Fundamentals of Critical Care Support (FCCS) Practice Test

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• What are the clinical manifestations associated with cardiogenic shock?
• What is the primary function of a Venturi Face Mask?
• What might indicate inadequate oxygen supply to tissue during hypoperfusion?
• A patient in shock has an ScvO2 that is below the normal range. This may indicate:
• What is the immediate treatment for a STEMI patient?
• Which of the following is NOT a symptom of severe pre-eclampsia?
• What is the mechanism of action for vaptans?
• Which drug is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that can lead to significant hypotension in hypovolemic patients?
• What is considered the preferred reperfusion technique in STEMI?
• During diastole, in cardiac tamponade, what is observed in the heart chambers?
• NPPV combines two levels of positive airway pressure with which modality?
• What is a common result of using vasopressors such as norepinephrine or phenylephrine?
• What FiO2 can an Aerosol Face Mask typically deliver?
• What is the initial recommended tidal volume for patients with normal lung compliance receiving mechanical ventilation?
• What is the typical mean arterial pressure behavior in distributive shock?
• What is the recommended medication within 24 to 48 hours after a stroke onset if hemorrhage is excluded?
• What is the first-line treatment for infections caused by Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs)?
• What is a key concern for patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome related to respiratory function?
• What should be monitored closely as a clinical indication of inadequate cerebral perfusion?
• Which medication is characterized as a pure α-adrenergic vasoconstrictor?
• What medication is preferred over unfractionated heparin following fibrinolysis?
• What should be considered in patients with large anterior infarctions who do not receive fibrinolysis or PCI?
• What is the primary goal in the initial management of shock regarding blood pressure?
• Immediate-release nifedipine is contraindicated for what reason in the treatment of acute MI?
• What airway management option is recommended when visualization of the glottis is impossible?
• What is the primary purpose of the Sellick Maneuver during intubation?
• What is the primary purpose of intra-arterial treatment in acute ischemic stroke?
• In patients with 1- or 2-vessel disease, what treatment is preferred?
• In severe pre-eclampsia, what platelet count is considered a concern for multisystem involvement?
• What does CPAP stand for?
• How much blood loss is defined as postpartum hemorrhage after a cesarean delivery?
• What is a key characteristic of the Aerosol Face Mask?
• Hemorrhagic CSF and temporal lobe involvement on imaging are suggestive of which type of encephalitis?
• In the context of cardiogenic shock, what happens to SVO2 or SCVO2 due to low cardiac output?
• By how much does increasing hemoglobin concentration from 7 g/dL to 9 g/dL boost oxygen delivery?
• Which monitor is NOT typically used to assess organ perfusion?
• What causes third space fluid loss in clinical conditions?
• What should be included in the initial antimicrobial therapy for brain abscess treatment?
• Where can ScvO2 be obtained from in a patient?
• If PCI is not available within 120 minutes of arrival, what should be considered?
• What is the primary endpoint for using epinephrine in patients?
• What is the primary maintenance fluid recommended in TBI management?
• What is the relationship between mean arterial pressure and intravascular volume during shock management?
• How long should one wait after performing PLR to assess if the patient is fluid responsive?
• How does the time course of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) compare to Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS)?
• What should be done if a sodium increase of 6 to 8 mmol/L is achieved?
• Which parameters primarily influence the PaO2 in patients receiving ventilatory support?
• What type of receptor does phenylephrine primarily act on?
• How should blood pressure be managed after a stroke for patients requiring treatment?
• What should be monitored closely to avoid auto-cycling in patients on mechanical ventilation?
• What condition indicates the use of hypertonic saline in patients with hyponatremia?
• What is the result of too short of an expiratory time in mechanical ventilation?
• What are the components of Beck's Triad?
• What vital capacity measurement indicates a need for ICU admission in patients with respiratory weakness?
• What is the normal range for intra-abdominal pressure (IAP)?
• Which neuromuscular blocking agent does not cause fasciculations?
• What might persistent pneumothorax despite intervention indicate?
• Which medication is less frequently used due to its varied patient responses and potential for renal dysfunction?
• What is recommended for the initial FIO2 in a patient requiring mechanical ventilation?
