Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each accompanied by hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your CCRN certification!

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What is the primary purpose of a craniotomy?

To remove brain tumors only
To provide access for various brain treatments
To repair skull fractures only
To insert a shunt for drainage only

The correct answer is: To provide access for various brain treatments

The primary purpose of a craniotomy is to provide access for various brain treatments. This surgical procedure allows neurosurgeons to access different regions of the brain for a range of interventions, including the removal of tumors, draining abscesses, repairing damaged vessels, and treating conditions like hematomas or traumatic brain injuries. While removal of brain tumors and repair of skull fractures may occur during a craniotomy, these are specific indications and not the defining purpose of the procedure. Similarly, inserting a shunt is a targeted intervention that might be performed as part of a craniotomy but does not encompass the full scope of its purpose. The versatility of the craniotomy in addressing multiple types of neurological issues is what makes option B the most accurate choice regarding its primary purpose.