BCA Critical Care & Intensive Care 2

Question 1

A mechanically ventilated patient develops sudden hypotension, tachycardia, and decreased breath sounds on the left. Which diagnosis should be addressed first?

Accepted Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

Tension pneumothorax causes obstructive shock and requires immediate needle decompression before confirmation by imaging.

Question 2

What is the target MAP recommended by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign for septic shock resuscitation?

Accepted Answer

≥65 mmHg

Answer

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends a MAP ≥65 mmHg as the initial resuscitation target in septic shock.

Question 3

Which ventilator parameter is most directly associated with ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI)?

Accepted Answer

Tidal volume (driving pressure)

Answer

Excessive tidal volumes and driving pressures cause volutrauma and barotrauma, the primary mechanisms of VILI.

Question 4

A patient in the ICU develops oliguria, rising creatinine, and FENa <1%. Which condition is most consistent?

Accepted Answer

Prerenal azotemia

Answer

FENa <1% indicates avid sodium retention by intact tubules, consistent with prerenal azotemia from reduced renal perfusion.

Question 5

Which neuromuscular blocking agent is preferred for rapid sequence intubation in a patient with hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

Rocuronium

Answer

Succinylcholine is contraindicated in hyperkalemia due to risk of fatal hyperkalemic cardiac arrest; rocuronium (with sugammadex reversal available) is preferred.

(BCA) Board of Certification in Anesthesiology Practice Test

(BCA) Board of Certification in Anesthesiology Practice Test

BCA Critical Care & Intensive Care 2