• What is a caution associated with the rapid administration of Fentanyl?
• What is a goal of NPPV regarding the respiratory rate?
• Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of CPAP?
• In normal individuals, how does ScvO2 compare to SVO2?
• What is a common finding in the hemodynamic profile of cardiogenic shock?
• Which of the following is characterized as a "gram-negative bacilli"?
• When should oral β-blockers be initiated for a patient with STEMI?
• What is the purpose of the passive leg raising (PLR) maneuver in a clinical setting?
• What is considered a classic definition of postpartum hemorrhage following a vaginal birth?
• What complication can arise from using Ketamine?
• What might a decrease in tidal volume lead to in patients with respiratory failure?
• What does the goal of hypertonic saline treatment aim to accomplish?
• Which condition is considered a relative contraindication for fibrinolytics in a patient with STEMI?
• What is the formula for calculating alveolar minute ventilation?
• Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is defined as an IAP greater than what value?
• What should be continued after fibrinolysis and before transfer in a patient?
• Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for fibrinolytics in STEMI?
• What is an acceptable EPAP range for initial BiPAP settings?
• What is the correct response when there is a normal PaCO2 level in pregnant women?
• What is the SVO2/SCVO2 status in distributive shock?
• Which class of medication should be administered alongside an ACE inhibitor within the first 24 hours for patients with NSTE-ACS?
• What are the chances of severe intracranial complications in patients with eclampsia?
• What is the recommended therapy for an immunocompromised or neutropenic patient presenting with fever and no specific source?
• What does a thyromental distance of less than 3 fingerbreadths indicate?
• What is a common risk factor for aspiration during pregnancy?
• What treatment is indicated for HSV encephalitis?
• What should the diastolic blood pressure exceed to indicate emergency administration of antihypertensive agents in ischemic stroke?
• At what infusion rate does dobutamine start to exert its effects?
• What is one of the key principles for TBI management regarding sedation?
• What is one of the key goals of initial shock management?
• Which medication should be administered intravenously for status epilepticus?
• What effect does high levels of PEEP have on venous return to the heart?
• What does plateau pressure reflect in respiratory monitoring?
• What is the effect of increased minute ventilation in pregnant women on CO2 levels?
• What is an optimal time goal from hospital presentation to balloon inflation for PCI?
• Which of the following is NOT a suitable indication for Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation?
• What is recommended for STEMI patients who develop cardiogenic shock after fibrinolysis?
• What should be monitored to assess oxygen delivery and organ perfusion in a patient with shock?
• What condition should be avoided when administering Succinylcholine?
• Which intervention could help reduce elevated plateau pressure?
• What is the recommended action if a patient cannot tolerate an ACE inhibitor?
• During pregnancy, what is the level of fibrinogen generally considered to be?
• What is the recommended starting infusion rate for norepinephrine in adults?
• In the context of NPPV/BIPAP, how is PSV mode commonly referred to?
• Which of the following is NOT considered an absolute contraindication for fibrinolytics?
• Which vasoactive medication is recommended initially for the treatment of septic shock?
• Which patient factor may increase the risk for aspiration while using noninvasive positive pressure ventilation?
• What does HELLP syndrome stand for in the context of severe pre-eclampsia?
• Which bacteria are referred to as "lancet-shaped gram-positive diplococci"?
• The first measured control of blood pressure in stroke patients should aim for a reduction of approximately ___ in the first 24 hours following treatment.
• Which of the following should be continued after use of fibrinolytics in STEMI patients?
• Which of the following best describes a vasopressor?
• What is the formula for cardiac output (CO)?
• Which physiological change occurs in hypovolemic shock?
• What is the dosage method for administering intravenous recombinant tPA?
• When should hydrocortisone be considered for a patient with septic shock?
• After stabilization in status epilepticus, which medication is appropriate to prevent recurrent seizures?
• In patients at high risk for toxoplasmosis, which medication should be part of the initial antimicrobial regimen?
• Which drug is known to interfere with normal lactate metabolism?
• What is the recommended starting backup rate for BiPAP settings?
• Long-acting calcium channel blockers are appropriate for which purpose in STEMI patients?
• What is an indication for performing a thoracotomy?
