PASS the CCRN! Questions 2025 WITH
UPDATED ANSWERS
A 56 yr-old male is admitted to the ICU with a blood pressure of 225/135 and
complains of a headache and nausea. He reports he ran out of blood pressure
meds three days ago, but also appears to be confused to the date and situation.
What is the most appropriate treatment approach? - ANSWER-Rapidly lower the
diastolic pressure to 100 with IV antihypertensive meds, then continue to gradually
reduce the diastolic pressure to 85 with oral antihypertensive meds.
The maximum initial decrease should be no more than 25% reduction from initial
presenting value. Reducing the blood pressure too quickly can lead to cerebral
edema or renal failure.
A patient has sepsis, receives Lactated ringers 500ml IV bolus. Which finding
indicate that this intervention is having it's intended effect? - ANSWER-ScvO2 of
72%
....COPYRIGHT ©️ 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED...TRUSTED & VERIFIED 1
,Early goal directed therapy for sepsis includes early fluid resuscitation at 30 ml/kg
to maintain a CVP of 8-12 or 12-15 if mechanically ventilated, MAP greater than
65, ScvO2 greater than 70%, and urine output greater than 0.5 kg/hr
72 male patient in ICU for 6 days on the ventilator for treatment of a COPD
exacerbation. He has been receiving VTE prophylaxis and subcutaneous Heparin
since admission. Today his platelet count decreased significantly to 43,000 and was
found to have new DVT on his right upper extremity. What do you suspect is the
most likely cause of these findings? - ANSWER-HIT
The hallmark sign of HIT is a significant decrease in platelet count over a 24 hours
period (>50%) within 5-10 days of administering Heparin. The other hallmark sign
is a new development of DVT despite being on VTE prophylaxis.
TRALI: - ANSWER-is a complication from a blood transfusion reaction, which
causes acute lung injury typically within 6 hours of a blood transfusion.
2 Hallmark signs of HIT: - ANSWER-Decrease in platelet count over a 24 hr
period.
New development of DVT despite being on VTE prophylaxis.
Values in Early compensated Hypovolemic shock? - ANSWER-CO 4.0 L/min,
HR 135, SV 65, SVR 1700, MAP 65
....COPYRIGHT ©️ 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED...TRUSTED & VERIFIED 2
, In hypovolemic states, circulating volume is depleted therefore preload and
contractility are decreased which leads to a decrease in SV and CO. HR and SV
increase as compensatory measure to preserve CO, MAP and cerebral perfusion.
Post-renal failure values: - ANSWER-Urine output < 200; urine sodium 30; BUN:
Creatinine ratio 15:1; urine specific gravity 1.010
BUN: Creatinine ratio is 15:1, but both the BUN & creatinine are elevated. Urine
sodium is typically 1-40 mEq/L.
What to do in the event of HIT: - ANSWER-Stop Heparin and administer an
alternative direct thrombin inhibitor.
Warfarin is contraindicated in HIT? T/F - ANSWER-True - there is also no
evidence that shows protamine, corticosteroids, and benadryl are effective
treatments for HIT
Patients with right ventricular infarctions become preload dependent. Meds that
decrease preload should be avoided - which meds are these? - ANSWER-
Morphine, Nitro, Beta blockers and diuretics.
Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia aka Torsades is treated by? - ANSWER-
Magnesium
....COPYRIGHT ©️ 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED...TRUSTED & VERIFIED 3
UPDATED ANSWERS
A 56 yr-old male is admitted to the ICU with a blood pressure of 225/135 and
complains of a headache and nausea. He reports he ran out of blood pressure
meds three days ago, but also appears to be confused to the date and situation.
What is the most appropriate treatment approach? - ANSWER-Rapidly lower the
diastolic pressure to 100 with IV antihypertensive meds, then continue to gradually
reduce the diastolic pressure to 85 with oral antihypertensive meds.
The maximum initial decrease should be no more than 25% reduction from initial
presenting value. Reducing the blood pressure too quickly can lead to cerebral
edema or renal failure.
A patient has sepsis, receives Lactated ringers 500ml IV bolus. Which finding
indicate that this intervention is having it's intended effect? - ANSWER-ScvO2 of
72%
....COPYRIGHT ©️ 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED...TRUSTED & VERIFIED 1
,Early goal directed therapy for sepsis includes early fluid resuscitation at 30 ml/kg
to maintain a CVP of 8-12 or 12-15 if mechanically ventilated, MAP greater than
65, ScvO2 greater than 70%, and urine output greater than 0.5 kg/hr
72 male patient in ICU for 6 days on the ventilator for treatment of a COPD
exacerbation. He has been receiving VTE prophylaxis and subcutaneous Heparin
since admission. Today his platelet count decreased significantly to 43,000 and was
found to have new DVT on his right upper extremity. What do you suspect is the
most likely cause of these findings? - ANSWER-HIT
The hallmark sign of HIT is a significant decrease in platelet count over a 24 hours
period (>50%) within 5-10 days of administering Heparin. The other hallmark sign
is a new development of DVT despite being on VTE prophylaxis.
TRALI: - ANSWER-is a complication from a blood transfusion reaction, which
causes acute lung injury typically within 6 hours of a blood transfusion.
2 Hallmark signs of HIT: - ANSWER-Decrease in platelet count over a 24 hr
period.
New development of DVT despite being on VTE prophylaxis.
Values in Early compensated Hypovolemic shock? - ANSWER-CO 4.0 L/min,
HR 135, SV 65, SVR 1700, MAP 65
....COPYRIGHT ©️ 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED...TRUSTED & VERIFIED 2
, In hypovolemic states, circulating volume is depleted therefore preload and
contractility are decreased which leads to a decrease in SV and CO. HR and SV
increase as compensatory measure to preserve CO, MAP and cerebral perfusion.
Post-renal failure values: - ANSWER-Urine output < 200; urine sodium 30; BUN:
Creatinine ratio 15:1; urine specific gravity 1.010
BUN: Creatinine ratio is 15:1, but both the BUN & creatinine are elevated. Urine
sodium is typically 1-40 mEq/L.
What to do in the event of HIT: - ANSWER-Stop Heparin and administer an
alternative direct thrombin inhibitor.
Warfarin is contraindicated in HIT? T/F - ANSWER-True - there is also no
evidence that shows protamine, corticosteroids, and benadryl are effective
treatments for HIT
Patients with right ventricular infarctions become preload dependent. Meds that
decrease preload should be avoided - which meds are these? - ANSWER-
Morphine, Nitro, Beta blockers and diuretics.
Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia aka Torsades is treated by? - ANSWER-
Magnesium
....COPYRIGHT ©️ 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED...TRUSTED & VERIFIED 3
