NURS 3730 Midterm Prep Exam-Unit 2
Questions Fully Solved 2026-2027
Updated.
Cardiac Output Equation - Answer CO = HR x SV
cardiac output - Answer volume of blood pumped by each ventricle in one minute
Heart rate - Answer Number of contractions of the ventricles each minute
stroke volume - Answer The amount of blood ejected from each ventricle with each
contraction.
Stroke volume - parts - Answer Preload
Afterload
Contractility
Preload - Answer •The volume and pressure inside the ventricles at the end of diastole
(relaxation)
•Determined by
1)Amount of venous blood returning (volume, and valves)
2)Filling time - heart rate
3)Amount of blood left in ventricle after systole (strength of contraction and resistance)
Afterload - Answer •the force required to pump blood OUT of the heart (to the lungs or to the
body)
•determined by RESISTANCE in the arteries = BLOOD PRESSURE
•Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)
Contractility - Answer •Ability and strength of contraction
•Inotropic mediators (hormones, neurotransmitters)
•Health of the heart - oxygenation, compliance , recoil, conduction
The Pipes - Answer -Veins are preload
, -Arteries are Afterload
-Dilation: Bigger
-Constriction: Smaller
Atrial Fibrillation - Answer -Rapid, random, ineffective contractions of the atrium
-Irregular rate that is typically between 100-160bpm - this is NOT sustainable!
-Get an order for a 12 lead ECG - this confirms the diagnosis!
-Holter monitor - portable ECG worn for 24 hours or more
-Stress test - is it induced by exercise?
paroxysmal - Answer occurs at random for a few seconds, a few minutes, or a few days they
goes away on its own
persistent - Answer lasts for more than 7 days and will NOT correct on its own
Permanent - Answer has not converted with medications or procedures - patient and clinician
make joint decision to stop further attempts to correct
Atrial Fibrillation - Stable - Answer Stable blood pressure
Maintaining perfusion
Tired/fatigued
No changes to mentation/LOC
No respiratory problems
Heart rate fluctuates but not sustained above 100bmp for long
Not a high risk for STOKE
Needs MONITORING and MEDICATIONS
Atrial Fibrillation - Unstable - Answer Hypotension - SBP less than 90mmHg
Cardiac ischemia - ECG changes ST elevation
Pulmonary Edema - difficulty breathing, O2 sats dropping
Decreased LOC
Heart rate consistently above 100bmp
High risk for STROKE
EMERGENCY SITUATION - needs immediate interventions like infusions and/or cardioversion
Questions Fully Solved 2026-2027
Updated.
Cardiac Output Equation - Answer CO = HR x SV
cardiac output - Answer volume of blood pumped by each ventricle in one minute
Heart rate - Answer Number of contractions of the ventricles each minute
stroke volume - Answer The amount of blood ejected from each ventricle with each
contraction.
Stroke volume - parts - Answer Preload
Afterload
Contractility
Preload - Answer •The volume and pressure inside the ventricles at the end of diastole
(relaxation)
•Determined by
1)Amount of venous blood returning (volume, and valves)
2)Filling time - heart rate
3)Amount of blood left in ventricle after systole (strength of contraction and resistance)
Afterload - Answer •the force required to pump blood OUT of the heart (to the lungs or to the
body)
•determined by RESISTANCE in the arteries = BLOOD PRESSURE
•Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)
Contractility - Answer •Ability and strength of contraction
•Inotropic mediators (hormones, neurotransmitters)
•Health of the heart - oxygenation, compliance , recoil, conduction
The Pipes - Answer -Veins are preload
, -Arteries are Afterload
-Dilation: Bigger
-Constriction: Smaller
Atrial Fibrillation - Answer -Rapid, random, ineffective contractions of the atrium
-Irregular rate that is typically between 100-160bpm - this is NOT sustainable!
-Get an order for a 12 lead ECG - this confirms the diagnosis!
-Holter monitor - portable ECG worn for 24 hours or more
-Stress test - is it induced by exercise?
paroxysmal - Answer occurs at random for a few seconds, a few minutes, or a few days they
goes away on its own
persistent - Answer lasts for more than 7 days and will NOT correct on its own
Permanent - Answer has not converted with medications or procedures - patient and clinician
make joint decision to stop further attempts to correct
Atrial Fibrillation - Stable - Answer Stable blood pressure
Maintaining perfusion
Tired/fatigued
No changes to mentation/LOC
No respiratory problems
Heart rate fluctuates but not sustained above 100bmp for long
Not a high risk for STOKE
Needs MONITORING and MEDICATIONS
Atrial Fibrillation - Unstable - Answer Hypotension - SBP less than 90mmHg
Cardiac ischemia - ECG changes ST elevation
Pulmonary Edema - difficulty breathing, O2 sats dropping
Decreased LOC
Heart rate consistently above 100bmp
High risk for STROKE
EMERGENCY SITUATION - needs immediate interventions like infusions and/or cardioversion