• What is the effect of activating alpha-1 adrenergic receptors located in vascular walls?
• What does the GRACE score assess?
• What is the role of a Non-Rebreather Mask (NRB)?
• What potential complications can arise from overly aggressive fluid resuscitation?
• Which initial EPAP setting is recommended for NPPV?
• During pregnancy, the decrease in functional residual capacity ranges from?
• What is the single most important indicator in critical illness?
• In patients with traditional risk factors like heart failure and diabetes, what other intervention may be considered along with an ACE inhibitor and β-blocker?
• What tidal volume (VT) should be aimed for if assist-control volume ventilation is used?
• In case of prolonged seizures, which route is preferred for lorazepam administration?
• What condition is indicated by a patient having a serum lactate level >2 mmol/L despite adequate fluid administration?
• What is a critical indicator of tissue oxygen supply during shock?
• When should intravenous recombinant tPA be administered for the treatment of ischemic stroke?
• When is intravenous nitroglycerin useful in STEMI management?
• What is the target mean arterial pressure to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion is currently unknown?
• What is the primary effect of inotropes on cardiac function?
• Which parameter is essential for ensuring systemic oxygen transport in brain injury?
• What is a common sign of cardiac dysfunction in pregnancy that may indicate an underlying disorder?
• What is one guideline to consider before initiating NPPV?
• What is the most common heart sound finding in patients with normal sinus rhythm indicating decreased left ventricular compliance?
• What is the recommended empiric coverage for patients at increased risk for S aureus and other pathogens due to recent neurosurgical procedures?
• Why is high-dose penicillin G continued in cases of S pneumoniae?
• What caution should be noted when administering Propofol?
• What should be monitored when administering dexamethasone for meningitis?
• Which scoring system helps determine the risk associated with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome?
• What is the goal of manual mask ventilation?
• What is the hemodynamic characteristic of heart rate in distributive shock?
• Which factor could contribute to low values of ScvO2?
• What is the DIRECT mnemonic used in Critical Care Support?
• What may happen to cardiac output in distributive shock if the intravascular volume is not optimized?
• Which agent is preferred for the treatment of uncontrolled variceal bleeding due to its favorable side-effect profile?
• In DKA, when should glucose be added to the intravenous fluids?
• What is the risk associated with the HFNC if not monitored correctly?
• What is the primary use of somatostatin in the context of uncontrolled variceal bleeding?
• When should high-dose penicillin G be used in treating bacterial meningitis?
• When dealing with spinal cord injuries, what should the consultant's opinion be sought on?
• How much blood is gravitationally transferred to the right heart during the PLR maneuver?
• For managing acute brain injury, maintaining the head of bed elevation to what degree is recommended to promote drainage?
• What is a key characteristic of Etomidate for intubation?
• When starting fluid therapy in HHS/DKA, what initial rate is recommended in the absence of cardiac dysfunction?
• What substance can be indicative of hypoxia due to anaerobic metabolism?
• Which surgical action is recommended for acute subdural hematomas greater than 10 mm in thickness?
• What is the main risk associated with a rapid correction of serum sodium levels?
• What is the primary benefit of using Fentanyl for tracheal intubation?
• Which finding indicates cardiac tamponade during inspiration?
• What is an adverse effect of routine hyperventilation in brain injury management?
• What physiological change facilitates the release of oxygen from hemoglobin in response to acidosis or increased temperature?
• How should severe uncontrolled hypertension be defined for the purposes of relative contraindications to fibrinolytics?
• If PCI cannot be performed within 120 minutes of arrival for STE-ACS, what treatment should be considered?
• What is the primary goal of mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients?
• What clinical condition may lead to decreased SVO2 or SCVO2 readings due to unchanged or increased tissue demands?
• What physiological change is associated with pregnancy in regard to tidal volume?
• What volume of an epidural hematoma necessitates surgical evacuation regardless of the patient's GCS score?
• Clindamycin is often used to reduce the amount of toxins in what type of infection?
• What distinguishes milrinone from other inotropic agents?
• What advantage does Midazolam offer as a sedative in tracheal intubation?
• What condition may contraindicate the use of PCI?
