Advanced Adult Nursing (NUR 441) – 90 Exam Questions on EKG, Heart Failure, Cardiac Output, Drug Effects | 2026

This document provides 90 expertly verified exam questions and answers for NUR 441: Advanced Adult Nursing, focusing on cardiovascular function, arrhythmia interpretation, hemodynamics, and critical care interventions. It is designed for BSN, ADN, or LPN-to-RN nursing students preparing for midterms, ATI exams, or NCLEX-RN cardiology sections. The content aligns with the ATI Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing Review Module and supports clinical reasoning in telemetry, intensive care, and advanced cardiac nursing environments. Key topics include: Cardiac Electrical Activity & ECG Interpretation: P wave, QRS, T wave, U wave, and segment intervals. Rhythm disturbances such as atrial fibrillation, SVT, torsades de pointes, PVCs, VT, and VF are explained with related interventions. Hemodynamic Monitoring: Cardiac output, MAP calculation, CVP values, preload, afterload, and use of PA (Swan-Ganz) catheters. Heart Failure & Cardiovascular Conditions: Left- and right-sided heart failure symptoms, preload/afterload management, and fluid volume status. Pharmacology: Uses, mechanisms, and side effects of inotropes (dopamine), ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, adenosine, nitroprusside, and diuretics. Emergency Cardiac Care: Cardioversion, defibrillation, recognizing shockable rhythms, and resuscitation protocols for VT, VF, and asystole. Complications & Interventions: Pacemaker complications, myocardial infarction signs, cardiac catheterization care, and electrolyte imbalances like hyperkalemia/hypokalemia on ECGs. This document is essential for students focusing on acute cardiac care and is also helpful in preparing for real-life clinical decision-making and rapid response scenarios. Keywords: NUR 441, cardiac nursing, EKG interpretation, NCLEX cardiology, preload vs afterload, MAP calculation, cardiac output formula, SVT vs AFib, torsades de pointes treatment, ACE inhibitor effects, dopamine side effects, cardioversion vs defibrillation, heart failure symptoms, PA catheter monitoring, ventricular tachycardia, ATI adult med-surg