CCRN Pediatric study plan

Interpret arterial and venous blood gases and oxygen delivery indices to classify respiratory versus metabolic derangements in a pediatric patient

Differentiate the stages of shock (compensated, uncompensated, irreversible) using bedside assessment findings and lab trends

Calculate and verify weight-based vasoactive and sedation infusions, including concentration and rate checks

Prioritize nursing interventions for a child with acute respiratory distress or impending airway failure

Distinguish causes of altered mental status in children using age-specific neurologic assessment and Glasgow Coma Scale scoring

Interpret intracranial pressure waveforms, cerebral perfusion pressure calculations, and signs of herniation

Anticipate interventions for status epilepticus and for a child with a ventricular shunt malfunction

Calculate and evaluate fluid, sodium, and potassium replacement plans for a pediatric patient with dehydration or renal dysfunction

Manage the sequence of assessment and intervention for a child in diabetic ketoacidosis, including insulin and fluid titration

Differentiate endocrine emergencies such as adrenal crisis, thyroid storm, and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone

Prioritize assessment and intervention for gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, and short bowel or ostomy complications

Evaluate transfusion reactions, sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis, and febrile neutropenia to select the next nursing action

Integrate multisystem assessment for pediatric sepsis, trauma, burns, and toxicologic ingestion

Sequence priorities for a child requiring rapid response or code team activation

Apply developmental and family considerations to clinical judgment during resuscitation

Analyze missed items from weeks 1 through 3 to identify recurring knowledge gaps

Apply advocacy and moral agency to a case involving a parent and care team disagreement about treatment escalation

Differentiate informed consent, assent, confidentiality, and mandated reporting obligations for pediatric patients

Evaluate end-of-life care, palliative care, and organ donation conversations using an ethical decision-making framework

Demonstrate caring practices and family-centered communication in a simulated difficult conversation

Apply systems thinking to identify how staffing, workflow, and resource allocation affect pediatric patient safety

Critique a published pediatric nursing study for level of evidence and applicability to bedside practice

Design a teaching plan for a family or new nurse using a health literacy-appropriate approach

Incorporate response to diversity, cultural humility, and health equity into a plan of care

Integrate clinical judgment and professional practice content across mixed-item practice sets

Apply test-taking strategies such as prioritizing, delegating, and evaluating outcomes on scenario-based items

Review and re-work every missed item from weeks 4 and 6 using a structured rationale format

Practice time management by completing items at exam pace across two timed sessions

Review targeted weak areas identified in prior error logs and gap analyses

Rehearse high-yield calculations such as weight-based dosing, fluid maintenance, and unit conversions

Consolidate one-page summary sheets for each body system and for professional practice topics

Prepare exam-day logistics, including environment, breaks, and anxiety-management strategies