PCCN Cardiovascular System

Question 1

Which of the following hemodynamic parameters is most indicative of left ventricular preload?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)

Answer

Central venous pressure (CVP)

Answer

Systemic vascular resistance (SVR)

Answer

Cardiac output (CO)

Question 2

A patient is admitted with acute decompensated heart failure. Which medication class is most appropriate to reduce preload and relieve pulmonary congestion?

Accepted Answer

Loop diuretics

Answer

Beta blockers

Answer

ACE inhibitors

Answer

Calcium channel blockers

Question 3

Which ECG change is commonly associated with hypokalemia?

Accepted Answer

U waves

Answer

Peaked T waves

Answer

ST elevation

Answer

Prolonged QT interval

Question 4

What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient in atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response and signs of hemodynamic instability?

Accepted Answer

Initiate synchronized cardioversion

Answer

Administer digoxin

Answer

Start metoprolol IV drip

Answer

Perform carotid sinus massage

Question 5

A patient is post-op day 1 from coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and develops muffled heart sounds and hypotension. What complication should the nurse suspect?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Acute myocardial infarction

Answer

Pericarditis

Question 6

What is the primary action of nitroglycerin when used in acute coronary syndrome (ACS)?

Accepted Answer

Dilates coronary arteries

Answer

Decreases heart rate

Answer

Increases myocardial oxygen demand

Answer

Promotes platelet aggregation

Question 7

Which of the following rhythms requires immediate defibrillation?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular fibrillation

Answer

Second-degree AV block type II

Answer

Sinus tachycardia

Answer

Atrial flutter

Question 8

In monitoring a patient with a myocardial infarction, which cardiac marker rises first?

Accepted Answer

Myoglobin

Answer

CK-MB

Answer

Troponin I

Answer

BNP

Question 9

Which complication is most associated with persistent ST-segment elevation following a myocardial infarction?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular aneurysm

Answer

Atrial fibrillation

Answer

Pericarditis

Answer

Complete heart block