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ACNPC Exam for American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Corporation VERIFIED ANSWERS The constant noise of a ventilator, monitor alarms, and infusion pumps predisposes the patient to: A. Anxiety. B. Pain. C. Powerlessness. D. Sensory overload. CORRECT ANSWER D A 72-year-old woman is brought to the ED by her family. The family states that she's "just not herself." Her respirations are slightly labored, and her heart monitor shows sinus tachycardia (rate 110 beats/min) with frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). She denies any chest pain, jaw pain, back discomfort, or nausea. Her troponin levels are elevated, and her 12- lead electrocardiogram (ECG) shows elevated ST segments in leads II, III, and aVF. The nurse knows that these symptoms are most likely associated with which diagnosis? a. Hypokalemia b. Non-Q wave MI c. Silent myocardial infarction d. Unstable angina CORRECT ANSWER C A critically ill patient has a living will in the chart. The patient's condition has deteriorated, but the spouse wants "everything done," regardless of the patient's wishes. Which ethical principle is the spouse violating? a. Autonomy b. Beneficence c. Justice d. Nonmaleficence CORRECT ANSWER A A definitive diagnosis of pulmonary embolism can be made by: a. arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. b. chest x-ray examination. c. pulmonary angiogram. d. ventilation-perfusion scanning. CORRECT ANSWER c. pulmonary angiogram.
A nurse caring for a patient with neurological impairment often must use painful stimuli to elicit the patient's response. The nurse uses subtle measures of painful stimuli, such as nailbed pressure. She neither slaps the patient nor pinches the nipple to elicit a response to pain. In this scenario, the nurse is exemplifying the ethical principle of a. beneficence. b. fidelity. c. nonmaleficence. d. veracity. CORRECT ANSWER C A nurse has been working as a staff nurse in the surgical intensive care unit for 2 years and is interested in certification. Which credential would be most applicable for the nurse to seek? A. ACNPC-AG b. CNML c. CCRN d. PCCN CORRECT ANSWER C A nurse who plans care based on the patient's gender, ethnicity, spirituality, and lifestyle is said to a. be a moral advocate. b. facilitate learning. c. respond to diversity. d. use clinical judgment. CORRECT ANSWER C A PaCO2 of 48 mm Hg is associated with A. Hyperventilation. B. Hypoventilation. C. Increased absorption of O2. D. Increased excretion of HCO3. CORRECT ANSWER B A patient at high risk for pulmonary embolism is receiving Lovenox. The nurse explains to the patient:
d. Statins CORRECT ANSWER D A patient is admitted after collapsing at the end of a summer marathon. The patient is lethargic, with a heart rate of 110 beats/min, respiratory rate of 30 breaths/min, and a blood pressure of 78/46 mm Hg. The nurse anticipates administering which therapeutic intervention? A. Human albumin infusion B. Hypotonic saline solution C. Lactated Ringer's bolus D. Packed red blood cells CORRECT ANSWER C A patient is admitted to the cardiac care unit with an acute anterior myocardial infarction. The nurse assesses the patient to be diaphoretic and tachypneic, with bilateral crackles throughout both lung fields. Following insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter by the physician, which hemodynamic values is the nurse most likely to assess? A. High pulmonary artery diastolic pressure and low cardiac output B. Low pulmonary artery occlusive pressure and low cardiac output C. Low systemic vascular resistance and high cardiac output D. Normal cardiac output and low systemic vascular resistance CORRECT ANSWER A A patient is admitted to the cardiac surgical intensive care unit after cardiac surgery with the following arterial blood gas (ABG) levels. What action by the nurse is best? pH: 7. PaCO2: 40 mm Hg Bicarbonate: 24 mEq/L PaO2: 95 mm Hg O2 saturation: 97% Respirations: 20 breaths/min A. Call the provider to request rapid intubation. B. Document the findings and continue to monitor. C. Request that another set of ABGs be drawn and run. D. Correlate the patient's O2 saturation with the ABGs. CORRECT ANSWER B
