CMC Practice Questions – AACN with
the correct answers 2026
While-caring-for-a-patient-with-an-IABP-at-3:1,-the-nurse-notes:
A.-decreasing-urine-output-as-well-as-increasing-BUN-and-CR-levels;-the-nurse-should-increase-
timing-to-2:1
B.-absent-pulses-in-the-proximal-extremity;-the-nurse-should-apply-pressure-at-the-insertion-site.
C.-blood-in-the-IABP-tubing;-the-nurse-should-disconnect-the-balloon-catheter-from-the-IABP.
D.-blood-oozing-from-the-insertion-site;-the-nurse-should-anticipate-the-need-for-an-emergency-
fasciotomy.---correct-answers--A.-incorrect.-decreasing-urine-output-with-increasing-BUN-and-CR-
levels-with-an-IABP-in-place-indicates-obstruction-of-the-renal-arteries.-The-nurse-should-plan-for-
removal.
B.-incorrect.-absent-pulses-distal-to-the-insertion-site-indicates-complete-occlusion-of-the-
femoral-artery.-application-of-pressure-to-the-insertion-site-will-worsen-the-obstruction.
C.-correct.-blood-in-the-IABP-tubing-indicates-a-rupture-of-the-balloon.-Continuing-to-allow-the-
IABP-to-inflate-and-deflate-will-increase-the-size-of-the-rupture,-causing-more-bleeding.-the-nurse-
should-plan-for-removal-or-exchange-of-the-IABP-catheter.
D.-incorrect.-a-fasciotomy-would-be-indicated-if-the-patient-had-an-increase-in-fluid-accumulation-
in-the-extremities-causing-significant-injury-to-the-limb.
An-IABP-is-currently-at-3:1-when-the-patient-suddenly-goes-into-ventricular-fibrillation.-In-
addition-to-resuscitative-measures,-the-nurse-should:
A.-change-the-trigger-to-internal-or-pressure-support-resuscitative-measures.
,B.-increase-timing-back-to-1:1-to-increase-coronary-artery-perfusion-pressure.
C.-put-the-pump-on-standby-until-the-return-of-spontaneous-circulation.
D.-assess-the-IABP-timing-to-chest-compressions-at-1:2.---correct-answers--A.-correct.-the-IABP-
will-not-be-able-to-time-correctly-when-a-patient-is-in-V-Fib.-by-placing-the-system-to-trigger-on-
internal-or-pressure-support,-it-will-generate-off-the-pressure-created-during-compressions.
B.-incorrect.-attempting-to-time-the-IABP-back-to-1:1-will-be-counterproductive,-as-it-will-not-be-
able-to-trigger-correctly.
C.-incorrect.-there-is-significant-risk-of-clot-forming-on-the-IABP-when-placed-in-stand-for-an-
indeterminate-amount-of-time.
D.-incorrect.-the-primary-goal-during-resuscitative-measures-is-to-attempt-to-circulate-blood-
volume-as-effectively-as-possible.-assessing-the-timing-of-the-IABP-is-unnecessary.
The-nurse-is-reviewing-the-home-medications-list-for-a-patient-admitted-c/o-severe-chest-pain.-
serial-EKGs-and-blood-testing-are-negative,-so-an-exercise-stress-test-is-scheduled.-which-of-the-
following-medications-may-result-in-a-false-positive-finding-on-the-stress-test?
A.-digitalis-(Digoxin)
B.-potassium-chloride-(K-Dur)
C.-sotalol-(Betapace)
D.-diltiazem-(Cardiazem)---correct-answers--A.-correct.-digitalis-can-cause-false-positive-EKG-
changes-during-a-stress-test.-there-is-an-association-between-the-development-of-ST-segment-
depression-during-stress-testing.-the-mechanism-of-this-EKG-change-is-not-clear.-further,-digitalis-
should-be-withheld-on-the-day-of-the-test-because-of-its-negative-chronotropic-effects.
B.-incorrect.
C-&-D.-incorrect.-beta-blockers-and-calcium-channel-blockers-blunt-the-heart-rate-response-to-
exercise-and-may-prevent-achievement-of-maximum-predicted-heart-rate.-they-should-be-
withheld-on-the-day-of-the-test.
A-patient-is-admitted-with-elevated-troponin-levels-and-ST-segment-elevation-in-leads-II,-III,-and-
aVF.-Administration-of-which-of-the-following-should-the-nurse-anticipate-initially?
