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

Hemodynamically unstable atrial fibrillation with hypotension requires immediate synchronized cardioversion to restore sinus rhythm and re-establish hemodynamic stability.

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

Right-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the systemic venous circulation, producing jugular venous distension and dependent peripheral edema.

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 bigeminy is the pattern of alternating normal sinus beats and PVCs, where every other beat is a premature ventricular contraction.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypokalemia reduces the cardiac cell resting membrane potential, increasing myocardial irritability and significantly predisposing the heart to ventricular dysrhythmias.

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

A diminished dicrotic notch suggests decreased forward cardiac output or reduced arterial compliance, as the notch reflects the pressure change at aortic valve closure.

ABPANC - American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification Practice Test

ABPANC - American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification Practice Test

ABPANC Cardiovascular Assessment & Monitoring 2