Practice Test Geeks(ACCS) Adult Critical Care Specialty Practice Test
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Clinical Knowledge and Skills Flashcards

7 cards from real ACCS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Clinical Knowledge and Skills flashcards as text

  1. What is the correct tidal volume target in a lung-protective ventilation strategy for ARDS?

    Answer: 6 mL/kg ideal body weight

    The ARDSNet protocol demonstrated reduced mortality with tidal volumes of 6 mL/kg ideal body weight to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury.

  2. A patient post-cardiac surgery develops pulsus paradoxus of 18 mmHg, elevated JVP, and hypotension. What does this triad suggest?

    Answer: Cardiac tamponade

    Beck's triad of hypotension, elevated JVP, and muffled heart sounds plus pulsus paradoxus >10 mmHg is classic for cardiac tamponade.

  3. Which electrolyte abnormality is most commonly associated with prolonged QT interval and risk of torsades de pointes in ICU patients?

    Answer: Hypomagnesemia

    Hypomagnesemia prolongs the QT interval and predisposes to torsades de pointes; magnesium replacement is also the treatment for this arrhythmia.

  4. A ventilated patient develops sudden unilateral absent breath sounds, tracheal deviation, hypotension, and SpO2 decline. What is the immediate intervention?

    Answer: Needle decompression of the affected side

    Tension pneumothorax is a clinical diagnosis requiring immediate needle decompression at the second intercostal space, midclavicular line — do not wait for imaging.

  5. Which scoring system is used to assess the severity of acute pancreatitis and risk of organ failure within 48 hours of admission?

    Answer: Ranson criteria

    Ranson criteria use admission and 48-hour parameters specific to pancreatitis severity; scores ≥3 correlate with significant morbidity and mortality.

  6. A patient in the ICU develops fever, rigors, and bacteremia 72 hours after central line insertion. What is the priority management step?

    Answer: Remove the central venous catheter

    Central line-associated bloodstream infection requires prompt catheter removal as the source control measure, in addition to appropriate antibiotic therapy.

  7. Which statement is TRUE regarding the use of corticosteroids in septic shock?

    Answer: Low-dose hydrocortisone is indicated in patients who remain hemodynamically unstable despite vasopressors

    Low-dose hydrocortisone (200 mg/day) is recommended for septic shock patients with persistent hemodynamic instability despite adequate fluid resuscitation and vasopressors.