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. What is transesophageal echocardiography? → An invasive procedure using an esophageal probe
5. In NBE practice, what happens when regulations are updated or changed? → Professionals must update their knowledge and practices to meet new requirements
6. What is the significance of the ejection fraction in echocardiography? → It reflects how well the heart is pumping blood
7. 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)
8. 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
9. Which formula correctly expresses left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) using biplane Simpson's method? → (EDV − ESV) / EDV × 100%
10. 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
11. 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
12. Which echocardiographic finding is most specific for constrictive pericarditis compared with restrictive cardiomyopathy? → Respiratory variation in mitral E velocity > 25%
13. 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
14. In evaluating tricuspid regurgitation by TTE, the simplified Bernoulli equation (4v²) applied to the TR jet peak velocity estimates: → Right ventricular systolic pressure
15. Which cardiac valve separates the left atrium from the left ventricle? → Mitral valve
16. Which risk management approach is MOST effective for NBE professionals when evaluating potential workplace hazards? → Proactive hazard identification and assessment
17. 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
18. Which TTE view best visualizes the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) for Doppler interrogation? → Apical five-chamber
19. 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
20. What does a normal ejection fraction typically range from? → 50% to 70%
21. Which approach is MOST important for NBE professionals when applying technical procedures? → Adhering to established protocols while adapting to specific conditions
22. Which factor MOST significantly affects the quality of technical outcomes in NBE practice? → The practitioner's training, preparation, and attention to detail
23. Which factor MOST significantly affects the quality of technical outcomes in NBE practice? → The practitioner's training, preparation, and attention to detail
24. How does transesophageal echocardiography differ from transthoracic echocardiography? → Transesophageal provides clearer images in certain cases
25. In pediatric echocardiography, which formula is used to estimate right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) from tricuspid regurgitation? → RVSP = 4V² + RAP, where V is the TR peak velocity
26. In National Board of Echocardiography practice, what is the FIRST step when a safety hazard is identified in the workplace? → Immediately secure the area and report the hazard
27. When assessment results for a National Board of Echocardiography evaluation are inconclusive, the BEST practice is to: → Conduct additional assessment using alternative methods
28. Why is sedation sometimes used in pediatric echocardiography? → To ensure the child remains still
29. What documentation is MOST critical to maintain for safety compliance in the National Board of Echocardiography field? → Incident reports, training records, and inspection logs
30. Which TTE view provides the best assessment of the right ventricular free wall for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC)? → Apical four-chamber