Prophecy/Relias Cardiac Cath Lab RN A – Exam Prep
2025/2026 | 300+ Verified Nursing Assessment
Questions with Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales
| Updated Study Guide for Cardiac Catheterization,
Patient Care & Clinical Procedures | Complete RN
Competency Test Prep Pack
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of a cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: To diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions.
Rationale: Cardiac catheterization allows for direct visualization of coronary arteries,
enabling diagnosis of blockages, measurement of pressures within the heart, and
potential interventions such as angioplasty or stent placement.
Question 2
What is the significance of assessing renal function before a cardiac
catheterization?
Correct Answer: To prevent contrast-induced nephropathy.
Rationale: Patients with impaired renal function are at higher risk for contrast-induced
nephropathy due to the nephrotoxic effects of contrast media used during the
procedure.
Question 3
Which medication is commonly administered before a cardiac catheterization to
reduce anxiety?
Correct Answer: Midazolam (Versed).
Rationale: Midazolam is a benzodiazepine that provides sedation and anxiety relief,
making the procedure more comfortable for the patient.
Question 4
What is the role of the nurse in the post-procedure care of a patient who has
undergone cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: Monitor for complications such as bleeding and hematoma formation.
Rationale: After the procedure, the nurse must closely observe the insertion site for
signs of bleeding or hematoma and assess the patient's vital signs and overall status to
ensure stability.
,Question 5
What is a critical assessment finding that may indicate a complication during
cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: Sudden onset of chest pain or changes in vital signs.
Rationale: These changes may indicate myocardial ischemia or complications such as
dissection of a coronary artery or a reaction to contrast media.
Question 6
What is the standard approach for accessing the coronary arteries during a cardiac
catheterization?
Correct Answer: Femoral artery access.
Rationale: The femoral artery is the most common site for catheter insertion due to its
size and accessibility, allowing for easy navigation to the coronary arteries.
Question 7
What is the purpose of administering antiplatelet agents before and after a cardiac
cath procedure?
Correct Answer: To prevent thrombus formation.
Rationale: Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, reduce the risk of
clot formation at the site of intervention, improving outcomes.
Question 8
Which of the following is a potential complication of cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: Cardiac perforation.
Rationale: Cardiac perforation is a rare but serious complication that can occur during
catheter manipulation, leading to cardiac tamponade and requiring immediate
intervention.
Question 9
What is the significance of using a sheath during cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: It allows for multiple catheter insertions without additional punctures.
Rationale: The sheath provides a stable access point for multiple catheter exchanges,
reducing trauma to the artery and minimizing bleeding risk.
,Question 10
What is the role of the contrast agent used during cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: To enhance visualization of the coronary arteries.
Rationale: Contrast agents are radiopaque substances that allow for clearer imaging of
blood vessels during fluoroscopy, aiding in the diagnosis of blockages.
Question 11
How should a patient be positioned during a cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: Supine with the head slightly elevated.
Rationale: This position facilitates access to the femoral artery and allows for optimal
monitoring during the procedure.
Question 12
What is the importance of continuous ECG monitoring during cardiac
catheterization?
Correct Answer: To detect arrhythmias or changes in myocardial ischemia.
Rationale: Continuous ECG monitoring allows for immediate identification of any
arrhythmias or ischemic changes, enabling prompt intervention.
Question 13
What lab tests should be reviewed prior to cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: Renal function tests (BUN, creatinine) and coagulation studies (INR,
aPTT).
Rationale: Assessing renal function helps evaluate the risk of contrast-induced
nephropathy, while coagulation studies ensure that the patient’s bleeding risk is
minimized.
Question 14
What is the recommended post-procedure care for a patient who had a radial
artery access?
Correct Answer: Maintain wrist immobilization and monitor for bleeding.
Rationale: After radial artery access, the wrist should be immobilized to prevent
, movement at the access site, and the nurse should monitor for signs of bleeding or
hematoma.
Question 15
What patient education should be provided regarding the use of contrast media?
Correct Answer: Inform the patient about potential allergic reactions and the
importance of hydration.
Rationale: Patients should be aware of the risks of allergic reactions to contrast media
and the need for hydration to help flush the contrast from their system post-procedure.
Question 16
Which finding on a chest X-ray could indicate complications after a cardiac
catheterization?
Correct Answer: Presence of pulmonary edema.
Rationale: Pulmonary edema on a chest X-ray may indicate heart failure or fluid
overload, potentially resulting from complications during the procedure.
Question 17
What is the importance of verifying the patient's allergy history before cardiac
catheterization?
Correct Answer: To prevent allergic reactions to contrast media.
Rationale: Knowing the patient’s allergy history helps avoid administering contrast
agents that may trigger severe allergic reactions.
Question 18
What symptom should be reported immediately during the recovery phase after
cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: New onset of chest pain or difficulty breathing.
Rationale: These symptoms may indicate a serious complication requiring immediate
medical attention, such as myocardial ischemia or pulmonary embolism.
Question 19
What is the expected discharge instruction for a patient after a cardiac
catheterization?
