Hemodynamic Monitoring

1. What does central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring primarily assess? A. Cardiac output B. Left ventricular function C. Right atrial pressure D. Systemic vascular resistance Answer: C. Right atrial pressure Rationale: CVP monitoring provides an estimate of right atrial pressure and reflects the volume status and function of the right side of the heart. ________________________________________ 2. Which of the following is a complication associated with pulmonary artery catheter placement? A. Hypoglycemia B. Cardiac arrhythmias C. Hypertension D. Hyperkalemia Answer: B. Cardiac arrhythmias Rationale: Placement of a pulmonary artery catheter can irritate cardiac tissue and lead to arrhythmias. ________________________________________ 3. A nurse is monitoring a patient with a Swan-Ganz catheter. Which parameter indicates a potential left-sided heart failure? A. Increased CVP B. Decreased pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) C. Increased PAWP D. Decreased cardiac output Answer: C. Increased PAWP Rationale: Increased PAWP indicates increased left atrial pressure, suggesting left-sided heart failure. ________________________________________ 4. What is the primary purpose of arterial blood pressure monitoring in critically ill patients? A. Assessing tissue perfusion B. Monitoring heart rate C. Evaluating electrolyte balance D. Measuring blood pH Answer: A. Assessing tissue perfusion Rationale: Continuous arterial blood pressure monitoring provides vital information about perfusion and hemodynamic status. ________________________________________ 5. Which factor can influence the accuracy of a CVP reading? A. Patient position B. Age of the patient C. Gender of the patient D. Medication administered Answer: A. Patient position Rationale: The CVP should be measured with the patient in a consistent position (usually supine) to ensure accuracy. ________________________________________ 6. When assessing a patient’s hemodynamic status, the nurse notes a decreased cardiac output. What is the most immediate nursing action? A. Administer diuretics B. Notify the healthcare provider C. Assess the patient for signs of shock D. Document the findings Answer: C. Assess the patient for signs of shock Rationale: Immediate assessment of the patient’s clinical status is crucial to identify potential complications or the need for intervention. ________________________________________ 7. A patient with a pulmonary artery catheter has a PAWP of 18 mmHg. The nurse understands that this finding may indicate: A. Dehydration B. Right ventricular failure C. Left ventricular failure D. Hypovolemia Answer: C. Left ventricular failure Rationale: An elevated PAWP suggests increased left atrial pressure, typically associated with left ventricular failure. ________________________________________ 8. In hemodynamic monitoring, a systemic vascular resistance (SVR) of 800 dynes/sec/cm5 is interpreted as: A. Normal B. High C. Low D. Critical Answer: A. Normal Rationale: Normal SVR ranges from 800 to 1200 dynes/sec/cm5, indicating adequate peripheral vascular tone. ________________________________________ 9. A patient is being monitored for heart failure. Which hemodynamic parameter would indicate improved left ventricular function? A. Decreased PAWP B. Increased heart rate C. Decreased cardiac output D. Increased SVR Answer: A. Decreased PAWP Rationale: A decrease in PAWP indicates improved left ventricular function and reduced left atrial pressure. ________________________________________ 10. What is the primary nursing intervention for a patient with hypotension and a low CVP reading? A. Administer antihypertensive medication B. Administer IV fluids C. Prepare for intubation D. Apply compression stockings