PCCN Exam Questions and Answers 2025/2026 (Verified Answers)

PCCN Exam Questions and Answers
(Verified Answers)

1. What is the function of the cardiovascular system: to drive O2 to the
cell so that the cell can make ATP for energy production


2. What is the formula for CARDIAC OUTPUT: Stroke volume x Heart Rate


CO = HR X SV ( Preload + Afterload + Contractility)


3.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 )



4.What is the term for the amount of blood that is pumped out of the
ventricle each BEAT (Answer) Stroke Volume




5. What is the term for the number of contractions / minute (Answer) Heart
Rate



,6. IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS TO KNOW: 1. CO DECREASED -> HR
IN- CREASES ( 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



7. What is the term for the volume of blood ejected from the ventricle
per minute adjusted for body size: Cardiac Index



8. 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)


9. What is a normal amount (mL/beat) for stroke volume (Answer) 60 to 100
Ml






, 10. What is the term for the end-diastolic volume stretching the ventricle
(Answer) -
Preload


( increased fluid = increased stroke volume )


11.What is the term for the pressure that the ventricle must OVERCOME
in order to eject blood into the circulatory system (Answer) Afterload