1. Multiple Choice: A patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which setting adjustment would be most appropriate for minimizing barotrauma? A. Increase tidal volume B. Decrease respiratory rate C. Increase inspiratory flow rate D. Decrease peak inspiratory pressure Correct Answer: D. Decrease peak inspiratory pressure Rationale: Decreasing peak inspiratory pressure can help minimize the risk of barotrauma by reducing the amount of pressure exerted on the lungs during ventilation. 2. Fill-in-the-Blank: The primary goal of hemodynamic monitoring in critical care is to assess __________ and ensure tissue perfusion. Correct Answer: cardiac output Rationale: Hemodynamic monitoring primarily focuses on assessing cardiac output to evaluate the heart's efficiency in pumping blood and ensuring adequate tissue perfusion.