounts of bright red blood. You
SCRIPT 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS
◉ A patient is experiencing a cardiogenic shock. The nurse
understands the goal of treatment focuses on increasing the:
Answer: Cardiac Output
◉ The patient diagnosed with acute tubular necrosis (ATN) and
experiencing severe dehydration, sepsis, and pneumonia is now in
the polyureic stage of ATN. The most important nursing action is to:
Answer: Monitor electrolyte levels and signs of fluid depletion
◉ The mechanically ventilated patient has increased respiratory
rate ranging from 12-24 and oxygen saturation decreased to 90%
despite oxygen increase to 100%. The patient assessment reveals
basilar crackles that were not previously present, high peak airway
pressures, and use of accessory muscles. Arterial blood gas reveals
pH 7.50, pCO2 32, and pO2 49. Chest X-ray results are significant for
diffuse ground glass opacities. The patient is likely experiencing:
Answer: Acute respiratory distress syndrome
◉ A patient is a victim of a motor vehicle accident and has closed
chest trauma. As you assess your patient, you notice that he has
, diminished breath sounds. Your patient is most likely experiencing
a: Answer: pneumothorax.
◉ Which drug is given first to a patient with pulseless electrical
activity (PEA)? Answer: Epinephrine
◉ What would be the most effective intervention to be ordered to
treat a hemodynamically unstable patient with third-degree heart
block? Answer: Transcutaneous pacing
◉ You are caring for a patient with severe sepsis and third-degree
heart block. The patient is hypotensive. The treatment for this life-
threatening rhythm change includes: Answer: Transcutaneous
pacing
◉ A patient assessment reveals distended neck veins, pulsus
paradoxus, and decreased systolic pressure. This assessment is most
consistent with: Answer: Cardiac tamponade
◉ A mechanically ventilated patient from the OR is admitted to the
ICU following an MVA. The patient experienced head trauma and
blunt trauma to the abdomen. You are assessing this patient and
notice that his heart rate is 130-145 per minute in sinus tachycardia;
his CVP is 2. The patient remains hypotensive despite the use of
vasopressors. The patient has a chest tube connected to wall suction
and the TAC is putting out large amounts of bright red blood. You
