Adult CCRN Practice Exam

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• Which statement about hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) is false?
• Which combination drug is used in angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs)?
• What defines portal hypertension?
• Impaired CSF reabsorption leads to which condition?
• What are the causes of cardiac tamponade?
• The Halo sign in CSF drainage is most indicative of which finding?
• Which ECG changes are commonly associated with hypokalemia?
• Which of the following is a typical presentation of a subdural hematoma after head injury?
• What prognosis is typically associated with hypercalcemia of malignancy?
• In chronic heart failure, which patient self-monitoring practices are recommended?
• Which is a potential complication of DKA/HHS?
• What is contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN)?
• What is the initial management emphasis in intracerebral hemorrhage within neurocritical care?
• Which of the following is a symptom of right-ventricular failure?
• What are the key components of brain optimization in delirium treatment?
• What is the typical onset window for delirium in the ICU?
• Which statement best describes the initial management route for severe dehydration in adults?
• What best describes the role of IV fluids in DKA/HHS treatment?
• ARNIs produce which of the following effects?
• Which initial management step is common to both DKA and HHS?
• Second-impact syndrome (SIS) is best described as?
• What is the recommended dosing for Haloperidol in delirium?
• What is cardiac tamponade?
• A patient loses consciousness after head injury; most likely diagnosis is?
• What is the purpose of mechanical ventilation?
• What are the functions of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)?
• Communicating hydrocephalus vs non-communicating hydrocephalus?
• Ethylene glycol poisoning commonly leads to which organ dysfunction?
• What is the significance of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) in myocardial infarction?
• Which autoimmune disorder is characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissue?
• Which symptom is commonly associated with aortic dissection?
• Which auscultatory finding is most characteristic of pericarditis on exam?
• What is aortic dissection?
• IAP grade II range is:
• What is the primary source of gastrointestinal bleeding?
• Which statement about aspirin overdose is true?
• Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) acts on the kidneys to:
• What is the most common site for emboli in ischemic strokes?
• What is the role of heparin in DIC?
• Which statement best describes cirrhosis?
• Which of the following are signs of hypervolemia?
• What should be monitored in a patient with acute coronary syndrome?
• Which of the following is NOT part of the 6Ps?
• Ketones are elevated in DKA but not in HHS.
• What is the typical time window during which vasospasm can lead to delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage?
• What is the primary treatment for status epilepticus?
• Diffuse axonal injury is caused by what mechanism?
• What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
• Pericarditis is most accurately described as which of the following?
• Why is careful fluid management important in renal function?
• After an AWMI, which complication is specifically monitored for that may require a temporary pacemaker?
• What differentiates hypertensive urgency from hypertensive emergency?
• What is the most common cause of DIC?
• What range is typically aimed for after initial stabilization in malignant hypertension?
• Which respiratory finding is commonly associated with DKA?
• What is the management focus for GI bleeding?
• In ACS, which of the following is not typically monitored?
• In diabetes insipidus, which statement about urine osmolality is true?
• How is congestive heart failure defined?
• What is Frank Starling's Law of the Heart?
• Which statement best describes Cushing's triad components?
• What is the primary sign of diabetes insipidus?
• Which is not a brain optimization component?
• Dressler's syndrome is a complication following which event?
• Which of the following is NOT a part of the key management strategies for acute spinal cord injury?
• Which calcium measurement best reflects physiologic calcium status in hypercalcemia?
• What is diabetes mellitus (DM)?
• What ECG leads are associated with a lateral myocardial infarction?
• What is the treatment for hypocalcemia?
• Which function is NOT primarily associated with the temporal lobe?
• What is the normal range for central venous pressure (CVP)?
• In DIC, what typically happens to fibrinogen levels?
• What is the primary sign of SIADH?
• Which of the following is not typically considered a primary endocrine gland?
• Which of the following are common causes of intra-abdominal hypertension?
• Which of the following options lists the major glands of the endocrine system?
• What is a major complication of esophageal varices?
• Intra-abdominal hypertension can impact the respiratory system by causing which of the following?
• Which ECG changes are associated with hypokalemia?
• Which treatment is used to reduce increased intracranial pressure?
• What is the management focus for GI bleeding?
• What are common causes of DKA?
• What is the significance of a prolonged QT interval?
• Which of the following is the first-line anticonvulsant in status epilepticus after airway protection?
• How is hyperviscosity syndrome defined?
• What is the typical initial treatment approach for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)?
• What is the management for intra-abdominal pressure grade II (16-20 mm Hg) based on clinical condition?
• In severe ITP unresponsive to steroids, which intervention may be considered?
