TheoryFree PCCN Practice Test
Take a free PCCN practice test for 2026 with questions, answers, explanations, PDF download and timed mock exam links.
PCCN Questions
Open each answer, read the explanation, then continue into the full practice flow.
Q1Which of the following is NOT an air-leak syndrome?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Pneumocranium
The four main types of air-leak syndromes include pneumothorax, pneumopericardium, pneumomediastinum, and pulmonary interstitial emphysema.
Q2Where should the chest drainage unit be placed?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: below the patient's chest
A patient with a pneumothorax may have a chest tube. The chest drainage unit needs to be placed below the patient's chest. This will prevent a backup.
Q3A common cause of chronic respiratory failure is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). <br/><br/>What is the most common cause of COPD?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Smoking
Smoking is the most common cause of COPD. COPD is a collection of conditions that impair the flow of air into and out of the lungs (suchg as emphysema and bronchitis).
Q4Which of the following is NOT a potential cause of hypoventilation?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Hypercapnia (too much CO2 in blood)
Stroke in the brainstem, heroin overdose and chronic mountain sickness are all potential causes of hypoventilation. Hypocapnia (too little CO2 in the blood) is another potential cause, but hypercapnia is actually the result of hypoventilation.
Q5COPD is a progressive disease; what does this mean about COPD?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: It get progressively worse over time
COPD is a progressive disease. This means that over time, it gets progressively worse.
Q6Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic test to determine pulmonary embolism?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: pulse oximetry
Pulse oximetry is used to monitor oxygen saturation. The other answers are used to diagnose pulmonary embolism. Chest X-ray, ABG, and examination are also used to determine pulmonary embolism.
Q7A patient has COPD. <br/><br/>What action is recommended to prevent an infection?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: flu and pneumococcal vaccination
Patients with COPD are at risk of infections. The American Lung Association and American Thoracic Society both recommend patients be vaccinated.
Q8In outpatient diabetic management, what is the best measure of a client’s glycemic control?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: HbA1c
The best measure of long-term glycemic control is HbA1c.<br/><br/>This gives an evaluation of a client’s glycemic control for the past 3 months and is the best guide for future medication choices.<br/><br/>BUN/creatinine measures kidney function and would only reflect chronically poor glycemic control to the point of kidney damage.<br/><br/>Morning and hourly blood sugars are helpful, but do not reflect prolonged glycemic control.
Q9The most common cause of gastrointestinal bleed is:
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Peptic ulcer
The most common cause of gastrointestinal bleed is peptic ulcer. A peptic ulcer, also known as <i>ulcus pepticum</i>, PUD or peptic ulcer disease, is an ulcer (defined as mucosal erosions equal to or greater than 0.5 cm) of an area of the gastrointestinal tract that is usually acidic and thus extremely painful.
Q10What is the average life of red blood cells in the body?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: 120 days
Hemoglobin, the oxygen carrier found in red blood cells, has a biconcave disc-like structure. RBCs typically stay for 120 days in the body before being eliminated in the spleen. Hemoglobin is also destroyed along with the red blood cells, and the heme portion is recycled or excreted from the body.
Full PCCN bank + unlimited mocks
Try 30 questions free. Unlock the complete PCCN question bank, every explanation, and unlimited timed mock exams. Practice on any device.
Unlock PCCN →