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PCCN® Exam Review

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Course Description

This course is designed to provide the progressive care healthcare provider with a review of AACN’s core curriculum, as of November 2023. Provided in a lecture format, the instructor will review anatomy and physiology, physical assessment (including hemodynamics and utilization of invasive assessment tools) and pathophysiology in a systems approach. Topics that are discussed include: cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, renal, endocrine, hematological, gastrointestinal and psychological and legal aspects of care. This review is not an introduction to the environment of the progressive care area, but a comprehensive update for the professional already in practice at the progressive care bedside and preparing for the PCCN Certification Examination. 

Program Learning Outcomes

This program prepares the learner to:

  • Self-report a gain in knowledge regarding disease states and management strategies as well as an increased confidence in passing the PCCN Examination.

Sign-in begins at 7:30 am. Each day includes a one-hour lunch (on your own), as well as a morning and afternoon break of 15 minutes each. The order of lectures presented and break times may vary according to speaker preference.

Day 1, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

  • Introduction, Test-Taking Strategies, Ethics and Professional Caring | Exam Blueprint
  • Study Planning | Practice Exams | Relaxation Techniques
  • AACN Synergy Model
  • Hematology
    Platelet Function | Use of Blood Products
  • Cardiac
    Physiology | Anatomy | Coronary Artery Disease | Systolic and Diastolic Heart Failure | Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection | Nursing Interventions and Care
  • Endocrine
    Acute Hypo– and Hyperglycemia and Treatment Options | Acidosis, Blood Glucose and Electrolytes | Hydration, Insulin and Electrolyte Replacement | Serum Sodium and Urine Osmolality
  • Gastrointestinal
    Anatomy and Physiology of the Intestinal Tract | GI Bleeding | Liver Function and Failure | Inflammation of the Pancreas | Surgical Intervention

Day 2, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

  • Neurological
    Care of the Brain-Injured Patient | Stroke (Ischemic, Hemorrhagic) | Increased Intracranial Pressure | Seizures 
  • Behavioral and Psychosocial
    Antisocial Behavior | Pain, Agitation and Delirium | Mood Disorders and Depression | Substance Abuse
  • Renal
    Electrolyte and Acid/Base Balance | Acute Renal Injury (Failure) Stages | Chronic Renal Failure and Dialysis | 
    Electrolyte Imbalance
  • Pulmonary
    Ventilation/Perfusion Matching | Hypoxia and Hypercapnia Causes | Arterial Blood Gas Analysis | Pathophysiology | Management of Adult with Respiratory Failure | Ventilator Management | Pulmonary Embolism
  • Multisystem and Musculoskeletal
    Fractures, Functional Limitations and Gait Disturbances | Healthcare-Associated Infection | Multisystem Organ Failure | Sepsis Guidelines | Shock State