• First-line drug treatment for status epilepticus after establishing airway protection?
• What is Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)?
• What is the mechanism of action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors?
• Which imaging feature helps differentiate hemorrhagic stroke from ischemic stroke on CT?
• Which of the following is listed as a type of cardiomyopathy?
• Oliguria is most commonly associated with which volume status?
• What is the gold standard for diagnosing vasospasm?
• Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of cardiac tamponade?
• What is metabolic syndrome?
• Which of the following best describes the components of the immune system?
• Which acid-base disturbance is commonly seen in aspirin overdose?
• What is the role of vasopressors in acute coronary syndrome?
• Which lab finding is commonly seen in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?
• Which statement describes pancreatitis pathophysiology?
• What are the symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning?
• Dromotropic agents primarily affect conduction speed in which cardiac structure?
• What is the function of chronotropic agents?
• Which delirium type is more commonly associated with agitation?
• During a ventriculostomy, what should be monitored?
• What are the risk factors for increased resistance to renal blood flow?
• Which management step is recommended first for suspected intra-abdominal infection regardless of suspected etiology?
• Which option is NOT described as a first-line treatment for depression?
• Which statement defines a hypertensive crisis?
• Which statement defines anemia?
• Which statement best describes a goal of heart failure management to reduce myocardial oxygen demand?
• In DKA/HHS management, what is a core step besides fluids and glucose normalization?
• Which statement best describes hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state?
• What should be done if vasopressors are being used during surgery?
• Pulmonary vascular resistance primarily affects the afterload of which ventricle?
• In neurological assessment, cranial reflexes particularly inform about the integrity of which structures?
• Which of the following is a component of atrial fibrillation management?
• Flumazenil is the brand name for which antidote?
• What laboratory results would indicate a patient is going into DIC?
• Treatment for non-severe Clostridium difficile infection?
• Which of the following are common treatments for lupus?
• What major factor contributes to cerebral impairment in HHS?
• What are the characteristics of ethylene glycol?
• What are the key management strategies for spinal cord injury?
• What is the definition of acute coronary syndrome?
• Which of the following lists includes commonly used IV drugs for malignant hypertension?
• What is included in the treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome?
• The fluid deprivation test is used to identify the cause of which condition?
• What is the treatment approach for dementia?
• Which medication is commonly used as an immunosuppressive for lupus management?
• What are common reactions to transfused blood products?
• What imaging finding is most characteristic of endocarditis?
• Which combination of symptoms is commonly associated with dehydration and may indicate the need for urgent management?
• DKA commonly presents with which GI symptom?
• Which of the following is listed as a risk factor for TIA?
• What is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose?
• Non-severe Clostridium difficile infection treatments include which options?
• For SIADH with seizures due to severe hyponatremia, which acute treatment is recommended?
• On a CT scan, acute intracranial hemorrhage typically appears as which of the following densities?
• What is the treatment for autonomic dysreflexia?
• What characterizes Type II diabetes mellitus?
• During caloric testing, what is the expected eye movement in a brainstem-intact patient when cold water is introduced?
• What percentage of ICU patients are at risk for delirium?
• What does the Monro-Kellie Doctrine state?
• Which signs and symptoms are commonly associated with malignant hypertension?
• What does the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve describe?
• Which of the following is a mechanical complication of myocardial infarction?
• Troponin levels in ACS are monitored to assess what?
• Which best describes critical-illness stress related immunosuppression?
• Intestinal infarction is defined as?
• Which of the following is a risk factor for Clostridium difficile infection?
• What is the purpose of epicardial pacing wires?
• Which of the following is a commonly used IV drug for malignant hypertension?
• What are the signs of a subdural hematoma?
• What is the primary diagnostic step to identify bleeding in suspected hemorrhagic stroke?
• Which of the following are signs of hypovolemia?
• What are the types of angina?
• Which of the following is a listed cause of GI obstruction?
• What is a primary treatment for pancreatitis to decrease pancreatic stimulation?
• What is the first step in management for suspected intra-abdominal infection?
• What is the role of the renin-aldosterone system?
• Common medications used for blood pressure and heart rate control?
• Which of the following is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) commonly used for lupus management?
• Which of the following is a vascular complication of DKA/HHS?
• ST-segment elevation indicates?
• What is the purpose of administering nitroglycerin in this context?
• Which of the following is NOT typically tested as part of a cranial nerve examination?
• Which of the following is NOT a complication of an acute myocardial infarction?
• What is the first-line treatment for depression?
• Which findings best describe signs of increased intracranial pressure?
• What does mixed venous oxygen saturation (SVO2) reflect?
