Preparing for the CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) exam? Pharmacology is one of the areas our deck drills hardest: 50 of its 1000 flashcards focus on pharmacology, covering topics like Septic Shock, PAH, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, NMB. Try the sample questions below — every card is a real question-and-answer pair from the full deck.
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A patient with HFrEF (EF 30%) is being optimized on GDMT. What are the four pillars of therapy proven to reduce mortality in this population according to 2026 standards?
Show answer →Per 2026 guidelines, the four pillars are: 1) ARNI (Sacubitril/Valsartan preferred over ACE/ARB), 2) Evidence-based Beta-blockers (Carvedilol, Metoprolol Succinate, or Bisoprolol), 3) Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists (MRA: Spironolactone or Eplerenone), and 4) SGLT2 Inhibitors (Dapagliflozin or Empagliflozin). Exam Tip: AACN emphasizes that these should be initiated early and titrated rapidly. All four classes improve survival and reduce hospitalizations.
72yo male, Septic Shock, MAP 55 despite 30mL/kg fluids. Which vasoactive is the first-line choice and what is its primary receptor profile?
Show answer →Norepinephrine (Levophed) is the 1st line choice for septic shock (Surviving Sepsis Guidelines). Mechanism: Potent Alpha-1 agonist (vasoconstriction) and modest Beta-1 agonist (inotropy). Rationale: It effectively increases MAP with less risk of tachycardia compared to dopamine. CCRN Tip: AACN emphasizes early initiation via central line to maintain MAP >65 mmHg. Monitor for digital/peripheral ischemia and ensure adequate fluid resuscitation prior to or during initiation.
A patient on Amiodarone for refractory VT develops progressive dyspnea and a non-productive cough. Which diagnostic test is most critical for assessing this medication's long-term toxicity?
Show answer →Amiodarone (Class III) causes pulmonary toxicity (fibrosis) in up to 17% of patients. A Chest X-ray or Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are critical. Amiodarone has a massive volume of distribution and a half-life of ~58 days. Clinical Pearl: Monitor LFTs and Thyroid panels (hypo/hyperthyroidism) due to the drug's high iodine content. Exam Tip: AACN focuses on the multi-organ side effects of this drug vs. other antiarrhythmics.
Hemodynamic criteria for Group 1 Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) have recently been updated. According to the latest standards, what specific values for mPAP, PAWP, and PVR are required to confirm a diagnosis of PAH?
Show answer →Diagnosis of PAH (Group 1) requires: 1. mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (mPAP) > 20 mmHg (updated from 25 mmHg); 2. Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP) ≤ 15 mmHg (indicating pre-capillary PH); 3. Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR) ≥ 2 Wood Units. Clinical Pearl: Differentiating pre-capillary from post-capillary PH is crucial for the CCRN. Group 2 (Left Heart Disease) is the most common cause of PH and is characterized by a PAWP > 15 mmHg. Treating Group 2 with PAH-specific vasodilators can lead to flash pulmonary edema.
A patient with severe ARDS (P/F ratio 120) is being started on a continuous neuromuscular blockade (NMB) infusion. What is the absolute priority nursing intervention required prior to the administration of the first dose of the paralytic?
Show answer →The absolute priority is ensuring the patient is adequately sedated and has received analgesia. NMBs provide NO sedative, amnestic, or analgesic properties. Paralyzing an awake, un-sedated patient is a sentinel event. AACN emphasizes sedation before paralysis as a core safety standard. Clinical Pearl: Use a validated scale (e.g., RASS) to confirm deep sedation before NMB initiation, as clinical assessment of sedation becomes impossible once paralyzed.
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Try 30 free CCRN cards firstThe full CCRN deck contains 1000 flashcards, and 50 of them focus on pharmacology. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our CCRN deck dedicates 50 of 1000 cards (5%) to pharmacology — always cross-check the official AACN exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
Yes — the samples on this page are free, and the CCRN preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1000 cards is a one-time $7.
Assessment
40 cards
Diagnostics
40 cards
Ethics
30 cards
Management
230 cards
Pathology
370 cards
Procedures
170 cards
Professional
10 cards
Toxicology
30 cards
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