NCLEX-RN Emergency & Critical Care Exam Pack
Part 4: Questions 151-200
50 Questions with Detailed Rationales
Shock, Code Blue, Airway Management, Trauma Care, Ventilator Alarms & Rapid Response Scenarios
Testable Area Emergency & Critical Care
Part 4 of 5
Question Range 151-200
Format Multiple choice with rationales and key terms
Primary Focus Shock, code situations, airway management, trauma care,
and rapid response scenarios
This part continues the Emergency & Critical Care question bank with higher-acuity scenarios requiring
prioritization, recognition of shock patterns, airway assessment, code response principles, trauma
survey thinking, and rapid escalation of care.
Part 4 | Emergency & Critical Care | Page 1
,Table of Contents
Section Questions
Shock Recognition and Perfusion 151-156
Airway and Ventilator Emergencies 157-159
Code Situations and Resuscitation Basics 160-164
Trauma and Critical Care Priorities 165-180
Rapid Response and Sepsis Scenarios 181-200
Part 4 | Emergency & Critical Care | Page 2
,Question 151
A client arrives in the emergency department after several hours of vomiting and diarrhea. The nurse
notes blood pressure 84/48 mm Hg, heart rate 132 beats/minute, cool clammy skin, delayed capillary
refill, and urine output of 15 mL/hr. Which type of shock is the nurse most likely recognizing?
[ ] A. Septic shock
[X] B. Hypovolemic shock
[ ] C. Cardiogenic shock
[ ] D. Neurogenic shock
Answer: B. Hypovolemic shock
RATIONALE
The correct answer is B. Vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, tachycardia, cool clammy skin, and low urine
output are consistent with reduced circulating volume. Hypovolemic shock occurs when the vascular
system does not contain enough fluid to maintain tissue perfusion. The priority is rapid recognition and
escalation so circulating volume and perfusion can be restored.
KEY TERMS EXPLAINED
Term Meaning
Hypovolemic shock Shock caused by loss of circulating fluid volume.
Perfusion Delivery of oxygenated blood to organs and tissues.
Oliguria Low urine output, often reflecting poor kidney perfusion.
Capillary refill A quick bedside indicator of peripheral circulation.
Part 4 | Emergency & Critical Care | Page 3
, Question 152
A client with a history of myocardial infarction reports chest pressure, severe shortness of breath, and
nausea. The nurse finds crackles in both lungs, cool extremities, blood pressure 88/54 mm Hg, and heart
rate 118 beats/minute. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
[X] A. Cardiogenic shock
[ ] B. Septic shock
[ ] C. Obstructive shock
[ ] D. Anaphylactic shock
Answer: A. Cardiogenic shock
RATIONALE
The correct answer is A. Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart cannot pump effectively. Pulmonary
crackles, hypotension, cool extremities, tachycardia, and a cardiac history strongly support pump
failure. This client requires immediate assessment and rapid response activation or provider notification
based on facility policy.
KEY TERMS EXPLAINED
Term Meaning
Cardiogenic shock Shock caused by failure of the heart to pump effectively.
Crackles Abnormal lung sounds often associated with fluid in the alveoli.
Pump failure Inadequate cardiac contraction to maintain circulation.
Tissue hypoperfusion Insufficient blood flow to meet tissue needs.
Part 4 | Emergency & Critical Care | Page 4
Part 4: Questions 151-200
50 Questions with Detailed Rationales
Shock, Code Blue, Airway Management, Trauma Care, Ventilator Alarms & Rapid Response Scenarios
Testable Area Emergency & Critical Care
Part 4 of 5
Question Range 151-200
Format Multiple choice with rationales and key terms
Primary Focus Shock, code situations, airway management, trauma care,
and rapid response scenarios
This part continues the Emergency & Critical Care question bank with higher-acuity scenarios requiring
prioritization, recognition of shock patterns, airway assessment, code response principles, trauma
survey thinking, and rapid escalation of care.
Part 4 | Emergency & Critical Care | Page 1
,Table of Contents
Section Questions
Shock Recognition and Perfusion 151-156
Airway and Ventilator Emergencies 157-159
Code Situations and Resuscitation Basics 160-164
Trauma and Critical Care Priorities 165-180
Rapid Response and Sepsis Scenarios 181-200
Part 4 | Emergency & Critical Care | Page 2
,Question 151
A client arrives in the emergency department after several hours of vomiting and diarrhea. The nurse
notes blood pressure 84/48 mm Hg, heart rate 132 beats/minute, cool clammy skin, delayed capillary
refill, and urine output of 15 mL/hr. Which type of shock is the nurse most likely recognizing?
[ ] A. Septic shock
[X] B. Hypovolemic shock
[ ] C. Cardiogenic shock
[ ] D. Neurogenic shock
Answer: B. Hypovolemic shock
RATIONALE
The correct answer is B. Vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, tachycardia, cool clammy skin, and low urine
output are consistent with reduced circulating volume. Hypovolemic shock occurs when the vascular
system does not contain enough fluid to maintain tissue perfusion. The priority is rapid recognition and
escalation so circulating volume and perfusion can be restored.
KEY TERMS EXPLAINED
Term Meaning
Hypovolemic shock Shock caused by loss of circulating fluid volume.
Perfusion Delivery of oxygenated blood to organs and tissues.
Oliguria Low urine output, often reflecting poor kidney perfusion.
Capillary refill A quick bedside indicator of peripheral circulation.
Part 4 | Emergency & Critical Care | Page 3
, Question 152
A client with a history of myocardial infarction reports chest pressure, severe shortness of breath, and
nausea. The nurse finds crackles in both lungs, cool extremities, blood pressure 88/54 mm Hg, and heart
rate 118 beats/minute. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
[X] A. Cardiogenic shock
[ ] B. Septic shock
[ ] C. Obstructive shock
[ ] D. Anaphylactic shock
Answer: A. Cardiogenic shock
RATIONALE
The correct answer is A. Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart cannot pump effectively. Pulmonary
crackles, hypotension, cool extremities, tachycardia, and a cardiac history strongly support pump
failure. This client requires immediate assessment and rapid response activation or provider notification
based on facility policy.
KEY TERMS EXPLAINED
Term Meaning
Cardiogenic shock Shock caused by failure of the heart to pump effectively.
Crackles Abnormal lung sounds often associated with fluid in the alveoli.
Pump failure Inadequate cardiac contraction to maintain circulation.
Tissue hypoperfusion Insufficient blood flow to meet tissue needs.
Part 4 | Emergency & Critical Care | Page 4