• Which two medications are part of dual antiplatelet therapy for STEMI?
• What type of pathogens should be considered for meningitis presenting in a subacute fashion and primarily involving lymphocytes in the CSF?
• What is Winter's Formula used to estimate?
• In the diagnosis of STEMI, a significant ST-segment elevation of ≥ ___ mm in 2 or more contiguous leads in men is necessary.
• Which condition is the most common cause of cardiogenic shock?
• What is a significant caution regarding the use of Succinylcholine?
• What is the typical description of "gram-positive cocci in pairs or chains"?
• What is defined as an area with good ventilation but poor blood flow in the lungs?
• Select the item that reflects an important consideration for selecting a mask for NPPV.
• What should be the limit for the increase in serum sodium during the first 24 hours of treating symptomatic euvolemic hyponatremia?
• What is the maximum increase in serum sodium that should be achieved during the first 24 hours for patients with hyponatremia?
• Which measure should be especially monitored in patients with myasthenia gravis?
• How is the corrected anion gap calculated in patients with hypoalbuminemia?
• At what flow rate of nasal cannula can an FIO2 of approximately 40% be expected?
• What should be avoided to prevent over-correction of serum sodium levels?
• Patients with suspected Listeria meningitis should be treated with what antibiotics?
• What is a primary indication for CABG?
• What effect does increasing norepinephrine infusion rates beyond 10 µg/kg/min primarily have?
• What physiological change occurs with hypercapnia in the brain?
• Which groups are at risk for Listeria meningitis?
• What temperature range is recommended for Targeted Temperature Management to improve neurologic outcomes in comatose patients?
• What is the typical appearance of "gram-positive cocci in clusters"?
• Cardiogenic shock in acute MI indicates the need for what?
• What is the recommended dose range for administering Lidocaine before laryngoscopy?
• What is the recommended action for patients with ischemic stroke who are not candidates for tPA?
• How frequently should serum sodium levels be monitored after administering a vasopressin receptor antagonist?
• Which medication class is often initiated or continued after assessing contraindications in patients with ACS?
• What should the flow rate be set for a Non-Rebreather Mask?
• Which measurements are considered useful for monitoring in seriously ill patients regarding oxygen balance?
• What is one potential adverse effect associated with the use of dopamine?
• What does CPP stand for in critical care?
• What is a recommended intervention to ensure optimal blood pressure in patients with brain injury?
• Community-acquired acute bacterial meningitis in adults is most commonly caused by which bacteria?
• Use of ACE inhibitors in patients with STEMI is most beneficial for those with what condition?
• What is the initial IPAP setting for NPPV?
• Which are the common complications associated with massive transfusions?
• Which parameter should be maintained at 35 to 40 mm Hg in TBI management?
• Which of the following is an effective way to decrease auto-PEEP?
• Which condition is characterized by new onset hypertension plus new onset proteinuria after 20 weeks of pregnancy?
• In pregnancy, what commonly occurs to the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2)?
• What does the thyromental distance measure?
• What is the recommended intervention for a patient experiencing hypoxemia due to an intrapulmonary shunt?
• What is the convulsive phase of preeclampsia known as?
• What does a normal ScvO2 value imply in a patient with shock?
• What medication is an alternative anticoagulant in patients with known heparin-induced thrombocytopenia?
• What flow rate is considered the minimum for an Aerosol Face Mask?
• What is the main purpose of using oxygen in critical care settings?
• What is a potential adverse effect of using Ketamine?
• What physiological response typically occurs in distributive shock due to vasodilation?
• Which of the following describes the primary focus of effective communication in the DIRECT mnemonic?
• Which of the following is true about Hetastarch?
• Which specific ketones are primarily responsible for the metabolic acidosis in DKA?
• Which substance in PRBCs can chelate calcium and affect coagulation?
• What does hypercapnic respiratory failure imply?
• In the acute stroke setting, urgent anticoagulation therapy is?
• What type of shock occurs due to the depletion of intravascular volume relative to vascular capacity?
• After fibrinolysis, how long should heparin be used to maintain vessel patency?
• What may occur if IPAP settings exceed 20 cm H2O in BiPAP?
