PCCN Cardiac Exam Overview

PCCN Cardiac Exam Overview

The Cardiac portion of the PCCN exam covers the majority of the exam.  The cardiac section will consist of roughly 20 to 25 questions on the PCCN exam.  This is the majority of the exam so it is imperative that you focus a lot of your attention on this area.  This post will give you a brief outline of what to expect from the cardiac portion of PCCN exam.  We will briefly cover the cardiovascular system and some of its major components.  Listed below is a detailed outline of what to expect from the cardiac portion of the PCCN exam followed by a brief overview of the cardiovascular system.

Cardiovascular

• ACS, Angina, Acute MI
• Acute Heart Failure/Pulmonary Edema
• Acute Inflammatory Disease
• Acute Peripheral Vascular Insufficiency
• Cardiac Surgery and Trauma
• Cardiac Tamponade
• Cardiogenic Shock
• Cardiomyopathies
• Hypertensive Crisis
• Hypovolemic Shock
• Valvular Defects
• Ruptured or Dissecting Aneurysms
• ECG/Pacemakers, Pharmacology

PCCN Cardiovascular Exam 

The circulatory system, also called the cardiovascular or vascular system, is an organ system that permits blood to circulate and transport nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, and blood cells to and from the cells in the body to provide nourishment and help in fighting diseases, stabilize temperature and pH, and maintain homeostasis.  The study of the blood flow is called hemodynamics.  The study of the properties of the blood flow is called hemorrheology.  Take a look at some of the cardiac practice questions below.

PCCN Cardiac Exam Prep Questions

1) Which of the following rhythm disturbances would be most likely to occur in a patient who has a serum potassium level of 8.1 mEq/L?

A) Second-degree heart block, Mobitz Type II, and asystole

B) PAC’s and ventricular tachycardia

C) Right bundle-branch block

D) Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia

2) A 65 y/o patient admitted with CHF develops hypotension, tachycardia, decreasing UO, cool clammy skin, decreasing LOC, and tachypnea. Which of the following would be included in the patient’s plan of care?

A) Positive inotropic agents, vasodilators, diuretics

B) ACE inhibitors, adenosine, beta-blockers

C) Beta-blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers

D) Negative inotropic agents, digoxin, antidysrhythmics

3) A 57 year old patient is experiencing insomnia and associated agitation. The patient prefers not to take a controlled substance as a sleep aid. In addition to reducing noise and interruptions, which of the following interventions has been shown to be both valuable and feasible in this situation?

A) Massage therapy

B) Aromatherapy

C) Alternative sedative

D) Progressive muscle relaxation

4) A 47 year old patient from the Mediterranean is admitted for unstable angina. The patient reports substernal chest pain 8/10, radiating down his left arm. VS are BP 134/76 mm Hg, HR 104 bpm, RR 22 bpm, Temp 98.4. Which of the following meds should be administered with caution to this patient?

A) Aspirin

B) Lopressor

C) Nitroglycerin

D) Morphine

5) The nurse is caring for a 39 y/o male patient who had a CABG 5 days ago. The patient has become increasingly anxious and irritable over the past 4 to 6 hrs. He sometimes holds his head and says it hurts but is unable to grade the pain on a scale of 1 to 10. He is oriented to person. Which of the following interventions should the nurse perform first?

A) Dipstick urine for specific gravity

B) Medicate with oral Tylenol

C) Measure capillary glucose levels

D) Apply soft limb restraints to wrists

PCCN Cardiac Exam Prep Questions Answer with Rationale

1) Correct Answer – A) Second-degree heart block, Mobitz Type II, and asystole

• Rationale – Hyperkalemia causes depression in AV conduction and leads to heart block.

2) Correct Answer – A) Positive inotropic agents, vasodilators, diuretics

3) Correct Answer – A) Massage therapy

• Rationale – Studies have demonstrated that massage, music therapy, and therapeutic touch promote relaxation and comfort to critically ill patients.

4) Correct Answer – A) Aspirin

• Rationale – Many Mediterranean males have a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency. This genetic variation increases the risk for hemolysis if the patient receives aspirin.

5) Correct Answer – C) Measure capillary glucose levels

• Rationale – The patient is exhibiting anxiousness, irritability, and confusion, all of which could be a sign of hypoglycemia.