ABPANC Cardiovascular Assessment & Monitoring

Question 1

Which of the following represents the normal range for mean arterial pressure (MAP) in adult patients?

Accepted Answer

70–100 mmHg

Answer

Normal MAP in adults is 70–100 mmHg, reflecting the average perfusion pressure throughout the cardiac cycle needed to maintain adequate organ perfusion.

Question 2

A post-operative patient develops symptomatic bradycardia (HR 38 bpm) with hypotension. Which medication should the perianesthesia nurse anticipate administering FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Atropine 0.5 mg IV

Answer

Atropine is the first-line pharmacological treatment for symptomatic bradycardia, as it blocks vagal tone and increases sinus node firing rate to restore adequate heart rate.

Question 3

On cardiac monitoring, the perianesthesia nurse observes a rate of 160 bpm, regular rhythm, narrow QRS complexes, and no visible P waves. This pattern is MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

Answer

SVT presents with rates typically 150–250 bpm, regular narrow QRS complexes, and absent or hidden P waves due to rapid electrical firing originating above the ventricles.

Question 4

Which post-operative finding requires the MOST IMMEDIATE intervention by the perianesthesia nurse?

Accepted Answer

ST segment elevation on the cardiac monitor

Answer

ST segment elevation signals acute myocardial injury or infarction, requiring immediate physician notification, 12-lead ECG acquisition, and emergency intervention.

Question 5

The perianesthesia nurse calculates cardiac output using which formula?

Accepted Answer

CO = HR × SV

Answer

Cardiac output equals heart rate multiplied by stroke volume (CO = HR × SV), representing the total volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute.

ABPANC - American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification Practice Test

ABPANC - American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification Practice Test

ABPANC Cardiovascular Assessment & Monitoring