ABPANC Cardiovascular Assessment & Monitoring 3

Question 1

A perianesthesia nurse notes the patient's pulse pressure has narrowed (systolic 92 mmHg, diastolic 84 mmHg). This finding is MOST suggestive of:

Accepted Answer

Decreased stroke volume and reduced cardiac output

Answer

Narrowed pulse pressure (small difference between systolic and diastolic) reflects decreased stroke volume and reduced cardiac output, commonly seen in cardiogenic shock or cardiac tamponade.

Question 2

When a post-operative patient develops a new dysrhythmia on continuous cardiac monitoring, the MOST important initial nursing action is:

Accepted Answer

Assess the patient's hemodynamic status and level of consciousness first

Answer

The clinical priority is assessing the patient's hemodynamic stability and consciousness, because treatment urgency and type depend on whether the dysrhythmia is causing compromise.

Question 3

In the PACU, which patient position is MOST appropriate for a hypotensive patient with no contraindications?

Accepted Answer

Modified Trendelenburg (supine with legs elevated 15–30 degrees)

Answer

Modified Trendelenburg with legs elevated 15–30 degrees uses gravity to increase venous return to the heart, temporarily improving preload and blood pressure in hypotensive patients.

Question 4

A patient recovering from general anesthesia has a heart rate of 112 bpm. Which cause should the perianesthesia nurse assess for FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Pain, anxiety, fever, or hypovolemia as common reversible causes

Answer

Post-operative sinus tachycardia is most commonly caused by reversible factors—pain, anxiety, inadequate analgesia, fever, or hypovolemia—that must be assessed and corrected first.

Question 5

The perianesthesia nurse observes a prolonged QT interval on the cardiac monitor. This finding most increases the patient's risk for which life-threatening dysrhythmia?

Accepted Answer

Torsades de pointes

Answer

A prolonged QT interval indicates delayed ventricular repolarization, creating a vulnerable period that predisposes patients to torsades de pointes, a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that can degenerate into ventricular fibrillation.

ABPANC - American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification Practice Test

ABPANC - American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification Practice Test

ABPANC Cardiovascular Assessment & Monitoring 3