AACN Updated CCRN-Adult Exam Questions and Answers by zayaan

Dopamine, when administered at a dose of 10 mcg/kg/min, acts primarily as an alpha-adrenergic agonist, leading to vasoconstriction. This results in increased systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and increased mean arterial pressure (MAP), which are desired outcomes in the treatment of septic shock. This effect helps improve perfusion to vital organs and stabilize hemodynamics in patients with septic shock. References: =

• CCRN (Adult) Certification Review Course Online: Cardiovascular and Hemodynamics.
• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). (2024). CCRN Exam Handbook. Retrieved from AACN CCRN Exam Handbook
• Adult CCRN/CCRN-E/CCRN-K Certification Review Course Online. AACN

Acute pancreatitis

Shortness of breath is a sign of respiratory distress that may indicate a serious complication of acute pancreatitis, such as pleural effusion, atelectasis, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). These conditions can impair oxygenation and ventilation, and may require supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation. The provider should be notified immediately if the patient has shortness of breath, as well as other signs of respiratory distress, such as cyanosis, tachypnea, or use of accessory muscles12. Hypoactive bowel sounds, hyperglycemia, and vomiting are common findings in acute pancreatitis, but they are not as urgent as shortness of breath. They may indicate paralytic ileus, pancreatic insufficiency, or gastric outlet obstruction, respectively. These conditions can be managed with supportive measures, such as intravenous fluids, antiemetics, analgesics, and nutritional support3 .

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

An x-ray of a human body Description automatically generated

Acute renal failure is one of the possible complications of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, especially after open surgery. Acute renal failure is a sudden loss of kidney function that can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalance, acid-base disturbance, and uremic syndrome. Acute renal failure can occur due to several factors, such as hypoperfusion of the kidneys, atheroembolism, contrast-induced nephropathy, or ischemia-reperfusion injury12. The incidence of acute renal failure after AAA repair ranges from 2 to 25%, depending on the definition, the type of surgery, and the patient’s risk factors13. Acute renal failure is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and length of hospital stay after AAA repair13.

Other complications of AAA repair include bleeding, infection, wound complications, graft-related complications, bowel ischemia, spinal cord ischemia, and cardiac, pulmonary, or neurological events124. Acute hepatic dysfunction, acute CVA, and atrial fibrillation are not specific complications of AAA repair, but they may occur in any major surgery or in patients with preexisting conditions.