Exam Coverage
Exam coverage for the PCCN (Progressive Care Certified Nurse)
Certification Exam includes the specialized knowledge and clinical
judgment required to provide safe, evidence-based care for acutely
ill adult patients in progressive care, step-down, telemetry,
intermediate care, and transitional care settings. The exam is based
on the AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care and assesses both
clinical nursing knowledge and professional caring practices.
,DIC: Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy
Syndrome characterized by thrombus formation and hemorrhage.
Forms clots in small blood vessels in the body. Secondary to
stimulation of normal coagulation process, with resultant decrease
in clotting factors and platelets-platelet dysfunction.
Factors triggering DIC
Tissue factors: Tissue breakdown, Platelet aggregation: Sepsis, Injury
to vascular endothelium and exposure to collagen...
,Etiology of DIC
Vascular disorders, Infection and Sepsis, Hematological and immune
disorders, Anaphylaxis- histamine release with fluid movement
causing edema and vasodilation, blood transfusion reaction,
massive blood transfusion, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass,
sickle cell crisis, transplant reaction, trauma, burns, acute anoxia,
crush and head injury, cancer, OB complications
, Presentation of DIC
Abnormal bleeding, signs of thrombosis, change in LOC, Chest pain,
S-T & T wave changes, dyspnea, hypoxia, decreased urine output,
protienuria, electrolyte imbalances, abdominal pain, diarrhea
Thrombocytopenia
Normal range 150,00-350,000, causes are heparin induced, DIC,
Anti-platelet drugs