CCRN Practice Test

The zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex secretes aldosterone. The function of this hormone is to help regulate electrolyte imbalance via the promotion of sodium reabsorption and potassium loss. Thus damage to this region of the adrenal cortex is likely to lead to aldosterone dysfunction, ultimately resulting in electrolyte imbalance.

Patient confidentiality is an ethical principle mandated by HIPPA laws. The Privacy Rule in particular prevents healthcare providers from revealing or disclosing any of the healthcare related discussions they have had with their patients. The Privacy Rule also prohibits the release of any of the patient’s medically related documents without the patient’s written consent.

In dealing with oxyhemoglobin dissociation curves, a shift to the right from the normal curve is an indication that less oxygen is in the blood (hemoglobin is more readily releasing oxygen to the tissues). This can be cause by a number of conditions including acidosis, hyperthermia, hypercarbia, and increased levels of 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate.

Cerebral palsy is a general term that is used to describe a group of non-progressive, non-contagious motor conditions that occur as a result of damage to the motor control regions of the developing brain. The musculoskeletal disabilities associated with cerebral palsy can vary widely, from minor to extreme.

The wall of the gastrointestinal tract is composed of four layers. Starting with the most superficial, the order is: the serosa, the muscularis, the submucosa, and finally the mucosa.

Encephalitis is a CNS infection that is characterized by inflammation of brain tissue. The condition is most commonly caused by viral infection, but can also be caused by other pathogens including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The highest incidence of encephalitis is in children under the age of 10, and presenting symptoms commonly include headache, nausea, fever, and photophobia. Treatment generally involves the administration of appropriate anti-infectious medications.

A BUN-to-creatinine ratio less than 20:1 is indicative of normal renal function. A BUN-to-creatinine ratio greater the 20:1 is an indication of an acute renal insufficiency (dehydration or fluid loss).

A host of pathogens (typical and atypical) are known to cause community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Typical bacterial pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Atypical pathogens include Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma species, and Legionella species.

The vertebral column is composed of 33 vertebrae: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal. The 5 sacral vertebrae are fused together as one, as are the 4 coccygeal. Between each of the non-fused vertebrae are inter-vertebral discs, which provide flexibility as well as act as shock absorbers.  The main function of the vertebral column is to protect the spinal cord.

In mitral valve regurgitation, the incompetent mitral valve (valve separating the left atrium and left ventricle) allows blood to flow back into the left atrium.

Isotonic solution have equal concentrations of solutes compared to their surroundings. Thus the administration of an isotonic solution will NOT significantly shift fluid volumes across the cellular membranes or vessels. (0.9%) Normal Saline is an isotonic solution that can be used for this purpose. 3% Normal Saline is a hypertonic solution that will tend to draw fluid from cells and interstitial spaces into vessels. D5W (5% Dextrose in Water) and D5 0.5 NS (5% Dextrose and 0.45% Normal Saline) are both hypotonic solution that will tend to have the opposite effect of hypertonic solutions, and will increase total body edema.

The first stage of hemostasis typically involves decreasing blood flow to the site of injury in order to conserve blood volume. This is accomplished via that actions of endothelin and thromboxane A2, biochemical agents that are released via the vascular endothelium and cause vasoconstriction of the smooth muscle of the vascular wall. Thrombin, prothrombin, fibrogenin, serotonin, and collagen are factors that aid in the formation of a platelet plug.

Basophils are nonphagocytic cells that reside just outside the capillaries. They release substances including histamine, heparin, bradykinin, and serotonin, which serve to attract IgE to their cell surface and stimulate the inflammatory response/allergic reaction within the body.

Delirium is an acute disorder characterized by attention, perception, and memory impairment. It is often the symptom of an underlying condition, such as dementia, medication overdose, substance intoxication, and electrolyte disorders. Pharmacologic treatment for delirium often involves the use of antipsychotics or benzodiazepines, depending on the underlying cause of the delirium. Antidepressants are not typically employed for the treatment of acute conditions such as delirium.

Diuretics are classified according to the site of the kidney they affect. Loop diuretics act in the loop of Henle, and include furosemide and ethacrynic acid. Mannitol is considered an osmotic diuretic.

Nurse characteristics comprise one of the four components of the Synergy Model for Patient Care. Systems thinking refers to the ability of a nurse to manage environmental and system resources, via the use of their knowledge and skill set, in a way that enables them to comprehend how one decision can impact the system as a whole.