TheoryCCRN Practice Questions
Free CCRN practice questions with answers and plain-English explanations. Browse the PDF, video and online mock test.
CCRN Questions
Open each answer, read the explanation, then continue into the full practice flow.
Q1Premature termination of the curve, cardiac arrhythmias, and marked variation in pulmonary artery baseline temperature can all cause problems with thermodilution cardiac output measurement. What type of problem do these factors produce?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Irregular downslope of the CO curve
An irregular downslope of the cardiac output curve can result from cardiac arrhythmias, catheter tip movement, premature termination of the curve, right-to-left shunt, and marked variation in pulmonary artery baseline temperature.
Q2Which settings must be configured on an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) to achieve optimal support?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Both the ECG signal to trigger the balloon and the arterial pressure to coordinate timing of counterpulsation
Optimal IABP support requires two waveforms: the ECG to trigger balloon inflation and the arterial pressure waveform to coordinate counterpulsation timing. Settings are typically 1:1 or 1:2; 1:3 is used only for weaning prior to removal due to increased thrombus risk. The balloon should not be stationary for more than 20 minutes while in place.
Q3A student nurse overhears a physician explain the cardiac conduction system to a patient. Where does the heart's electrical impulse originate?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Sinoatrial node
The electrical impulse originates in the sinoatrial (SA) node, the natural pacemaker of the heart, which coordinates normal sinus rhythm. The SA node is located near the opening of the superior vena cava in the right atrium.
Q4A patient on an ACE inhibitor for hypertension complains of general malaise, low energy, muscle weakness, and rapid, shallow breathing. This patient should be further evaluated for which condition?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia occurs when blood potassium levels are elevated. ACE inhibitors can impair potassium excretion and contribute to hyperkalemia, especially in the setting of renal insufficiency. The condition can be life-threatening.
Q5A neonatologist auscultates a defect in the mitral valve of a 28-hour-old infant. By what other name is the mitral valve also known?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Atrioventricular valve
The mitral valve is also known as the left atrioventricular valve. It is a bicuspid valve consisting of two leaflets surrounded by the mitral valve annulus, located between the left atrium and left ventricle.
Q6Which of the following is a valid rating in the peripheral pulse assessment scale?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: +3 Full
The peripheral pulse rating scale uses the following grading: 0 = absent pulse, +1 = palpable but thready, +3 = full, and +4 = full and bounding.
Q7Which of the following conditions is characterized by a three-phase clinical course?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Guillain-Barré syndrome
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare neurological disorder with a characteristic three-phase course: a progressive phase of ascending weakness/paralysis, a plateau phase, and a recovery phase.
Q8Which of the following most accurately describes the composition of bile?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Bile is a greenish liquid composed of water, cholesterol, bile salts, and phospholipids.
Bile is a greenish fluid consisting of water, cholesterol, bile salts, and phospholipids. It plays a key role in the digestion and absorption of fats.
Q9What is the appropriate glucose treatment for an adult patient who is hypoglycemic?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: 15-20 grams of glucose.
Adult hypoglycemic patients require 15-20 grams of glucose. Pediatric patients require 2 g/kg. Administering glucose unnecessarily can cause brain damage.
Q10A 3-year-old boy with hemophilia is prescribed prophylactic recombinant Factor VIII infusions three times per week. At what time of day should parents be advised to administer the infusions?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: In the morning
Because Factor VIII has a short half-life, it should be given in the morning on scheduled days. Administering it later in the day may leave the child with inadequate factor coverage during peak activity periods when bleeding risk is highest.
Full CCRN bank + unlimited mocks
Try 30 questions free. Unlock the complete CCRN question bank, every explanation, and unlimited timed mock exams. Practice on any device.
Unlock CCRN →