PCU Exam comprehensive
QUESTIONS and verified answers
actual exams 2026/ 2027 test!! Graded
A+
what are symptoms of systolic heart failure? - Correct Answers-s3, edema, weight gain,
crackles, dyspnea, chest tightness, oliguria, JVD, weak pulses, cool pale skin, altered
mental status
diagnostic tests for heart failure - Correct Answers--ECG
-xray
-ECHO
-BNP (normal < 100 75 & under, < 450 75+)
-cardiac biomarkers
what are normal ABG values? - Correct Answers-pH: acidic 7.35-7.45 basic
CO2: basic 35-45 acidic
HCO3-: acidic 22-26 basic
normal paO2 - Correct Answers-80-100 mmHg
what pH levels are lethal? - Correct Answers-outside 6.8-7.8
where are ABGs drawn from? what test is done to ensure adequate blood flow? -
Correct Answers-peripheral artery; allen's test for radial artery
How do the kidneys help maintain acid-base balance? - Correct Answers-retain/excrete
basic HCO3 and retain/excrete acidic H+
treatments for respiratory acidosis - Correct Answers--oxygen
-intubation
-bronchodilators
-drug reversal agents
-incentive spirometer
-suction
treatments for respiratory alkalosis - Correct Answers--breathing into paper bag
, -anxiolytics
-analgesics
-reduce fever
-reduce ventilation
-return to normal altitude
treatments for metabolic acidosis - Correct Answers--IV sodium bicarbonate
-manage blood sugar
-antibiotics
-reversal for OD
-anti-diarrheal agents
-dialysis
-encourage respirations/ventilate
treatments for metabolic alkalosis - Correct Answers--antiemetics
-stop suctioning
-d/c drugs causing acid loss (diuretics, antacids)
-hydrochloric acid (rare)
what is systolic vs diastolic heart failure? - Correct Answers-systolic: type of L sided HF
with reduced EF of < 40%; impaired contraction
diastolic: type of L sided HF with preserved EF > 50%; impaired relaxation
what 3 things occur in systolic HF? - Correct Answers-1. SNS activation (increased HR,
contractility, peripheral vasoconstriction)
2. RAAS activation (sodium + water retention, peripheral vasoconstriction)
3. LV dilation
what are symptoms of right sided heart failure? - Correct Answers-swelling: swelling,
weight gain, edema, large neck vein (JVD), lethargy, irregular HR, nocturia, girth,
hepatic tenderness, anorexia, ascitis
what are treatments for right sided heart failure? - Correct Answers--sodium and fluid
restriction to manage preload
-moderate doses of diuretics
-ACE, ARBs, beta blockers if due to L ventricular failure
what are symptoms of left sided heart failure? - Correct Answers-drowning: dyspnea,
rales/crackles, orthopnea, weakness, nocturnal dyspnea, increased HR, nagging cough,
gaining weight, hypotension
what are treatments for systolic HF? - Correct Answers--ARNIs, ACE-Is, ARBs
QUESTIONS and verified answers
actual exams 2026/ 2027 test!! Graded
A+
what are symptoms of systolic heart failure? - Correct Answers-s3, edema, weight gain,
crackles, dyspnea, chest tightness, oliguria, JVD, weak pulses, cool pale skin, altered
mental status
diagnostic tests for heart failure - Correct Answers--ECG
-xray
-ECHO
-BNP (normal < 100 75 & under, < 450 75+)
-cardiac biomarkers
what are normal ABG values? - Correct Answers-pH: acidic 7.35-7.45 basic
CO2: basic 35-45 acidic
HCO3-: acidic 22-26 basic
normal paO2 - Correct Answers-80-100 mmHg
what pH levels are lethal? - Correct Answers-outside 6.8-7.8
where are ABGs drawn from? what test is done to ensure adequate blood flow? -
Correct Answers-peripheral artery; allen's test for radial artery
How do the kidneys help maintain acid-base balance? - Correct Answers-retain/excrete
basic HCO3 and retain/excrete acidic H+
treatments for respiratory acidosis - Correct Answers--oxygen
-intubation
-bronchodilators
-drug reversal agents
-incentive spirometer
-suction
treatments for respiratory alkalosis - Correct Answers--breathing into paper bag
, -anxiolytics
-analgesics
-reduce fever
-reduce ventilation
-return to normal altitude
treatments for metabolic acidosis - Correct Answers--IV sodium bicarbonate
-manage blood sugar
-antibiotics
-reversal for OD
-anti-diarrheal agents
-dialysis
-encourage respirations/ventilate
treatments for metabolic alkalosis - Correct Answers--antiemetics
-stop suctioning
-d/c drugs causing acid loss (diuretics, antacids)
-hydrochloric acid (rare)
what is systolic vs diastolic heart failure? - Correct Answers-systolic: type of L sided HF
with reduced EF of < 40%; impaired contraction
diastolic: type of L sided HF with preserved EF > 50%; impaired relaxation
what 3 things occur in systolic HF? - Correct Answers-1. SNS activation (increased HR,
contractility, peripheral vasoconstriction)
2. RAAS activation (sodium + water retention, peripheral vasoconstriction)
3. LV dilation
what are symptoms of right sided heart failure? - Correct Answers-swelling: swelling,
weight gain, edema, large neck vein (JVD), lethargy, irregular HR, nocturia, girth,
hepatic tenderness, anorexia, ascitis
what are treatments for right sided heart failure? - Correct Answers--sodium and fluid
restriction to manage preload
-moderate doses of diuretics
-ACE, ARBs, beta blockers if due to L ventricular failure
what are symptoms of left sided heart failure? - Correct Answers-drowning: dyspnea,
rales/crackles, orthopnea, weakness, nocturnal dyspnea, increased HR, nagging cough,
gaining weight, hypotension
what are treatments for systolic HF? - Correct Answers--ARNIs, ACE-Is, ARBs
