AACN practice test Questions and Answers
Updated 2026
which finding is most consistent with an acute elevation in left ventricular filling
pressure? - Answerbibasilar crackles
when pressure in the LV increases suddenly, fluid is forced into the alveoli by an
increase in hydrostatic pressure
following ACS affecting the anterior wall, a patient develops SOB. Assessment
reveals moist bibasilar crackles and a moderately loud S3. a PAC is inserted and a
PAOP of 22 is obtained. these findings are most indicative of - Answerleft ventricular
decompensation
this patient has a risk factor for and signs of LV failure (anterior MI). A rise in the
PAOP and S3 is reflective of increased LVED pressure. when pressure in the LV
increases suddenly, fluid is forced into the alveoli by an increase in hydrostatic
pressure
a patient with AMI develops a new 4/6 holosystolic murmur and quickly progresses
to cardiogenic shock. which should the nurse anticipate? - Answerpreparation for a
TEE
the new onset of a murmur with AMI is a sign of papillary muscle rupture. an
echocardiogram will diagnose this rupture
a patient with WPW is given verapamil and becomes unconscious with a wide
complex tachycardia, a weak pulse, and hypotension. what should the nurse do
initially? - Answerprepare for synchronized cardioversion
verapamil blocked the AV node but not the pathway of WPW. the S/E of verapamil is
hypotension and the patient has become unstable. emergency synchronized
cardioversion is necessary. the patient has a pulse so defibrillation is not required,
amio is given for patients without a pulse
a patient is admitted with chest heaviness, muffled heart sounds, JVD, and
hypotension following a stab wound to the chest. for which should the nurse initially
prepare the patient? - Answerechocardiogram
this patient is at risk for and has symptoms for cardiac tamponade. the diagnosis is
most accurately made with an echocardiogram.
in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy, appropriate drug therapy should be
aimed at - Answerdecreasing afterload and decreasing preload
the patient has systolic dysfunction. chronic heart failure due to dilated
cardiomyopathy (systolic dysfunction) is managed by diuresis, afterload reduction
and inotropes as needed. increased afterload will increase cardiac workload and
worsen heart failure symptoms, as will increasing preload
Updated 2026
which finding is most consistent with an acute elevation in left ventricular filling
pressure? - Answerbibasilar crackles
when pressure in the LV increases suddenly, fluid is forced into the alveoli by an
increase in hydrostatic pressure
following ACS affecting the anterior wall, a patient develops SOB. Assessment
reveals moist bibasilar crackles and a moderately loud S3. a PAC is inserted and a
PAOP of 22 is obtained. these findings are most indicative of - Answerleft ventricular
decompensation
this patient has a risk factor for and signs of LV failure (anterior MI). A rise in the
PAOP and S3 is reflective of increased LVED pressure. when pressure in the LV
increases suddenly, fluid is forced into the alveoli by an increase in hydrostatic
pressure
a patient with AMI develops a new 4/6 holosystolic murmur and quickly progresses
to cardiogenic shock. which should the nurse anticipate? - Answerpreparation for a
TEE
the new onset of a murmur with AMI is a sign of papillary muscle rupture. an
echocardiogram will diagnose this rupture
a patient with WPW is given verapamil and becomes unconscious with a wide
complex tachycardia, a weak pulse, and hypotension. what should the nurse do
initially? - Answerprepare for synchronized cardioversion
verapamil blocked the AV node but not the pathway of WPW. the S/E of verapamil is
hypotension and the patient has become unstable. emergency synchronized
cardioversion is necessary. the patient has a pulse so defibrillation is not required,
amio is given for patients without a pulse
a patient is admitted with chest heaviness, muffled heart sounds, JVD, and
hypotension following a stab wound to the chest. for which should the nurse initially
prepare the patient? - Answerechocardiogram
this patient is at risk for and has symptoms for cardiac tamponade. the diagnosis is
most accurately made with an echocardiogram.
in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy, appropriate drug therapy should be
aimed at - Answerdecreasing afterload and decreasing preload
the patient has systolic dysfunction. chronic heart failure due to dilated
cardiomyopathy (systolic dysfunction) is managed by diuresis, afterload reduction
and inotropes as needed. increased afterload will increase cardiac workload and
worsen heart failure symptoms, as will increasing preload
