PCCN (Adult) study plan

Map each hemodynamic value you must interpret (CVP, PA systolic/diastolic, wedge, SVR, CO/CI) to the specific intervention an abnormal value triggers

Interpret 20 rhythm strips, classify each as stable versus unstable, and state the first-line action for each unstable strip

Prioritize assessment and intervention order for three decompensating cardiac vignettes using ABC plus hemodynamic-stability logic

Calculate two vasoactive infusion rates (mcg/kg/min) and verify them against a safe-dose range without arithmetic error

Differentiate ARDS, COPD exacerbation, and cardiogenic pulmonary edema using ABG, chest-imaging description, and hemodynamic profile

Interpret 10 ABGs and label the primary acid-base derangement, the compensation, and the likely cause

Set initial ventilator goals for a simulated patient and state what you would change if peak airway pressure rose sharply

Justify the choice of high-flow nasal cannula versus BiPAP versus invasive ventilation in three respiratory-failure vignettes

Perform and document a focused neuro assessment (GCS, pupils, motor, swallow screen) on a simulated or peer patient in under five minutes

Distinguish at least five causes of acute altered mental status and name the bedside test that separates each

Interpret a renal panel plus hourly urine output trends and state when CRRT rather than intermittent hemodialysis is indicated

Recognize DKA, HHS, thyroid storm, and adrenal crisis and write the first three actions for each

Integrate assessment findings across two or more systems to build a single prioritized problem list for three multi-system vignettes

Complete 60 mixed Domain 1 practice items timed at one minute per item

Rank your five weakest Domain 1 subtopics by frequency of error in the error log

Assign each weak subtopic a scheduled review date in weeks 5 through 7

Apply a four-step ethical decision framework to five vignettes covering futility, decisional capacity, and surrogate decision-making

Draft word-for-word phrasing for a family conflict conversation and a refusal-of-treatment conversation

Distinguish the nurse's advocacy obligations when a patient's wishes conflict with family or team preferences

Identify scope-of-practice boundaries for the progressive care nurse in three high-risk scenarios (e.g., titrating vasoactive drips, obtaining consent)

Build a patient teaching plan for one chronic condition using teach-back and a measurable learning objective

Decide right-versus-wrong delegation and scope for 10 tasks and cite the standard that supports each decision

Explain the nurse's role in error reporting, root-cause analysis, and a unit-level quality-improvement cycle

Sequence palliative and end-of-life priorities, including symptom management and family support, in two case scenarios

Re-test the five weak subtopics identified in week 4 and confirm they now score 80% or higher

Complete 75 mixed items weighted 50/50 across both domains in a single timed sitting

Rewrite every still-missed concept as a one-sentence decision rule in the error log

Condense the 50 highest-yield facts across both domains into flashcard form

Take two full-length timed practice exams under test-day conditions

Re-drill every missed item until each is answered correctly on a second pass

Review all one-page crisis cards and the flashcard deck one final time

Write a test-day plan covering timing checkpoints, guessing strategy, and downtime between blocks