A patient is admitted to the cardiac surgical intensive care unit after cardiac surgery. Four hours after admission to the surgical intensive care unit at 4 PM, the patient has stable vital signs and normal arterial blood gases (ABGs), and is placed on a T-piece for ventilatory weaning. What interdisciplinary staff member does the nurse notify to assist in the care of this patient while preparing to give this patient diuretics? A. Respiratory therapist to adjust ventilator B. Social worker to notify family C. Phlebotomy to obtain another set of blood gasses D. Nursing assistant to help reposition the patient CORRECT ANSWER A A patient is admitted to the critical care unit following coronary artery bypass surgery. Two hours postoperatively, the nurse assesses the following information: pulse is 120 beats/min; blood pressure is 70/50 mm Hg; pulmonary artery diastolic pressure is 2 mm Hg; cardiac output is 4 L/min; urine output is 250 mL/hr; chest drainage is 200 mL/hr. What is the best interpretation by the nurse? A. The assessed values are within normal limits. B. The patient is at risk for developing cardiogenic shock. C. The patient is at risk for developing fluid volume overload. D. The patient is at risk for developing hypovolemic shock. CORRECT ANSWER D A patient is admitted to the emergency department with clinical indications of an acute myocardial infarction. Symptoms began 3 hours ago. The facility does not have the capability for percutaneous coronary intervention. Given this scenario, what is the priority intervention in the treatment and nursing management of this patient? a. Administer thrombolytic therapy unless contraindicated b. Diurese aggressively and monitor daily weight c. Keep oxygen saturation levels to at least 88% d. Maintain heart rate above 100 beats/min CORRECT ANSWER A A patient is admitted to the progressive care unit with a diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia. The patient has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes. A set of arterial blood gases obtained on admission without supplemental oxygen shows pH 7.35; PaCO2 55 mm Hg; bicarbonate 30 mEq/L; PaO2 65 mm Hg. These blood gases reflect: A. Hypoxemia and compensated metabolic alkalosis. B. Hypoxemia and compensated respiratory acidosis.
A patient is being mechanically ventilated in the synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation mode at a rate of 4 breaths/min. His spontaneous respirations are 12 breaths/min. He receives a dose of morphine sulfate, and his spontaneous respirations decrease to 4 breaths/min. Which acid-base disturbance will likely occur? A. Metabolic acidosis B. Metabolic alkalosis C. Respiratory acidosis D. Respiratory alkalosis CORRECT ANSWER C A patient is having a cardiac evaluation to assess for possible valvular disease. Which study best identifies valvular function and measures the size of the cardiac chambers? a. 12-lead electrocardiogram b. Cardiac catheterization c. Echocardiogram d. Electrophysiology study CORRECT ANSWER C A patient is having a stent and asks why it is necessary after having an angioplasty. Which response by the nurse is best? a. "The angioplasty was a failure, and so this procedure has to be done to fix the heart vessel." b. "The stent is inserted to enhance the results of the angioplasty, by helping to keep the vessel open and prevent it from closing again." c. "This procedure is being done instead of using clot-dissolving medication to help keep the heart vessel open." d. "The stent will remove any clots that are in the vessel and protect the heart muscle from damage." CORRECT ANSWER B A patient is having an emergent coronary intervention, and the nurse is starting an infusion of abciximab. The patient asks what the purpose of this drug is. What response by the nurse is best? a. "This will help prevent chest pain until the intervention is complete." b. "This medication dries oral and respiratory secretions during the procedure."
