,NURS 4581 Exam 2 | Adult Complex Needs (2026) Q&A |
University of Texas at Arlington
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of hemodynamic monitoring
in a critically ill client?
A) To assess renal function and fluid balance
B) To evaluate cardiac function and guide therapy
C) To monitor respiratory status and oxygenation
D) To determine nutritional needs and metabolism
Correct Answer: To evaluate cardiac function and guide therapy
Rationale: Hemodynamic monitoring provides direct and continuous assessment of
cardiac function, including preload, afterload, and contractility, to guide therapy in critically
ill clients. It does not primarily assess renal function, respiratory status, or nutritional
needs, although these are important considerations.
2. A nurse is caring for a client with a pulmonary artery catheter. Which parameter reflects
left ventricular preload?
A) Central venous pressure (CVP)
B) Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PAS)
C) Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)
D) Systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
Correct Answer: Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)
,Rationale: Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) reflects left ventricular preload
(left side volume). CVP reflects right ventricular preload, PAS reflects right ventricular
afterload, and SVR reflects left ventricular afterload (arterial tone).
3. The nurse is assessing a client with a central venous pressure (CVP) of 10 mm Hg. What
does this finding indicate?
A) Decreased right ventricular preload
B) Elevated right ventricular preload
C) Decreased left ventricular preload
D) Elevated left ventricular preload
Correct Answer: Elevated right ventricular preload
Rationale: A CVP above 8 mm Hg indicates elevated right ventricular preload, commonly
related to hypervolemia or right heart failure. A CVP below 2 mm Hg indicates reduced
right ventricular preload. CVP does not directly reflect left ventricular preload.
4. A client with a systemic vascular resistance (SVR) of 1500 dynes/sec/cm⁵ is at risk for
which condition?
A) Hypotension
B) Increased afterload
C) Decreased afterload
D) Reduced contractility
Correct Answer: Increased afterload
Rationale: An SVR greater than 1200 dynes/sec/cm⁵ indicates increased left ventricular
afterload (arterial tone). This can lead to increased myocardial workload and oxygen
demand. Low SVR (below 800) indicates vasodilation and reduced afterload.
, 5. What is the normal range for cardiac output (CO) in an adult?
A) 1 to 2 L/min
B) 2 to 4 L/min
C) 4 to 8 L/min
D) 8 to 12 L/min
Correct Answer: 4 to 8 L/min
Rationale: Normal cardiac output in an adult is 4 to 8 L/min. Cardiac index (CI), which is
adjusted for body size, normally ranges from 2.4 to 4 L/min/m². CO is calculated as heart
rate multiplied by stroke volume.
6. A nurse is preparing to insert a radial arterial line. Which assessment should be
performed before the procedure?
A) Allen test
B) Romberg test
C) Babinski reflex
D) Kernig sign
Correct Answer: Allen test
Rationale: The Allen test assesses collateral circulation to the hand before radial artery
cannulation. If ulnar refill occurs within 7 seconds, circulation to the hand is adequate. The
Romberg test assesses balance, Babinski assesses neurological function, and Kernig sign
assesses meningeal irritation.
7. What is the most common complication following cardiac catheterization?
University of Texas at Arlington
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of hemodynamic monitoring
in a critically ill client?
A) To assess renal function and fluid balance
B) To evaluate cardiac function and guide therapy
C) To monitor respiratory status and oxygenation
D) To determine nutritional needs and metabolism
Correct Answer: To evaluate cardiac function and guide therapy
Rationale: Hemodynamic monitoring provides direct and continuous assessment of
cardiac function, including preload, afterload, and contractility, to guide therapy in critically
ill clients. It does not primarily assess renal function, respiratory status, or nutritional
needs, although these are important considerations.
2. A nurse is caring for a client with a pulmonary artery catheter. Which parameter reflects
left ventricular preload?
A) Central venous pressure (CVP)
B) Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PAS)
C) Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)
D) Systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
Correct Answer: Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)
,Rationale: Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) reflects left ventricular preload
(left side volume). CVP reflects right ventricular preload, PAS reflects right ventricular
afterload, and SVR reflects left ventricular afterload (arterial tone).
3. The nurse is assessing a client with a central venous pressure (CVP) of 10 mm Hg. What
does this finding indicate?
A) Decreased right ventricular preload
B) Elevated right ventricular preload
C) Decreased left ventricular preload
D) Elevated left ventricular preload
Correct Answer: Elevated right ventricular preload
Rationale: A CVP above 8 mm Hg indicates elevated right ventricular preload, commonly
related to hypervolemia or right heart failure. A CVP below 2 mm Hg indicates reduced
right ventricular preload. CVP does not directly reflect left ventricular preload.
4. A client with a systemic vascular resistance (SVR) of 1500 dynes/sec/cm⁵ is at risk for
which condition?
A) Hypotension
B) Increased afterload
C) Decreased afterload
D) Reduced contractility
Correct Answer: Increased afterload
Rationale: An SVR greater than 1200 dynes/sec/cm⁵ indicates increased left ventricular
afterload (arterial tone). This can lead to increased myocardial workload and oxygen
demand. Low SVR (below 800) indicates vasodilation and reduced afterload.
, 5. What is the normal range for cardiac output (CO) in an adult?
A) 1 to 2 L/min
B) 2 to 4 L/min
C) 4 to 8 L/min
D) 8 to 12 L/min
Correct Answer: 4 to 8 L/min
Rationale: Normal cardiac output in an adult is 4 to 8 L/min. Cardiac index (CI), which is
adjusted for body size, normally ranges from 2.4 to 4 L/min/m². CO is calculated as heart
rate multiplied by stroke volume.
6. A nurse is preparing to insert a radial arterial line. Which assessment should be
performed before the procedure?
A) Allen test
B) Romberg test
C) Babinski reflex
D) Kernig sign
Correct Answer: Allen test
Rationale: The Allen test assesses collateral circulation to the hand before radial artery
cannulation. If ulnar refill occurs within 7 seconds, circulation to the hand is adequate. The
Romberg test assesses balance, Babinski assesses neurological function, and Kernig sign
assesses meningeal irritation.
7. What is the most common complication following cardiac catheterization?
