PCCN EXAM Q&A 2026 STUDY GUIDE WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
◉ 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
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
◉ 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
