AACN ACNPC-AG Certification PSI Proctored ACTUAL EXAM American
Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) AGACNP (Adult-
Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification) EXAM
2025/2026 GRADED A+
1.
A 68-year-old patient with septic shock remains hypotensive after receiving 30 mL/kg of
IV fluids. Which vasopressor should be initiated first?
A. Dopamine
B. Epinephrine
C. Norepinephrine
D. Phenylephrine
Explanation: Norepinephrine is the first-line vasopressor for septic shock because it
effectively increases systemic vascular resistance with fewer arrhythmias than dopamine.
2.
A patient with acute pulmonary edema presents with severe dyspnea, crackles, and
oxygen saturation of 85%. Which medication should be administered first?
,A. Digoxin
B. Morphine
C. Furosemide
D. Dopamine
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that rapidly decreases fluid overload and
pulmonary congestion.
3.
Which ECG finding is most commonly associated with hyperkalemia?
A. Prolonged QT interval
B. Peaked T waves
C. U waves
D. ST depression
Explanation: Peaked T waves are an early sign of hyperkalemia due to altered cardiac
repolarization.
4.
A patient with chest pain has ST-segment elevation on ECG. Which medication should
be administered immediately?
A. Warfarin
B. Aspirin
, C. Digoxin
D. Metoprolol
Explanation: Aspirin reduces platelet aggregation and is essential in early treatment of
myocardial infarction.
5.
Which ventilator setting most directly affects oxygenation?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Tidal volume
C. FiO₂
D. Inspiratory flow
Explanation: Oxygenation is primarily controlled by FiO₂ and PEEP.
6.
A patient presents with severe epigastric pain radiating to the back and elevated lipase
levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Gastritis
B. Acute pancreatitis
C. Cholecystitis
D. Appendicitis
Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) AGACNP (Adult-
Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification) EXAM
2025/2026 GRADED A+
1.
A 68-year-old patient with septic shock remains hypotensive after receiving 30 mL/kg of
IV fluids. Which vasopressor should be initiated first?
A. Dopamine
B. Epinephrine
C. Norepinephrine
D. Phenylephrine
Explanation: Norepinephrine is the first-line vasopressor for septic shock because it
effectively increases systemic vascular resistance with fewer arrhythmias than dopamine.
2.
A patient with acute pulmonary edema presents with severe dyspnea, crackles, and
oxygen saturation of 85%. Which medication should be administered first?
,A. Digoxin
B. Morphine
C. Furosemide
D. Dopamine
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that rapidly decreases fluid overload and
pulmonary congestion.
3.
Which ECG finding is most commonly associated with hyperkalemia?
A. Prolonged QT interval
B. Peaked T waves
C. U waves
D. ST depression
Explanation: Peaked T waves are an early sign of hyperkalemia due to altered cardiac
repolarization.
4.
A patient with chest pain has ST-segment elevation on ECG. Which medication should
be administered immediately?
A. Warfarin
B. Aspirin
, C. Digoxin
D. Metoprolol
Explanation: Aspirin reduces platelet aggregation and is essential in early treatment of
myocardial infarction.
5.
Which ventilator setting most directly affects oxygenation?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Tidal volume
C. FiO₂
D. Inspiratory flow
Explanation: Oxygenation is primarily controlled by FiO₂ and PEEP.
6.
A patient presents with severe epigastric pain radiating to the back and elevated lipase
levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Gastritis
B. Acute pancreatitis
C. Cholecystitis
D. Appendicitis
