All the PCCN Exam
Exam Coverage
Exam coverage for the AACN PCCN Exam includes the
comprehensive clinical knowledge and professional competencies
required for progressive care nursing. It focuses on cardiovascular,
pulmonary, neurological, endocrine, renal, gastrointestinal,
hematologic, and multisystem disorders, emphasizing the care of
acutely ill adult patients. The exam evaluates understanding of
hemodynamic monitoring, dysrhythmia interpretation, pharmacology,
and evidence-based interventions for complex patient conditions. It
also covers professional caring and ethical practice, including
advocacy, collaboration, systems thinking, and clinical inquiry.
Emphasis is placed on clinical judgment, patient safety, early
,recognition of complications, and the application of advanced nursing
skills in progressive and step-down care settings.
what is normal Pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP)?
5-12 mmHg
The nurse observes that the patient's jugular veins distend in the semi-
upright position to more than 5 cm above the sternal angle. This is an
indication of:
fluid volume overload.
,The resistance against which the left ventricle must pump to eject its
volume is:
systemic vascular resistance.
When the tricuspid valve is open, central venous pressure reflects the
filling pressure in the:
right ventricle.
Tachycardia is dangerous for the patient with ischemic heart disease
because of:
compromised cardiac output.
, During initial examination of a critical care patient, the nurse observes
wide and convex nails and bulbous fingertips. This is evidence of:
central cyanosis.
Priorities for palpation of the patient with cardiovascular disease
include:
estimating edema.
checking capillary refill
checking for DVT
arterial pulses
Exam Coverage
Exam coverage for the AACN PCCN Exam includes the
comprehensive clinical knowledge and professional competencies
required for progressive care nursing. It focuses on cardiovascular,
pulmonary, neurological, endocrine, renal, gastrointestinal,
hematologic, and multisystem disorders, emphasizing the care of
acutely ill adult patients. The exam evaluates understanding of
hemodynamic monitoring, dysrhythmia interpretation, pharmacology,
and evidence-based interventions for complex patient conditions. It
also covers professional caring and ethical practice, including
advocacy, collaboration, systems thinking, and clinical inquiry.
Emphasis is placed on clinical judgment, patient safety, early
,recognition of complications, and the application of advanced nursing
skills in progressive and step-down care settings.
what is normal Pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP)?
5-12 mmHg
The nurse observes that the patient's jugular veins distend in the semi-
upright position to more than 5 cm above the sternal angle. This is an
indication of:
fluid volume overload.
,The resistance against which the left ventricle must pump to eject its
volume is:
systemic vascular resistance.
When the tricuspid valve is open, central venous pressure reflects the
filling pressure in the:
right ventricle.
Tachycardia is dangerous for the patient with ischemic heart disease
because of:
compromised cardiac output.
, During initial examination of a critical care patient, the nurse observes
wide and convex nails and bulbous fingertips. This is evidence of:
central cyanosis.
Priorities for palpation of the patient with cardiovascular disease
include:
estimating edema.
checking capillary refill
checking for DVT
arterial pulses
