Cardiovascular
17% of ExamThe single most-tested body system on the CCRN exam.
- Hemodynamic monitoring (PA catheter, SVR, PAOP)
- ACS & STEMI — door-to-balloon 90 min
- Cardiogenic shock + vasoactive drugs
Respiratory
15% of ExamHigh-yield respiratory content covering ventilation/oxygenation, ABG interpretation, ARDS, COPD, PE, and mechanical ventilation.
- ABG interpretation step-by-step
- ARDS: Berlin criteria, prone, LTVV
- Mechanical ventilation modes & weaning
Multisystem
14% of ExamSepsis & septic shock, MODS, MDROs/HAIs, toxic ingestions, and influenza.
- Sepsis Hour-1 Bundle + septic shock
- MODS: organ-by-organ failure
- Toxidromes & overdose antidotes
Neurology
12% of ExamStroke (ischemic vs hemorrhagic), increased ICP, status epilepticus, TBI, and brain death assessment.
- Stroke: ischemic vs hemorrhagic, tPA
- ICP management + Cushing’s triad
- Status epilepticus + brain death
Endocrine
5% of ExamDKA vs HHS, adrenal crisis, thyroid storm, myxedema coma, and SIADH vs DI.
- DKA vs HHS comparison
- Thyroid storm + myxedema coma
- SIADH vs DI (urine osm, sodium)
Gastrointestinal
6% of ExamAcute pancreatitis, GI hemorrhage, hepatic failure, abdominal compartment syndrome, mesenteric ischemia, bowel obstruction/perforation, and drug-induced liver injury.
- Acute pancreatitis + Grey Turner / Cullen
- Hepatic failure + HE ladder
- Abdominal compartment syndrome
Renal
6% of ExamAKI with KDIGO staging, CKD, dialysis (HD/CRRT/PD), and electrolyte imbalances.
- AKI — KDIGO staging & pre/intra/post-renal
- CRRT vs iHD indications (AEIOU)
- Electrolyte imbalances + ECG
Hematology
2% of ExamDIC, HIT, HELLP, transfusion reactions (TRALI/TACO), hemorrhagic shock classification, neutropenic precautions, and oncologic emergencies (TLS, leukostasis).
- DIC — consumption coagulopathy
- HIT: 4T score + argatroban
- TRALI vs TACO + transfusion reactions
Explore Our Pillar Resources
Deep-dive articles that complement the body system guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CCRN exam?
The CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) is a certification from AACN for nurses who provide direct care to acutely or critically ill patients. The exam has 150 scored questions across 8 body systems and professional caring & ethics, with a 3-hour time limit.
How many hours should I study for CCRN?
Most nurses study 80-120 hours over 8-12 weeks. High-yield plan: Cardiovascular (17%) and Respiratory (15%) deserve the most time — they account for nearly a third of the exam. Follow with Multisystem (14%) and Neurology (12%).
Is this CCRN study guide free?
Yes. Every body system study guide and practice quiz on this page is 100% free and requires no signup. For full-length exams, spaced-repetition flashcards, AI-generated practice questions, and progress tracking, upgrade to a Zero Deficit subscription.
How is exam weight distributed?
Clinical judgment (80% of the exam): Cardiovascular 17%, Respiratory 15%, Multisystem 14%, Neurology 12%, Gastrointestinal 6%, Renal 6%, Endocrine 5%, Hematology 2%. Professional caring & ethical practice covers the remaining 20%.
Which study guide should I start with?
Start with Cardiovascular — it’s the most-tested system (17%) and foundational for understanding shock, hemodynamics, and vasoactive drugs that appear across other sections.
Ready for the real test?
Take a full-length 150-question CCRN practice exam with detailed rationales and AI-powered weak-area drilling inside the Zero Deficit app.
Start Free →