Critical Care / ECCO Foundations
2026/2027 Practice Exam
60 Original Questions, Answers, Rationales & B-Level Mastery Guide
Coverage: patient safety, pulmonary and cardiovascular care, shock and sepsis, renal/endocrine emergencies,
neurologic care, trauma, nutrition, infection prevention, transport, and family-centered practice.
Scoring target: 48/60 (80%) or higher indicates B-level concept mastery for this independent practice set. This is a
study target, not a prediction or guarantee.
Independence notice: All questions were newly written. This is not an actual, recalled, leaked, or official AACN ECCO examination and is
not affiliated with or endorsed by AACN.
Original critical-care practice - not an AACN ECCO exam or proprietary test bank Page 1
, 1. Which action best reduces central-line bloodstream infection risk?
A. Use sterile insertion barriers and assess daily whether the line is still needed
B. Replace the line every day
C. Disconnect tubing frequently
D. Apply antibiotic ointment routinely
Answer: A
Rationale: A prevention bundle emphasizes sterile insertion, hub disinfection, dressing care, and prompt removal when no
longer necessary.
Original critical-care practice - not an AACN ECCO exam or proprietary test bank Page 2
, 2. A ventilated client develops sudden high-pressure alarms. What should the nurse assess first?
A. Airway patency, tubing kinks, biting, and secretions
B. The meal tray
C. Urine color
D. Family visitation
Answer: A
Rationale: High pressure commonly reflects increased resistance or reduced compliance; rapidly assess the client and
airway circuit.
Original critical-care practice - not an AACN ECCO exam or proprietary test bank Page 3
, 3. Which finding most strongly suggests inadequate tissue perfusion?
A. New confusion, cool skin, and rising lactate
B. Warm dry skin with normal mentation
C. Stable urine output
D. Improving capillary refill
Answer: A
Rationale: Altered mentation, cool skin, oliguria, and rising lactate can indicate impaired oxygen delivery.
Original critical-care practice - not an AACN ECCO exam or proprietary test bank Page 4
2026/2027 Practice Exam
60 Original Questions, Answers, Rationales & B-Level Mastery Guide
Coverage: patient safety, pulmonary and cardiovascular care, shock and sepsis, renal/endocrine emergencies,
neurologic care, trauma, nutrition, infection prevention, transport, and family-centered practice.
Scoring target: 48/60 (80%) or higher indicates B-level concept mastery for this independent practice set. This is a
study target, not a prediction or guarantee.
Independence notice: All questions were newly written. This is not an actual, recalled, leaked, or official AACN ECCO examination and is
not affiliated with or endorsed by AACN.
Original critical-care practice - not an AACN ECCO exam or proprietary test bank Page 1
, 1. Which action best reduces central-line bloodstream infection risk?
A. Use sterile insertion barriers and assess daily whether the line is still needed
B. Replace the line every day
C. Disconnect tubing frequently
D. Apply antibiotic ointment routinely
Answer: A
Rationale: A prevention bundle emphasizes sterile insertion, hub disinfection, dressing care, and prompt removal when no
longer necessary.
Original critical-care practice - not an AACN ECCO exam or proprietary test bank Page 2
, 2. A ventilated client develops sudden high-pressure alarms. What should the nurse assess first?
A. Airway patency, tubing kinks, biting, and secretions
B. The meal tray
C. Urine color
D. Family visitation
Answer: A
Rationale: High pressure commonly reflects increased resistance or reduced compliance; rapidly assess the client and
airway circuit.
Original critical-care practice - not an AACN ECCO exam or proprietary test bank Page 3
, 3. Which finding most strongly suggests inadequate tissue perfusion?
A. New confusion, cool skin, and rising lactate
B. Warm dry skin with normal mentation
C. Stable urine output
D. Improving capillary refill
Answer: A
Rationale: Altered mentation, cool skin, oliguria, and rising lactate can indicate impaired oxygen delivery.
Original critical-care practice - not an AACN ECCO exam or proprietary test bank Page 4
