Test Bank for Critical Care Nursing:
Diagnosis and Management, 9th Edition
by Linda D. Urden, Kathleen M. Stacy,
Mary E. Lough || Complete Chapters 1–41
|| UPDATED 2025 Edition
Original Critical Care Nursing Practice
Questions
1. A patient in the ICU develops sudden hypotension and
tachycardia. Priority nursing action:
A. Assess for hypovolemic shock
B. Administer oral fluids
C. Encourage ambulation
D. Document only
Answer: A
Explanation: Sudden hypotension and tachycardia may indicate hypovolemic shock;
immediate assessment and intervention are critical.
,2. A mechanically ventilated patient has increased peak
airway pressures and decreased tidal volume. Likely
cause:
A. Airway obstruction or bronchospasm
B. Hypotension
C. Hypervolemia
D. Fever
Answer: A
Explanation: Increased airway pressures with low tidal volumes indicate obstruction; the
airway must be assessed immediately.
3. Priority assessment for a patient with acute respiratory
distress syndrome (ARDS):
A. Oxygen saturation and arterial blood gases
B. Blood glucose
C. Bowel sounds
D. Skin turgor
Answer: A
4. A patient with sepsis is receiving norepinephrine.
Nursing priority:
A. Monitor blood pressure, perfusion, and signs of tissue ischemia
B. Encourage oral fluids
C. Monitor bowel sounds only
D. Provide supplemental oxygen only
Answer: A
, 5. A patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is
post-head injury. Best positioning:
A. Head of bed elevated 30–45 degrees
B. Flat supine
C. Trendelenburg
D. Lying on side with knees flexed
Answer: A
6. A patient in the ICU develops ventricular tachycardia
without a pulse. Immediate action:
A. Start CPR and prepare for defibrillation
B. Administer oral antiarrhythmic
C. Monitor vital signs
D. Call family
Answer: A
7. A patient with septic shock has a central venous
catheter. Nurse monitors for:
A. Infection, patency, and proper placement
B. Oral intake only
C. Blood glucose only
D. Skin turgor only
Answer: A
8. A patient has a pulmonary artery catheter in place.
Priority assessment:
A. Waveforms, pressures, and complications
B. Temperature only
Diagnosis and Management, 9th Edition
by Linda D. Urden, Kathleen M. Stacy,
Mary E. Lough || Complete Chapters 1–41
|| UPDATED 2025 Edition
Original Critical Care Nursing Practice
Questions
1. A patient in the ICU develops sudden hypotension and
tachycardia. Priority nursing action:
A. Assess for hypovolemic shock
B. Administer oral fluids
C. Encourage ambulation
D. Document only
Answer: A
Explanation: Sudden hypotension and tachycardia may indicate hypovolemic shock;
immediate assessment and intervention are critical.
,2. A mechanically ventilated patient has increased peak
airway pressures and decreased tidal volume. Likely
cause:
A. Airway obstruction or bronchospasm
B. Hypotension
C. Hypervolemia
D. Fever
Answer: A
Explanation: Increased airway pressures with low tidal volumes indicate obstruction; the
airway must be assessed immediately.
3. Priority assessment for a patient with acute respiratory
distress syndrome (ARDS):
A. Oxygen saturation and arterial blood gases
B. Blood glucose
C. Bowel sounds
D. Skin turgor
Answer: A
4. A patient with sepsis is receiving norepinephrine.
Nursing priority:
A. Monitor blood pressure, perfusion, and signs of tissue ischemia
B. Encourage oral fluids
C. Monitor bowel sounds only
D. Provide supplemental oxygen only
Answer: A
, 5. A patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is
post-head injury. Best positioning:
A. Head of bed elevated 30–45 degrees
B. Flat supine
C. Trendelenburg
D. Lying on side with knees flexed
Answer: A
6. A patient in the ICU develops ventricular tachycardia
without a pulse. Immediate action:
A. Start CPR and prepare for defibrillation
B. Administer oral antiarrhythmic
C. Monitor vital signs
D. Call family
Answer: A
7. A patient with septic shock has a central venous
catheter. Nurse monitors for:
A. Infection, patency, and proper placement
B. Oral intake only
C. Blood glucose only
D. Skin turgor only
Answer: A
8. A patient has a pulmonary artery catheter in place.
Priority assessment:
A. Waveforms, pressures, and complications
B. Temperature only
