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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Healthcare

Acute Care Knowledge Test: Ready to Challenge Yourself?

Sharpen Your Skills in Emergency Patient Care

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting a quiz on Acute Care Knowledge Test

Looking to assess your clinical expertise? The Acute Care Knowledge Test helps nurses and healthcare professionals evaluate emergency and critical care proficiency. This 15-question quiz covers vital assessments, intervention strategies, and patient monitoring essentials. It's perfect for students or practitioners wanting to explore acute care scenarios and compare with our Patient Care Knowledge Assessment Quiz or refine skills via the Critical Care Knowledge Assessment Quiz . Customize questions freely in our quizzes editor to suit your learning goals.

Easy
What is the first step in the primary survey of an acute care patient according to the ABC approach?
Airway assessment
Breathing assessment
Circulation assessment
Disability assessment
The ABC approach prioritizes airway control first to ensure a patent airway before evaluating breathing and circulation. Securing the airway prevents hypoxia and allows subsequent assessments. This step is critical in all acute care scenarios.
Which vital sign most directly indicates tachypnea?
Respiratory rate greater than 20 breaths per minute
Heart rate below 60 beats per minute
Oxygen saturation of 95%
Temperature above 38°C
Tachypnea is defined by an elevated respiratory rate, generally above 20 breaths per minute in adults. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature are not direct measures of breathing rate. Recognizing tachypnea is crucial for identifying respiratory distress early.
In a patient with suspected acute myocardial infarction, which immediate medication reduces platelet aggregation?
Aspirin
Nitroglycerin
Morphine
Atropine
Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking cyclooxygenase and reducing thromboxane A2 synthesis. Early administration in suspected MI improves outcomes by limiting clot formation. Other medications address pain or hemodynamics but do not directly prevent platelet aggregation.
What does SBAR stand for in acute care team communication?
Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation
Stop, Begin, Assess, Report
Situation, Behavior, Action, Response
Safety, Background, Action, Resolution
SBAR is a structured communication tool: Situation describes the current issue, Background gives context, Assessment shares findings, and Recommendation proposes next steps. This format reduces miscommunication in high-stress environments. It is widely adopted in acute care settings.
Which protocol should be initiated for a patient in ventricular fibrillation?
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
Ventricular fibrillation in adults is managed according to ACLS guidelines, which include defibrillation and pharmacologic interventions. PALS and NRP focus on pediatric and neonatal populations, respectively. ATLS is for trauma care and does not specifically address VF arrest algorithms.
Medium
In a trauma patient with hypotension (BP 80/50 mmHg) and tachycardia, what is the priority initial intervention?
Administer an intravenous fluid bolus
Give a beta-blocker
Obtain a CT scan of the abdomen
Start broad-spectrum antibiotics
Hypotension and tachycardia in trauma suggest hypovolemia, making a fluid bolus the priority to restore circulating volume. Beta-blockers can worsen hypotension by reducing heart rate and contractility. Imaging and antibiotics are secondary to stabilizing hemodynamics.
Which of the following is an early sign of septic shock?
Warm, flushed skin
Decreased respiratory rate
Bradycardia
Hypothermia
Early septic shock often features vasodilation leading to warm, flushed skin and bounding pulses. Respiratory rate typically increases, and bradycardia is uncommon. Hypothermia may occur later or in severe cases but is not an early hallmark.
A patient develops acute anaphylaxis; what is the first-line treatment?
Intramuscular epinephrine
Intravenous corticosteroids
Subcutaneous antihistamine
Large-volume intravenous fluids
Intramuscular epinephrine is the immediate treatment for anaphylaxis because it rapidly reverses bronchoconstriction, vasodilation, and edema. Corticosteroids and antihistamines are adjunctive therapies with slower onset. Fluids support blood pressure but do not address the underlying allergic reaction.
A trauma patient arrives with altered mental status after a fall; what is the most appropriate assumption and precaution?
Assume cervical spine injury and immobilize the spine
Remove any helmets immediately
Proceed directly to head CT without immobilization
Begin oral hydration
Altered mental status in trauma raises concern for cervical spine injury, so spinal precautions and immobilization are essential. Removing helmets is done carefully to maintain alignment, not immediately without caution. Imaging follows stabilization, and oral hydration is not a priority in trauma.
Which risk stratification tool is commonly used to assess mortality risk in patients with acute coronary syndrome?
TIMI score
Glasgow score
APGAR score
CHADS₂ score
The TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) score evaluates risk in ACS patients based on age, risk factors, ECG changes, and biomarkers. Glasgow score assesses coma, APGAR is for newborns, and CHADS₂ estimates stroke risk in atrial fibrillation.
In early circulatory shock, which clinical sign is most indicative of poor perfusion?
Cool, clammy skin
Bounding peripheral pulses
Flushed, warm skin
Warm extremities
Cool, clammy skin results from peripheral vasoconstriction to maintain central perfusion in shock. Bounding pulses and flushed skin indicate hyperdynamic states, not early shock. Warm extremities suggest adequate perfusion rather than compromise.
For a suspected acute ischemic stroke, what is the next best step after neurological assessment?
Obtain a non-contrast head CT scan
Perform a lumbar puncture
Order MRI with contrast
Schedule carotid Doppler ultrasound
A non-contrast head CT rapidly differentiates ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke, guiding thrombolytic therapy decisions. Lumbar puncture and contrast imaging are not first-line in acute stroke. Carotid ultrasound is for later evaluation.
Which communication technique ensures accurate message delivery in acute care teams?
Closed-loop communication
Unidirectional briefing
Passive listening
Open-mic reporting
Closed-loop communication involves sending a message, receiving confirmation, and providing feedback to ensure understanding. It reduces errors in high-stress environments. Unidirectional or passive approaches lack confirmation and increase miscommunication risk.
A patient shows signs of tension pneumothorax; what is the immediate intervention?
Perform needle decompression
Obtain a chest X-ray
Administer high-flow oxygen only
Start antibiotic therapy
Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate needle decompression to relieve intrapleural pressure. Waiting for imaging or giving oxygen alone delays definitive treatment. Antibiotics are not indicated unless infection is present.
In a multi-trauma scenario, which patient should be assessed first?
Patient with airway compromise
Patient with a minor laceration
Patient with a stable femur fracture
Patient with controlled bleeding
Airway compromise is the highest priority in the primary survey to prevent hypoxia and possible fatal outcomes. Minor wounds, stable fractures, and controlled bleeding are lower in the ABC hierarchy. Rapid prioritization saves lives.
Hard
An arterial blood gas shows pH 7.25, PaCO₂ 50 mmHg, HCO₃❻ 24 mEq/L. What is the primary disturbance?
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis
A low pH with elevated PaCO₂ and normal bicarbonate indicates primary respiratory acidosis due to hypoventilation. Metabolic acidosis would feature decreased HCO₃❻. Respiratory or metabolic alkalosis would present with higher pH values.
In septic shock unresponsive to fluid resuscitation, which vasopressor is recommended as first-line?
Norepinephrine
Dopamine
Phenylephrine
Epinephrine
Norepinephrine is the preferred first-line vasopressor in septic shock after fluids because it increases vascular tone with fewer arrhythmias. Dopamine is associated with higher arrhythmia risk. Phenylephrine and epinephrine are second-line or situational choices.
During massive transfusion protocol in hemorrhagic shock, what is the optimal ratio of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to red blood cells (RBCs)?
1:1
1:2
2:1
1:3
A balanced 1:1 ratio of FFP to RBCs helps correct coagulopathy and restore volume effectively during massive transfusion. Ratios favoring RBCs alone increase bleeding risk. Higher plasma ratios prevent dilutional coagulopathy.
A post-intubation patient becomes hypotensive; which is the most appropriate initial management?
Administer an intravenous fluid bolus
Increase the ventilator respiratory rate
Administer propofol
Reduce sedation
Post-intubation hypotension often results from decreased venous return; an IV fluid bolus restores preload. Changing ventilator settings, giving propofol, or altering sedation does not immediately address hypovolemia. Fluids should be assessed first.
In diabetic ketoacidosis management protocol, which is the first intervention?
Intravenous fluid resuscitation
Initiate insulin infusion
Administer potassium supplementation
Give bicarbonate
Fluid resuscitation corrects dehydration and improves perfusion, which also helps lower blood glucose and ketones. Insulin and potassium follow once volume status is partially restored. Bicarbonate is reserved for severe acidosis.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyze acute care scenarios to prioritize interventions
  2. Identify key signs of patient deterioration promptly
  3. Evaluate treatment options for common emergency conditions
  4. Apply critical decision-making in fast-paced situations
  5. Demonstrate effective communication in acute care teams
  6. Master protocols for managing life-threatening emergencies

