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.
Q21Beta-blockers are contraindicated in patients with which of the following conditions?
✓ Correct answer: A. Asthma
Beta-blockers can cause bronchoconstriction, which is why they are contraindicated in patients with asthma. These medications work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the body, which can lead to narrowed airways in susceptible individuals. Beta-blockers are used for treating hypertension, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmias; however, careful consideration is needed for patients with asthma due to the risk of exacerbating their condition.
Q22Analyze the following arterial blood gas (ABG) values for a patient with heart failure. Identify the primary acid–base imbalance present based on the data provided. pH PaCO2 (mmHg) HCO3- (mEq/L) 7.32 48 24
✓ Correct answer: D. Respiratory acidosis
This ABG shows a decreased pH (<7.35) with an elevated $$PaCO_{2}$$ (>45 mmHg), which indicates respiratory acidosis. The HCO3- is within the normal range (≈24 mEq/L), suggesting an acute or uncompensated respiratory acidosis; renal compensation (increased HCO3-) may occur over time.
Q23When assessing caffeine dependence in patients, which behavior listed below indicates a significant dependence?
✓ Correct answer: C. Drinking the first cup of coffee within five minutes of waking
Drinking the first cup of coffee within five minutes of waking is a strong indicator of caffeine dependence. This is similar to the immediate need for nicotine upon waking. Consuming more than 5 cups daily also suggests dependence but is not as direct of an indicator as the timing related to waking. Assessing caffeine consumption patterns helps identify levels of dependency.
Q24Examine the following conditions related to vascular emergencies. Which of these is most likely associated with rapid fluid loss? Condition Potential Cause Vascular Collapse Massive hemorrhage, severe vomiting, or thermal injuries Peripheral Vasodilation Sepsis or anaphylaxis Decreased Colloidal Pressure Liver cirrhosis or hypopituitarism Cardiac Tamponade Pericarditis or chest trauma
✓ Correct answer: D. Vascular Collapse
Vascular collapse is often caused by events leading to rapid fluid loss like massive hemorrhage or severe vomiting, leading to hypovolemic shock. Other conditions like peripheral vasodilation and decreased colloidal pressure are related to different mechanisms of shock.
Q25Based on the following table of blood pressure categories, which management strategy is most crucial for a 55-year-old patient diagnosed with Hypertension Stage 2? Blood Pressure Category Systolic Pressure (mmHg) Diastolic Pressure (mmHg) Normal <=120 <=80 Elevated 121-129 <=80 Hypertension Stage 1 130-139 80-89 Hypertension Stage 2 >=140 >=90
✓ Correct answer: A. Immediate initiation of pharmacologic therapy alongside lifestyle changes
For a 55-year-old patient diagnosed with Hypertension Stage 2, defined as having a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or above or a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or above, immediate pharmacological intervention along with lifestyle changes is imperative to reduce cardiovascular risk. Longer re-evaluation periods or sole reliance on lifestyle modifications may not suffice.
Q26A patient undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer experiences a sudden drop in platelet count from 130,000 mm3 to 40,000 mm3. This decrease suggests thrombocytopenia, which places this patient at risk for:
✓ Correct answer: D. Thrombosis and vessel occlusion
Chemotherapy can lead to a condition called thrombocytopenia due to the destruction of platelets. Although low platelet counts can increase bleeding risk, certain drug-induced conditions, like thrombocytopenia seen in chemotherapy, are linked with increased thrombosis risk. This is due to the body's complex response to low platelet levels, which can involve thrombotic events rather than just bleeding. Direct inhibitors and careful monitoring are necessary to manage such complications.
Q27Can consuming a single high-fat, high-sugar meal impair cardiovascular function?
✓ Correct answer: C. Yes, consuming a single high-fat, high-sugar meal can lead to temporary cardiovascular impairment.
Consuming a single high-fat, high-sugar meal can lead to temporary cardiovascular effects, such as elevated blood pressure and impaired endothelial function. The body's immediate response to a high-fat meal includes increased blood lipid levels, which can cause endothelial dysfunction and increase cardiovascular stress.
Q28What preparation is necessary for a patient scheduled for a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)?
✓ Correct answer: C. The patient must fast for 6 hours before the test.
A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) requires the patient to fast for about 6 hours before the test. This ensures that the stomach is empty during the procedure, providing clearer images and reducing the risk of aspiration. Sedation is typically administered, and the patient will need to arrange for transportation post-procedure.
Q29A healthcare provider advises a patient to follow a heart-healthy diet to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The patient decides to adopt the diet, believing in the positive long-term outcomes of preventing heart complications. Which behavioral change model can be applied to this situation?
✓ Correct answer: D. Health belief model
The health belief model is applied when an individual believes that taking a specific health action—such as adopting a heart-healthy diet—will help avoid a negative health outcome, like cardiovascular disease. This model is based on perceptions of susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, action cues, and self-efficacy.
Q30Which teaching method is most effective when training cardiac nursing staff on managing patient emotional responses following a cardiac event?
✓ Correct answer: B. Workshop with role-playing and discussion
The most effective method to train nursing staff on handling emotional responses is through workshops incorporating role-playing and discussion. This format allows staff to practice and experience patient interactions in a controlled environment and discuss different approaches. Both online modules and reading assignments lack the interactive and practical component essential for skill-building in this area. A lecture series may provide information, but without interaction, it cannot adequately prepare staff for real-world challenges.
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Theory