• The Cushing reflex is characterized by which of the following clinical signs?
• In the case of an apneic patient with a pulse, what is the recommended action?
• What type of shock is often caused by hemorrhage, gastrointestinal losses, or dehydration?
• What is the primary advantage of using Propofol in tracheal intubation?
• What are the common organisms classified as gram-negative bacilli?
• In obstructive shock, how is left ventricular filling pressure typically characterized?
• When is intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator administered to improve outcomes for ischemic stroke patients?
• What does peak pressure indicate during lung inflation?
• What condition can lead to subacute meningitis characterized by lymphocytic predominance in CSF?
• In the context of shock, what does a low central venous pressure indicate?
• Which condition is prevalent among patients experiencing osmotic demyelinating syndrome?
• At the end of the first trimester, what hormone contributes to the reduction of lower esophageal sphincter tone, increasing the risk for aspiration?
• Which type of pressure in mechanical ventilation increases the risk of barotrauma?
• In which situation is intracranial pressure monitoring indicated?
• What percentage of normal body weight does circulating blood volume represent in adults?
• Lower mixed venous oxyhemoglobin saturation (SVO2) measurements may indicate what clinical condition?
• What is the main characteristic of DKA compared to HHS?
• What type of shock is characterized by the loss of peripheral vascular tone and vasodilation?
• When calculating the corrected anion gap, what change occurs with each 1 g/dL decrease in albumin?
• What is a potential complication when setting IPAP greater than 20 cm H2O?
• What condition is a reduction in functional residual capacity during pregnancy most likely to predispose a patient to if critical illness develops?
• If the intracranial pressure (ICP) increases without a change in mean arterial pressure (MAP), what happens to CPP?
• What is a major concern regarding fluid resuscitation in patients with shock?
• What defines the empirical treatment for acute bacterial meningitis?
• What percentage of oxygen is recommended to be delivered through a bag mask?
• What is the initial empiric therapy for acute bacterial meningitis in adults?
• Which condition should be avoided to prevent increased oxygen demands in brain injury?
• What type of shock presents with bradycardia due to cervical spine injury?
• In patients with shock, how may ScvO2 readings fluctuate compared to SVO2?
• What is the loading dose of propofol used in refractory status epilepticus?
• What severe symptoms can indicate a progression of pre-eclampsia?
• What adjunctive treatment is recommended alongside antimicrobial therapy for pneumococcal meningitis?
• What is the most significant sign of tension pneumothorax during mechanical ventilation?
• In which scenario is monitoring for rapid sodium correction most critical?
• What indicates successful reperfusion after fibrinolysis?
• In cases of severe sepsis, a normal ScvO2 might indicate which issue?
• What does a decrease in auto PEEP require to be successfully managed?
• In patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), what is the recommended tidal volume to avoid lung overdistension?
• Which condition is a contraindication for the use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation?
• What is the most common form of distributive shock?
• What could result from decreasing PEEP in a patient with elevated plateau pressure?
• In what situation is fibrinolytic therapy particularly beneficial?
• What effect does cardiogenic shock have on cardiac output?
• What is the recommended treatment for CMV encephalitis?
• Which area of the brain, if impacted by a traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage, warrants immediate surgical intervention due to mass effect?
• Osmotic demyelinating syndrome is primarily associated with what condition?
• What should be the backup rate setting when initiating NPPV?
• What causes hypotension upon initiation of mechanical ventilation?
• What is the recommended urine output in patients with DKA or HHS to ensure adequate tissue perfusion?
• What oxyhemoglobin saturation is recommended for patients experiencing shock?
• What is the primary reason for obstruction in obstructive shock?
• What caution must be considered when administering Midazolam in combination with narcotics?
• Which populations are at increased risk for osmotic demyelinating syndromes?
• Which form of shock may present components of both hypovolemic and cardiogenic shock?
• Which of the following is a normal range for cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP)?
• What ECG changes are typically associated with hyperkalemia?
• Which condition is identified by sepsis with hypotension despite adequate fluid administration and requiring vasoactive drugs?
• What is the minimum flow rate for a Simple Face Mask to effectively clear CO2?
• What should be administered to patients undergoing PCI?