AACN Critical-Care Nursing Chapters 1–4 based on your review notes. I’ve organized it by key concepts, definitions, and practical points that are most frequently tested on the CCRN exam.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Critical Care Nursing Critical Care Nurse Role Provides care for critically ill patients in ICU, CCU, Neuro ICU, Step-down, and specialty units. Basic requirements: Nursing degree, active license (US/PH), ACLS certification, prior experience on other units. CCRN Certification Definition: Specialty certification for nurses providing direct care to acutely/critically ill patients. Eligibility: Practicing RN or APRN US-based facility 2,000 hours direct care Pass CCRN exam Critical Care Units ICU / ITU: Highest level of monitoring and care CCU / Cardiac ICU: Critical cardiac patients Neuro ICU: Life-threatening neurological conditions (stroke, brain injury, hemorrhage) Step-down units: Lower level care, transition from ICU Step-up units: For patients deteriorating on wards Intermediate / Transition units: Between ICU and general wards Chapter 2: Patient Monitoring and Equipment Continuous Monitoring ECG, arterial pressure, oxygen saturation Invasive: arterial, venous, intra-abdominal, intracranial Airway & Ventilation Equipment: ET tube, laryngoscope, suction Ventilators, Ambu bag, oxygen Resuscitation Defibrillator, infusion pumps, waveform capnography, pressure bags Chapter 3: Nursing Competencies & Care Principles Critical Thinking Needed for sound clinical judgment and quick decision-making in critical care Advocacy Represent the patient and family, address concerns, ensure safe care Caring Attitude Therapeutic, compassionate interaction; addresses emotional, physical, and psychosocial needs Family-Centered Care Themes from Family Involvement Menu: Enacting care: Care structured around patient + family Connecting with sick relative: Promote personal connection Remember own experience: Empathize with family perspective Partnering with nurses: Communication is essential Empathy: Active listening and understanding family needs Chapter 4: Patient-Centered Care (PCC) Definition Multidimensional approach focusing on the whole person, patient engagement, emotional support, and physical comfort AACN / Specialty Certification AACN: Issues specialty certifications for critical care nurses American Association of Colleges of Nursing: Focus on academic standards Exam Tips Understand unit roles (ICU vs CCU vs Step-down) Know monitoring equipment and when to use invasive vs non-invasive tools Remember family-centered care themes PCC is holistic, not just disease-focused Be familiar with certification requirements and eligibility for CCRN