AACN Exam CCRN-Adult Topic 2 Question 2 Discussion

Actual exam question for AACN's CCRN-Adult exam

Question #: 2
Topic #: 2

A patient was admitted 3 days ago for an overdose of acetaminophen (Tylenol). The patient is developing a decreasing level of consciousness. Which the following is the most likely finding?

ACheyne-Stokes respirations

Bsplenomegaly

Cdecreased GFR

Dincreased INR

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: D

A patient with acetaminophen overdose is at risk for acute liver failure, which can lead to coagulopathy. This condition is often marked by an increased International Normalized Ratio (INR) due to impaired synthesis of clotting factors in the liver. Decreasing level of consciousness can also result from hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of liver failure. Reference: = CCRN Exam Handbook and AACN's Certification Review Course materials.

by Lorrine at Mar 09, 2025, 10:47 PM

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Isreal

2 months ago

Decreased GFR? Nah, that's more of a kidney thing. This is all about the liver, baby!

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Graciela

2 months ago

Liver issues can definitely affect the clotting factors.

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Fallon

2 months ago

D) increased INR

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Dean

2 months ago

Exactly, it's all about the liver in this case.

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Cruz

2 months ago

D) increased INR

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Dannette

2 months ago

C) decreased GFR

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Paris

2 months ago

B) splenomegaly

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Son

2 months ago

A) Cheyne-Stokes respirations

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Vernell

3 months ago

I don't think Cheyne-Stokes respirations would be the most likely finding in this case. I still believe D) increased INR is the correct answer.

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Jeannetta

3 months ago

I'm just going to go with the 'Cheyne-Stokes' option. It sounds like something a doctor would say to make patients feel more intelligent.

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Moon

3 months ago

Increased INR is definitely the correct answer. Acetaminophen overdose leads to liver damage, which causes coagulation factors to decrease, resulting in a higher INR.

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Jenise

3 months ago

But what about option A) Cheyne-Stokes respirations? Could that be a possible finding as well?

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Hershel

3 months ago

I agree with Leila. The patient's decreasing level of consciousness could be due to increased INR.

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Linn

3 months ago

Hmm, I don't think splenomegaly is related to acetaminophen overdose. That's more of a sign of liver cirrhosis or portal hypertension.

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Yuette

2 months ago

D: True, but I think INR is a more specific finding in this case.

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Tamekia

2 months ago

C: Cheyne-Stokes respirations could also be a sign of decreasing consciousness.

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Abraham

2 months ago

B: I agree, that could indicate liver damage from the acetaminophen overdose.

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Xuan

2 months ago

A: I think the most likely finding would be increased INR.

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Gilma

3 months ago

Cheyne-Stokes respirations is the most likely finding for a patient with acetaminophen overdose and decreasing level of consciousness. It's a classic sign of liver failure.

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