• Naloxone is the brand name for which antidote?
• What does the neurological exam assess with regard to cranial nerves?
• Which of the following is a cause of central (neurogenic) diabetes insipidus?
• What is the significance of cranial reflexes in neurological assessment?
• The AHA/ACC stages categorize heart failure based on what?
• Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is characterized by which of the following?
• What does Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) indicate in anemia?
• What is the primary function of ventriculostomy in neurosurgical care?
• Which statement about the PADIS framework is true?
• Which of the following is a listed cause of hemorrhagic stroke?
• What medication is used for agitation in delirium?
• A ventriculostomy is used for which purpose?
• Which of the following is NOT typically used for blood pressure and heart rate control in aortic dissection?
• Approximately what proportion of ICU delirium patients remain delirious at discharge?
• Which test is used to support the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis?
• The Broca's area, involved in speech production, is located in which brain lobe?
• What is the primary treatment for dehydration?
• What is a main treatment strategy for diabetes insipidus?
• Which functions are primarily associated with the temporal lobe?
• Which off-label category is listed for dementia management?
• Which reflex finding is most consistent with Guillain-Barré syndrome on exam?
• Which condition is a common cause of acute renal failure due to obstruction of urinary flow?
• Autonomic dysreflexia management includes which action?
• Which is a common precipitating factor for DKA?
• Which artery is the most common site for emboli causing cerebral ischemia?
• In severe depression, which critical question should be asked to assess risk?
• What is a key characteristic of delirium?
• Diffuse axonal injury is primarily characterized by what pathology?
• After benzodiazepines, what is the next step in management of status epilepticus?
• What describes the threshold for intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH)?
• Intra-abdominal hypertension most directly affects which organ system due to reduced perfusion?
• Which of the following can cause acute hepatic failure?
• Which artery is commonly involved with emboli in ischemic stroke?
• Which of the following can cause intestinal infarction?
• Prinzmetal angina is characterized by all of the following except:
• Which of the following sets includes signs of hepatic failure?
• What is the treatment window for administering Tenecteplase (TNK) in ischemic stroke?
• Which of the following is NOT typically considered a cause of cardiac tamponade?
• Which of the following can arise as complications of pancreatitis?
• In atrial fibrillation management, anticoagulation is guided by CHA2DS2-VASc score to reduce the risk of which event?
• Which of the following are complications of intra-abdominal hypertension?
• Primary treatment for non-communicating hydrocephalus?
• What serum sodium level was achieved after 3% saline infusion?
• What was the patient’s serum sodium level before treatment?
• Which statement best identifies a major complication associated with esophageal varices?
• Which medication is commonly used to control heart rate in aortic dissection?
• What is the normal serum osmolality range?
• Which procedure directly relieves cardiac tamponade by removing pericardial fluid?
• Central-cord syndrome is characterized by which of the following?
• Which statement correctly lists the four classifications of shock in multisystem disorders?
• What should be used if withdrawal is refractory?
• Psychogenic polydipsia is best described as which of the following?
• In diabetic ketoacidosis, what is the primary cause of intracellular dehydration?
• In the setting of an acute anterior-wall myocardial infarction (AWMI), which management step is commonly anticipated?
• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is defined as?
• What is the difference between monomorphic and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia?
• Which statement correctly describes the use of cryoprecipitate in DIC?
• What is the purpose of transvenous pacing?
• What is the importance of fluid management in renal function?
• Which factor is associated with immunosuppression in critical illness?
• What is the role of pulmonary function tests (PFTs)?
• In the context of hemorrhagic stroke, what is vasospasm?
• What defines an aortic aneurysm?
• Hydrocephalus, as a condition, involves CSF changes within the brain. Which option correctly identifies its CSF location related to the condition?
• What distinguishes hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS)?
• How is myasthenia gravis diagnosed?
• Which statement best describes the treatment goals for heart failure?
• What is the antidote for opiate overdose?
• Which enzymes are elevated in pancreatitis?
• What is the significance of ST-segment elevation on an ECG?
• Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) is used to classify anemia into which categories?
• Which consequence is associated with increased intracranial pressure if not managed?
• What is SIADH?
• Which patient population is more commonly affected by hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state?
• Clostridium difficile is which of the following?
• Myocarditis is best described as which of the following?
• Which of the following are modifiable risk factors for ischemic stroke?
• Which statement describes diastolic augmentation provided by IABP?
• Which statement correctly defines abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS)?
• Which vitamin is administered parenterally during withdrawal treatment?
• Which of the following describes SIADH treatment options?
• Which therapies are used to treat hyperviscosity syndrome?
• In DKA and HHS, sodium levels can vary. Which statement is true?
• Which of the following is a common complication after cardiac surgery?
• For IAP grade III (21-25 mm Hg), what is indicated?
• Which symptoms are typical of an epidural hematoma?
• Which of the following is a symptom of left-ventricular failure?
• Malignant hypertension is best described as?
• What is afterload?
• In aortic dissection, what mechanism leads to a tearing sensation?
• Vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage can lead to which complication?
• Which laboratory profile is most characteristic of DIC?
• Which of the following statements best describes the clinical features of diabetes insipidus?
• Which of the following statements are signs of hepatic failure?
• Muscular dystrophy is characterized by what?
• Which of the following is a symptom of right-ventricular failure?
• What is the second-line treatment for depression?
• Which of the following statements is true about brain death ancillary testing?
• In traumatic brain injury, CPP should be maintained to prevent secondary brain injury. Which option best reflects this goal?
• Autonomic dysreflexia—what best describes its symptom pattern?
• Elevated FDP or D-dimer in a patient with suspected DIC indicates what process?
• What distinguishes Type I diabetes mellitus?
• Which brain region is primarily responsible for visual processing, including color discrimination and motion perception?
• Which therapy is used to reduce circulating proteins in hyperviscosity syndrome?
• Which functions are primarily attributed to the frontal lobe?
• Which treatments are used for multiple sclerosis?
• What is endocarditis?
• Hypercalcemia of malignancy is often secondary to which underlying process?
• In brain death assessment, how long must no eye movement be observed?
• What is the most common cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage?
• What is the formula for cardiac output?
• Which statement lists the causes of hydrocephalus?
• Which blood product is indicated for DIC?
• Ectopic production of ADH is classically associated with which cancer?
• Which agent is a calcium channel blocker used to control blood pressure in aortic dissection?
• Which treatments are commonly used for hypercalcemia of malignancy?
• In diabetic ketoacidosis, patients are at risk for which electrolyte disturbance during treatment?
• Diffuse axonal injury is best described as ...
• What is a common noxious stimulus that can trigger autonomic dysreflexia?
• Hydrocephalus is defined as an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain, leading to increased intracranial pressure. Which option best reflects this definition?
• Which of the following represents a typical set of signs and symptoms of pancreatitis?
• What is the mechanism behind weakness in myasthenia gravis?
• Which region of the heart does the LAD primarily supply?
• What is the treatment approach for intracerebral hemorrhage?
• What is the primary purpose of dialysis?
• Regarding intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) contraindications, which statement is true?
• Which statement best describes initial goals in the treatment of DKA?
• What is the Hunt-Hess classification scale used for?
• What is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose?
• What does LAD stand for in the context of coronary arteries?
• In SIADH, ectopic production refers to ADH-like substances produced by tissues such as which cancer?
• Which statement best differentiates diabetes insipidus from SIADH?
• ALS description?
• What are the symptoms of aortic dissection?
• Which of the following are the two compensatory responses in heart failure?
• Which classifications exist for heart failure?
• An ejection fraction (EF) of less than what percentage indicates severe heart failure and potential need for device therapy such as ICD or BiV pacing?
• Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is defined by sustained intra-abdominal pressure greater than 20 mm Hg with new organ failure. Which option best matches this definition?
• Which ECG changes are associated with hyperkalemia?
• Brown-Sequard syndrome results in which pattern of sensory and motor loss?
• What is the recommended door-to-balloon time for myocardial infarction treatment?
• Which of the following conditions are recognized causes of congestive heart failure?
• Aortic dissection involves injury to which layer of the aorta?
• Which laboratory findings are characteristic of DIC?
• Which sedative is preferred over Propofol for light sedation?
• What is the modified Rumack-Matthew treatment nomogram used for?
• Which laboratory tests are elevated in pancreatitis?
• Which mechanism underlies hyperviscosity syndrome?
• What should the nurse discuss with the physician after the saline infusion?
• Which symptom is not commonly associated with malignant hypertension?
• What are anticoagulants used for in acute coronary syndrome?
• What is the role of ancillary testing in brain death diagnosis?
• Which of the following is typical of SIADH?
• Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) action on the kidneys leads to:
• Which IV fluids are typically used to address fluid deficit in DKA/HHS?
• What is the treatment approach for vasospasm after a hemorrhagic stroke?
• Which statement best describes Guillain-Barré syndrome progression?
• Beck's triad is associated with which condition?
• Which statement lists the symptoms of aspirin overdose?
• What are common causes of upper GI bleeding?
• What is the first-line treatment for withdrawal?
• What is the primary goal in managing a patient with a traumatic brain injury?
