CCRN Practice Test
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Avg score: 6% Most missed: “Jerry is a 55-year-old veteran who has been admitted after a motor vehicle accid…”
The CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) certification exams focus on three general populations: adult, pediatric and neonatal patients.  Within the three general populations, the following subject categories are covered: Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Endocrine, Hematology / Immunity, Neurology, Gastrointestinal, Renal, Multisystem, Behavior / Psychological and Professional Care and Ethical Practice. Each exam is age specific and a large percentage of each test focuses on clinical judgment. A smaller percentage of each test covers professional caring and ethical practice, which can address... Show more
CCRN Practice Test
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20 Questions

1. A 47-year-old male has been admitted to the CCU from the emergency room with a history of sudden diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting and radiating pain down his left arm. He reports no significant medical history, and has been a two PPD smoker since his early twenties. His admitting diagnosis is UA/NSTEMI and he is being prepped for cardiac catheterization for possible angioplasty with stent placement. What type of medication orders might the nurse see prior to his procedure?
2. If bowel sounds are audible when auscultating Matthew's lungs, what injury may he have sustained?
3. If a patient sustains acute renal failure (ARF) secondary to cardiogenic shock, what type of renal failure is this considered?
4. Andrew is a 47-year-old with advanced amyotrophic lateralizing sclerosis (ALS). He requires total assistance for positioning, bathing and mobility. His swallowing is impaired, so he takes nothing by mouth and receives nutrition through tube feedings via a gastrostomy tube. Based on his current condition, what type of asphyxia may Andrew be most susceptible to?
5. Agnes is a 65-year-old white female who has a history of pulmonary fibrosis with steroid use for the past two years with concomitant hypertension. She has been on oxygen therapy at 4L per nasal cannula for the past 3 years. Recently, her first great-grandchild was born, and she decided to quit smoking. Three days ago, she experienced nausea and dizziness and was admitted to the CCU with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. During shift change, Agnes' low blood pressure alarm sounds. Upon assessment, she is diaphoretic and has severe dyspnea. What is the most likely cause of her symptoms?
6. Of the following, which is NOT a consideration when administering IVIg therapy?
7. Matthew is a 26-year-old who has been admitted to the ICU following a motor vehicle accident. Upon assessment, it is noted that he has a positive Cullen sign. What does this indicate?
8. Ramona is a 21-year-old who has been admitted to the ICU after suffering an anaphylactic reaction during dinner due to peanut sauce in a dish that the host didn't tell her about. She was stabilized in the emergency room with IV epinephrine and IV diphenhydramine. However, 4 hours after being admitted to the ICU she becomes anxious, develops hives and begins to have difficulty breathing. What is the most likely cause for Ramona's symptoms?
9. Tonya is a 44-year-old with a history of substance abuse who has been admitted to the ICU status-post left lateral thoracotomy. She has been clean and sober for 14 years, and discussed her status with her physician prior to her surgery. When she arrives from the operating room, she is in a great deal of pain. Post-operative pain management orders are for acetaminophen only. When you ask the surgeon for an opioid for pain management, he states, She's an addict. She doesn't need anything for pain." What should your first response be?"
10. Donna is a 43-year-old teacher who was admitted 6 days ago with a ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). She underwent surgery for aneurysm clipping 12 hours after admission, and has had an excellent post-operative course. However, this morning, she complained of a severe headache, became acutely confused and quickly progressed to unresponsiveness. What is the likely cause for Donna's change of status?
11. The RIFLE classification system provides a definition and classification system for acute renal failure (ARF). What does the R" in the RIFLE acronym refer to?"
12. Emily has been admitted to the ICU after being found unconscious on the street. She was found to be in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with a blood sugar of 785. Emily is homeless, has had multiple admissions for DKA, and could benefit from use of an insulin pump, but says she has been repeatedly told, Those are for rich people." What ethical principle supports Emily's right to have an insulin pump?"
13. What is the most common site of rupture of a cerebral aneurysm with resulting subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)?
14. What does the finding of spine sign" on Norman's chest x-ray indicate?"
15. Of the following, which is included in the etiology of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)?
16. Norman is a 65-year-old paraplegic who resides in a nursing home. He presents with a 3-day history of increased temperature, productive cough, and increased weakness. His caregiver states that he had developed a decubitis ulcer, and has not been able to tolerate sitting in his wheelchair, so has been in bed for the past week. Bibasilar crackles are audible on auscultation, with overall diminished breath sounds bilaterally. Obvious respiratory distress is apparent with tachypnea, suprasternal retractions and use of accessory muscles. Vitals: T-100.2F, HR-120, RR-28, BP 104/50, O2 Sat on RA - 88%. An initial chest x-ray reveals the spine sign" and a normal cardiac silhouette. What is the most likely cause of Norman's condition?"
17. If a patient is suspected of having an episode of acute hypoglycemia, which of the following is NOT the most appropriate first intervention?
18. Madge is a 91-year-old nursing home resident with a history of dementia and atrial fibrillation who has been admitted to the ICU for treatment of pneumonia. As you are performing her bed bath, you note bruising around her breasts and genital area. What potential issue should be of major concern in Madge's situation?
19. Jerry is a 55-year-old veteran who has been admitted after a motor vehicle accident with multiple injuries. His friend reported that he had been using synthetic marijuana prior to the accident, and that he also sees a psychiatrist at the VA hospital for an unknown diagnosis. He stated that Jerry sometimes gets hyper" for no reason
20. Marilyn is a Type I diabetic who has been admitted to the unit after a severe hypoglycemic episode in which she lost consciousness. She states that she has had many episode of hypoglycemia, but just does not seem to know when they are coming on anymore. What is the term for this phenomenon?