1. Multiple Choice: A patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which setting adjustment is most appropriate to improve oxygenation? A. Increase FiO2 B. Increase PEEP C. Decrease tidal volume D. Decrease respiratory rate Answer: B. Increase PEEP Rationale: Increasing the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) helps keep alveoli open during expiration, improving oxygenation in patients with ARDS. 2. Fill-in-the-Blank: The primary goal of hemodynamic monitoring in critical care is to assess __________ and ensure tissue perfusion. Answer: Cardiac output Rationale: Hemodynamic monitoring focuses on assessing cardiac output to evaluate the heart's efficiency in pumping and ensuring adequate tissue perfusio