AACN ACNPC-AG Certification Practice Exam – 100
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Questions with Answers and Detailed Rationales for
PSI Proctored Exam Preparation
1.
A patient with acute myocardial infarction reports crushing chest pain and diaphoresis. What is
the priority intervention?
A. Start beta-blocker therapy
B. Administer oxygen and obtain ECG
C. Give IV fluids
D. Perform CT scan
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
Immediate oxygenation and a 12-lead ECG help identify myocardial ischemia and guide urgent
treatment.
2.
Which medication is first-line therapy for septic shock requiring vasopressor support?
A. Dopamine
B. Phenylephrine
C. Norepinephrine
D. Vasopressin
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
Norepinephrine is recommended as the first-line vasopressor in septic shock due to strong alpha-
adrenergic vasoconstriction and improved blood pressure.
3.
,A patient with COPD presents with worsening dyspnea and elevated PaCO₂. What is the most
appropriate initial therapy?
A. Intubation
B. Noninvasive ventilation (BiPAP)
C. High-flow oxygen only
D. Antibiotics immediately
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
Noninvasive ventilation reduces work of breathing and improves gas exchange in COPD
exacerbations.
4.
Which lab finding indicates acute kidney injury?
A. Decreased potassium
B. Elevated serum creatinine
C. Low hemoglobin
D. Low sodium
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
Rising creatinine levels reflect reduced kidney filtration and are a key marker of acute kidney
injury.
5.
A patient with atrial fibrillation and rapid ventricular response should initially receive:
A. Digoxin
B. Amiodarone
C. Beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker
D. Lidocaine
✅ Answer: C
,Explanation:
Rate control in atrial fibrillation is commonly achieved with beta-blockers or calcium channel
blockers.
6.
Which symptom is most associated with pulmonary embolism?
A. Gradual cough
B. Sudden dyspnea and chest pain
C. Fever and chills
D. Nausea
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
Pulmonary embolism commonly presents with sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and
tachycardia.
7.
Which drug is used to reverse opioid overdose?
A. Flumazenil
B. Atropine
C. Naloxone
D. Epinephrine
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses respiratory depression caused by opioids.
8.
Which electrolyte imbalance causes peaked T waves on ECG?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
, C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
Elevated potassium levels produce characteristic ECG changes including peaked T waves.
9.
Which condition requires immediate thrombolytic therapy?
A. Stable angina
B. ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
C. Hypertension
D. Heart failure
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
STEMI is caused by complete coronary artery occlusion and requires rapid reperfusion therapy.
10.
Which medication is commonly used for rapid sequence intubation sedation?
A. Morphine
B. Etomidate
C. Warfarin
D. Insulin
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
Etomidate provides rapid sedation with minimal cardiovascular depression, making it ideal for
intubation.
Questions 11–20
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Questions with Answers and Detailed Rationales for
PSI Proctored Exam Preparation
1.
A patient with acute myocardial infarction reports crushing chest pain and diaphoresis. What is
the priority intervention?
A. Start beta-blocker therapy
B. Administer oxygen and obtain ECG
C. Give IV fluids
D. Perform CT scan
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
Immediate oxygenation and a 12-lead ECG help identify myocardial ischemia and guide urgent
treatment.
2.
Which medication is first-line therapy for septic shock requiring vasopressor support?
A. Dopamine
B. Phenylephrine
C. Norepinephrine
D. Vasopressin
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
Norepinephrine is recommended as the first-line vasopressor in septic shock due to strong alpha-
adrenergic vasoconstriction and improved blood pressure.
3.
,A patient with COPD presents with worsening dyspnea and elevated PaCO₂. What is the most
appropriate initial therapy?
A. Intubation
B. Noninvasive ventilation (BiPAP)
C. High-flow oxygen only
D. Antibiotics immediately
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
Noninvasive ventilation reduces work of breathing and improves gas exchange in COPD
exacerbations.
4.
Which lab finding indicates acute kidney injury?
A. Decreased potassium
B. Elevated serum creatinine
C. Low hemoglobin
D. Low sodium
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
Rising creatinine levels reflect reduced kidney filtration and are a key marker of acute kidney
injury.
5.
A patient with atrial fibrillation and rapid ventricular response should initially receive:
A. Digoxin
B. Amiodarone
C. Beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker
D. Lidocaine
✅ Answer: C
,Explanation:
Rate control in atrial fibrillation is commonly achieved with beta-blockers or calcium channel
blockers.
6.
Which symptom is most associated with pulmonary embolism?
A. Gradual cough
B. Sudden dyspnea and chest pain
C. Fever and chills
D. Nausea
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
Pulmonary embolism commonly presents with sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and
tachycardia.
7.
Which drug is used to reverse opioid overdose?
A. Flumazenil
B. Atropine
C. Naloxone
D. Epinephrine
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses respiratory depression caused by opioids.
8.
Which electrolyte imbalance causes peaked T waves on ECG?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
, C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
Elevated potassium levels produce characteristic ECG changes including peaked T waves.
9.
Which condition requires immediate thrombolytic therapy?
A. Stable angina
B. ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
C. Hypertension
D. Heart failure
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
STEMI is caused by complete coronary artery occlusion and requires rapid reperfusion therapy.
10.
Which medication is commonly used for rapid sequence intubation sedation?
A. Morphine
B. Etomidate
C. Warfarin
D. Insulin
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
Etomidate provides rapid sedation with minimal cardiovascular depression, making it ideal for
intubation.
Questions 11–20
