,Table of Contents
PCCN Certification Review Guide ............................................ 2
PCCN Exam-Review Key Terms/Concepts ............................. 7
PCCN Practice Test 1 ................................................................ 76
PCCN Practice Test 2 .............................................................. 132
PCCN Practice Test 3 .............................................................. 180
PCCN Practice Test 4 .............................................................. 204
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
, ### 3. Endocrine and Multisystem Disorders (19-25%)
- Management of diabetes mellitus, adrenal and pituitary disorders
- Sepsis, shock syndromes, and multiorgan dysfunction
- Fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base disturbances
- Interpretation of laboratory data and clinical correlation
### 4. Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders and Care of the Patient
with an Altered Mental Status (19-25%)
- Pathophysiology and management of stroke, seizures, and traumatic
brain injury
- Monitoring neurologic status using Glasgow Coma Scale and other
assessments
- Management of neuromuscular disorders and pain control
- Prevention and management of complications such as increased
intracranial pressure
### 5. Professional Caring and Ethical Practice (7-10%)
- Patient safety principles and error prevention strategies
- Legal and ethical considerations in progressive care nursing
- Communication and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Patient education and culturally competent care
---
PCCN Certification Review Guide ............................................ 2
PCCN Exam-Review Key Terms/Concepts ............................. 7
PCCN Practice Test 1 ................................................................ 76
PCCN Practice Test 2 .............................................................. 132
PCCN Practice Test 3 .............................................................. 180
PCCN Practice Test 4 .............................................................. 204
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
, ### 3. Endocrine and Multisystem Disorders (19-25%)
- Management of diabetes mellitus, adrenal and pituitary disorders
- Sepsis, shock syndromes, and multiorgan dysfunction
- Fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base disturbances
- Interpretation of laboratory data and clinical correlation
### 4. Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders and Care of the Patient
with an Altered Mental Status (19-25%)
- Pathophysiology and management of stroke, seizures, and traumatic
brain injury
- Monitoring neurologic status using Glasgow Coma Scale and other
assessments
- Management of neuromuscular disorders and pain control
- Prevention and management of complications such as increased
intracranial pressure
### 5. Professional Caring and Ethical Practice (7-10%)
- Patient safety principles and error prevention strategies
- Legal and ethical considerations in progressive care nursing
- Communication and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Patient education and culturally competent care
---
