CARDIAC-VASCULAR NURSING (CV-BC™) MASTERY TEST BANK
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
CORE DOMAINS
Cardiac and Vascular Assessment and Diagnosis
Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics
Electrophysiology and Dysrhythmia Management
Hemodynamic Monitoring and Interpretation
Acute Coronary Syndromes and Myocardial Infarction
Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy Management
Vascular Disorders and Peripheral Arterial Disease
Cardiovascular Surgical and Interventional Care
Patient Education, Health Promotion, and Risk Reduction
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Regulatory Compliance
INTRODUCTION
The Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CV-BC) Mastery Test Bank evaluates
the advanced clinical judgment and specialized knowledge required
for board certification in cardiac-vascular nursing. The examination
assesses cardiac and vascular assessment, pathophysiology,
pharmacology, hemodynamic monitoring, dysrhythmia
interpretation, and evidence-based management of acute and
chronic cardiovascular conditions. Items are structured as multiple-
,choice and scenario-based questions requiring prioritization, critical
thinking, and real-world application. The assessment reflects
current clinical practice standards, regulatory compliance, and
professional accountability essential for the certified cardiac-
vascular registered nurse.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A patient presents to the emergency department with substernal
chest pain radiating to the left jaw. The nurse notes ST-segment
depression in leads V3 and V4. Which condition is most likely
indicated?
A. ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
B. Unstable angina or NSTEMI
C. Acute pericarditis
D. Prinzmetal's angina
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: ST-segment depression is a classic indicator of
myocardial ischemia or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction
(NSTEMI), whereas ST-elevation characterizes a full-thickness
injury (STEMI). Unstable angina and NSTEMI are part of the acute
coronary syndrome spectrum and typically present with ST
depression or T-wave inversion without persistent ST elevation.
Question 2
During a routine assessment of a patient with chronic heart
failure, the nurse notes a 3-lb weight gain over 24 hours and
increased bilateral peripheral edema. What is the priority nursing
action?
,A. Encourage increased oral fluid intake
B. Check the patient's blood pressure
C. Notify the provider and anticipate diuretic adjustment
D. Document the findings as expected for chronic heart failure
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: A 3-lb weight gain in 24 hours indicates fluid
retention and worsening heart failure. The priority is to notify the
provider and anticipate a diuretic adjustment. This rapid weight
gain exceeds the typical threshold for clinical concern and
requires prompt intervention.
Question 3
A patient's blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg. What is their pulse
pressure?
A. 30 mm Hg
B. 40 mm Hg
C. 50 mm Hg
D. 90 mm Hg
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Pulse pressure is calculated by subtracting
diastolic from systolic pressure (140 - 90 = 50). A normal pulse
pressure is approximately 40 mm Hg. A widened pulse pressure
can be seen in conditions such as aortic regurgitation or
arteriosclerosis.
Question 4
Examination of a patient in a supine position reveals distended
jugular veins from the base of the neck to the angle of the jaw.
This finding indicates:
, A. Increased venous return
B. Decreased venous return
C. Normal jugular venous pressure
D. Carotid artery stenosis
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Distended jugular veins in a supine patient
indicate elevated central venous pressure (CVP), which reflects
decreased venous return to the heart or right-sided heart failure.
Jugular venous distention (JVD) is a key assessment finding in
conditions such as heart failure and cardiac tamponade.
Question 5
A patient who reports symptoms suggestive of acute myocardial
infarction while at home should be instructed to call:
A. Primary care provider's office
B. Cardiologist's answering service
C. 911 or emergency medical services
D. Family members
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Patients with symptoms suggestive of acute
myocardial infarction should activate emergency medical services
(911) immediately. EMS can initiate treatment en route and
transport the patient to a facility capable of performing emergent
reperfusion therapy. Time is muscle — early intervention reduces
myocardial damage.
Question 6
ECG signs of myocardial injury include:
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
CORE DOMAINS
Cardiac and Vascular Assessment and Diagnosis
Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics
Electrophysiology and Dysrhythmia Management
Hemodynamic Monitoring and Interpretation
Acute Coronary Syndromes and Myocardial Infarction
Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy Management
Vascular Disorders and Peripheral Arterial Disease
Cardiovascular Surgical and Interventional Care
Patient Education, Health Promotion, and Risk Reduction
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Regulatory Compliance
INTRODUCTION
The Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CV-BC) Mastery Test Bank evaluates
the advanced clinical judgment and specialized knowledge required
for board certification in cardiac-vascular nursing. The examination
assesses cardiac and vascular assessment, pathophysiology,
pharmacology, hemodynamic monitoring, dysrhythmia
interpretation, and evidence-based management of acute and
chronic cardiovascular conditions. Items are structured as multiple-
,choice and scenario-based questions requiring prioritization, critical
thinking, and real-world application. The assessment reflects
current clinical practice standards, regulatory compliance, and
professional accountability essential for the certified cardiac-
vascular registered nurse.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A patient presents to the emergency department with substernal
chest pain radiating to the left jaw. The nurse notes ST-segment
depression in leads V3 and V4. Which condition is most likely
indicated?
A. ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
B. Unstable angina or NSTEMI
C. Acute pericarditis
D. Prinzmetal's angina
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: ST-segment depression is a classic indicator of
myocardial ischemia or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction
(NSTEMI), whereas ST-elevation characterizes a full-thickness
injury (STEMI). Unstable angina and NSTEMI are part of the acute
coronary syndrome spectrum and typically present with ST
depression or T-wave inversion without persistent ST elevation.
Question 2
During a routine assessment of a patient with chronic heart
failure, the nurse notes a 3-lb weight gain over 24 hours and
increased bilateral peripheral edema. What is the priority nursing
action?
,A. Encourage increased oral fluid intake
B. Check the patient's blood pressure
C. Notify the provider and anticipate diuretic adjustment
D. Document the findings as expected for chronic heart failure
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: A 3-lb weight gain in 24 hours indicates fluid
retention and worsening heart failure. The priority is to notify the
provider and anticipate a diuretic adjustment. This rapid weight
gain exceeds the typical threshold for clinical concern and
requires prompt intervention.
Question 3
A patient's blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg. What is their pulse
pressure?
A. 30 mm Hg
B. 40 mm Hg
C. 50 mm Hg
D. 90 mm Hg
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Pulse pressure is calculated by subtracting
diastolic from systolic pressure (140 - 90 = 50). A normal pulse
pressure is approximately 40 mm Hg. A widened pulse pressure
can be seen in conditions such as aortic regurgitation or
arteriosclerosis.
Question 4
Examination of a patient in a supine position reveals distended
jugular veins from the base of the neck to the angle of the jaw.
This finding indicates:
, A. Increased venous return
B. Decreased venous return
C. Normal jugular venous pressure
D. Carotid artery stenosis
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Distended jugular veins in a supine patient
indicate elevated central venous pressure (CVP), which reflects
decreased venous return to the heart or right-sided heart failure.
Jugular venous distention (JVD) is a key assessment finding in
conditions such as heart failure and cardiac tamponade.
Question 5
A patient who reports symptoms suggestive of acute myocardial
infarction while at home should be instructed to call:
A. Primary care provider's office
B. Cardiologist's answering service
C. 911 or emergency medical services
D. Family members
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Patients with symptoms suggestive of acute
myocardial infarction should activate emergency medical services
(911) immediately. EMS can initiate treatment en route and
transport the patient to a facility capable of performing emergent
reperfusion therapy. Time is muscle — early intervention reduces
myocardial damage.
Question 6
ECG signs of myocardial injury include:
