AACN PCCN Exam Review: Multisystem DETAILED
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026 LATEST UPDATE
Normal inflammatory response - Correct Answers vasodilatation, increased microvascular
permeability, cellular activation and release of mediators, and coagulation
Define sepsis - Correct Answers systemic response to infection, manifested by two or more
conditions resulting from infection (temp >38C, HR >90 bpm, RR >20 bpm, PaCO2 <32 mmHg,
WBC >12, <4)
Define septic shock - Correct Answers sepsis with hypotension, despite adequate fluid
resuscitation, along with presence of perfusion abnormalities including lactic acidosis, oliguria,
acute AMS
Risk factors for sepsis - Correct Answers malnutrition, immunosuppression, prolonged antibiotic
use, invasive devices
Define MODS - Correct Answers multiple organ dysfunction, worsening progression of systemic
inflammatory response (SIRS) involving signs of organ dysfunction
Management of sepsis - Correct Answers treat cause (antibiotics), maximize oxygen, maximize
CO (difficult bc pathological problem of SIRS is increased permeability of capillary bed - liberal
fluid admin), decrease oxygen demand (reduce tachycardia, tachypnea, hyperthermia, pain,
prevent shivering, comfort measures)
What is NOT an accurate measurement of adequate perfusion - Correct Answers BLOOD
PRESSURE, adequate pressure does not always equal adequate perfusion
, Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal - Correct Answers insomnia, tremors, anxiety, GI upset, HA,
sweating, palpitations, hallucinations, seizures, fever, agitation
How is isopropyl alcohol intoxication distinguished from other types of alcohol intoxication -
Correct Answers presence of ketoacids in urine and serum
Which imbalance is seen in methanol intoxication and relieved by hyperventilation - Correct
Answers metabolic acidosis (decreased bicarbonate level)
Which alcohol intoxication affects renal tubular degeneration - Correct Answers ethylene glycol
intoxication
Which vitamins are most important in alcohol withdrawal - Correct Answers thiamine, folate
(banana bag of B vitamins)
Signs and symptoms applicable to majority of drug overdose - Correct Answers decreased LOC,
behavioral changes, respiratory depression
Antidote for acetaminophen - Correct Answers N-acetylcysteine
Antidote for opiates - Correct Answers naloxone
Antidote for benzodiazepines - Correct Answers flumazenil (avoid if potential for seizure)
Antidote for digoxin - Correct Answers digiband
Antidote for cyanide - Correct Answers kelocyanor
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026 LATEST UPDATE
Normal inflammatory response - Correct Answers vasodilatation, increased microvascular
permeability, cellular activation and release of mediators, and coagulation
Define sepsis - Correct Answers systemic response to infection, manifested by two or more
conditions resulting from infection (temp >38C, HR >90 bpm, RR >20 bpm, PaCO2 <32 mmHg,
WBC >12, <4)
Define septic shock - Correct Answers sepsis with hypotension, despite adequate fluid
resuscitation, along with presence of perfusion abnormalities including lactic acidosis, oliguria,
acute AMS
Risk factors for sepsis - Correct Answers malnutrition, immunosuppression, prolonged antibiotic
use, invasive devices
Define MODS - Correct Answers multiple organ dysfunction, worsening progression of systemic
inflammatory response (SIRS) involving signs of organ dysfunction
Management of sepsis - Correct Answers treat cause (antibiotics), maximize oxygen, maximize
CO (difficult bc pathological problem of SIRS is increased permeability of capillary bed - liberal
fluid admin), decrease oxygen demand (reduce tachycardia, tachypnea, hyperthermia, pain,
prevent shivering, comfort measures)
What is NOT an accurate measurement of adequate perfusion - Correct Answers BLOOD
PRESSURE, adequate pressure does not always equal adequate perfusion
, Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal - Correct Answers insomnia, tremors, anxiety, GI upset, HA,
sweating, palpitations, hallucinations, seizures, fever, agitation
How is isopropyl alcohol intoxication distinguished from other types of alcohol intoxication -
Correct Answers presence of ketoacids in urine and serum
Which imbalance is seen in methanol intoxication and relieved by hyperventilation - Correct
Answers metabolic acidosis (decreased bicarbonate level)
Which alcohol intoxication affects renal tubular degeneration - Correct Answers ethylene glycol
intoxication
Which vitamins are most important in alcohol withdrawal - Correct Answers thiamine, folate
(banana bag of B vitamins)
Signs and symptoms applicable to majority of drug overdose - Correct Answers decreased LOC,
behavioral changes, respiratory depression
Antidote for acetaminophen - Correct Answers N-acetylcysteine
Antidote for opiates - Correct Answers naloxone
Antidote for benzodiazepines - Correct Answers flumazenil (avoid if potential for seizure)
Antidote for digoxin - Correct Answers digiband
Antidote for cyanide - Correct Answers kelocyanor
