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AACN CCRN-Adult Exam Questions
- Topic 1: CLINICAL JUDGMENT: This section measures the skills of Critical Care Nurses and covers a wide range of medical conditions across various systems. It includes cardiovascular issues such as acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, and cardiomyopathies, demonstrating the need for in-depth knowledge in managing these critical conditions. The section also addresses respiratory emergencies like pulmonary embolism and ARDS, emphasizing the importance of understanding respiratory failure and chronic conditions. The endocrine, hematology, gastrointestinal, renal, and integumentary domains are also covered, focusing on conditions like diabetes mellitus, acute kidney injury, and infections. This section highlights the need for nurses to manage complex patient scenarios involving multiple systems effectively. In musculoskeletal, neurological, and psychosocial areas, the syllabus includes managing trauma, neurological disorders, and behavioral health issues. This emphasizes the holistic approach required in critical care settings. Lastly, multisystem complications such as sepsis and shock states are included to assess the ability to manage life-threatening conditions that affect multiple organ systems.
- Topic 2: PROFESSIONAL CARING & ETHICAL PRACTICE: This section assesses the skills of Clinical Nurse Leaders in professional caring and ethical practice. It covers advocacy and moral agency, highlighting the importance of representing patients' interests in healthcare decisions. The section also addresses caring practices that promote patient-centered care and response to diversity, ensuring that care is tailored to individual needs. Facilitation of learning is emphasized, indicating the role of nurses in educating patients and families about health management. Collaboration is another key component, focusing on teamwork within healthcare settings to improve patient outcomes. Systems thinking is included to encourage understanding of how different components of healthcare interact. Finally, clinical inquiry is highlighted as a means to foster evidence-based practice and continuous improvement in patient care.
Free AACN CCRN-Adult Exam Actual Questions
Note: Premium Questions for CCRN-Adult were last updated On May. 30, 2026 (see below)
A patient has been declared brain dead. A nurse would like the family to consider organ donation but has never requested this from a family before. The best initial action by the nurse is to
When a patient has been declared brain dead, the appropriate initial action for a nurse who has not previously discussed organ donation with a family is to consult the organ donation liaison. These professionals are trained to handle sensitive conversations about organ donation and can provide the necessary support and information to the family, ensuring that the process is handled respectfully and in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines. Reference: =
CCRN (Adult) Certification Review Course Online: Professional Caring and Ethical Practice.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). (2024). CCRN Exam Handbook. Retrieved from AACN CCRN Exam Handbook
Adult CCRN/CCRN-E/CCRN-K Certification Review Course Online. AACN
A caloric irrigation test of the oculovestibular reflex is performed on a patient who is comatose following a hypoxic brain injury. When cold water is introduced into the left ear, nystagmus occurs with slow deviation of the eyes toward the left, followed by faster eye deviation to the right. This pattern is indicative of a
The caloric irrigation test, also known as the oculovestibular reflex test, is used to assess brainstem function in patients, especially those who are comatose. In this test, cold water is introduced into the ear canal, which should induce a predictable response if the brainstem is intact. The normal response to cold water irrigation is nystagmus with slow deviation of the eyes toward the side of the cold water (in this case, the left) and a fast phase of eye movement (nystagmus) away from the side of the cold water (to the right). This indicates that the brainstem pathways are functioning properly. Reference: =
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). (2024). CCRN Exam Handbook. Retrieved from AACN CCRN Exam Handbook
Adult CCRN/CCRN-E/CCRN-K Certification Review Course Online. AACN
A patient is admitted with a femoral shaft fracture and an oblique fracture of three ribs on the right side. The patient suddenly reports shortness of breath. Assessment reveals new-onset headache, central and peripheral cyanosis, and petechiae of the neck and anterior chest wall. Available data are:
The nurse should suspect the development of
The patient's clinical presentation and recent history of femoral shaft and rib fractures are highly suggestive of a fat embolism syndrome (FES). FES typically occurs after long bone fractures and is characterized by sudden onset of respiratory distress, neurological symptoms, and petechial rash, which aligns with the new-onset headache, central and peripheral cyanosis, and petechiae of the neck and anterior chest wall observed in this patient. The fat emboli originate from the bone marrow and enter the bloodstream, traveling to the lungs and other organs, leading to respiratory and systemic symptoms. Reference: =
CCRN (Adult) Certification Review Course Online: Pulmonary Embolism and Fat Embolism.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). (2024). CCRN Exam Handbook. Retrieved from AACN CCRN Exam Handbook
Adult CCRN/CCRN-E/CCRN-K Certification Review Course Online. AACN
A nurse admits a patient awaiting surgery for an unstable pelvic fracture following a fall in which no other injuries were sustained. The nurse should prioritize
In the context of an unstable pelvic fracture, placing a binder across the patient's hips is crucial to stabilize the fracture and reduce the risk of further internal bleeding and damage. This intervention helps in temporarily stabilizing the pelvis until definitive surgical treatment can be performed. Transporting the patient for an MRI is not the immediate priority, as the primary goal is to stabilize the patient. Type and crossmatching PRBCs are important but should follow immediate stabilization measures. Administering a sedative to reduce movement can be considered, but it is not the top priority over physical stabilization of the fracture. Reference: = CCRN Exam Handbook, AACN Adult CCRN Certification Review Course
A patient with a left ventricular assist device has been hospitalized for 5 days. A nurse notes anasarca and skin breakdown over multiple pressure points. When addressing the patient's nutritional needs, which of the following should the nurse consider?
Protein calorie malnutrition (PCM) is a condition that occurs when the body does not get enough protein and calories to meet its needs. PCM can affect the immune system, wound healing, and organ function. Patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) are at risk of PCM due to increased metabolic demands, fluid retention, inflammation, and poor appetite. Edema, or swelling, is a common sign of fluid overload in patients with LVADs. However, edema can also mask the physical signs of PCM, such as muscle wasting, weight loss, and skin changes. Therefore, the nurse should consider edema as a potential factor that can interfere with the assessment of the patient's nutritional status. Other methods to evaluate the patient's nutritional needs include laboratory tests, dietary intake, and body mass index. The nurse should also collaborate with a dietitian to provide appropriate nutritional interventions for the patient, such as oral supplements, enteral feeding, or parenteral nutrition.
Caring for patients with a left ventricular assist device, page 28.
Ventricular assist device (VAD) - Mayo Clinic, under ''Why it's done''.
Preoperative Nutritional Optimization and Physical Exercise for ..., under ''Introduction''.
Obesity in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure and Left Ventricular ..., under ''Introduction''.
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