Free CMC Certification Cardio Vascular Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following describes diastolic heart failure?

Accepted Answer

inability of the heart muscle to relax

Answer

Diastolic heart failure, also known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), occurs when the heart muscle becomes stiff and less compliant. This stiffness impairs the ventricle's ability to relax and fill properly during diastole, leading to elevated filling pressures and symptoms of heart failure despite a normal or near-normal ejection fraction.

Question 2

The nurse is examining the treatment plan for a patient with systolic heart failure who has been prescribed carvedilol (Coreg), metoprolol (Lopressor), furosemide (Lasix), and enalapril (Vasotec). What intervention will offer the MOST ACCURATE evaluation of the regimen?

Accepted Answer

daily weights

Answer

Daily weights are the most accurate and sensitive indicator of fluid status in patients with heart failure. A sudden increase in weight (e.g., 2-3 lbs in 24 hours or 5 lbs in a week) often signifies fluid retention and worsening heart failure. This provides a crucial and early assessment of the effectiveness of diuretic and other heart failure medications in managing fluid balance.

Question 3

A pacemaker is surgically implanted before a patient is safely extubated. The patient becomes tachypneic and dyspneic three hours later. Crackles in the posterior lobes are audible to the nurse and are most likely caused by

Accepted Answer

pulmonary edema

Answer

The symptoms of tachypnea, dyspnea, and crackles in the posterior lobes, especially after a cardiac procedure and extubation, are highly suggestive of pulmonary edema. This condition involves fluid accumulation in the lungs, often due to fluid overload, left ventricular dysfunction, or increased cardiac workload post-procedure, leading to impaired gas exchange and respiratory distress.

Question 4

Which evaluation result should the nurse anticipate for a patient who has been admitted with arterial occlusion of the limb?

Accepted Answer

pale extremity, pain, diminished or absent pulses

Answer

Arterial occlusion restricts blood flow to the limb, leading to classic signs of ischemia. These include pallor (pale extremity) due to lack of blood, severe pain, and diminished or absent pulses distal to the occlusion, as blood flow is severely compromised. The affected limb will also typically feel cool to the touch.

Question 5

Acute thrombosis-related occlusion symptoms include severe pain that comes on suddenly, loss of pulse, collapse of superficial veins, pallor, and decreased motor and sensory function.

Accepted Answer

recurrent atrial fibrillation refractory to drug therapy

Answer

The described symptoms of acute limb ischemia (severe pain, loss of pulse, pallor, decreased motor/sensory function) are caused by a sudden blockage of an artery, often by a thrombus or embolus. Recurrent atrial fibrillation is a significant risk factor for embolic events, as blood can pool and clot in the atria, dislodge, and travel to peripheral arteries, causing acute occlusion.

CMC - Cardiac Medicine Certification Practice Test

CMC - Cardiac Medicine Certification Practice Test

Free CMC Certification Cardio Vascular Questions and Answers