CEN Test-Taking Tips | Exam Actual Questions And Answers
Latest Updated 2026/2027 (Graded A+)
• Question
Frank-Starling's Law
Correct Answer: Stretch heart with volume to increase contractility.
• Question
Preload
Correct Answer: Evaluated by CVP, decreased in hypovolemia, increased by volume, TX:
fluids/blood, decrease with diuretics.
• Question
Afterload
Correct Answer: Evaluated by systemic vascular resistance, decreased in distributive
shocks, TX: Vasopressors like Norepinephrine.
• Question
Sympathetic Nervous System
Correct Answer: Causes release of catecholamines, increasing heart rate in response to
shock.
• Question
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Correct Answer: Decreases heart rate, seen in neurogenic shock.
• Question
Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
Correct Answer: Calculated as ((2 x DBP) + SBP) divided by 3.
• Question
Pulse Pressure (PP)
Correct Answer: Difference between SBP and DBP, narrowed in early shock, widened in
increased ICP.
• Question
Cushing Triad
Correct Answer: Indicative of increased ICP: Widened PP or increased SBP, Bradycardia,
Irregular breathing pattern.
, • Question
Chronotropes
Correct Answer: Affect heart rate at SA node, e.g., Cardizem (-) chronotrope.
• Question
Inotropes
Correct Answer: Affect contractility, e.g., Dopamine (+) inotrope.
• Question
Dromotropes
Correct Answer: Affect automaticity at AV node.
• Question
Beta-blockers
Correct Answer: Mask signs of shock and hypoglycemia, e.g., Labetalol, Metoprolol.
• Question
ACE Inhibitors
Correct Answer: Affect RAAS, reduce BP, e.g., Lisinopril, Lotensin.
• Question
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Correct Answer: Inhibit angiotensin 2 receptors, reduce BP, e.g., Avapro, Diovan.
• Question
Calcium Channel Blockers
Correct Answer: Control atrial fibrillation and hypertension, e.g., Diltiazem, Norvasc.
• Question
Vasodilators
Correct Answer: E.g., Nitroglycerin reduces preload and afterload, Nitroprusside for
strong reduction.
• Question
Vasopressors
Correct Answer: E.g., Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Phenylephrine, Vasopressin
augments.
Latest Updated 2026/2027 (Graded A+)
• Question
Frank-Starling's Law
Correct Answer: Stretch heart with volume to increase contractility.
• Question
Preload
Correct Answer: Evaluated by CVP, decreased in hypovolemia, increased by volume, TX:
fluids/blood, decrease with diuretics.
• Question
Afterload
Correct Answer: Evaluated by systemic vascular resistance, decreased in distributive
shocks, TX: Vasopressors like Norepinephrine.
• Question
Sympathetic Nervous System
Correct Answer: Causes release of catecholamines, increasing heart rate in response to
shock.
• Question
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Correct Answer: Decreases heart rate, seen in neurogenic shock.
• Question
Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
Correct Answer: Calculated as ((2 x DBP) + SBP) divided by 3.
• Question
Pulse Pressure (PP)
Correct Answer: Difference between SBP and DBP, narrowed in early shock, widened in
increased ICP.
• Question
Cushing Triad
Correct Answer: Indicative of increased ICP: Widened PP or increased SBP, Bradycardia,
Irregular breathing pattern.
, • Question
Chronotropes
Correct Answer: Affect heart rate at SA node, e.g., Cardizem (-) chronotrope.
• Question
Inotropes
Correct Answer: Affect contractility, e.g., Dopamine (+) inotrope.
• Question
Dromotropes
Correct Answer: Affect automaticity at AV node.
• Question
Beta-blockers
Correct Answer: Mask signs of shock and hypoglycemia, e.g., Labetalol, Metoprolol.
• Question
ACE Inhibitors
Correct Answer: Affect RAAS, reduce BP, e.g., Lisinopril, Lotensin.
• Question
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Correct Answer: Inhibit angiotensin 2 receptors, reduce BP, e.g., Avapro, Diovan.
• Question
Calcium Channel Blockers
Correct Answer: Control atrial fibrillation and hypertension, e.g., Diltiazem, Norvasc.
• Question
Vasodilators
Correct Answer: E.g., Nitroglycerin reduces preload and afterload, Nitroprusside for
strong reduction.
• Question
Vasopressors
Correct Answer: E.g., Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Phenylephrine, Vasopressin
augments.
