FCCS FCCS Neurological Assessment 3

Question 1

What is the recommended head-of-bed elevation in patients with elevated ICP?

Accepted Answer

30 degrees

Answer

Elevating the head of bed to 30 degrees facilitates cerebral venous drainage, reducing ICP without significantly compromising cerebral perfusion pressure.

Question 2

Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is calculated as:

Accepted Answer

MAP − ICP

Answer

CPP = MAP − ICP; maintaining CPP above 60–70 mmHg ensures adequate cerebral blood flow despite elevated intracranial pressure.

Question 3

Hypertonic saline and mannitol are used in ICP management primarily because they:

Accepted Answer

Create an osmotic gradient to draw fluid out of brain tissue

Answer

Both agents increase serum osmolarity, creating an osmotic gradient that draws free water from brain parenchyma across the blood-brain barrier, reducing cerebral edema.

Question 4

Delirium in ICU patients is best screened using which validated tool?

Accepted Answer

Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU)

Answer

The CAM-ICU is the validated standard tool for detecting delirium in mechanically ventilated ICU patients who cannot verbalize symptoms.

Question 5

Which intervention is considered first-line for non-pharmacologic delirium prevention in the ICU?

Accepted Answer

Early mobilization, sleep hygiene, and reorientation (ABCDEF bundle)

Answer

The ABCDEF bundle (Assess, Both SAT/SBT, Choice of analgesia/sedation, Delirium, Early mobility, Family) is the evidence-based framework for delirium prevention.

FCCS - Fundamentals of Critical Care Support Practice Test

FCCS - Fundamentals of Critical Care Support Practice Test

FCCS FCCS Neurological Assessment 3