c. "This is a mild sedative and amnesic agent, so you'll be very relaxed." d. "This drug helps prevent blood clotting and is often used for this procedure." CORRECT ANSWER D A patient is having difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation. The nurse assesses the patient for which potential cause of this difficult weaning? A. Cardiac output of 6 L/min. B. Hemoglobin of 8 g/dL. C. Negative sputum culture and sensitivity. D. White blood cell count of 8000. CORRECT ANSWER B A patient presents to the ED complaining of severe substernal chest pressure radiating to the left shoulder and back that started about 12 hours ago. The patient delayed coming to the ED, hoping the pain would go away. The patient's 12-lead ECG shows ST-segment depression in the inferior leads. Troponin and CK-MB are both elevated. What does the nurse understand about thrombolysis in this patient? a. The patient is not a candidate for thrombolysis. b. The patient's history makes him a good candidate for thrombolysis. c. Thrombolysis is appropriate for a candidate having a non-Q wave MI. d. Thrombolysis should be started immediately. CORRECT ANSWER A A patient presents to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain that he has had for the past 2 hours. The patient is nauseated and diaphoretic, with dusky skin color. The electrocardiogram shows ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. Which therapeutic intervention would the nurse question? a. Emergent pacemaker insertion b. Emergent percutaneous coronary intervention c. Emergent thrombolytic therapy d. Immediate coronary artery bypass graft surgery CORRECT ANSWER A A patient presents to the emergency department demonstrating agitation and complaining of numbness and tingling in his fingers. His arterial blood gas levels reveal the following: pH 7.51, PaCO2 25, HCO3 25. The nurse interprets these blood gas values as: A. Compensated metabolic alkalosis.
A patient's endotracheal tube is not secured tightly. The respiratory care practitioner assists the nurse in taping the tube. After the tube is retaped, the nurse auscultates the patient's lungs and notes that the breath sounds over the left lung fields are absent. The nurse suspects that A. The endotracheal tube is in the right mainstem bronchus. B. The patient has a left pneumothorax. C. The patient has aspirated secretions during the procedure. D. The stethoscope earpiece is clogged with wax. CORRECT ANSWER A A patient's ventilator settings are adjusted to treat hypoxemia. The fraction of inspired oxygen is increased from 0.6 to 0.7, and the positive end-expiratory pressure is increased from 10 to 15 cm H2O. Shortly after these adjustments, the nurse notes that the patient's blood pressure drops from 120/76 mm Hg to 90/60 mm Hg. What is the most likely cause of this decrease in blood pressure? A. Decrease in cardiac output B. Hypovolemia C. Increase in venous return D. Oxygen toxicity CORRECT ANSWER A A specific request made by a competent person that directs medical care related to life- prolonging procedures in the event that person loses capacity to make decisions is called a a. "do not resuscitate" order. b. health care proxy. c. informed consent. d. living will. CORRECT ANSWER D A strategy for preventing thromboembolism in patients at risk who cannot take anticoagulants is: a. administration of two aspirin tablets every 4 hours. b. infusion of thrombolytics. c. insertion of a vena cava filter. d. subcutaneous heparin administration every 12 hours. CORRECT ANSWER c. insertion of a vena cava filter.
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can be classified as which of the following? (Select all that apply.) a. Angina b. Nonischemic c. Non-Q wave d. Q wave e. Frequent PVCs CORRECT ANSWER C, D After receiving a handoff report from the night shift, the nurse completes the morning assessment of a patient with severe sepsis. Vital signs are: blood pressure 95/60 mm Hg, heart rate 110 beats/min, respirations 32 breaths/min, oxygen saturation (SpO2) 96% on 45% oxygen via Venturi mask, temperature 101.5° F, central venous pressure (CVP/RAP) 2 mm Hg, and urine output of 10 mL for the past hour. The nurse initiates which provider prescription first? A. Administer infusion of 500 mL 0.9% normal saline every 4 hours as needed if the CVP is less than 5 mm Hg. B. Increase supplemental oxygen therapy to maintain SpO2 greater than 94%. C. Administer 40 mg furosemide (Lasix) intravenous as needed if the urine output is less than 30 mL/hr. D. Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650-mg suppository per rectum as needed to treat temperature greater than 101° F. CORRECT ANSWER A An acute exacerbation of asthma is treated with which of the following? a. Corticosteroids and theophylline by mouth b. Inhaled bronchodilators and intravenous corticosteroids c. Prone positioning or continuous lateral rotation d. Sedation and inhaled bronchodilators CORRECT ANSWER b. Inhaled bronchodilators and intravenous corticosteroids An essential aspect of teaching that may prevent recurrence of heart failure is a. notifying the provider if a 2-lb weight gain occurs in 24 hours. b. compliance with diuretic therapy. c. taking nitroglycerin if chest pain occurs. d. assessment of an apical pulse. CORRECT ANSWER B
