adult CCRN/PCCN certification practice test (with complete solutions)

One day following posterior spinal fusion surgery a 35 year old female suddenly exhibits restlessness, labored breathing and acute chest pain. Her heart rate is 122/min., she is afebrile, and exhibits slightly diminished breath sounds on the right side. The findings described above should lead the nurse to suspect that the patient has developed: A. A spontaneous pneumothorax B. A pulmonary embolus C. Aspiration pneumonia D. A pleural effusion correct answers B. A pulmonary embolus One day following posterior spinal fusion surgery a 35 year old female suddenly exhibits restlessness, labored breathing and acute chest pain. Her heart rate is 122/min., she is afebrile, and exhibits slightly diminished breath sounds on the right side. Which of the following will most likely confirm the patient's diagnosis? A. Pulmonary radioisotope scan B. Echocardiogram C. Cardiac enzyme studies D. Chest x-ray and arterial blood gases correct answers A. Pulmonary radioisotope scan The nursing staff does not wish to be assigned a difficult patient who continues to demonstrate disorderly behavior. Which of the following is an acceptable solution? A. Request the family control the patient's behavior. B. Transfer the patient C. The patient assignment should be decided by the Charge Nurse. D. Alternate the patient assignment among the nursing staff. correct answers D. Alternate the patient assignment among the nursing staff. A patient who is 72 hours postoperative repair of a bowel obstruction suddenly demonstrates shortness of breath and his respiratory rate increases from 22 to 45/min. His SpO2 went from 95% to 88% acutely. An arterial blood gas sample obtained while the patient is receiving oxygen via a nasal cannula at 6L/min reveals the following results: pH 7.40 pCO2 27 pO2 50 A chest x-ray is obtained and a "ground-glass-like appearance" is reported. Auscultation of the lungs reveals diffuse crackles that were not present previously. The findings described above should lead the nurse to believe that the patient has: