Free intensive care “ICU” MCQ exam model for clinical students

Explanation:

• Endotracheal intubation → Correct because it secures the airway and allows mechanical ventilation.

• Oxygen mask → Incorrect because it does not protect the airway.

• Nasal cannula → Incorrect because it delivers low-flow oxygen only.

• Non-invasive ventilation → Incorrect because airway is not secured.

• Tracheostomy → Incorrect because it is used for long-term airway management.

Explanation:

• Septic shock → Correct because severe infection with circulatory failure is common in ICU.

• Cardiogenic shock → Incorrect because it is less common than sepsis.

• Hypovolemic shock → Incorrect because it is usually managed earlier.

• Anaphylactic shock → Incorrect because it is uncommon.

• Neurogenic shock → Incorrect because it is rare.

Explanation:

• Support failing organs and save life → Correct because ICU care focuses on life-saving support.

• Provide comfort care only → Incorrect because this is palliative care.

• Treat chronic diseases → Incorrect because ICU focuses on acute illness.

• Provide rehabilitation → Incorrect because this is post-ICU care.

• Reduce hospital stay → Incorrect because survival is priority.

Explanation:

• Critically ill patients requiring organ support → Correct because ICU care focuses on life-threatening conditions and organ failure.

• Chronic outpatient diseases → Incorrect because ICU care is acute and inpatient.

• Elective surgical patients → Incorrect because they usually do not require ICU.

• Rehabilitation medicine → Incorrect because it is post-acute care.

• Preventive medicine → Incorrect because ICU is not preventive.

Explanation:

• Normal saline → Correct because isotonic crystalloids are first-line fluids.

• 5% dextrose → Incorrect because it is not a resuscitation fluid.

• Colloid solutions → Incorrect because crystalloids are preferred.

• Blood products → Incorrect because they are given if bleeding.

• Hypertonic saline → Incorrect because it is not routinely used.

Explanation:

• Respiratory failure → Correct because need for ventilatory support is the commonest ICU indication.

• Minor trauma → Incorrect because it does not require ICU.

• Elective surgery → Incorrect because ICU is rarely needed.

• Stable angina → Incorrect because it is managed in wards.

• Chronic kidney disease → Incorrect because ICU is needed only if unstable.

Explanation:

• Urine output → Correct because it reflects renal perfusion and overall circulation.

• Heart rate → Incorrect because it is nonspecific.

• Blood pressure → Incorrect because perfusion can be poor despite normal BP.

• Respiratory rate → Incorrect because it reflects ventilation.

• Body temperature → Incorrect because it reflects infection/metabolism.

Explanation:

• Improve oxygenation and ventilation → Correct because ventilators support gas exchange.

• Cure lung disease → Incorrect because ventilation is supportive.

• Reduce pain → Incorrect because analgesics do this.

• Lower blood pressure → Incorrect because ventilation may affect BP but not goal.

• Sedate the patient → Incorrect because sedation is adjunctive.

Explanation:

• Hyponatremia → Correct because fluid shifts and SIADH are common in ICU.

• Hyperkalemia → Incorrect because it is serious but less common.

• Hypokalemia → Incorrect because it is frequent but not most common.

• Hypercalcemia → Incorrect because it is rare.

• Hypophosphatemia → Incorrect because it occurs but less frequently.

Explanation:

• Return of spontaneous circulation → Correct because it indicates effective resuscitation.

• Pupil size → Incorrect because it is unreliable.

• Chest movement → Incorrect because it reflects ventilation only.

• Blood pressure only → Incorrect because pulse and perfusion are essential.

• Heart rate on monitor → Incorrect because electrical activity may occur without pulse.