CPNP-AC study guide
CPNP-AC · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Acute Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-AC) credential is a pediatric nursing certification offered through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB), one of several credentials the organization administers alongside the CPN, CPNP-PC, and PMHS certifications. It is designed for advanced practice registered nurses who assess and manage infants, children, adolescents, and young adults with acute, complex, and critical conditions - practice settings such as inpatient units, intensive care, emergency departments, and specialty acute services - rather than the well-child and chronic-condition focus of primary care certification. The CPNP-AC study guide has 4 sections and about 1,374 words.
01Advanced Assessment, Diagnosis, and Clinical Decision-Making in Acute and Complex Pediatric Conditions
The Pediatric Assessment Triangle - appearance, work of breathing, circulation to skin - is a 30-second, hands-off impression of how sick a child is. The primary survey (airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure) then generates immediate interventions, and the secondary survey (history, head-to-toe, targeted labs and imaging) refines the differential.
363 words, about 2 min02Management and Evaluation of Care for Acutely and Critically Ill Infants, Children, and Adolescents
Every intervention is followed by reassessment. Fluid resuscitation is 10–20 mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid given as a rapid bolus in most forms of shock, with a full reassessment between boluses; cardiogenic and obstructive shock require smaller volumes and early vasoactive or decompressive intervention.
363 words, about 2 min03Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, and Family-Centered Care in Acute Care Settings
Every hospitalization is a reachable moment. Screen immunization status on admission and plan catch-up before discharge; verify that the record matches what the family reports.
333 words, about 2 min04Professional Role, Systems of Care, Quality Improvement, and Advocacy
The acute care PNP practices within state licensure, certification, institutional privileging, and a collaborative or supervisory agreement. Know the difference between licensure (state) and certification (national), and know when a scope question is a systems issue rather than a clinical one.
315 words, about 2 min