CCRN Practice Test

CCRN Behavioral & Psychosocial Practice Questions

Behavioral & Psychosocial makes up 3 of every 50 questions on a Tigertest CCRN practice test. Here are 10 of the 12 questions on it, each with the answer and the reason.

Updated 2026-11-14 by the Tigertest team. Based on the AACN Adult CCRN test plan. Original questions; 50 per test, weighted like the real exam. Not affiliated with AACN or AACN Certification Corporation.

1. 1. Which tool screens a mechanically ventilated patient for delirium?

   • A.Glasgow Coma Scale
   • B.CAM-ICU
   • C.CPOT
   • D.Braden scale

   Answer: B. The Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) and the ICDSC are validated delirium screens for patients who cannot speak. CPOT measures pain and the Braden scale measures pressure injury risk.

2. 2. At which RASS score can the CAM-ICU not be completed?

   • A.+1 or +2
   • B.-1 or -2
   • C.0 (alert, calm)
   • D.-4 or -5

   Answer: D. The patient must respond to voice for the CAM-ICU to be done, so a RASS of -4 or -5 (responding only to touch, or not at all) is recorded as unable to assess, and arousal is rechecked later.

3. 3. Which type of ICU delirium is most often missed?

   • A.Hypoactive
   • B.Withdrawal-related
   • C.Mixed with agitation
   • D.Hyperactive

   Answer: A. Quiet, withdrawn patients with hypoactive delirium are easy to mistake for calm or depressed, which is why routine screening with a validated tool is advised for every critically ill adult.

4. 4. What does the 2018 PADIS guideline say about routine haloperidol to treat ICU delirium?

   • A.It is strongly recommended
   • B.It is first-line for all
   • C.It is not suggested
   • D.It must be given with a statin

   Answer: C. PADIS suggests against routine use of haloperidol, atypical antipsychotics or statins to treat delirium. Short-term use may still be considered for distress such as hallucinations or agitation that endangers the patient.

5. 5. Agitation is keeping a ventilated patient from being weaned and extubated. Which drug does the PADIS guideline suggest?

   • A.Diphenhydramine
   • B.Lorazepam infusion
   • C.Dexmedetomidine
   • D.Haloperidol

   Answer: C. PADIS suggests dexmedetomidine for delirium with agitation that prevents weaning or extubation. Benzodiazepine infusions are linked to more delirium and longer ventilation.

6. 6. After a patient's last drink, when do delirium tremens most often begin?

   • A.48 to 96 hours
   • B.4 to 6 hours
   • C.10 to 14 days
   • D.1 to 2 hours

   Answer: A. Early withdrawal signs such as tremor and anxiety start within about 6 to 24 hours, seizures peak around 24 to 48 hours and delirium tremens usually begin 48 to 96 hours after the last drink. A tool such as CIWA-Ar guides dosing.

7. 7. A patient is shouting and threatening staff but has not touched anyone. What is the best first step?

   • A.Apply restraints right away
   • B.Ask a series of questions
   • C.Touch the arm to reassure
   • D.Speak calmly and keep space

   Answer: D. De-escalation uses a calm, low voice, short simple statements, respect for personal space and a clear exit for staff. Touch and a stream of questions can feel threatening; restraints are a last resort when there is imminent danger.

8. 8. A patient recovering from an overdose seems hopeless. The nurse wonders about asking directly about suicide. What is true?

   • A.It is best left unasked
   • B.Asking does not raise risk
   • C.Asking can plant the idea
   • D.Only psychiatry should ask

   Answer: B. Asking directly and clearly about suicidal thoughts does not increase risk and is how risk is found. A positive answer leads to safety measures and a mental health evaluation.

9. 9. Post-intensive care syndrome describes new or worse problems in which areas?

   • A.Muscle strength and nothing else
   • B.Body, thinking and mental health
   • C.Hearing and vision only
   • D.Kidney and liver function

   Answer: B. PICS covers weakness, memory and attention problems and anxiety, depression or PTSD after critical illness. Families can have their own version, PICS-F. Early mobility, sedation choices and family involvement help prevent it.

10. 10. A patient on daily methadone for opioid use disorder is admitted after surgery. What is the usual plan?

    • A.Double it to cover the pain
    • B.Replace it with naloxone now
    • C.Stop it to prevent misuse
    • D.Continue the usual methadone

    Answer: D. The maintenance dose is confirmed with the treatment program and continued to prevent withdrawal, and acute pain is treated on top of it. Stopping it causes withdrawal; naloxone would reverse it.