CCRN Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

Question 1

Premature 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?

TheoryPractice · Accepted 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.

Question 2

Which settings must be configured on an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) to achieve optimal support?

TheoryPractice · Accepted 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.

Question 3

A student nurse overhears a physician explain the cardiac conduction system to a patient. Where does the heart's electrical impulse originate?

TheoryPractice · Accepted 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.

Question 4

A 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?

TheoryPractice · Accepted 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.

Question 5

A neonatologist auscultates a defect in the mitral valve of a 28-hour-old infant. By what other name is the mitral valve also known?

TheoryPractice · Accepted 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.

Question 6

Which of the following is a valid rating in the peripheral pulse assessment scale?

TheoryPractice · Accepted 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.

Question 7

Which of the following conditions is characterized by a three-phase clinical course?

TheoryPractice · Accepted 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.

Question 8

Which of the following most accurately describes the composition of bile?

TheoryPractice · Accepted 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.

Question 9

What is the appropriate glucose treatment for an adult patient who is hypoglycemic?

TheoryPractice · Accepted 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.

Question 10

A 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?

TheoryPractice · Accepted 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.

CCRN Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

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