CRNI Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CRNI exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 CRNI Exam Format at a Glance
📚 CRNI Topics to Study (99)
✍️ Sample CRNI Questions & Answers
1. What is the standard lockout interval for most morphine patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) programs?
A 5–10 minute lockout interval is standard for IV morphine PCA, allowing time to assess the effect of each demand dose before another can be delivered.
2. What is the CRNI's responsibility regarding medication compatibility when multiple IV infusions run simultaneously?
The CRNI must verify both Y-site and additive compatibility using current, drug-specific references before any co-administration to prevent precipitation, degradation, or toxicity.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer IV potassium chloride. Which concentration is safe for peripheral IV administration without requiring central line access?
Concentrations of 10 mEq/100 mL or less (equivalent to 20 mEq/200 mL) are generally safe peripherally; 20 mEq/100 mL is the maximum recommended concentration for peripheral infusion per most guidelines.
4. A patient on long-term parenteral nutrition develops signs of air embolism. Which documentation sequence is correct?
Contemporaneous documentation of the time of symptom recognition, emergency interventions, and patient response creates an accurate record and is essential for legal and quality review.
5. What is the most important consideration when selecting an infusion pump for pediatric therapy?
The ability to deliver fluid in very small increments (0.1 mL/hr or less) is the most critical feature of a pediatric infusion pump. This precision prevents fluid overload and ensures accurate medication dosing, which is essential given the narrow therapeutic margins in children.
6. A CRNI is calculating the lockout interval for a hydromorphone PCA. The onset of IV hydromorphone is approximately 5 minutes. Which lockout interval is most appropriate?
A 5–10 minute lockout allows enough time for hydromorphone to reach peak effect before the patient can request another dose, balancing efficacy and safety.