Free Critical Care and Emergency Nursing MCQs with Answers
50 Critical Care and Emergency Nursing MCQs from Medical Surgical Nursing, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
Covers rapid assessment and stabilisation of patients with airway obstruction, respiratory failure, shock, cardiac arrest, sepsis, poisoning and major electrolyte disturbances. It includes triage, the ABCDE approach, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventilator and monitor care, emergency medicines and distinguishing life-threatening deterioration from stable illness.
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50 questions · page 3 of 3
- A. Slow the transfusion and reassess after 15 minutes
- B. Stop the transfusion and keep the IV line open with normal saline
- C. Administer the next prescribed unit using new tubing
- D. Give an antipyretic and continue the transfusion slowly
Explanation: These findings suggest an acute transfusion reaction, so the transfusion must be stopped immediately.
Correct answer: Stop the transfusion and keep the IV line open with normal saline- A. Equal chest movement on both sides
- B. Auscultated breath sounds over both lungs
- C. Continuous waveform capnography showing exhaled carbon dioxide
- D. A pulse oximeter reading of 96 percent
Explanation: Continuous waveform capnography confirms exhaled carbon dioxide and is the most reliable immediate method for confirming tracheal…
Correct answer: Continuous waveform capnography showing exhaled carbon dioxide- A. Insert a padded tongue blade into the mouth
- B. Restrain the arms and legs to prevent injury
- C. Protect the airway and prepare the prescribed benzodiazepine
- D. Offer oral water after each convulsion stops
Explanation: Prolonged seizure activity threatens breathing and requires rapid anticonvulsant treatment, so airway protection and preparation of a…
Correct answer: Protect the airway and prepare the prescribed benzodiazepine- A. Calcium gluconate
- B. Sodium bicarbonate
- C. Potassium chloride
- D. Regular insulin
Explanation: Absent reflexes and respiratory depression indicate magnesium toxicity.
Correct answer: Calcium gluconate- A. Place the patient flat and encourage oral fluids
- B. Elevate the head, maintain airway support and notify the emergency team
- C. Give a sedative and dim the room lights
- D. Perform repeated deep suctioning to stimulate consciousness
Explanation: Reduced consciousness, vomiting and unequal pupils may indicate rising intracranial pressure with possible herniation.
Correct answer: Elevate the head, maintain airway support and notify the emergency team- A. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
- B. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
- C. Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis
- D. Fully compensated metabolic alkalosis
Explanation: The low pH shows acidaemia, and the raised PaCO2 identifies a respiratory cause.
Correct answer: Uncompensated respiratory acidosis- A. Begin chest compressions immediately
- B. Administer intravenous adrenaline
- C. Assess the patient and check the electrodes and cable connections
- D. Prepare the defibrillator for an unsynchronised shock
Explanation: The patient clearly has circulation, so the monitor tracing is probably artefact or a disconnected lead.
Correct answer: Assess the patient and check the electrodes and cable connections- A. Offer small sips of cool water
- B. Apply a non-rebreather oxygen mask and call for early airway evaluation
- C. Wait for facial swelling before preparing airway equipment
- D. Place the patient supine and encourage coughing
Explanation: Soot and hoarseness suggest inhalation injury, and airway swelling can progress rapidly.
Correct answer: Apply a non-rebreather oxygen mask and call for early airway evaluation- A. Encourage the patient to walk to assess leg movement
- B. Apply a pelvic binder according to emergency protocol
- C. Massage the abdomen to locate the bleeding site
- D. Place the patient in a sitting position without support
Explanation: Pelvic fractures can cause major concealed haemorrhage even without external bleeding.
Correct answer: Apply a pelvic binder according to emergency protocol- A. Oropharyngeal airway
- B. Nasopharyngeal airway
- C. Cuffed endotracheal tube
- D. Supraglottic airway device
Explanation: An oropharyngeal airway holds the tongue away from the posterior pharynx in an unconscious patient without a gag reflex.
Correct answer: Oropharyngeal airway