CCRN practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q11Which of the following is NOT a function of the large intestine?
✓ Correct answer: B. Secretion of hormones
The large intestine absorbs excess water and electrolytes, stores food residues, and eliminates waste. It does not secrete hormones or digestive enzymes.
Q12How is bowel infarction best defined?
✓ Correct answer: C. Decreased blood flow to the major mesenteric vessels
Bowel infarction results from a critical reduction in blood flow through the major mesenteric vessels, leading to ischemia and death of bowel tissue.
Q13What condition does an elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level indicate?
✓ Correct answer: C. Heart failure
Elevated BNP levels indicate heart failure. BNP rises in the bloodstream as heart failure worsens. Levels above a certain threshold are consistent with severe heart failure and can help guide diagnosis and management.
Q14What is the primary treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy?
✓ Correct answer: A. Laser surgery
Laser scatter (photocoagulation) treatment is the standard management for proliferative retinopathy, targeting abnormal blood vessels to preserve vision. Vitrectomy is used when there is significant vitreous hemorrhage. Tonometry is a diagnostic test for intraocular pressure, and fluorescein angiography is used to assess retinal blood flow and detect macular edema.
Q15Which of the following represents an appropriate guideline when performing a family needs assessment after a critically ill patient is admitted?
✓ Correct answer: C. All of the above
All listed options are appropriate guidelines for an initial family needs assessment. This would be followed by a comprehensive assessment that includes open-ended communication and evaluation of the family's communication style, among other elements.
Q16A nurse reviews laboratory results for a pediatric patient with rheumatic fever. Which finding would be considered clinically insignificant?
✓ Correct answer: D. Elevated reticulocyte count
An elevated reticulocyte count is related to anemia and is not a specific indicator of rheumatic fever. A positive antistreptolysin titer reflects prior streptococcal infection; elevated C-reactive protein and ESR both indicate an active inflammatory process, which are expected findings in rheumatic fever.
Q17After completing diabetes self-management education, which of the following should NOT be omitted from the nurse's documentation to protect against liability?
✓ Correct answer: A. No documentation of written materials given
To protect against liability, the nurse must document what was taught, what was not taught, all written materials provided, the patient's understanding, and the patient's response to teaching. Omitting documentation of written materials provided is not an acceptable practice.
Q18Which of the following is the LEAST likely principle to be part of psychosocial care in the critical care environment?
✓ Correct answer: C. Discouraging family participation in care
Discouraging family participation is contrary to sound psychosocial care in the critical care setting. Best practice supports actively encouraging family involvement, minimizing stressors, empowering patients to participate in decisions as appropriate, and striving for continuity of care providers.
Q19Since Baby David cannot speak, Nurse Ellen must identify physiological signs of pain. Which of the following are recognized signs?
✓ Correct answer: D. All of the above
In a preverbal infant, physiological signs of pain include elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, increased intracranial pressure, and diaphoresis. All of the listed signs are relevant indicators.
Q20A 37-year-old male being treated for shock from acute pancreatitis reports numbness and tingling around his fingers and mouth. The nurse notes tremoring of the wrists and feet, and inflation of the blood pressure cuff produces carpopedal spasm. What condition do these findings indicate?
✓ Correct answer: C. Tetany
Paresthesia, tremors, and carpopedal spasm with cuff inflation (Trousseau's sign) are consistent with tetany resulting from critically low serum calcium. Patients with acute pancreatitis are prone to hypocalcemia due to electrolyte disturbances from impaired pancreatic function.
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Theory