CSC Cardiac Surgery Certification Exam Study Guide 2026–2027 | AACN CSC Adult Prep, Illustrated, 200 Practice Questions (pdf)

CSC Cardiac Surgery Certification Exam Study Guide

A complete, illustrated study guide for the AACN Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC®) exam for nurses caring for adult patients in the first 48 hours after cardiac surgery — CVICU, cardiothoracic ICU, and PACU.

What's Inside:

• Exam overview: 90-question format, timing, fees, eligibility, retakes, renewal, and the four test-plan domains (Procedures, Complications, Therapeutic Interventions, Monitoring and Diagnostics)
• Content review in 2 sections and 21 topics: cardiac surgical procedures (CABG, valves, TAVR, maze, thoracic aortic repair), postoperative complications by body system, vasoactive and antidysrhythmic drugs, fluids, hemodynamic monitoring, pacing, IABP, VADs and ECMO, chest drains, emergent resternotomy and cardiac surgery advanced life support (CALS), ventilation, glycemic control, and recovery from anesthesia
• 50 quick-reference tables plus flowcharts and a waveform diagram: hemodynamic profiles (hypovolemia, LV and RV failure, tamponade, vasoplegia), the CALS sequence, IABP timing errors, pacing troubleshooting, TEG interpretation, protamine reactions, bleeding-control agents, TRALI vs TACO, KDIGO staging, and normal hemodynamic values
• 2 practice tests with 200 scenario-based questions weighted like the official test plan
• Detailed answer explanations for every question, including why the tempting options are wrong
• Study schedules, FAQs, and test-taking strategies

Format:

• Digital PDF, 121 pages, instant download
• Printable on US Letter paper

CSC® is a registered trademark of AACN Certification Corporation. This is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) or AACN Certification Corporation.