These CMSRN practice questions target assessment — including ICP, Delta Pressure, Braden Scale. The complete CMSRN deck holds 1050 flashcards, 60 of them dedicated to this topic. Study the free samples below, then unlock the whole collection for a one-time $7.
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A patient with HFrEF reports needing three pillows to sleep and waking up gasping for air. On auscultation, the nurse notes crackles in the lung bases. Which side of the heart is primarily failing, and what is the underlying mechanism?
Show answer →Left-sided heart failure. The symptoms described (orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and pulmonary crackles) result from the left ventricle's inability to pump blood forward into the systemic circulation. This leads to increased pressure in the left atrium and pulmonary veins, causing fluid to leak into the pulmonary interstitium. CMSRN Tip: Remember ""Left = Lungs."" Distinguish from right-sided failure, which presents with systemic venous congestion rather than pulmonary symptoms. In 2026 guidelines, these symptoms are key triggers for adjusting Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT).
A patient's intracompartmental pressure (ICP) is 32 mmHg, and their current blood pressure is 105/65 mmHg. Calculate the Delta Pressure (ΔP) and determine if this patient requires immediate surgical intervention for acute compartment syndrome.
Show answer →Delta Pressure (ΔP) = Diastolic BP - ICP. Calculation: 65 - 32 = 33 mmHg. Generally, a ΔP ≤ 30 mmHg is indicative of ACS and the need for fasciotomy. While 33 is borderline, clinical symptoms (pain, paresthesia) take precedence over the number alone. MSNCB Strategy: Focus on the trend and the relationship between systemic BP and compartment pressure, as hypotension can exacerbate ACS even with lower ICPs (lower perfusion pressure).
A patient with a Braden Scale score of 11 is admitted. What does this score indicate, and what is the priority nursing action for the prevention bundle?
Show answer →High Risk (Score 10-12). Braden scores range from 6-23; lower scores indicate higher risk. Priority: Implement a high-intensity prevention bundle (SSKIN). Interventions: Pressure-redistribution surface, q2h repositioning, moisture management, and nutritional consult. Exam Tip: MSNCB focuses on linking assessment scores (Risk) to specific bundle interventions (Prevention).
An 82-year-old patient with dementia is admitted for a hip fracture. The nurse notes new-onset confusion and a temp of 36.8°C. Why should the nurse still screen this patient for sepsis?
Show answer →Elderly patients often lack a classic febrile response and may present with ""atypical"" signs like altered mental status (delirium), tachypnea, or generalized weakness. Hypothermia (<36°C) is more common than high fever in geriatric sepsis and carries a worse prognosis. MSNCB Strategy: Always prioritize ""change from baseline"" in mentation as a primary screening sign for sepsis in the elderly.
A patient with delirium becomes combative. According to MSNCB standards and geriatric best practices, what is the hierarchy of intervention?
Show answer →1. Non-pharmacological (reorientation, family presence, sleep hygiene, removing tethers). 2. Identify/treat underlying cause (e.g., bladder distension, pain). 3. Pharmacological (e.g., low-dose antipsychotics) ONLY if the patient is a danger to self/others and non-pharm methods failed. Note: Benzodiazepines usually worsen delirium unless it's alcohol/benzo withdrawal.
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Try 30 free CMSRN cards firstThe full CMSRN deck contains 1050 flashcards, and 60 of them focus on assessment. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our CMSRN deck dedicates 60 of 1050 cards (6%) to assessment — always cross-check the official MSNCB exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
Yes — the samples on this page are free, and the CMSRN preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1050 cards is a one-time $7.
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