A.-enoxaparin-(Lovenox)
,B.-streptokinase-(Strepase)
C.-alteplase-(Activase)
D.-reteplase-(Retavase)---correct-answers--A.-incorrect.-enoxaparin-is-an-alternative-to-heparin-in-
patients-with-unstable-angina,-NSTEMI-or-DVT.
B.-incorrect.-streptokinase-is-indicated-for-acute-arterial-thrombosis-or-embolism,-or-occluded-
AV-cannulas.
C.-incorrect.-alteplase-in-indicated-for-acute-ischemic-stroke-or-acute-massive-pulmonary-
embolism.
D.-correct.-reteplase-is-indicated-for-AMI-when-fibrinolytics-are-indicated.
Which-of-the-following-is-a-characteristic-of-diastolic-heart-failure?
A.-inability-of-the-heart-muscle-to-relax.
B.-dilation-of-the-ventricular-chambers.
C.-increased-filling-of-the-left-ventricle.
D.-decreased-ability-of-the-ventricle-to-contract.---correct-answers--A.-correct.-with-diastolic-
heart-failure-the-left-ventricle-is-unable-to-relax,-leading-to-signs-and-symptoms-of-heart-failure,-
but-the-patient-maintains-a-preserved-EF-as-the-muscle-retains-its-ability-to-contract.
B.-incorrect.-dilation-of-the-ventricular-chambers-is-a-characteristic-of-systolic-heart-failure.
C.-incorrect.-diastolic-heart-failure-is-an-abnormality-with-heart-filling.-the-heart-muscle-does-not-
relax-normally,-and-the-heart-may-fill-too-slowly-or-asynchronously.-if-the-left-ventricle-does-not-
relax-properly-or-is-thick-and-stiff,-it-does-not-fill-in-the-usual-manner-and-blood-is-drawn-back-
into-the-left-atrium-and-eventually-into-the-lungs.
D.-incorrect.-decreased-ability-of-the-ventricle-to-contract-is-a-symptom-of-overextension-of-the-
heart-muscle-in-patients-with-cardiomyopathy.
Following-a-STEMI,-the-nurse-auscultates-a-late-systolic-murmur-at-the-apex.-The-nurse-should-
suspect-the-finding-is-r/t-the-new-onset-of-a:
A.-right-bundle-branch-block
B.-left-bundle-branch-block
, C.-papillary-muscle-rupture
D.-calcific-plaque-rupture---correct-answers--A.-incorrect.-a-RBBB-would-cause-an-electrical-delay-
in-conduction-for-a-wide-split-S2.
B.-incorrect.-a-LBBB-would-cause-and-electrical-delay-in-ventricular-conduction-for-a-paroxical-
split-S2.
C.-correct.-a-papillary-muscle-chord-rupture-results-from-ischemia-to-the-tissue-supplying-the-
mitral-valve.-a-systolic-murmur-is-heard-due-to-mitral-regurgitation.
D.-incorrect.-plaque-rupture-would-cause-an-occlusion-of-the-coronary-artery-that-would-not-
directly-cause-a-new-systolic-murmur.
The-nurse-is-reviewing-the-plan-of-care-for-a-patient-with-systolic-heart-failure-who-has-enalapril-
(Vasotec),-furosemide-(Lasix),-metoprolol-(Lopressor),-and-carvedilol-(Coreg)-ordered.-Which-of-
the-following-will-provide-the-most-accurate-assessment-of-the-regimen?
A.-daily-weights
B.-strict-I&O
C.-BMP-every-morning
D.-serial-CXRYs---correct-answers--A.-correct.-assessing-daily-weights-is-a-noninvasive-and-easy-
method-to-assess-compliance-with-the-effectiveness-of-a-medical-regimen-in-patients-with-heart-
failure,-observing-the-patient's-ability-to-maintain-a-consistent-weight-indicates-compliance-as-
well-as-the-effectiveness-of-the-medical-regimen.
B.-incorrect.-strict-I&O-is-only-one-component-of-a-plan-of-care-but-does-not-assess-if-a-patient-
adheres-to-the-medical-regimen-or-if-the-regimen-is-effective.
C.-incorrect.-a-daily-BMP-would-not-help-assess-the-effectiveness-of-the-medical-regimen-as-the-
majority-of-the-panel-components-are-not-affected-by-the-drugs-listed.
D.-incorrect.-serial-CXRYs-could-reveal-worsening-heart-failure,-but-assessing-daily-weights-is-far-
easier,-noninvasive-and-cost-effective.
Which-of-the-following-patient-situations-might-be-best-treated-with-the-maze-procedure?