Cheat Sheet

  1. Master the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) - Jump into the excitement of triage by mastering ESI's five levels, which sort patients by acuity and resource needs. This system helps you channel swift care to those who need it most while sharpening your rapid-assessment skills! Emergency Severity Index
  2. Spot Early Signs of Deterioration - Keep your detective hat on by watching for sneaky changes in vital signs, mental status shifts, or subtle breathing struggles. Catching these red flags early lets you leap into action and boost patient outcomes. Responding to the deteriorating patient: The rationale for treatment escalation plans
  3. Develop Treatment Escalation Plans (TEPs) - Build clear roadmaps that guide interventions during patient decline, aligning every step with individual goals. TEPs also spark meaningful conversations so everyone knows what comes next. Responding to the deteriorating patient: The rationale for treatment escalation plans
  4. Enhance Team Communication - Level up your handoffs and huddles with tools like SBAR to share critical info swiftly and accurately. Great teamwork cuts errors and keeps patients safer under pressure. Ten Best Practices for Improving Emergency Medicine Provider - Nurse Communication
  5. Understand the ReSPECT Process - Learn how to create personalized emergency care plans that honor patient values and treatment wishes. This patient-centered approach ensures everyone is on the same page when it matters most. ReSPECT process
  6. Apply Shared Decision-Making - Invite patients into the decision loop using evidence-based frameworks that respect their autonomy and boost satisfaction. When people feel heard, they're more engaged in their care journey! Shared Decisionmaking in the Emergency Department: A Guiding Framework for Clinicians
  7. Know Common Emergency Conditions - Familiarize yourself with the telltale signs of heart attacks, strokes, sepsis, and more. Memorizing their presentations and first-response steps turbocharges your confidence when every second counts. Shared Decisionmaking in the Emergency Department: A Guiding Framework for Clinicians
  8. Practice Under Pressure - Simulate high-stakes scenarios to train your brain for rapid-fire decision-making. The more you rehearse these drills, the sharper and calmer you'll be in real emergencies. Ten Best Practices for Improving Emergency Medicine Provider - Nurse Communication
  9. Master Life-Saving Protocols - Drill ACLS and other emergency guidelines until they're second nature. Consistent protocol use is your ticket to saving more lives when chaos strikes! Shared Decisionmaking in the Emergency Department: A Guiding Framework for Clinicians
  10. Commit to Continuous Learning - Keep your skills fresh with workshops, journals, and simulation labs. Ongoing education ensures you're always ready to deliver top-notch critical care. Ten Best Practices for Improving Emergency Medicine Provider - Nurse Communication
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