CCRN Hemodynamic Monitoring 3

Question 1

A square wave (fast-flush) test shows excessive oscillations before returning to baseline. This indicates:

Accepted Answer

An underdamped system

Answer

Multiple oscillations after the flush indicate underdamping, which overestimates systolic pressure.

Question 2

Which formula correctly expresses mean arterial pressure (MAP)?

Accepted Answer

(SBP + 2 x DBP) / 3

Answer

MAP weights diastole more heavily because diastole occupies more of the cardiac cycle.

Question 3

A high CVP with hypotension, jugular venous distension, and muffled heart sounds suggests:

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Beck's triad of elevated venous pressure, hypotension, and muffled heart sounds defines tamponade.

Question 4

Stroke volume variation (SVV) is a useful predictor of fluid responsiveness primarily in patients who are:

Accepted Answer

Mechanically ventilated in sinus rhythm

Answer

SVV reliability depends on positive-pressure ventilation and regular cardiac rhythm.

Question 5

Cardiac index is calculated by dividing cardiac output by:

Accepted Answer

Body surface area

Answer

Cardiac index normalizes cardiac output to body surface area for comparison across patients.

CCRN Review Practice Test