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CCRN (Adult) - Direct Care Eligibility Pathway Questions 66–70 (page: 15)

Updated On: 10-Feb-2026

A patient is admitted for acute benzodiazepine overdose. Nursing interventions should include administration of

  1. sodium bicarbonate.
  2. flumazenil (Romazicon).
  3. naloxone (Narcan).
  4. osmotic diuretics.

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist that can reverse the effects of benzodiazepine overdose. It acts by competitively inhibiting the activity at the benzodiazepine receptor, thus reversing sedation and other effects caused by benzodiazepines. Sodium bicarbonate, naloxone, and osmotic diuretics are not appropriate treatments for benzodiazepine overdose.


Reference:

AACN Adult CCRN Certification Review Course, AACN CCRN Exam Handbook.



A patient who sustained a C4 fracture requests to be taken off the ventilator 3 days after the initial injury, indicating, "I can't live hooked to this machine." The nurse's best response to this patient would be,

  1. "Do you feel that you will be hooked up to this machine forever?"
  2. "Eventually your diaphragm will regain its function, allowing you to breathe independently."
  3. "Many quadriplegics live fulfilling lives as they adjust to their new lifestyle."
  4. "After you have started the rehabilitation process, your outlook will improve."

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

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.


Reference:

AACN Adult CCRN Certification Review Course, AACN CCRN Exam Handbook.



Which of the following assessment findings would be found in a patient with pulmonary hypertension?

  1. crackles in the bases bilaterally
  2. rhonchi in the apices bilaterally
  3. pink frothy sputum
  4. distended neck veins

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

Pulmonary hypertension leads to increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation, which can cause right ventricular hypertrophy and failure. This results in systemic venous congestion, presenting as distended neck veins. Crackles, rhonchi, and pink frothy sputum are more indicative of pulmonary edema or other respiratory conditions rather than pulmonary hypertension.


Reference:

AACN Adult CCRN Certification Review Course, AACN CCRN Exam Handbook.



Assessment of a patient admitted with excruciating back pain reveals:



Appropriate therapy should include

  1. nitroglycerin.
  2. diltiazem (Cardizem).
  3. digoxin (Lanoxin).
  4. nitroprusside (Nipride).

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

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.


Reference:

AACN Adult CCRN Certification Review Course, AACN CCRN Exam Handbook.



A caloric irrigation test of the oculovestibular reflex is performed on a patient who is comatose following a hypoxic brain injury.
When cold water is introduced into the left ear, nystagmus occurs with slow deviation of the eyes toward the left, followed by faster eye deviation to the right. This pattern is indicative of a

  1. persistent vegetative state.
  2. brain-stem infarction.
  3. normal response.
  4. third cranial nerve palsy.

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

The caloric irrigation test, also known as the oculovestibular reflex test, is used to assess brainstem function in patients, especially those who are comatose. In this test, cold water is introduced into the ear canal, which should induce a predictable response if the brainstem is intact. The normal response to cold water irrigation is nystagmus with slow deviation of the eyes toward the side of the cold water (in this case, the left) and a fast phase of eye movement (nystagmus) away from the side of the cold water (to the right). This indicates that the brainstem pathways are functioning properly.


Reference:

=
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



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