PCCN Real Exam and study guide 300 Questions with
Correct Answers 2024-2025, Graded A+
a loss of 1 L of a fluid that is _____ would result in the greatest decrease in the effective circulating
volume - ANSWER-isotonic
fluid losses from the body could lead to either - ANSWER-hypertonicity or hypotonicity
ST segment elevation indicates ____ injury - ANSWER-acute
in the presence of an alkalosis, the ionized portion of serum calcium: - ANSWER-decreased
the ______________ compartment will provide a disproportionately greater share of a hypotonic fluid
loss from the body - ANSWER-extracellular
Calculate the cardiac output for a pt with a HR of 70 and a SV of 65 ml. - ANSWER-HR X SV=CO
70 X 65= 4550
4.6 L/min
Calculate the cardiac output for a pt with a HR of 70 and a SV of 65 ml.
HR X SV=CO - ANSWER-HR X SV=CO
70 X 65= 4550
4.6 L/min
What % of the cardiac cycle is provided by the atrial kick? - ANSWER-20%
What is Atrial Kick? - ANSWER-Atrial kick is a term that represents the amount of the total CO that is
supplied via atrial contraction.
,If the pt has a condition or dysrhythmia that impairs or eliminates the atrial contraction, the pt may be
compromised.
A normal value for an EF would be? - ANSWER-The EF should be more than 50%. It represents the
amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle compared to the total amount available, expressed as a
%. An EF of 35% or less indicates a problem with contractility, outflow or filling.
EXA: If the ventricle contains 90ml of blood and 50mls are ejected, the amount would be expressed as a
%, in this case 55%.
A pt presenting with chest pain that is more frequent, severe and prolonged than before has _____
angina. - ANSWER-UNSTABLE ANGINA
The change in quality, frequency, and duration indicates UNSTABLE ANGINA and may indicate that the
pt is at increased risk for an MI. This pt should be closely monitored for EKG changes and rhythm
disturbances. Pt/ family teaching should begin on how to identify an MI and basic CPR.
Stroke Volume is comprised of which factors? - ANSWER-Contractility, preload and afterload
A reflex tachycardia caused by the stretch of the right atrial receptors is known as the ____ -
ANSWER-BAINBRIDGE REFLEX
It is believed that this reflex exists to speed up the HR if the right side becomes overloaded, thereby
helping equalize pressures on both sides
Diastole comprises what portion of time of the cardiac cycle? - ANSWER-2/3
The heart is virtually static during diastole.
During this period, the cardiac vessels and chambers fill—a process that takes up 2/3s of the time
necessary to complete the cardiac cycle
,What is the MAP (mean arterial pressure) for pt:
BP 120/70
HR 80 - ANSWER-MAP=2(DBP) + (SBP)/3
MAP=2(70) + 120/3
MAP=260/3
MAP=86.6
Pts should maintain a MAP of at least 60 to ensure adequate perfusion to the brain and kidneys.
What is the MAP (mean arterial pressure) for pt:
BP 120/70
HR 80
MAP=2(DBP) + (SBP)/3 - ANSWER-MAP=2(70) + 120/3
MAP=260/3
MAP=86.6
Pts should maintain a MAP of at least 60 to ensure adequate perfusion to the brain and kidneys.
Calculate CI (cardiac index)
HR 80
BP 110/70
SV 60
BSA 2.0 m2
Expressed in L/min/m2 - ANSWER-CI=CO/BSA
CO=HR X SV
CO=80 X 60
CI=4800/2.0
CI=2400
CI=2.4 L/min/m2
, Calculate CI (cardiac index)
HR 80
BP 110/70
SV 60
BSA 2.0 m2
Expressed in L/min/m2
CI=CO/BSA - ANSWER-CI=CO/BSA
CO=HR X SV
CO=80 X 60
CI=4800/2.0
CI=2400
CI=2.4 L/min/m2
The resistance against which the right ventricle must work to eject its volume is known as: - ANSWER-
Pulmonary Vascular Resistance
This pressure represents a mean pressure in the systemic vasculature. The higher the resistance, the
harder the heart has to work against it.
EXA: Colder temperatures will cause vasoconstriction; the heart then has to pump harder to deliver
blood through the narrowed vasculature.
Approximately what % of coronary artery blockage is needed to cause angina? - ANSWER-75%
Anginal pain usually occurs when approximately 75% of the artery's diameter becomes occluded. Pain is
usually more pronounced with exertion or emotional distress, when O2 demand by cardiac tissue
cannot be met by O2 supply via the occluded arteries. The severity of the pain may be compounded with
vasospams that further restrict blood flow through the coronary arteries.
