CCRN Practice Test Exam (Adult Critical Care)
Questions With Answers & Rationales Questions
AND ANSWERS ALREDY GRADE A+
Cardiovascular System
Question 1
A patient admitted to the ICU with acute myocardial infarction develops chest pain unrelieved
by nitroglycerin. The nurse’s priority action is:
A. Increase IV fluids
B. Notify the healthcare provider and assess for complications
C. Encourage ambulation
D. Administer oral medications
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Persistent chest pain after treatment may indicate ongoing ischemia or infarction
extension requiring immediate evaluation.
Question 2
A patient receiving a continuous heparin infusion requires monitoring of:
A. INR
B. aPTT
C. Hemoglobin A1C
D. Troponin only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Unfractionated heparin therapy is monitored using activated partial thromboplastin
time (aPTT).
Question 3
,Which ECG finding is most consistent with hyperkalemia?
A. Prolonged QT interval
B. Peaked T waves
C. ST elevation
D. Atrial flutter waves
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia commonly causes tall peaked T waves and can progress to life-
threatening dysrhythmias.
Question 4
A patient with left ventricular failure is most likely to exhibit:
A. Pulmonary crackles
B. Increased bowel sounds
C. Decreased venous pressure
D. Dry skin only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes blood backup into the lungs, producing pulmonary
congestion and crackles.
Question 5
The most reliable indicator of cardiac output is:
A. Heart rate
B. Blood pressure
C. Urine output and clinical perfusion assessment
D. Skin color alone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cardiac output is assessed through multiple indicators including urine output, mental
status, and tissue perfusion.
Question 6
, A patient in cardiogenic shock will likely demonstrate:
A. Increased cardiac output
B. Hypotension and poor tissue perfusion
C. Bradycardia with hypertension
D. Increased urine production
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cardiogenic shock results from pump failure causing inadequate circulation.
Question 7
Which medication class reduces afterload in heart failure?
A. ACE inhibitors
B. Antacids
C. Antibiotics
D. Antihistamines
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors decrease vascular resistance and reduce cardiac workload.
Question 8
A patient receiving digoxin should have monitoring of:
A. Potassium level
B. White blood cell count only
C. Platelets only
D. Calcium only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Question 9
A classic sign of digoxin toxicity is:
Questions With Answers & Rationales Questions
AND ANSWERS ALREDY GRADE A+
Cardiovascular System
Question 1
A patient admitted to the ICU with acute myocardial infarction develops chest pain unrelieved
by nitroglycerin. The nurse’s priority action is:
A. Increase IV fluids
B. Notify the healthcare provider and assess for complications
C. Encourage ambulation
D. Administer oral medications
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Persistent chest pain after treatment may indicate ongoing ischemia or infarction
extension requiring immediate evaluation.
Question 2
A patient receiving a continuous heparin infusion requires monitoring of:
A. INR
B. aPTT
C. Hemoglobin A1C
D. Troponin only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Unfractionated heparin therapy is monitored using activated partial thromboplastin
time (aPTT).
Question 3
,Which ECG finding is most consistent with hyperkalemia?
A. Prolonged QT interval
B. Peaked T waves
C. ST elevation
D. Atrial flutter waves
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia commonly causes tall peaked T waves and can progress to life-
threatening dysrhythmias.
Question 4
A patient with left ventricular failure is most likely to exhibit:
A. Pulmonary crackles
B. Increased bowel sounds
C. Decreased venous pressure
D. Dry skin only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes blood backup into the lungs, producing pulmonary
congestion and crackles.
Question 5
The most reliable indicator of cardiac output is:
A. Heart rate
B. Blood pressure
C. Urine output and clinical perfusion assessment
D. Skin color alone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cardiac output is assessed through multiple indicators including urine output, mental
status, and tissue perfusion.
Question 6
, A patient in cardiogenic shock will likely demonstrate:
A. Increased cardiac output
B. Hypotension and poor tissue perfusion
C. Bradycardia with hypertension
D. Increased urine production
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cardiogenic shock results from pump failure causing inadequate circulation.
Question 7
Which medication class reduces afterload in heart failure?
A. ACE inhibitors
B. Antacids
C. Antibiotics
D. Antihistamines
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors decrease vascular resistance and reduce cardiac workload.
Question 8
A patient receiving digoxin should have monitoring of:
A. Potassium level
B. White blood cell count only
C. Platelets only
D. Calcium only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Question 9
A classic sign of digoxin toxicity is:
