CCRN Cardiovascular Emergencies 3

Question 1

A patient in cardiogenic shock has cold extremities, hypotension, and pulmonary congestion. Which hemodynamic profile is expected?

Accepted Answer

Low CO, high PCWP, high SVR

Answer

Cardiogenic shock features low cardiac output, elevated filling pressures (PCWP), and compensatory high systemic vascular resistance.

Question 2

Which medication is a first-line inotrope for a patient in cardiogenic shock with adequate blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Dobutamine

Answer

Dobutamine improves contractility and cardiac output and is preferred when blood pressure is marginally adequate.

Question 3

How does an intra-aortic balloon pump improve cardiac function in cardiogenic shock?

Accepted Answer

It increases coronary perfusion during diastole and reduces afterload during systole

Answer

The IABP inflates in diastole to augment coronary perfusion and deflates in systole to reduce afterload.

Question 4

A patient with acute decompensated heart failure has an SpO2 of 84% and crackles throughout. What is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Provide supplemental oxygen and consider noninvasive positive pressure ventilation

Answer

Oxygenation and positive pressure ventilation improve gas exchange and reduce preload in acute pulmonary edema.

Question 5

Which sign distinguishes right-sided heart failure from left-sided heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Jugular venous distention and peripheral edema

Answer

Right-sided failure causes systemic venous congestion with JVD and peripheral edema, whereas left-sided failure causes pulmonary symptoms.

CCRN Review Practice Test