Surgical ICU Exam Content Outline

 
 
Exam Objective: To measure the overall level of clinical
knowledge in the area of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit.

Knowledge Domains - Surgical ICU Exam

Cardiovascular  
Endocrine  
29%   21%   General  Knowledge  
8%   Multisystem  
10%   Neurology  
17%   Obstetrics/Gynecology  
4%  
Pulmonary  
6%   Renal  
2%  
2%  
SICU  Pharmacology  

Any  unlawful  use  or  reproduction  of  this  data  and  content  will  be  prosecuted  to  the  fullest  extent  of  the  law.  

 
 
 
  

I. Cardiovascular
A. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of cardiovascular system.
B. Knowledge of pathophysiology related to the cardiovascular system.
C. Knowledge of nursing interventions for disease processes related to CV
system.
D. Knowledge of cardiovascular system and correlation to pertinent data.
E. Knowledge of blood and blood products:
1. Administration
2. Compatibility criteria
3. Catheter selection
4. Blood transfusion reactions
F. Knowledge of post-op complications and nursing interventions.
G. Knowledge of invasive hemodynamic monitoring.
H. Knowledge of troubleshooting related to hemodynamic monitoring.
I. Knowledge of defibrillators, AED, and pacemakers.
J. Knowledge of obtaining lab specimens from an Arterial/Central Line.
K. Knowledge and recognition of different types of shock.
L. Knowledge of ACLS guidelines and treatment protocols.
M. Knowledge of hemodynamic changes in MI patient.
N. Knowledge EKG changes related to electrolyte imbalance.

II. Endocrine
A. Knowledge of assessment of post-traumatic injury patient:
1. Effects of Hypothermia on Endocrine System

Any  unlawful  use  or  reproduction  of  this  data  and  content  will  be  prosecuted  to  the  fullest  extent  of  the  law.  

 
 
 
  

B. Knowledge of pathophysiology and disease processes related to

Endocrine System:
1. Addision’s Disease
2. Diabetes Mellitus (Type I and Type II)
3. DKA
4. SIADH
5. Hyperthyroidism
6. Hypothyroidism

III. General Knowledge

A. Knowledge of disease processes common in the Surgical ICU.
B. Knowledge of appropriate phlebotomy technique and site selection.
C. Knowledge of management and complications of IV lines:
1. Central Lines
2. PICC lines
D. Knowledge of nursing interventions for patients with altered nutritional
intake:
1. TPN administration
E. Knowledge of blood and blood products administration.
F. Knowledge of basic intravenous procedures.
G. Knowledge of Basic CPR guidelines.
H. Knowledge of Basic EKG Rhythm characteristics.
I. Knowledge of patient education regarding radiologic procedures.

Any  unlawful  use  or  reproduction  of  this  data  and  content  will  be  prosecuted  to  the  fullest  extent  of  the  law.  

 
 
 
  

IV. Multisystem
A. Knowledge of components for performing a comprehensive multi-system
assessment on patients with application of interventions specific to the
Surgical Intensive Care Unit.
B. Knowledge of disease processes with multisystem impact common in the
SICU.
C. Knowledge of surgical procedures common in the SICU.
D. Knowledge of Blood transfusion reactions.
E. Knowledge of crush-type injuries.
F. Knowledge of complications in trauma patients.
G. Knowledge of multisystem effects of vasopressors.
H. Knowledge and recognition of different types of shock and multisystem
effects.

V. Neurology
A. Knowledge of pathophysiology and disease processes related to the
Neuro System.
B. Knowledge of performing a comprehensive neurological assessment.

VI. Obstetrics/Gynecology
A. Knowledge of pathophysiology of hypervolemia during pregnancy.

VII. Pulmonary
A. Knowledge of pathophysiology related to the pulmonary system.
B. Knowledge of disease processes related to the pulmonary system.
Any  unlawful  use  or  reproduction  of  this  data  and  content  will  be  prosecuted  to  the  fullest  extent  of  the  law.  

 
 
 
  

C. Knowledge of nursing interventions for respiratory failure.

D. Knowledge of types of O2 administration.
E. Knowledge and interpretation of ABG’s:
1. Respiratory Acidosis
2. Respiratory Alkalosis
3. Metabolic Acidosis
4. Metabolic Alkalosis
F. Knowledge of mechanical ventilation:
1. Silencing alarms
2. Troubleshooting
G. Knowledge of ventilator equipment and settings:
1. Tidal volume
2. IMV
3. PEEP
4. FIO2
5. Complications of PEEP
H. Knowledge of emergency intubation:
1. Confirmation of correct placement

VIII. Renal
A. Knowledge of pathophysiology and disease processes related the Renal
System.
B. Knowledge of acid-base balance as it relates to renal system.
C. Knowledge and recognition of different types of shock:
1. Hypovolemic
Any  unlawful  use  or  reproduction  of  this  data  and  content  will  be  prosecuted  to  the  fullest  extent  of  the  law.  

 
 
 
  

I. SICU Pharmacology
A. Knowledge of all ACLS medications including indications and dosages.
B. Knowledge of medications used to effect cardiovascular status such as
cardiac output and B/P.
C. Knowledge of different types of IV fluids and common compatibility
components.
D. Knowledge of medication used for conscious sedation.
E. Knowledge of reversal agents for medications used in conscious
sedation.
F. Knowledge of medications used as paralytics.
G. Knowledge of drugs used in emergency situations.
H. Knowledge of commonly used medications that will impact preload,
afterload and contractility.
I. Knowledge of TPN Administration Techniques.
J. Knowledge of antagonist for meds such as narcotics and anticoagulants.
K. Knowledge of antibiotic classifications and contraindications.
L. Knowledge of medications used for electrolyte replacement.

Any  unlawful  use  or  reproduction  of  this  data  and  content  will  be  prosecuted  to  the  fullest  extent  of  the  law.