CCRN-PEDIATRIC Practice Test (15 Questions)

11%

Cardiovascular

Recognize and manage pediatric cardiac and vascular instability, congenital malformations, rhythm and conduction problems, surgery, transplant, shock, and cardiovascular procedures.

• Assess cardiac infection or inflammation, malformations, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, hypertensive crisis, and vascular occlusion
• Identify and respond to dysrhythmias and conduction disorders such as prolonged QT and Wolff-Parkinson-White
• Manage patients undergoing cardiac surgery, transplant, or cardiac and vascular catheterization
• Interpret rhythms and hemodynamic status and support 12-lead ECG, cardioversion, defibrillation, invasive monitoring, NIRS, temporary pacing, and VAD care

13%

Respiratory

Assess and manage pediatric airway, oxygenation, ventilation, infection, pulmonary vascular, trauma, surgical, and respiratory-support problems.

• Recognize ARDS, acute or chronic respiratory failure, infection, pulmonary embolus, pulmonary hypertension, and status asthmaticus
• Assess chronic pulmonary disease, airway malformations, thoracic or airway trauma, and thoracic surgery
• Manage artificial airways, oxygen therapy, BiPAP, CPAP, high-flow support, and conventional or non-conventional ventilation
• Prevent ventilation complications and support chest tubes, prone positioning, rapid-sequence intubation, and therapeutic gases

25%

Endocrine, Hematology/Immunology, GI, Renal/GU, Integumentary

The largest category integrates pediatric endocrine crises, hematologic and immune disorders, gastrointestinal emergencies, renal dysfunction, nutrition, and skin integrity.

• Manage diabetes, DKA, hypo- or hyperglycemia, DI, SIADH, and cerebral salt wasting
• Recognize anemia, coagulopathy, immune deficiency, myelosuppression, oncologic complications, sickle cell crisis, transplant needs, and transfusion reactions
• Assess abdominal trauma or compartment syndrome, GI hemorrhage, obstruction, perforation, hepatic failure, peritonitis, surgical needs, and malnutrition
• Monitor AKI, CKD, HUS, kidney transplant, life-threatening electrolyte imbalance, and renal replacement therapy
• Prevent and manage IV infiltration or extravasation, pressure injury, wounds, skin failure, enteral or parenteral nutrition, and GI drains

15%

Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Behavioral/Psychosocial

Manage pediatric neurologic and musculoskeletal injury or disease while recognizing developmental, behavioral, psychosocial, maltreatment, and safety concerns.

• Assess compartment syndrome, musculoskeletal trauma, rhabdomyolysis, spinal injury, and mobility needs
• Manage brain injury or death, encephalopathy, hemorrhage, stroke, hydrocephalus, infection, neuromuscular disease, seizures, tumors, and neurosurgery
• Support neuroprotective protocols, ICP or ventricular drains, seizure and spinal precautions, and brain-death assessment
• Recognize abuse or neglect, non-adherence, delirium, mood or anxiety disorders, PICS, suicidal risk, and behavioral emergencies

17%

Multisystem

Integrate whole-child priorities in sepsis, shock, organ dysfunction, toxic or thermal exposure, submersion injury, pain, healthcare-acquired harm, and end-of-life care.

• Recognize acid-base imbalance, SIRS, sepsis, MODS, and distributive, hypovolemic, or obstructive shock
• Manage burns, toxic ingestion or exposure, submersion injury, acute or chronic pain, and temperature regulation
• Prevent healthcare-acquired conditions and infection and support progressive mobility and ECMO
• Provide palliative and end-of-life care and support tissue or organ donation

20%

Professional Caring & Ethical Practice

Apply AACN Synergy Model nursing competencies to advocate for children and families, collaborate, teach, inquire, respond to diversity, and improve care within complex systems.

• Demonstrate advocacy and moral agency and deliver compassionate, developmentally appropriate caring practices
• Use clinical inquiry and evidence to improve pediatric critical-care practice
• Collaborate with children, families, and the interprofessional team and communicate safely during transitions
• Facilitate learning, support health literacy and shared decisions, and respond appropriately to diversity
• Apply systems thinking to safety, resources, quality improvement, ethical conflict, and coordinated care