PCCN Exam 2025 (150+ Questions) – Cardiac Output, Heart Failure, Shock, Cardiomyopathy | University Critical Care Nursing

This document provides over 150 graded and verified questions and answers for the Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) Exam, specifically tailored for the 2025/2026 testing cycle. Structured in a high-yield Q&A format, this resource is designed to support in-depth understanding of cardiovascular pathophysiology and management in acute and progressive care settings. Core topics include detailed explanations of cardiac output, stroke volume, preload, afterload, and contractility, with formulas and clinical application of hemodynamic indices such as CVP, PAOP, PVR, and SVR. The document also addresses the clinical signs of altered hemodynamics, management of preload/afterload disturbances, and medication effects (e.g., nitroglycerin, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, vasopressors). Extensive coverage is given to both systolic and diastolic heart failure (HFrEF, HFpEF), their anatomical changes, causes, and treatment strategies. You’ll also find critical information on BNP interpretation, chest X-ray findings, and EKG changes in both left and right heart failure. Pharmacologic interventions for heart failure—including digoxin, ARBs, Entresto, diuretics, vasodilators, and inotropes—are also explored in-depth. Additional topics include: – Types of cardiomyopathy (dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive) – Pacemaker types and troubleshooting (atrial, ventricular, biventricular pacing) – Dysrhythmia management (e.g., atrial fibrillation, SVT, torsades, RBBB) – Neurohormonal activation in HF, and use of devices like IABP and VADs – Pharmacologic toxicities and antidotes (e.g., digoxin toxicity and Digibind, mag toxicity, Coumadin and vitamin K) – Assessment tools like chest pain evaluation (PQRST) and hepatojugular reflex Best suited for candidates enrolled in: – Progressive Care Nurse (PCCN) certification prep – Critical Care Nursing (ICU/Telemetry/Step-Down) – Cardiac and Pulmonary Care Units – Advanced Practice Nursing (APRN, AGACNP, FNP) – RN-to-BSN and BSN programs with a cardiopulmonary focus – Students preparing for AACN, CCRN, or DNP-level pathophysiology modules This document is a robust, well-organized preparation tool for mastering high-stakes cardiovascular and critical care nursing exams. Keywords: PCCN 2025, cardiac output, preload, afterload, stroke volume, ejection fraction, CVP, PAOP, PVR, SVR, heart failure, HFrEF, HFpEF, BNP, nitroglycerin, Entresto, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, digoxin, IABP, VAD, arrhythmias, pacemakers, cardiomyopathy, diastolic dysfunction, systolic dysfunction, torsades, SVT, RBBB, atrial fibrillation, vasopressors, shock, PQRST assessment, Coumadin, Digibind