CCRN Multisystem Review Study Guide 2026 | Critical Care Nursing Exam Prep &
Practice Questions
Opiate intoxication causes pupils to be bilaterally pinpoint. - ANS ✔✔A patient admitted from
the emergency department is unresponsive after a suspected heroin overdosage. In assessing
his pupils, what do you expect to find?
5-15 - ANS ✔✔Normal Anion Gap
(Na +K) -(Cl +HC03) - ANS ✔✔How to calculate anion gap
Contractility and cardiac output are increased in sepsis and early septic shock. The heart rate
increases. Preload and afterload decrease because of massive vasodilation. - ANS ✔✔What is
the initial response of the cardiovascular system to sepsis?
Cholinergics
*Cholinergic drugs, any of various drugs that inhibit, enhance, or mimic the action of the
neurotransmitter acetylcholine, the primary transmitter of nerve impulses within the
parasympathetic nervous system - ANS ✔✔patient is admitted to the critical care unit with a
diagnosis of acute poisoning. The patient is cyanotic and unconscious. Her pupils are
constricted, and she is drooling excessively. She has been incontinent of stool and urine. Her
heart rate is 50 beats/min and she is hypotensive. What common type of toxin do you suspect?
Cyanide toxicity
Practice Questions
Opiate intoxication causes pupils to be bilaterally pinpoint. - ANS ✔✔A patient admitted from
the emergency department is unresponsive after a suspected heroin overdosage. In assessing
his pupils, what do you expect to find?
5-15 - ANS ✔✔Normal Anion Gap
(Na +K) -(Cl +HC03) - ANS ✔✔How to calculate anion gap
Contractility and cardiac output are increased in sepsis and early septic shock. The heart rate
increases. Preload and afterload decrease because of massive vasodilation. - ANS ✔✔What is
the initial response of the cardiovascular system to sepsis?
Cholinergics
*Cholinergic drugs, any of various drugs that inhibit, enhance, or mimic the action of the
neurotransmitter acetylcholine, the primary transmitter of nerve impulses within the
parasympathetic nervous system - ANS ✔✔patient is admitted to the critical care unit with a
diagnosis of acute poisoning. The patient is cyanotic and unconscious. Her pupils are
constricted, and she is drooling excessively. She has been incontinent of stool and urine. Her
heart rate is 50 beats/min and she is hypotensive. What common type of toxin do you suspect?
Cyanide toxicity
