NBE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield NBE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. During assessment of aortic regurgitation severity, a pressure half-time (PHT) < 200 ms on CW Doppler of the aortic regurgitant jet indicates: → Severe aortic regurgitation
2. A patient has an aortic stenosis with a mean gradient of 45 mmHg but a calculated AVA of 0.7 cm². LVEF is 35%. This scenario is best described as: → Low-flow, low-gradient severe aortic stenosis
3. Which wall motion scoring index (WMSI) value indicates significant ischemia during stress echocardiography? → WMSI > 1.5
4. Which wall motion segment supplied by the left anterior descending (LAD) artery is best visualized in the apical 4-chamber view? → Apical segment
5. Which echocardiographic parameter best identifies diastolic dysfunction during exercise stress echocardiography? → Increase in E/e' ratio at peak exercise above 14
6. What is transesophageal echocardiography? → An invasive procedure using an esophageal probe
7. In NBE practice, what happens when regulations are updated or changed? → Professionals must update their knowledge and practices to meet new requirements
8. Which structure electrically delays conduction between the atria and ventricles to allow ventricular filling? → Atrioventricular node
9. What is the significance of the ejection fraction in echocardiography? → It reflects how well the heart is pumping blood
10. In a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy, which diastolic pattern on mitral inflow Doppler is associated with the worst prognosis? → Restrictive filling pattern (E/A > 2, short DT)
11. In the context of TEE during cardiac surgery, which finding best indicates adequate de-airing of the left ventricle before coming off cardiopulmonary bypass? → No microbubbles visible in the left ventricular cavity
12. Which formula correctly expresses left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) using biplane Simpson's method? → (EDV − ESV) / EDV × 100%
13. What is the recommended imaging protocol when using exercise stress echocardiography on a treadmill? → Images acquired at rest and immediately post-exercise within 60–90 seconds
14. In a patient undergoing pharmacological stress echo with vasodilators (adenosine or dipyridamole), what is the mechanism of detecting ischemia? → Coronary steal phenomenon causing relative hypoperfusion in diseased territories
15. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) principle applies to ALL NBE certified professionals regardless of their specific role? → PPE must be properly fitted, maintained, and replaced as needed
16. Which echocardiographic finding is most specific for constrictive pericarditis compared with restrictive cardiomyopathy? → Respiratory variation in mitral E velocity > 25%
17. A patient undergoing TEE is found to have an Eustachian valve. This structure represents: → A remnant of the right valve of the sinus venosus directing IVC flow
18. During stress echo, a segment that is normokinetic at rest becomes akinetic at peak stress and does NOT recover. This pattern is most consistent with: → Inducible ischemia without viability concern
19. In evaluating tricuspid regurgitation by TTE, the simplified Bernoulli equation (4v²) applied to the TR jet peak velocity estimates: → Right ventricular systolic pressure
20. Which cardiac valve separates the left atrium from the left ventricle? → Mitral valve
21. Which risk management approach is MOST effective for NBE professionals when evaluating potential workplace hazards? → Proactive hazard identification and assessment
22. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) principle applies to ALL NBE certified professionals regardless of their specific role? → PPE must be properly fitted, maintained, and replaced as needed
23. In stress echocardiography for valvular heart disease evaluation, which condition most benefits from exercise stress echo to guide management? → Asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis
24. Which TTE view best visualizes the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) for Doppler interrogation? → Apical five-chamber
25. In a 10-year-old child, the echocardiogram shows a dilated coronary sinus. Which condition should be suspected first? → Persistent left superior vena cava draining into the coronary sinus
26. What is the appropriate action when a patient develops sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) during dobutamine stress echocardiography? → Immediately terminate dobutamine infusion and treat per ACLS protocols
27. A patient's resting LVEF is 35%. During low-dose dobutamine (10 mcg/kg/min), LVEF increases to 50%. This response most likely indicates: → Contractile reserve suggesting hibernating or stunned myocardium
28. What does a normal ejection fraction typically range from? → 50% to 70%
29. Which approach is MOST important for NBE professionals when applying technical procedures? → Adhering to established protocols while adapting to specific conditions
30. In a normal heart, cardiac output is the product of: → Heart rate and stroke volume