PCCN CERTIFICATION EVALUATION EXAMS
BUNDLED EXAMS COMPLETE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS 2026
⩥ What is the formula for CARDIAC OUTPUT Answer: Stroke
volume x Heart Rate
CO = HR X SV ( Preload + Afterload + Contractility)
⩥ What is the term for the amount of blood that is pumped out of the
ventricle each MINUTE? Answer: Cardiac Output ( approximately 4 -
8 LPM )
⩥ What is the term for the amount of blood that is pumped out of the
ventricle each BEAT? Answer: Stroke Volume
⩥ What is the term for the number of contractions / minute? Answer:
Heart Rate
⩥ IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS TO KNOW Answer: 1. CO
DECREASED -> HR INCREASES ( to maintain adequate stroke
volume )
,2. CO INCREASED -> HR DECREASES ( as stroke volume
decreases )
3. HR DECREASED -> SV DECREASES and CO DECREASES
4. HR INCREASES ( > 150 ) -> SV DECREASES and CO
DECREASES
5. SV DECREASES -> CO DECREASES and HR INCREASES
6. SV INCREASES -> CO INCREASES and HR DECREASES
⩥ What is the term for the volume of blood ejected from the ventricle
per minute adjusted for body size Answer: Cardiac Index
⩥ What is a normal cardiac index? Answer: Normal = 2.5 to 4.4
L/min/m2
**Always utilize CI values on exam (especially for bigger patients)
⩥ What is a normal amount (mL/beat) for stroke volume? Answer: 60
to 100 mL
⩥ What is the term for the end-diastolic volume stretching the
ventricle? Answer: Preload
, ( increased fluid = increased stroke volume )
⩥ What is the term for the pressure that the ventricle must
OVERCOME in order to eject blood into the circulatory system?
Answer: Afterload
⩥ What is the term for the inotropic state the cardiac muscle Answer:
Contractility
(how well the heart is contracted)
⩥ Preload is the function of which part of the circulatory system?
Answer: VEINS
FUNCTION OF VEINS = PRELOAD
⩥ What is the RIGHT VENTRICLE PRELOAD assessed by?
Answer: CVP (Central venous pressure)
(Normal is approx. 2 - 8 mmhg)
⩥ What is a normal central venous pressure ? Answer: Approximately
2 - 8 mmhg
BUNDLED EXAMS COMPLETE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS 2026
⩥ What is the formula for CARDIAC OUTPUT Answer: Stroke
volume x Heart Rate
CO = HR X SV ( Preload + Afterload + Contractility)
⩥ What is the term for the amount of blood that is pumped out of the
ventricle each MINUTE? Answer: Cardiac Output ( approximately 4 -
8 LPM )
⩥ What is the term for the amount of blood that is pumped out of the
ventricle each BEAT? Answer: Stroke Volume
⩥ What is the term for the number of contractions / minute? Answer:
Heart Rate
⩥ IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS TO KNOW Answer: 1. CO
DECREASED -> HR INCREASES ( to maintain adequate stroke
volume )
,2. CO INCREASED -> HR DECREASES ( as stroke volume
decreases )
3. HR DECREASED -> SV DECREASES and CO DECREASES
4. HR INCREASES ( > 150 ) -> SV DECREASES and CO
DECREASES
5. SV DECREASES -> CO DECREASES and HR INCREASES
6. SV INCREASES -> CO INCREASES and HR DECREASES
⩥ What is the term for the volume of blood ejected from the ventricle
per minute adjusted for body size Answer: Cardiac Index
⩥ What is a normal cardiac index? Answer: Normal = 2.5 to 4.4
L/min/m2
**Always utilize CI values on exam (especially for bigger patients)
⩥ What is a normal amount (mL/beat) for stroke volume? Answer: 60
to 100 mL
⩥ What is the term for the end-diastolic volume stretching the
ventricle? Answer: Preload
, ( increased fluid = increased stroke volume )
⩥ What is the term for the pressure that the ventricle must
OVERCOME in order to eject blood into the circulatory system?
Answer: Afterload
⩥ What is the term for the inotropic state the cardiac muscle Answer:
Contractility
(how well the heart is contracted)
⩥ Preload is the function of which part of the circulatory system?
Answer: VEINS
FUNCTION OF VEINS = PRELOAD
⩥ What is the RIGHT VENTRICLE PRELOAD assessed by?
Answer: CVP (Central venous pressure)
(Normal is approx. 2 - 8 mmhg)
⩥ What is a normal central venous pressure ? Answer: Approximately
2 - 8 mmhg