d. reduce harms associated with the administration of anticoagulants. CORRECT ANSWER C Critical illness often results in family conflicts. Which scenario is most likely to result in the greatest conflict? A. A 21-year-old college student of divorced parents hospitalized with multiple trauma. She resides with her mother. The parents are amicable with each other and have similar values. The father blames the daughter's boyfriend for causing the accident. B. A 36-year-old male admitted for a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. He has been living with his 34-year-old girlfriend for 8 years, and they have a 4-year-old daughter. He does not have a written advance directive. His parents arrive from out-of-state and are asked to make decisions about his health care. He has not seen them in over a year. C. A 58-year-old male admitted for coronary artery bypass surgery. He has been living with his same-sex partner for 20 years in a committed relationship. He has designated his sister, a registered nurse, as his health c CORRECT ANSWER B Current guidelines recommend the oral route for endotracheal intubation. The rationale for this recommendation is that nasotracheal intubation is associated with a greater risk for A. Basilar skull fracture. B. Cervical hyperextension. C. Impaired ability to "mouth" words. D. Sinusitis and infection. CORRECT ANSWER D During rounds, the physician alerts the team that proning is being considered for a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome. The nurse understands that proning is: a. an optional treatment if the PaO2/FiO2 ratio is less 100. b. less of a risk for skin breakdown because the patient is face down. c. possible with minimal help from co-workers. d. used to provide continuous lateral rotational turning. CORRECT ANSWER a. an optional treatment if the PaO2/FiO2 ratio is less 100. During the initial stages of shock, what are the physiological effects of decreased cardiac output? A. Arterial vasodilation B. High urine output
C. Increased parasympathetic stimulation D. Increased sympathetic stimulation CORRECT ANSWER D Elderly patients who require critical care treatment are at risk for increased mortality, functional decline, or decreased quality of life after hospitalization. Assuming each of these patients was discharged from the hospital, which of the following patients is at greatest risk for decreased functional status and quality of life? A. A 70-year-old man who had coronary artery bypass surgery. He developed complications after surgery and had difficulty being weaned from mechanical ventilation. He required a tracheostomy and gastrostomy. He is being discharged to a long-term acute care hospital. He is a widower. B. A 79-year-old woman admitted for exacerbation of heart failure. She manages her care independently but needed diuretic medications adjusted. She states that she is compliant with her medications but sometimes forgets to take them. She lives with her 82-year-old spouse. Both consider themselves to be independen CORRECT ANSWER A Family assessment can be challenging, and each nurse may obtain additional information regarding family structure and dynamics. What is the best way to share this information from shift to shift? A. Create an informal family information sheet that is kept on the bedside clipboard. That way, everyone can review it quickly when needed. B. Develop a standardized reporting form for family information that is incorporated into the patient's medical record and updated as needed. C. Require that the charge nurse have a detailed list of information about each patient and family member. Thus, someone on the unit is always knowledgeable about potential issues. D. Try to remember to discuss family structure and dynamics as part of the change-of-shift report. CORRECT ANSWER B Family assessment is essential to meet family needs. Which of the following must be assessed first to assist the nurse in providing family-centered care? A. Assessment of patient and family's developmental stages and needs B. Description of the patient's home environment C. Identification of immediate family, extended family, and decision makers D. Observation and assessment of how family members function with each other CORRECT ANSWER C
b. patient as part of the hospital admission process. c. patient before hospitalization. d. patient's health care surrogate. CORRECT ANSWER C Identify diagnostic criteria for ARDS. (Select all that apply.) a. Bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray study b. Decreased cardiac output c. PaO2/ FiO2 ratio of less than 200 d. Pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) of more than 18 mm Hg CORRECT ANSWER a. Bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray study c. PaO2/ FiO2 ratio of less than 200 Identify the priority interventions for managing symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the ED. (Select all that apply.) a. Administration of morphine b. Administration of nitroglycerin (NTG) c. Dopamine infusion d. Oxygen therapy e. Transfusion of packed red blood cells CORRECT ANSWER A, B, D In assessing a patient, the nurse understands that an early sign of hypoxemia is: a. clubbing of nail beds b. cyanosis c. hypotension d. restlessness CORRECT ANSWER d. restlessness Intrapulmonary shunting refers to: a. alveoli that are not perfused. b. blood that is shunted from the left side of the heart to the right and causes heart failure. c. blood that is shunted from the right side of the heart to the left without oxygenation.
