ABPANC Cardiovascular Assessment & Monitoring 2

Question 1

A post-operative patient develops atrial fibrillation with a ventricular rate of 148 bpm and BP 80/50 mmHg. The MOST appropriate initial intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Prepare for immediate synchronized cardioversion

Answer

Administer oral metoprolol to slow ventricular rate

Answer

Initiate IV amiodarone infusion at 1 mg/min

Answer

Place the patient in Trendelenburg position only

Question 2

Which assessment finding is MOST consistent with right-sided heart failure in a perianesthesia patient?

Accepted Answer

Jugular venous distension and dependent peripheral edema

Answer

Pulmonary crackles and pink frothy sputum

Answer

Narrowed pulse pressure with cool extremities

Answer

Inspiratory stridor with accessory muscle use

Question 3

The perianesthesia nurse notes PVCs occurring every other beat on the cardiac monitor. This rhythm pattern is called:

Accepted Answer

Ventricular bigeminy

Answer

Ventricular trigeminy

Answer

Ventricular tachycardia

Answer

Accelerated idioventricular rhythm

Question 4

Which electrolyte imbalance MOST commonly predisposes post-operative patients to ventricular dysrhythmias?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypernatremia

Answer

Hypermagnesemia

Answer

Hypercalcemia

Question 5

A patient's arterial line waveform shows a markedly diminished dicrotic notch. This finding MOST likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Decreased cardiac output or reduced arterial compliance

Answer

Increased systemic vascular resistance

Answer

Hypervolemia with elevated preload

Answer

Normal hemodynamic status in a post-operative patient

Question 6

A patient post-cardiac surgery develops Beck's Triad (hypotension, jugular venous distension, muffled heart sounds). The nurse should FIRST suspect:

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Acute myocardial infarction

Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Question 7

On a post-operative patient's 12-lead ECG, ST depression in leads V4–V6 MOST likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Subendocardial ischemia or non-ST elevation myocardial ischemia (NSTEMI)

Answer

Acute anterior ST-elevation MI (STEMI)

Answer

Right bundle branch block

Answer

Normal post-operative variant