A.-recurrent-ventricular-tachycardia-refractory-to-cardioversion
B.-recurrent-atrial-fibrillation-refractory-to-drug-therapy
the correct answers 2026
While-caring-for-a-patient-with-an-IABP-at-3:1,-the-nurse-notes:
A.-decreasing-urine-output-as-well-as-increasing-BUN-and-CR-levels;-the-nurse-should-increase-
timing-to-2:1
B.-absent-pulses-in-the-proximal-extremity;-the-nurse-should-apply-pressure-at-the-insertion-site.
C.-blood-in-the-IABP-tubing;-the-nurse-should-disconnect-the-balloon-catheter-from-the-IABP.
D.-blood-oozing-from-the-insertion-site;-the-nurse-should-anticipate-the-need-for-an-emergency-
fasciotomy.---correct-answers--A.-incorrect.-decreasing-urine-output-with-increasing-BUN-and-CR-
levels-with-an-IABP-in-place-indicates-obstruction-of-the-renal-arteries.-The-nurse-should-plan-for-
removal.
B.-incorrect.-absent-pulses-distal-to-the-insertion-site-indicates-complete-occlusion-of-the-
femoral-artery.-application-of-pressure-to-the-insertion-site-will-worsen-the-obstruction.
C.-correct.-blood-in-the-IABP-tubing-indicates-a-rupture-of-the-balloon.-Continuing-to-allow-the-
IABP-to-inflate-and-deflate-will-increase-the-size-of-the-rupture,-causing-more-bleeding.-the-nurse-
should-plan-for-removal-or-exchange-of-the-IABP-catheter.
D.-incorrect.-a-fasciotomy-would-be-indicated-if-the-patient-had-an-increase-in-fluid-accumulation-
in-the-extremities-causing-significant-injury-to-the-limb.
An-IABP-is-currently-at-3:1-when-the-patient-suddenly-goes-into-ventricular-fibrillation.-In-
addition-to-resuscitative-measures,-the-nurse-should:
A.-change-the-trigger-to-internal-or-pressure-support-resuscitative-measures.
,B.-increase-timing-back-to-1:1-to-increase-coronary-artery-perfusion-pressure.
C.-put-the-pump-on-standby-until-the-return-of-spontaneous-circulation.
D.-assess-the-IABP-timing-to-chest-compressions-at-1:2.---correct-answers--A.-correct.-the-IABP-
will-not-be-able-to-time-correctly-when-a-patient-is-in-V-Fib.-by-placing-the-system-to-trigger-on-
internal-or-pressure-support,-it-will-generate-off-the-pressure-created-during-compressions.
B.-incorrect.-attempting-to-time-the-IABP-back-to-1:1-will-be-counterproductive,-as-it-will-not-be-
able-to-trigger-correctly.
C.-incorrect.-there-is-significant-risk-of-clot-forming-on-the-IABP-when-placed-in-stand-for-an-
indeterminate-amount-of-time.
D.-incorrect.-the-primary-goal-during-resuscitative-measures-is-to-attempt-to-circulate-blood-
volume-as-effectively-as-possible.-assessing-the-timing-of-the-IABP-is-unnecessary.
The-nurse-is-reviewing-the-home-medications-list-for-a-patient-admitted-c/o-severe-chest-pain.-
serial-EKGs-and-blood-testing-are-negative,-so-an-exercise-stress-test-is-scheduled.-which-of-the-
following-medications-may-result-in-a-false-positive-finding-on-the-stress-test?
A.-digitalis-(Digoxin)
B.-potassium-chloride-(K-Dur)
C.-sotalol-(Betapace)
D.-diltiazem-(Cardiazem)---correct-answers--A.-correct.-digitalis-can-cause-false-positive-EKG-
changes-during-a-stress-test.-there-is-an-association-between-the-development-of-ST-segment-
depression-during-stress-testing.-the-mechanism-of-this-EKG-change-is-not-clear.-further,-digitalis-
should-be-withheld-on-the-day-of-the-test-because-of-its-negative-chronotropic-effects.
B.-incorrect.
C-&-D.-incorrect.-beta-blockers-and-calcium-channel-blockers-blunt-the-heart-rate-response-to-
exercise-and-may-prevent-achievement-of-maximum-predicted-heart-rate.-they-should-be-
withheld-on-the-day-of-the-test.
A-patient-is-admitted-with-elevated-troponin-levels-and-ST-segment-elevation-in-leads-II,-III,-and-
aVF.-Administration-of-which-of-the-following-should-the-nurse-anticipate-initially?
A.-enoxaparin-(Lovenox)
,B.-streptokinase-(Strepase)
C.-alteplase-(Activase)
D.-reteplase-(Retavase)---correct-answers--A.-incorrect.-enoxaparin-is-an-alternative-to-heparin-in-
patients-with-unstable-angina,-NSTEMI-or-DVT.
