PCCN Exam Questions

PCCN Exam Questions

PCCN Certification Overview

The PCCN certification was introduced in 2004 for registered nurses providing direct care to patients in several areas.  Nurses interested in this certification may work in any of the following areas such as intermediate care, direct observation, step-down, telemetry, transitional care or emergency departments.  In order to be successful on the PCCN Exam, you must dedicate some time to studying on a daily basis.  In times past, the most beneficial has been to find a really good review course that offers at least 1500 to 2000 PCCN Exam Questions and a detailed overview of content.

PCCN Questions

The PCCN Exam is a 2.5-hour test that contains 125 test items.  100 items are scored and 25 are used to gather statistical data on item performance for future exams (AACN.org).  The items are based on the AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care, with 80% focusing on clinical judgment and 20% focusing on Professional Caring and ethical practice.   In order to be successful on your first attempt, you must score greater than a 70% on the exam.  If you want to be successful on your first attempt, you must answer at least 2000+ PCCN style exam questions prior to test day with an 85% or greater.  We have designed several courses that we feel will aid in your studies.  Some of the courses that we have to offer are listed below…                      

PCCN Test Plan

The content of the PCCN Exams is described in the test plans on AACN.org.  Candidates are tested on a variety of patient care problems that are organized under major categories.  Listed below is a detailed list of the content areas.

Cardiovascular (33%)

Pulmonary (14%)

Neurology, Multisystem, Behavioral (15%)

Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, Renal, Hematology (18%)

Professional Caring/Ethical Practice (20%)

PCCN Cardiovascular Questions

A patient is in the bed, with the HOB elevated at 45 degrees.  Using a ruler, you measure the distance between the sternal angle and the point at which you see jugular venous pulsation cease.  This distance measures 6 cm and indicates

A)  A normal finding

B)  Hypovolemia

C)  Right Ventricular Failure

D)  Left Ventricular Failure

Answer:  Correct response is (C) Right Ventricular Failure

Rationale:  Jugular venous pressure more than 3 to 4 cm above the sternal angle is considered elevated.  Right heart failure is the most frequent cause of abnormally increased venous pressures.  RVF may be preceded by Left ventricular failure.