2025/2026 | 300+ Verified Nursing Assessment
Questions with Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales
| Updated Study Guide for Cardiac Catheterization,
Patient Care & Clinical Procedures | Complete RN
Competency Test Prep Pack
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of a cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: To diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions.
Rationale: Cardiac catheterization allows for direct visualization of coronary arteries,
enabling diagnosis of blockages, measurement of pressures within the heart, and
potential interventions such as angioplasty or stent placement.
Question 2
What is the significance of assessing renal function before a cardiac
catheterization?
Correct Answer: To prevent contrast-induced nephropathy.
Rationale: Patients with impaired renal function are at higher risk for contrast-induced
nephropathy due to the nephrotoxic effects of contrast media used during the
procedure.
Question 3
Which medication is commonly administered before a cardiac catheterization to
reduce anxiety?
Correct Answer: Midazolam (Versed).
Rationale: Midazolam is a benzodiazepine that provides sedation and anxiety relief,
making the procedure more comfortable for the patient.
Question 4
What is the role of the nurse in the post-procedure care of a patient who has
undergone cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: Monitor for complications such as bleeding and hematoma formation.
Rationale: After the procedure, the nurse must closely observe the insertion site for
signs of bleeding or hematoma and assess the patient's vital signs and overall status to
ensure stability.
,Question 5
What is a critical assessment finding that may indicate a complication during
cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: Sudden onset of chest pain or changes in vital signs.
Rationale: These changes may indicate myocardial ischemia or complications such as
dissection of a coronary artery or a reaction to contrast media.
Question 6
What is the standard approach for accessing the coronary arteries during a cardiac
catheterization?
Correct Answer: Femoral artery access.
Rationale: The femoral artery is the most common site for catheter insertion due to its
size and accessibility, allowing for easy navigation to the coronary arteries.
Question 7
What is the purpose of administering antiplatelet agents before and after a cardiac
cath procedure?
Correct Answer: To prevent thrombus formation.
Rationale: Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, reduce the risk of
clot formation at the site of intervention, improving outcomes.
Question 8
Which of the following is a potential complication of cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: Cardiac perforation.
Rationale: Cardiac perforation is a rare but serious complication that can occur during
catheter manipulation, leading to cardiac tamponade and requiring immediate
intervention.
Question 9
What is the significance of using a sheath during cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: It allows for multiple catheter insertions without additional punctures.
Rationale: The sheath provides a stable access point for multiple catheter exchanges,
reducing trauma to the artery and minimizing bleeding risk.
,Question 10
What is the role of the contrast agent used during cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: To enhance visualization of the coronary arteries.
Rationale: Contrast agents are radiopaque substances that allow for clearer imaging of
blood vessels during fluoroscopy, aiding in the diagnosis of blockages.
Question 11
How should a patient be positioned during a cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: Supine with the head slightly elevated.
Rationale: This position facilitates access to the femoral artery and allows for optimal
monitoring during the procedure.
Question 12
What is the importance of continuous ECG monitoring during cardiac
catheterization?
Correct Answer: To detect arrhythmias or changes in myocardial ischemia.
Rationale: Continuous ECG monitoring allows for immediate identification of any
arrhythmias or ischemic changes, enabling prompt intervention.
Question 13
What lab tests should be reviewed prior to cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: Renal function tests (BUN, creatinine) and coagulation studies (INR,
aPTT).
Rationale: Assessing renal function helps evaluate the risk of contrast-induced
nephropathy, while coagulation studies ensure that the patient’s bleeding risk is
minimized.
Question 14
What is the recommended post-procedure care for a patient who had a radial
artery access?
Correct Answer: Maintain wrist immobilization and monitor for bleeding.
Rationale: After radial artery access, the wrist should be immobilized to prevent
, movement at the access site, and the nurse should monitor for signs of bleeding or
hematoma.
Question 15
What patient education should be provided regarding the use of contrast media?
Correct Answer: Inform the patient about potential allergic reactions and the
importance of hydration.
Rationale: Patients should be aware of the risks of allergic reactions to contrast media
and the need for hydration to help flush the contrast from their system post-procedure.
Question 16
Which finding on a chest X-ray could indicate complications after a cardiac
catheterization?
Correct Answer: Presence of pulmonary edema.
Rationale: Pulmonary edema on a chest X-ray may indicate heart failure or fluid
overload, potentially resulting from complications during the procedure.
Question 17
What is the importance of verifying the patient's allergy history before cardiac
catheterization?
Correct Answer: To prevent allergic reactions to contrast media.
Rationale: Knowing the patient’s allergy history helps avoid administering contrast
agents that may trigger severe allergic reactions.
Question 18
What symptom should be reported immediately during the recovery phase after
cardiac catheterization?
Correct Answer: New onset of chest pain or difficulty breathing.
Rationale: These symptoms may indicate a serious complication requiring immediate
medical attention, such as myocardial ischemia or pulmonary embolism.
Question 19
What is the expected discharge instruction for a patient after a cardiac
catheterization?
