CCRN Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CCRN exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 CCRN Exam Format at a Glance
150
Questions
180 min
Time Limit
66%
Passing Score
📚 CCRN Topics to Study (69)
General Review · 25 cardsAcute Respiratory Failure · 7 cardsAcute Respiratory Failure · 7 cardsAcute Respiratory Failure · 7 cardsAcute Respiratory Failure · 7 cardsCardiac Rhythm Interpretation and Management · 7 cardsCardiac Rhythm Interpretation and Management · 7 cardsCardiac Rhythm Interpretation and Management · 7 cardsCardiovascular Emergencies · 7 cardsCardiovascular Emergencies · 7 cardsCardiovascular Emergencies · 7 cardsCardiovascular Emergencies · 7 cardsEndocrine and Metabolic Crises · 7 cardsEndocrine and Metabolic Crises · 7 cardsEndocrine and Metabolic Crises · 7 cardsEndocrine and Metabolic Crises · 7 cardsGastrointestinal and Renal Care · 7 cardsGastrointestinal and Renal Care · 7 cardsGastrointestinal and Renal Care · 7 cardsGastrointestinal and Renal Care · 7 cardsGeneral Review · 7 cardsGeneral Review · 7 cardsGeneral Review · 7 cardsGeneral Review · 7 cardsHematology and Immunology · 7 cardsHematology and Immunology · 7 cardsHematology and Immunology · 7 cardsHematology and Immunology · 7 cardsHemodynamic Monitoring · 7 cardsHemodynamic Monitoring · 7 cards
✍️ Sample CCRN Questions & Answers
1. To primarily lower an elevated PaCO2 in a volume-controlled ventilated patient, the nurse should anticipate:
✓ Increasing the respiratory rate or tidal volume (minute ventilation)
CO2 elimination depends on minute ventilation, so raising rate or tidal volume lowers PaCO2.
2. Which coagulation abnormality is a hallmark of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in severe sepsis?
✓ Simultaneous bleeding and microvascular thrombosis
DIC produces both clotting and bleeding due to consumption of clotting factors.
3. Nonmaleficence is best demonstrated when a nurse:
✓ Double-checks a high-alert medication dose before administration
Nonmaleficence means avoiding harm, exemplified by preventing medication errors.
4. Which condition causes hypoxemia that does NOT correct with 100% supplemental oxygen?
✓ Intrapulmonary shunt
True shunt allows blood to bypass ventilated alveoli, so it responds poorly to increased FiO2.
5. A target mean arterial pressure (MAP) of at least what value is recommended during septic shock resuscitation?
✓ 65 mmHg
A MAP of at least 65 mmHg is the recommended initial perfusion target.
6. Which class of hemorrhagic shock corresponds to a 30-40% blood volume loss?
✓ Class III
Class III hemorrhage involves 30-40% blood loss with marked tachycardia, hypotension, and altered mental status.
🎯 Free CCRN Practice Tests
General Review · 25 questionsMultisystem Trauma and Shock · 7 questionsEndocrine and Metabolic Crises · 7 questionsEndocrine and Metabolic Crises · 7 questionsEndocrine and Metabolic Crises · 7 questionsEndocrine and Metabolic Crises · 7 questionsMultisystem Trauma and Shock · 7 questionsGastrointestinal and Renal Care · 7 questionsGastrointestinal and Renal Care · 7 questionsMultisystem Trauma and Shock · 7 questions
📖 CCRN Guides & Articles
- CCRN Apparel: What Your Credentials Mean on Your Scrubs, Badge, and Beyond
- A Nurse Is Reviewing a Client's Medication Administration Record: CCRN Medication Safety Guide
- CCRN Review Book Barnes and Noble: Best Study Guides for Critical Care Certification
- CCRN Nurse Certification: The Complete Study Guide and Prep Hub
- CCRN License Verification: Complete Guide to Administrative Requirements, Renewal & Maintenance
- Best CCRN Book 2026: Top Study Guides & Prep Resources for Critical Care Certification
- CCRN Continuing Education: Complete Guide to Renewal, CEUs, and Maintaining Your Critical Care Certification
- CCRN CMC Meaning: How the CCRN Compares to Other Critical Care Certifications
Your CCRN Study Path
1. Learn with Flashcards → 2. Drill Practice Tests → 3. Take the Full Exam Simulation