Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a key biomarker used in the assessment of heart failure, particularly in identifying fluid overload. When there is increased pressure in the heart due to fluid retention, the heart muscle releases BNP in response to the stretching of heart walls. Elevated levels of BNP indicate a higher likelihood of heart failure and correlate with the degree of fluid overload present in the patient. This makes it a critical test in the diagnosis and management of heart failure. In contrast, C-reactive protein (CRP) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and does not provide specific information regarding heart failure or fluid status. The complete blood count (CBC) offers information about the overall health status of a patient and can detect anemia or infection, but it does not directly relate to fluid volume status. The basic metabolic panel (BMP) measures electrolytes, kidney function, and glucose levels, but it too lacks specificity for assessing fluid overload situations. Therefore, BNP stands out as the most relevant test for this clinical scenario.