,
,Contents
PCCN Certification Review Guide.............................................................................................3
PCCN Exam-Review Key Terms/Concepts................................................................................7
PCCN Practice Test 1..............................................................................................................55
PCCN Practice Test 2..............................................................................................................92
PCCN Practice Test 3............................................................................................................124
PCCN Practice Test 4............................................................................................................141
.............................................................................................................................................172
PCCN Certification Review Guide
, ## Introduction
The Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) certification, administered by the American Association of
Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), validates the specialized knowledge and competencies of nurses providing
direct care to acutely ill adult patients. The 2025 PCCN examination emphasizes a broad scope of
progressive care nursing, including cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, neurological, and multisystem
illness management, as well as professional caring practices, patient safety, and healthcare ethics.
Successful certification requires thorough clinical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the ability to apply
evidence-based practices in complex patient care situations. This review guide aims to outline core content
areas, provide effective strategies for preparation, and clarify the format of the 2025 PCCN exam.
## Examination Structure and Content Framework
The test blueprint includes four major clinical practice areas and their associated knowledge bases:
### 1. Cardiovascular System and Related Disorders (24-30%)
- Pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of cardiovascular diseases (e.g., acute coronary syndromes,
heart failure, arrhythmias)
- Hemodynamic monitoring and interpretation
- Pharmacotherapeutics (inotropes, antiarrhythmics, vasodilators)
- Nursing interventions and emergency management
### 2. Pulmonary System and Related Disorders (24-30%)
- Respiratory failure and management (including mechanical ventilation principles)
- Oxygenation and ventilation concepts
- Acid-base balance and gas exchange
- Nursing priorities in pulmonary care and complication prevention
,Contents
PCCN Certification Review Guide.............................................................................................3
PCCN Exam-Review Key Terms/Concepts................................................................................7
PCCN Practice Test 1..............................................................................................................55
PCCN Practice Test 2..............................................................................................................92
PCCN Practice Test 3............................................................................................................124
PCCN Practice Test 4............................................................................................................141
.............................................................................................................................................172
PCCN Certification Review Guide
, ## Introduction
The Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) certification, administered by the American Association of
Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), validates the specialized knowledge and competencies of nurses providing
direct care to acutely ill adult patients. The 2025 PCCN examination emphasizes a broad scope of
progressive care nursing, including cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, neurological, and multisystem
illness management, as well as professional caring practices, patient safety, and healthcare ethics.
Successful certification requires thorough clinical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the ability to apply
evidence-based practices in complex patient care situations. This review guide aims to outline core content
areas, provide effective strategies for preparation, and clarify the format of the 2025 PCCN exam.
## Examination Structure and Content Framework
The test blueprint includes four major clinical practice areas and their associated knowledge bases:
### 1. Cardiovascular System and Related Disorders (24-30%)
- Pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of cardiovascular diseases (e.g., acute coronary syndromes,
heart failure, arrhythmias)
- Hemodynamic monitoring and interpretation
- Pharmacotherapeutics (inotropes, antiarrhythmics, vasodilators)
- Nursing interventions and emergency management
### 2. Pulmonary System and Related Disorders (24-30%)
- Respiratory failure and management (including mechanical ventilation principles)
- Oxygenation and ventilation concepts
- Acid-base balance and gas exchange
- Nursing priorities in pulmonary care and complication prevention