B.-incorrect.-streptokinase-is-indicated-for-acute-arterial-thrombosis-or-embolism,-or-occluded-
AV-cannulas.
C.-incorrect.-alteplase-in-indicated-for-acute-ischemic-stroke-or-acute-massive-pulmonary-
embolism.
D.-correct.-reteplase-is-indicated-for-AMI-when-fibrinolytics-are-indicated.
Which-of-the-following-is-a-characteristic-of-diastolic-heart-failure?
A.-inability-of-the-heart-muscle-to-relax.
B.-dilation-of-the-ventricular-chambers.
C.-increased-filling-of-the-left-ventricle.
D.-decreased-ability-of-the-ventricle-to-contract.---correct-answers--A.-correct.-with-diastolic-
heart-failure-the-left-ventricle-is-unable-to-relax,-leading-to-signs-and-symptoms-of-heart-failure,-
but-the-patient-maintains-a-preserved-EF-as-the-muscle-retains-its-ability-to-contract.
B.-incorrect.-dilation-of-the-ventricular-chambers-is-a-characteristic-of-systolic-heart-failure.
C.-incorrect.-diastolic-heart-failure-is-an-abnormality-with-heart-filling.-the-heart-muscle-does-not-
relax-normally,-and-the-heart-may-fill-too-slowly-or-asynchronously.-if-the-left-ventricle-does-not-
relax-properly-or-is-thick-and-stiff,-it-does-not-fill-in-the-usual-manner-and-blood-is-drawn-back-
into-the-left-atrium-and-eventually-into-the-lungs.
D.-incorrect.-decreased-ability-of-the-ventricle-to-contract-is-a-symptom-of-overextension-of-the-
heart-muscle-in-patients-with-cardiomyopathy.
Following-a-STEMI,-the-nurse-auscultates-a-late-systolic-murmur-at-the-apex.-The-nurse-should-
suspect-the-finding-is-r/t-the-new-onset-of-a:
A.-right-bundle-branch-block
B.-left-bundle-branch-block
, C.-papillary-muscle-rupture
D.-calcific-plaque-rupture---correct-answers--A.-incorrect.-a-RBBB-would-cause-an-electrical-delay-
in-conduction-for-a-wide-split-S2.
B.-incorrect.-a-LBBB-would-cause-and-electrical-delay-in-ventricular-conduction-for-a-paroxical-
split-S2.
C.-correct.-a-papillary-muscle-chord-rupture-results-from-ischemia-to-the-tissue-supplying-the-
mitral-valve.-a-systolic-murmur-is-heard-due-to-mitral-regurgitation.
D.-incorrect.-plaque-rupture-would-cause-an-occlusion-of-the-coronary-artery-that-would-not-
directly-cause-a-new-systolic-murmur.
The-nurse-is-reviewing-the-plan-of-care-for-a-patient-with-systolic-heart-failure-who-has-enalapril-
(Vasotec),-furosemide-(Lasix),-metoprolol-(Lopressor),-and-carvedilol-(Coreg)-ordered.-Which-of-
the-following-will-provide-the-most-accurate-assessment-of-the-regimen?
A.-daily-weights
B.-strict-I&O
C.-BMP-every-morning
D.-serial-CXRYs---correct-answers--A.-correct.-assessing-daily-weights-is-a-noninvasive-and-easy-
method-to-assess-compliance-with-the-effectiveness-of-a-medical-regimen-in-patients-with-heart-
failure,-observing-the-patient's-ability-to-maintain-a-consistent-weight-indicates-compliance-as-
well-as-the-effectiveness-of-the-medical-regimen.
B.-incorrect.-strict-I&O-is-only-one-component-of-a-plan-of-care-but-does-not-assess-if-a-patient-
adheres-to-the-medical-regimen-or-if-the-regimen-is-effective.
C.-incorrect.-a-daily-BMP-would-not-help-assess-the-effectiveness-of-the-medical-regimen-as-the-
majority-of-the-panel-components-are-not-affected-by-the-drugs-listed.
D.-incorrect.-serial-CXRYs-could-reveal-worsening-heart-failure,-but-assessing-daily-weights-is-far-
easier,-noninvasive-and-cost-effective.
Which-of-the-following-patient-situations-might-be-best-treated-with-the-maze-procedure?
A.-recurrent-ventricular-tachycardia-refractory-to-cardioversion
B.-recurrent-atrial-fibrillation-refractory-to-drug-therapy