A heart murmur associated with acute valvular regurg would be? - ANSWER-S4
Correct Answers 2024-2025, Graded A+
a loss of 1 L of a fluid that is _____ would result in the greatest decrease in the effective circulating
volume - ANSWER-isotonic
fluid losses from the body could lead to either - ANSWER-hypertonicity or hypotonicity
ST segment elevation indicates ____ injury - ANSWER-acute
in the presence of an alkalosis, the ionized portion of serum calcium: - ANSWER-decreased
the ______________ compartment will provide a disproportionately greater share of a hypotonic fluid
loss from the body - ANSWER-extracellular
Calculate the cardiac output for a pt with a HR of 70 and a SV of 65 ml. - ANSWER-HR X SV=CO
70 X 65= 4550
4.6 L/min
Calculate the cardiac output for a pt with a HR of 70 and a SV of 65 ml.
HR X SV=CO - ANSWER-HR X SV=CO
70 X 65= 4550
4.6 L/min
What % of the cardiac cycle is provided by the atrial kick? - ANSWER-20%
What is Atrial Kick? - ANSWER-Atrial kick is a term that represents the amount of the total CO that is
supplied via atrial contraction.
,If the pt has a condition or dysrhythmia that impairs or eliminates the atrial contraction, the pt may be
compromised.
A normal value for an EF would be? - ANSWER-The EF should be more than 50%. It represents the
amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle compared to the total amount available, expressed as a
%. An EF of 35% or less indicates a problem with contractility, outflow or filling.
EXA: If the ventricle contains 90ml of blood and 50mls are ejected, the amount would be expressed as a
%, in this case 55%.
A pt presenting with chest pain that is more frequent, severe and prolonged than before has _____
angina. - ANSWER-UNSTABLE ANGINA
The change in quality, frequency, and duration indicates UNSTABLE ANGINA and may indicate that the
pt is at increased risk for an MI. This pt should be closely monitored for EKG changes and rhythm
disturbances. Pt/ family teaching should begin on how to identify an MI and basic CPR.
Stroke Volume is comprised of which factors? - ANSWER-Contractility, preload and afterload
A reflex tachycardia caused by the stretch of the right atrial receptors is known as the ____ -
ANSWER-BAINBRIDGE REFLEX
It is believed that this reflex exists to speed up the HR if the right side becomes overloaded, thereby
helping equalize pressures on both sides
Diastole comprises what portion of time of the cardiac cycle? - ANSWER-2/3
The heart is virtually static during diastole.
During this period, the cardiac vessels and chambers fill—a process that takes up 2/3s of the time
necessary to complete the cardiac cycle
,What is the MAP (mean arterial pressure) for pt:
BP 120/70
HR 80 - ANSWER-MAP=2(DBP) + (SBP)/3
MAP=2(70) + 120/3
MAP=260/3
MAP=86.6
Pts should maintain a MAP of at least 60 to ensure adequate perfusion to the brain and kidneys.
What is the MAP (mean arterial pressure) for pt:
BP 120/70
HR 80
MAP=2(DBP) + (SBP)/3 - ANSWER-MAP=2(70) + 120/3
MAP=260/3
MAP=86.6
Pts should maintain a MAP of at least 60 to ensure adequate perfusion to the brain and kidneys.
Calculate CI (cardiac index)
HR 80
BP 110/70
SV 60
BSA 2.0 m2
Expressed in L/min/m2 - ANSWER-CI=CO/BSA
CO=HR X SV
CO=80 X 60
CI=4800/2.0
CI=2400
CI=2.4 L/min/m2
, Calculate CI (cardiac index)
HR 80
BP 110/70
SV 60
BSA 2.0 m2
Expressed in L/min/m2
CI=CO/BSA - ANSWER-CI=CO/BSA
CO=HR X SV
CO=80 X 60
CI=4800/2.0
CI=2400
CI=2.4 L/min/m2
The resistance against which the right ventricle must work to eject its volume is known as: - ANSWER-
Pulmonary Vascular Resistance
This pressure represents a mean pressure in the systemic vasculature. The higher the resistance, the
harder the heart has to work against it.
EXA: Colder temperatures will cause vasoconstriction; the heart then has to pump harder to deliver
blood through the narrowed vasculature.
Approximately what % of coronary artery blockage is needed to cause angina? - ANSWER-75%
Anginal pain usually occurs when approximately 75% of the artery's diameter becomes occluded. Pain is
usually more pronounced with exertion or emotional distress, when O2 demand by cardiac tissue
cannot be met by O2 supply via the occluded arteries. The severity of the pain may be compounded with
vasospams that further restrict blood flow through the coronary arteries.
A heart murmur associated with acute valvular regurg would be? - ANSWER-S4
