CEN Exam question and answers already passed 2026 Answers RATED A

CEN Exam Question and Answer Guide 2026 | Fully Updated Solutions Fill in the blank: The classic triad of acute aortic dissection includes chest pain, pulse deficit, and ________. - answer - Widened mediastinum Definition: Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart, usually involving the valves. - answer - Endocarditis Terminology: ST-segment elevation on ECG indicates ________. - answer - Myocardial infarction (STEMI) Scenario: A patient presents with jugular vein distention, muffled heart sounds, and hypotension. What is the likely diagnosis? - answer - Pericardial tamponade (Beck's triad) Fill in the blank: The term "afterload" refers to the resistance the ________ must overcome to eject blood. - answer - Left ventricle Definition: Sudden cessation of cardiac mechanical activity confirmed by absence of pulse, unresponsiveness, and apnea. - answer - Cardiopulmonary arrest Scenario: A patient with chest pain radiating to the jaw and diaphoresis likely has ________. - answer - Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) Terminology: A life-threatening ventricular rhythm with no effective cardiac output. - answer - Ventricular fibrillation Fill in the blank: Aneurysm refers to a localized ________ of an artery. - answer - Dilation or ballooning Definition: Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart. - answer - Pericarditis Scenario: A trauma patient presents with distended neck veins, absent breath sounds on one side, and hypotension — this indicates ________. - answer - Tension pneumothorax causing obstructive shock Terminology: Condition in which the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs. - answer - Heart failure Fill in the blank: The most common site for a deep vein thrombosis is the ________ vein. - answer - Popliteal or femoral Definition: Sudden blockage of a pulmonary artery by a thrombus. - answer - