CCRN-Adult Exam Questions & Answers

Asking the patient to explain what furosemide (Lasix) does for them assesses their understanding and allows the nurse to gauge their knowledge and correct any misconceptions. This method is more effective than asking yes/no questions, as it provides a comprehensive insight into the patient's medication literacy. Reference: = AACN Handbook for CCRN Certification, pp. 102-105.

In hypertensive crisis, neurologic changes are often caused by increased intracranial pressure (ICP) as a result of loss of cerebral autoregulation. Autoregulation normally maintains consistent cerebral blood flow despite changes in systemic blood pressure. In hypertensive crisis, the extremely high blood pressure overwhelms these mechanisms, leading to increased cerebral blood flow, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and cerebral edema, which subsequently increases ICP and causes neurologic changes. Reference: = CCRN Exam Handbook, page 48

The patient's tachycardia and hypotension following bowel resection surgery indicate potential severe complications such as hemorrhage or septic shock, which require immediate intervention. If the on-call surgical resident does not provide new orders, the nurse must act promptly to prevent further deterioration by initiating the rapid response team (RRT). The RRT can provide critical interventions and facilitate timely transfer to a higher level of care if needed. Reference: = CCRN Exam Handbook, AACN Adult CCRN Certification Review Course

Sequential compression devices (SCDs) are not recommended for patients receiving therapeutic hypothermia (TH) post-cardiac arrest, because they may interfere with the cooling process and increase the risk of skin injury. SCDs are used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by applying intermittent pneumatic pressure to the lower extremities, but they may also increase peripheral blood flow and heat exchange, which can counteract the effects of TH. SCDs may also cause skin breakdown, blisters, or burns in patients with impaired sensation and reduced perfusion due to TH. Therefore, a nurse should clarify the order for SCDs and consider alternative methods of DVT prophylaxis, such as pharmacological agents or early mobilization.

Therapeutic Hypothermia (TH) Education Components: This document states that ''Avoid use of sequential compression devices (SCDs) during cooling phase as they may interfere with cooling process and increase risk of skin injury.''

Sequential Compression Devices: Clinical Effectiveness, Cost- Effectiveness and Guidelines: This document states that ''One evidence-based guideline from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA) recommended against the use of SCDs in patients undergoing therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest, as they may interfere with the cooling process and increase the risk of skin injury.''

The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is characterized by excessive release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to water retention. This results in fluid intake being greater than urine output (UO), weight gain due to fluid retention, and concentrated urine with increased osmolality and sodium levels. SIADH does not typically present with severe pitting edema or increased serum osmolality and sodium. Reference: =

CCRN (Adult) Certification Review Course Online: Endocrine Emergencies.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). (2024). CCRN Exam Handbook. Retrieved from AACN CCRN Exam Handbook

Adult CCRN/CCRN-E/CCRN-K Certification Review Course Online. AACN