Progressive Care Nursing Certification: Preparation, Review, and Practice Exams

Thomas S. Ahrens, RN, MSN, DNScBJC Health CareCenter for Nursing Research4444 Forest Park AvenueSt. Louis, Missouri 63108 Thomas S. Ahrens, RN, MSN, DNSc, is a Research Scientist at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He has extensively published, including 5 books and over 100 papers. He has lectured both nationally and internationally on critical care topics. In 2006 he was selected as an Edge Runner by the Academy, which is designated for those people who are developing innovative solutions that eventually become mainstream solutions, for his work with families of hospitalized patients. In 2008 Dr. Ahrens was awarded the "Flame of Excellence" award from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses for sustained and influential work in critical care

• PART I. CARDIOVASCULAR1. Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology2. Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disorders3. The Normal ECG4. The 12-Lead ECG5. Hemodynamic Monitoring6. Acute Coronary Syndrome (Angina Pectoris and Myocardial Infarction)7. Conduction Blocks8. Heart Failure: Congestive Heart Failure, Pulmonary Edema, and Hypertensive Crisis9. Cardiogenic Shock10. Hemorrhagic (Hypovolemic) Shock11. Interpreting Dysrhythmias12. Cardiomyopathies and Pericarditis13. Treatment of Cardiac, Valvular, and Vascular Insufficiency, and TraumaCardiovascular Practice ExamPART II. PULMONARY14. Pulmonary Anatomy and Physiology15. Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Disorders16. Alternative Methods of Ventilatory Support17. Acute Respiratory Dysfunction18. Acute Pulmonary Embolism and Aspiration19. Thoracic Trauma and Air-Leak SyndromesPulmonary Practice ExamPART III. ENDOCRINE20. Introduction to the Endocrine System21. Anatomy, Physiology, and Dysfunction of the Pituitary Gland22. Anatomy, Physiology, and Dysfunction of the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands23. Anatomy, Physiology, and Dysfunction of the Pancreas24. Anatomy, Physiology, and Dysfunction of the Adrenal GlandsEndocrine Practice ExamPART IV. IMMUNOLOGY AND HEMATOLOGY25. Physiology of the Immunologic and Hematologic Systems26. Diagnosis and Treatment of Immunologic and Hematologic Problems27. Hematologic and Immunologic Failure and Its Effects on Other Organ Systems28. Organ Transplantation29. Life-Threatening CoagulopathiesImmunology and Hematology Practice ExamPART V. NEUROLOGY30. Anatomy and Physiology of the Nervous System31. Intracranial Pressure32. Acute Head Injuries and Craniotomies33. Stroke and Intracranial Aneurysms34. The Vertebrae and Spinal Cord35. Encephalopathies and Coma36. Meningitis, Muscular Dystrophy, and Myasthenia Gravis37. Seizures and Status EpilepticusNeurology Practice ExamPART VI. GASTROENTEROLOGY38. Anatomy and Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System39. Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage and Esophageal Varices40. Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, Hepatic Failure, and Acute Pancreatitis41. Intestinal Infarction, Obstruction, Perforation, and Trauma42. Management of the Patient with a Gastrointestinal DisturbanceGastroenterology Practice ExamPART VII. RENAL43. Anatomy and Physiology of the Renal System44. Renal Regulation of Electrolytes45. Diagnosis and Treatment of Renal FailureRenal Practice ExamPART VIII. MULTIORGAN PROBLEMS46. Sepsis and Multiorgan Syndrome47. Toxic Emergencies48. Airway Obstruction49. BurnsMultisystem Organ Dysfunction Practice ExamPART IX. SYNERGY50. Professional Caring and Ethical PracticeSynergy Practice ExamPART X: BEHAVIOR51. Behaviorial and Psychologic Factors in Critical CareBehavior Practice ExamIndex