Free Practice Questions for AACN CCRN-Adult Exam

The patient presents with dyspnea, jaw pain, chest tightness, and sinus tachycardia with ST segment elevation in lead V2 after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). These symptoms are indicative of myocardial ischemia or infarction, likely due to a re-occlusion of the treated coronary artery. Coronary artery occlusion is a common cause of these acute symptoms post-PCI. Other options like pulmonary hypertension, vasovagal reaction, and cardiac tamponade are less consistent with the clinical presentation. References: AACN Adult CCRN Certification Review Course, AACN CCRN Exam Handbook.

This response is the most appropriate because it acknowledges the family’s concern, invites them to share their perspective, and opens up a dialogue about the patient’s condition and comfort. Communication with patients and families about illness progression and end of life requires sensitivity, empathy, and respect. The nurse should avoid making assumptions, giving false reassurance, or dismissing the family’s emotions. Instead, the nurse should explore the family’s understanding, expectations, and needs, and provide information and support accordingly12. Answer A is not appropriate because it does not address the family’s emotional distress or their perception of the patient’s suffering. Answer C is not appropriate because it may contradict the family’s observation or belief, and it may imply that the patient is not aware of their presence or care. Answer D is not appropriate because it may seem like the nurse is avoiding the issue or imposing a religious intervention that the family may not want or need.

While it is important to support family involvement, previous disruptive behavior necessitates setting clear behavioral limits to ensure a safe and therapeutic environment for the patient. Allowing the visit with established guidelines helps balance the need for patient support with maintaining unit order. This approach also respects the patient's rest and recovery needs. References: = CCRN Exam Handbook, AACN Adult CCRN Certification Review Course

The patient’s ABG values show hypoxemia, which is a low level of oxygen in the blood. This can be caused by various pulmonary disorders that impair gas exchange, such as pneumonia, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The patient’s PAP (pulmonary artery pressure) is elevated, indicating increased resistance in the pulmonary circulation. This can also result from pulmonary dysfunction, as the lungs become stiff and inflamed, or from pulmonary hypertension, which is a chronic condition that affects the small arteries in the lungs. The patient’s PAOP (pulmonary artery occlusion pressure) is normal, suggesting that the left ventricle is not failing and that the patient is not hypovolemic or hypervolemic. The patient’s CI (cardiac index) is also normal, indicating adequate cardiac output. Therefore, the most likely cause of the patient’s hypoxemia and dyspnea is pulmonary dysfunction.

References:

AACN. (2023). CCRN (Adult) Exam Handbook. Retrieved from [CCRN Exam Handbook], p. 18.

AACN. (2023). CCRN (Adult) Exam Blueprint. Retrieved from [CCRN Exam Blueprint], p. 2.

The best response is to assess the patient's feelings and understanding of their condition and prognosis. This response opens a dialogue and allows the nurse to provide education and emotional support based on the patient's specific concerns. Other responses may provide false reassurance or imply assumptions about the patient’s future without first understanding their current emotional state and concerns. References: AACN Adult CCRN Certification Review Course, AACN CCRN Exam Handbook.

Hypoxia-induced cerebral edema after a near-drowning incident can be managed by administering osmotic diuretics like mannitol. These medications help reduce intracranial pressure by drawing fluid out of the brain tissue and into the bloodstream, thereby alleviating cerebral edema. Maintaining a MAP of 60-70 mm Hg may not be sufficient to address the elevated intracranial pressure, keeping the patient flat could worsen cerebral edema, and hyperventilation with a PaCO2 of 40-45 mm Hg is not typically recommended for managing increased intracranial pressure as it can lead to vasoconstriction and decreased cerebral perfusion. References: = CCRN Exam Handbook, AACN Adult CCRN Certification Review Course

Glucagon is a hormone that stimulates the liver to release glucose from glycogen stores or from gluconeogenesis. However, when the hepatocytes are damaged by alcoholism or other causes of hepatic failure, glucagon is ineffective because the liver cannot respond to its signal. Glucagon administration is contraindicated for hypoglycemic patients with hepatic failure because it will not raise their blood glucose levels and may worsen their acidosis and electrolyte imbalance123

References:

Hypoglycemia in Patients With Hepatic Failure - PubMed

Glucagon - Wikipedia

Frontiers | Glucagon Receptor Signaling and Lipid Metabolism

Hypokalemia

A patient with a potassium concentration of 3.0 mEq/L has mild hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium in the blood. Hypokalemia can cause various ECG changes that reflect the impairment of cardiac depolarization and repolarization. The most common ECG changes in mild hypokalemia are ST segment depression, flattened and inverted T wave, and a U wave, which is a positive deflection after the T wave. These ECG changes can be seen in the examples from the web search results12. Other ECG changes that may occur in more severe hypokalemia are prolonged QT interval, frequent ectopic beats, and arrhythmias123. Tall peaked T wave, prolonged PR interval, and prolonged QRS complex are ECG changes associated with hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood12. Shortened QT interval and complete atrioventricular block are not typical ECG changes of hypokalemia, but may occur in other electrolyte disorders, such as hypercalcemia2. Inverted P wave, elevated T wave, and prolonged QT interval are not specific ECG changes of hypokalemia, but may occur in other cardiac conditions, such as ischemia, myocarditis, or pericarditis2.

The patient’s vital signs indicate hypertensive urgency or emergency (BP 190/100, HR 126), with a differential radial pulse, suggesting aortic dissection. Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator used in the management of hypertensive crises and can help reduce blood pressure and the shear force on the aortic wall, which is crucial in managing aortic dissection. Nitroglycerin, diltiazem, and digoxin are not appropriate first-line therapies for this condition. References: AACN Adult CCRN Certification Review Course, AACN CCRN Exam Handbook.