d. shunting of blood supply to only one lung. CORRECT ANSWER c. blood that is shunted from the right side of the heart to the left without oxygenation. It is important for critically ill patients to feel safe. Which nursing strategies help the patient to feel safe in the critical care setting? (Select all that apply.) A. Allow family members to remain at the bedside. B. Consult with the charge nurse before making any patient care decisions. C. Provide informal conversation by discussing your plans for after work. D. Respond promptly to call bells or other communication for assistance. E. Inform the patient that you have cared for many similar patients. CORRECT ANSWER A, D Many critically ill patients experience anxiety. The nurse can reduce anxiety with which approach? A. Ask family members to limit their visitation to 2-hour periods in morning, afternoon, and evening. B. Explain the unit routine. C. Explain procedures before and while you are doing them. D. Suction Mr. J.'s endotracheal tube immediately when he starts to cough. CORRECT ANSWER C Noise in the critical care unit can have negative effects on the patient. Which of the following interventions assists in reducing noise levels in the critical care setting? (Select all that apply.) A. Ask the family to bring in the patient's iPod or other device with favorite music. B. Invite a volunteer harpist to play on the unit on a regular basis. C. Remodel the unit to have two-patient rooms to facilitate nursing care. D. Remodel the unit to install acoustical ceiling tiles. E. Turn the volume of equipment alarms as low as they can be adjusted, and "off" if possible. CORRECT ANSWER A, B, D Nursing strategies to help families cope with the stress of critical illness include: (Select all that apply.) A.. Asking the family to leave during the morning bath to promote the patient's privacy.
C. Oxygen that is physically dissolved in plasma. D. Total oxygen consumption. CORRECT ANSWER B Patients often have recollections of the critical care experience. Which is likely to be the most common recollection of patients who required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation? A. Difficulty in communicating B. Inability to get comfortable C. Pain D. Sleep disruption CORRECT ANSWER A Percutaneous coronary intervention is contraindicated for patients with lesions in which coronary artery? a. Right coronary artery b. Left coronary artery c. Circumflex d. Left main coronary artery CORRECT ANSWER D Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is a mode of ventilatory assistance that produces the following condition: A. Each time the patient initiates a breath, the ventilator delivers a full preset tidal volume. B. For each spontaneous breath taken by the patient, the tidal volume is determined by the patient's ability to generate negative pressure. C. The patient must have a respiratory drive, or no breaths will be delivered. D. There is pressure remaining in the lungs at the end of expiration that is measured in cm H2O. CORRECT ANSWER D Pulse oximetry measures A. Arterial blood gases. B. Hemoglobin values. C. Oxygen consumption. D. Oxygen saturation. CORRECT ANSWER D
Select all of the factors that may predispose the patient to respiratory acidosis. (Select all that apply.) A. Anxiety and fear B. Central nervous system depression C. Diabetic ketoacidosis D. Nasogastric suctioning E. Overdose of sedatives CORRECT ANSWER B, E Select the strategies for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE). (Select all that apply.) a. Graduated compression stockings b. Heparin or low-molecular weight heparin for patients at risk c. Sequential compression devices d. Strict bed rest CORRECT ANSWER a. Graduated compression stockings b. Heparin or low-molecular weight heparin for patients at risk c. Sequential compression devices Sinus bradycardia is a symptom of which of the following? (Select all that apply.) a. Calcium channel blocker medication b. Beta blocker medication c. Athletic conditioning d. Hypothermia e. Hyperthyroidism CORRECT ANSWER A, B, C, D Sleep often is disrupted for critically ill patients. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to promote sleep and rest? A. Consult with the pharmacist to adjust medication times to allow periods of sleep or rest between intervals. B. Encourage family members to talk with the patient whenever they are present in the room. C. Keep the television on to provide white noise and distraction.