• What is the normal cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) range and its target?
• Which vasopressor provides both inotropic and vasopressor effects by stimulating alpha and beta-1 receptors?
• Which statement best describes the role of heparin in coagulation?
• What are the 6Ps of arterial vascular assessment?
• Which option correctly describes the purpose of ICP monitoring?
• What is the role of platelet inhibitors in acute coronary syndrome?
• Second-impact syndrome occurs after a second concussion when?
• After colon resection, SIADH can lead to which symptoms?
• Which of the following is NOT a mechanism by which hydrocephalus can develop?
• Nimodipine is commonly used in the management of vasospasm after which type of stroke?
• What is the most common indication for GI surgery?
• Gastroenteritis can cause GI infections that include which categories?
• What is the recommended management for a known dementia patient who becomes tachycardic and agitated?
• What is the treatment for cardiac tamponade?
• Which tests can help identify the cause of diabetes insipidus?
• Which complication is a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis at risk for?
• ALS primarily affects which cells?
• What is the relationship between acidosis and potassium?
• Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) exerts its primary action on which organ to conserve body water?
• What role does glucagon play in glucose regulation?
• What is the pathophysiology of pancreatitis?
• What is the ideal approach to treat delirium?
• What percentage of patients remain delirious upon discharge?
• What is the treatment approach for hypercalcemia of malignancy?
• Which symptom is most characteristic of Guillain-Barré syndrome?
• What is the relationship between GFR and creatinine?
• What diagnostic data reflects the nursing assessment of a patient in HHS?
• Which strategy is central to delirium prevention guidelines (PADIS 2025)?
• Which statement best describes Type I diabetes?
• Which of the following is a typical symptom cluster after traumatic brain injury?
• In multiple sclerosis, what happens to nerve insulation?
• What is preload in hemodynamics?
• Which agent is a direct-acting vasodilator commonly used to reduce afterload in aortic dissection management?
• What percentage of GI hemorrhages are from the upper GI tract?
• Which of the following is NOT a listed cause of GI obstruction?
• Which parameter primarily determines afterload in the systemic circulation?
• In nursing care for neurology patients, what does the ABCs stand for?
• Which factor among the following is a recognized contributor to immunosuppression related to gastric physiology?
• In heart failure, compensatory responses include activation of which systems?
• Which statement about malignant hypertension management is true?
• A papillary muscle rupture after myocardial infarction can cause which problem?
• Which event most commonly precedes Guillain-Barré syndrome?
• Which function is associated with the frontal lobe?
• What is the expected diagnosis for a patient who loses consciousness after a head injury?
• Which of the following is a neurogenic cause of SIADH?
• Name two examples of platelet inhibitors.
• The NYHA classification is used to assess what aspect of heart failure?
• Which of the following is NOT listed as a common cause of hemorrhagic stroke?
• What is the management for intra-abdominal pressure grade I (12-15 mm Hg)?
• If a patient with status epilepticus does not regain consciousness, what is the appropriate next step?
• Which statement best describes the key symptoms of depression?
• What are the key differences in sodium levels between DKA and HHS?
• Which sensory functions are associated with the parietal lobe?
• What are the two types of delirium presentations?
• Which option is NOT a key symptom of depression?
• What is NOT considered part of atrial fibrillation management as described?
• What are common causes of pancreatitis?
• Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state is most common in which group?
• Elevated protein levels in CSF analysis may indicate what?
• Which combination represents signs of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)?
• Which option lists the signs and symptoms of intra-abdominal infection?
• What are the common causes of acute renal failure?
• Diabetes insipidus is best described as:
• Which statement reflects disease-modifying therapy for multiple sclerosis?
• What are the severe symptoms of aspirin overdose?
• What are the typical glucose levels in DKA and HHS?
• What is the treatment for hypotension in a left-sided myocardial infarction?
• The BUN/Creatinine ratio helps determine the cause of renal dysfunction. Which interpretation is correct?
• Which statement about dementia pharmacology is true?
• What is the function of inotropes in cardiac care?
• What is the recommended initial blood pressure reduction for malignant hypertension?
• IAP grade I range is:
• Which feature distinguishes HHS from DKA?
• IAP grade IV (>25 mm Hg) is considered what?
• Which scale is used to assess agitation?
• What is Beck's triad?
• In SIADH, which finding regarding urine sodium is typical?
• What is the most common form of dementia?
• Seizures can be a potential complication of DKA/HHS.
• Which BUN/creatinine ratio corresponds to intrarenal dysfunction?
• What is true about transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
• Intra-abdominal pressure grade IV is associated with which of the following?