CCRN Pediatric case studies
CCRN Pediatric · Put your knowledge to work in context.
CCRN Pediatric (often shortened to CCRN-Ped or Pediatric CCRN) is a specialty certification for nurses who care for critically ill infants, children, and adolescents. It is administered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), the same organization behind the adult CCRN and the PCCN. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by AACN; always confirm current requirements directly with the certifying body. The credential is designed for bedside registered nurses whose practice centers on pediatric critical care - for example pediatric intensive care, cardiac intensive care, and similar high-acuity units - and who want external validation of their clinical knowledge beyond state licensure. The CCRN Pediatric case studies are 5 cases and about 3,789 words.
1Postoperative Day 1 After VSD Repair: Output Rising, Perfusion Falling
Four-month-old (5.2 kg) on postoperative day 1 after VSD repair. Over 3 hours: chest tube output rose from 5 to 15 mL/hr, HR 178, BP 68/38 (MAP 48), CVP 12 mmHg, temp 38.4 C, urine 0.4 mL/kg/hr, capillary refill 4 seconds, cool mottled extremities.
717 words, about 4 min2DKA at Hour Two: A Headache That Changes Everything
Nine-year-old (30 kg) with new-onset type 1 diabetes. Initial labs: glucose 620 mg/dL, pH 7.09, bicarbonate 8 mEq/L, potassium 5.6 mEq/L, BUN 28 mg/dL, GCS 15.
677 words, about 3 min3Status Asthmaticus: When the Carbon Dioxide Goes the Wrong Way
Seven-year-old (22 kg) in the emergency department, hour 4 of status asthmaticus. He has had continuous albuterol with ipratropium, IV methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg, and magnesium 50 mg/kg an hour ago.
704 words, about 4 min4The Mother Who Wants the PCA Off
Twelve-year-old with sickle cell disease (HbSS) admitted with a vaso-occlusive crisis, pain 9/10. A hydromorphone PCA with a basal rate is running and ketorolac is scheduled.
815 words, about 4 min5A Fifteen-Year-Old Says She Is Done
Fifteen-year-old with relapsed osteosarcoma and pulmonary metastases after two failed regimens. Oncology proposes a phase I trial: roughly 15% chance of response, substantial nausea and fatigue, and travel 2 hours each way three times a month.
876 words, about 4 min