Chapter 01: Overview of Critical Care
Nursing 8th Edition Question and answers
Updated 2026
Which of the following professional organizations best supports critical care nursing practice?
a. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
b. American Heart Association
c. American Nurses Association
d. Society of Critical Care Medicine - AnswerANS: A
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is the specialty organization that supports and
represents critical care nurses. The American Heart Association supports cardiovascular initiatives.
The American Nurses Association supports all nurses. The Society of Critical Care Medicine
represents the multiprofessional critical care team under the direction of an intensivist.
A nurse has been working as a staff nurse in the surgical intensive care unit for 2 years and is
interested in certification. Which credential would be most applicable for her to seek?
a. ACNPC
b. CCNS
c. CCRN
d. PCCN - AnswerANS: C
The CCRN certification is appropriate for nurses in bedside practice who care for critically ill patients.
The ACNPC certification is for acute care nurse practitioners. The CCNS certification is for critical care
clinical nurse specialists. The PCCN certification is for staff nurses working in progressive care,
intermediate care, or step-down unit settings.
What is the main purpose of certification for critical care nursing?
a. To assure the consumer that critical nurses will not make a mistake.
b. To help prepare the critical care nurse for graduate school.
c. To assist in promoting magnet status for a facility.
d. To validate a nurse's knowledge of critical care nursing. - AnswerANS: D
Certification assists in validating knowledge of the field, promotes excellence in the profession, and
helps nurses to maintain their knowledge of critical care nursing. Certification helps to assure the
consumer that the nurse has a minimum level of knowledge; however, it does not ensure that care
will be mistake-free. Certification does not prepare one for graduate school; however, achieving
, certification demonstrates motivation for achievement and professionalism. Magnet facilities are
rated on the number of certified nurses; however, that is not the purpose of certification.
What is the focus of the synergy model of practice?
a. Allowing unrestricted visiting for the patient 24 hours each day.
b. Providing holistic and alternative therapies.
c. Considering the needs of patients and their families, which drives nursing
competency.
d. Addressing the patients' needs for energy and support. - AnswerANS: C
The synergy model of practice states that the needs of patients and families influence and drive
competencies of nurses. Nursing practice based on the synergy model would involve tailored visiting
to meet the patient's and family's needs and application of alternative therapies if desired by the
patient, but that is not the primary focus of the model.
The family of your critically ill patient tells you that they have not spoken with the physician
in over 24 hours and they have some questions that they want clarified. During morning
rounds, you convey this concern to the attending intensivist and arrange for her to meet with
the family at 4:00 PM in the conference room. Which competency of critical care nursing
does this represent?
a. Advocacy and moral agency in solving ethical issues
b. Clinical judgment and clinical reasoning skills
c. Collaboration with patients, families, and team members
d. Facilitation of learning for patients, families, and team members - AnswerANS: C
Although one might consider that all of these competencies are being addressed, communication
and collaboration
The AACN Standards for Acute and Critical Care Nursing Practice uses what framework to
guide critical care nursing practice?
a. Evidence-based practice
b. Healthy work environment
c. National Patient Safety Goals
d. Nursing process - AnswerANS: D
Nursing 8th Edition Question and answers
Updated 2026
Which of the following professional organizations best supports critical care nursing practice?
a. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
b. American Heart Association
c. American Nurses Association
d. Society of Critical Care Medicine - AnswerANS: A
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is the specialty organization that supports and
represents critical care nurses. The American Heart Association supports cardiovascular initiatives.
The American Nurses Association supports all nurses. The Society of Critical Care Medicine
represents the multiprofessional critical care team under the direction of an intensivist.
A nurse has been working as a staff nurse in the surgical intensive care unit for 2 years and is
interested in certification. Which credential would be most applicable for her to seek?
a. ACNPC
b. CCNS
c. CCRN
d. PCCN - AnswerANS: C
The CCRN certification is appropriate for nurses in bedside practice who care for critically ill patients.
The ACNPC certification is for acute care nurse practitioners. The CCNS certification is for critical care
clinical nurse specialists. The PCCN certification is for staff nurses working in progressive care,
intermediate care, or step-down unit settings.
What is the main purpose of certification for critical care nursing?
a. To assure the consumer that critical nurses will not make a mistake.
b. To help prepare the critical care nurse for graduate school.
c. To assist in promoting magnet status for a facility.
d. To validate a nurse's knowledge of critical care nursing. - AnswerANS: D
Certification assists in validating knowledge of the field, promotes excellence in the profession, and
helps nurses to maintain their knowledge of critical care nursing. Certification helps to assure the
consumer that the nurse has a minimum level of knowledge; however, it does not ensure that care
will be mistake-free. Certification does not prepare one for graduate school; however, achieving
, certification demonstrates motivation for achievement and professionalism. Magnet facilities are
rated on the number of certified nurses; however, that is not the purpose of certification.
What is the focus of the synergy model of practice?
a. Allowing unrestricted visiting for the patient 24 hours each day.
b. Providing holistic and alternative therapies.
c. Considering the needs of patients and their families, which drives nursing
competency.
d. Addressing the patients' needs for energy and support. - AnswerANS: C
The synergy model of practice states that the needs of patients and families influence and drive
competencies of nurses. Nursing practice based on the synergy model would involve tailored visiting
to meet the patient's and family's needs and application of alternative therapies if desired by the
patient, but that is not the primary focus of the model.
The family of your critically ill patient tells you that they have not spoken with the physician
in over 24 hours and they have some questions that they want clarified. During morning
rounds, you convey this concern to the attending intensivist and arrange for her to meet with
the family at 4:00 PM in the conference room. Which competency of critical care nursing
does this represent?
a. Advocacy and moral agency in solving ethical issues
b. Clinical judgment and clinical reasoning skills
c. Collaboration with patients, families, and team members
d. Facilitation of learning for patients, families, and team members - AnswerANS: C
Although one might consider that all of these competencies are being addressed, communication
and collaboration
The AACN Standards for Acute and Critical Care Nursing Practice uses what framework to
guide critical care nursing practice?
a. Evidence-based practice
b. Healthy work environment
c. National Patient Safety Goals
d. Nursing process - AnswerANS: D
