Exam Coverage
Exam coverage for PCCN Exam Questions includes progressive care
nursing concepts required for certification through the American
Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). It focuses on the
management of acutely ill adult patients in progressive care or step-
down units, including cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, renal,
neurological, gastrointestinal, and multisystem disorders. The exam
also evaluates understanding of hemodynamic monitoring,
dysrhythmia interpretation, pharmacologic management, patient
safety, and prevention of complications.
,A post-STEMI (ST elevation myocardial infarction) patient is started on
an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor during his hospital
stay. Which of the following is the most common serious side effect
that may occur?
A. a nonproductive cough
B. pedal edema
C. swelling of the tongue and face
D. rhinorrhea
C. swelling of the tongue and face
Although all of the answers may occur, swelling og the tongue and
face is the most serious and may require intervention. Patients should
be instructed to seek medical attention immediately for any signs of
swelling in the tongue or throat.
,Coronary artery perfusion is dependent upon:
A. diastolic pressure
B. systolic pressure
C. afterload
D. systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
A. diastolic pressure
Diastolic pressure in the aortic root is higher than left ventricular end-
diastolic pressure (LVEDP), the pressure exerted on the ventricular
muscle at the end of diastole when the ventricle is full. This enables
blood to flow from a higher pressure through open arteries to a lower
pressure, a pressure gradient known as coronary artery prefusion
pressure. As diastolic pressure drops, there is a decrease in coronary
artery blood flow. Coronary artery perfusion is not affected by
, systolic pressure, afterload or SVR, but they all increase the demand
of oxygen in the heart.