FCCS Review| Questions and Answers | New
2025/2026 Update | With Complete Solutions
What is the most important sign in a critically ill pt? Why?
Tachypnea
Indicates metabolic acidosis w/ respiratory alkalosis compensation
A pt misses dialysis for a few days and comes in with fluid overload. He's tachycardic and
tachypneic. On physical exam, you find JVD, pulsus paradoxus (20 mmHg drop during
inspiration), and HoTN (80/40) with distant, muffled heart sounds. Lungs are clear to
auscultation. What is the dx?
Cardiac tamponade; obstructive shock
If a pt has a thyromental distance of 2 cm, what can you expect about their airway?
Difficult airway w/ an anteriorly displaced larynx
A COPD pt comes in with difficulty breathing. He then becomes apneic and unresponsive.
How would you ventilate this pt?
BVM
A pt arrives after falling from a ladder and has a frontal laceration. On examination, you
find papilledema and labored breathing w/o being able to clear secretions. What is your
biggest concern when intubating this pt?
Cerebral edema/increasing ICP
, Intubation tends to cause an increase in ICP. Administer lidocaine prior to intubation to inhibit
vagal stimulation.
An ESRD pt w/ hyperkalemia develops dyspnea and requires intubation. Which paralytic
agent/NMB should you avoid and why?
Succinylcholine
Worsens hyperkalemia
A pt is admitted after an OD. He starts to have apneic episodes and his SpO2 is dropping.
You place him on a non-rebreather mask w/ 100% O2, yet his SpO2 remains at 80%. Why
is it not being corrected?
Then, if you try a BVM and it also fails, and video laryngoscopy is unavailable, what is
your next best choice for an airway?
The pt is having apneic episodes, which means that administering high-flow O2 will be
ineffective.
Choose an LMA if the BVM fails.
What intervention improves outcomes with ROSC after cardiac arrest?
Targeted temperature management.
32-36 C
2025/2026 Update | With Complete Solutions
What is the most important sign in a critically ill pt? Why?
Tachypnea
Indicates metabolic acidosis w/ respiratory alkalosis compensation
A pt misses dialysis for a few days and comes in with fluid overload. He's tachycardic and
tachypneic. On physical exam, you find JVD, pulsus paradoxus (20 mmHg drop during
inspiration), and HoTN (80/40) with distant, muffled heart sounds. Lungs are clear to
auscultation. What is the dx?
Cardiac tamponade; obstructive shock
If a pt has a thyromental distance of 2 cm, what can you expect about their airway?
Difficult airway w/ an anteriorly displaced larynx
A COPD pt comes in with difficulty breathing. He then becomes apneic and unresponsive.
How would you ventilate this pt?
BVM
A pt arrives after falling from a ladder and has a frontal laceration. On examination, you
find papilledema and labored breathing w/o being able to clear secretions. What is your
biggest concern when intubating this pt?
Cerebral edema/increasing ICP
, Intubation tends to cause an increase in ICP. Administer lidocaine prior to intubation to inhibit
vagal stimulation.
An ESRD pt w/ hyperkalemia develops dyspnea and requires intubation. Which paralytic
agent/NMB should you avoid and why?
Succinylcholine
Worsens hyperkalemia
A pt is admitted after an OD. He starts to have apneic episodes and his SpO2 is dropping.
You place him on a non-rebreather mask w/ 100% O2, yet his SpO2 remains at 80%. Why
is it not being corrected?
Then, if you try a BVM and it also fails, and video laryngoscopy is unavailable, what is
your next best choice for an airway?
The pt is having apneic episodes, which means that administering high-flow O2 will be
ineffective.
Choose an LMA if the BVM fails.
What intervention improves outcomes with ROSC after cardiac arrest?
Targeted temperature management.
32-36 C
