CV-BC Cardiac Nurse Prep practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q11In a clinical setting, a senior nurse delegates the task of providing patient education to a graduate nurse. Who is responsible for ensuring the patient understands the material?
✓ Correct answer: C. The senior nurse who delegates the task
In a nursing context, the nurse who delegates a task retains the responsibility for the outcome of that task. Although the graduate nurse is directly providing the education, the senior nurse must ensure that the task is completed correctly and that the patient understands the provided material. Supervision, communication, and guidance are important in ensuring successful delegation and outcome in patient education.
Q12After a patient undergoes an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, the nurse notices sudden abdominal distention, decreasing urinary output, tachycardia, and hypotension. What is the most probable cause of these symptoms?
✓ Correct answer: A. Abdominal compartment syndrome
Abdominal compartment syndrome occurs when increased pressure within the abdominal cavity affects organ function. Symptoms include abdominal distention, decreased urine output, tachycardia, and hypotension. This is similar to cardiac tamponade, where fluid accumulation in a confined space impairs function.
Q13A patient is being continuously monitored for potential cardiac complications. Which change in the ECG would most likely indicate myocardial ischemia?
✓ Correct answer: D. Inverted T waves
Inverted T waves on an ECG are indicative of myocardial ischemia. While other waveform changes like ST segment elevation or the development of Q waves may occur in other cardiac conditions, such as myocardial infarction, an inverted T wave specifically suggests ischemia.
Q14A middle-aged patient presents with sudden, sharp chest pain that intensifies when taking deep breaths or bending forward. The pain eases somewhat when the patient leans forward while sitting. What is the most likely diagnosis?
✓ Correct answer: C. Pericarditis
The presentation of sudden onset sharp chest pain that is intensified by deep breaths or certain movements, but alleviated when leaning forward, is typical of pericarditis. Angina involves chest pain that often occurs with exertion and is not relieved by body positioning. Myocardial infarction presents with intense, prolonged chest pain that may not be relieved by position changes. Pneumothorax involves sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, but the pain is usually not relieved by leaning forward.
Q15Consider the following patient's data on fasting blood glucose. Calculate the fasting glucose ratio for John Doe. Express your answer as a decimal rounded to two decimal places. Patient Patient's Fasting Glucose (mg/dL) Standard Fasting Glucose (mg/dL) John Doe 150 100 Jane Smith 130 100 Adam Lee 110 100
✓ Correct answer: B. 1.50
To calculate the fasting glucose ratio, divide the patient's fasting glucose level by the standard fasting glucose level. For John Doe, this is 150 divided by 100, which equals 1.50.
Q16In assessing jugular vein distention (JVD), which cardiac condition is most commonly associated with significant JVD?
✓ Correct answer: A. Right-sided heart failure
Right-sided heart failure is often associated with significant jugular vein distention (JVD) because the right side of the heart fails to effectively pump blood, causing a backlog of blood in the venous system. Left ventricular hypertrophy and aortic stenosis primarily affect the left side of the heart and do not directly result in significant JVD. Hypertension can lead to left heart strain and is not directly associated with pronounced JVD.
Q17In a patient undergoing diuretic therapy for heart failure, adequate renal function is necessary for effective treatment. Using the provided data on urinary output, determine the minimum average hourly urinary output required over a 12-hour period to confirm sufficient renal function. Time Period (hours) Urinary Output (mL) 12 24 1050
✓ Correct answer: B. More than 43.75 mL/hr
In patients receiving diuretic therapy, monitoring fluid output is crucial. To calculate the required hourly output for adequate renal function, the formula: $$\frac{\text{Total output}}{\text{Time period}} = \text{Urinary output rate}$$ is used. Given that 525 mL of urine is needed over a 12-hour period, the calculation is: $$\frac{525 \text{ mL}}{12 \text{ hours}} \approx 43.75\text{ mL/hr}$$. Thus, the minimum average hourly urinary output necessary is more than 43.75 mL/hr to indicate adequate renal function.
Q18Which of the following cardiovascular symptoms is most commonly associated with chronic stress? Condition Common Symptoms Chronic Stress Hypertension; Increased heart rate Sudden Shock Hypotension; Increased heart rate Deep Relaxation Hypotension; Decreased heart rate Extreme Fatigue Hypertension; Decreased heart rate
✓ Correct answer: A. Hypertension and increased heart rate
Chronic stress typically leads to persistent hypertension and an increased heart rate due to the prolonged effects of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline on the cardiovascular system.
Q19A 65-year-old patient presents with an ulcer near the medial malleolus which is superficial, irregularly shaped, and surrounded by brownish skin discoloration. Given the characteristics of venous and arterial ulcers presented in the table, which type of ulcer is the patient most likely experiencing? Characteristic Venous Ulcer Arterial Ulcer Location Medial or lateral malleolus; occasionally anterior tibial area Toe tips, toe webs, heels, or other pressure areas Shape Irregular Circular Pain Varying degrees Often severe Skin Surrounding Ulcer Brownish discoloration Pale, shiny, cool Edema Moderate to severe Minimal
✓ Correct answer: D. Venous ulcer
Venous ulcers typically appear on the medial or lateral malleolus and have irregular shapes, often with surrounding skin showing a brownish color due to hemosiderin deposits. The presence of moderate to severe edema, as well as varying degrees of pain, corresponds with the features of venous ulcers.
Q20During an emergency assessment, which physical finding should alert the nurse to the possibility of a severe cardiovascular disorder in a patient?
✓ Correct answer: B. Central cyanosis of the tongue and buccal mucosa
In an emergency setting, central cyanosis of the tongue and buccal mucosa is a critical indicator of a severe cardiovascular disorder such as pulmonary edema or congestive heart failure. Pallor indicates decreased oxyhemoglobin, often due to anemia or reduced perfusion. Peripheral cyanosis can occur due to decreased circulation and is not exclusively related to severe cardiovascular disorders. Xanthelasma suggests high cholesterol levels, which are not immediate indicators of an emergent cardiovascular condition.
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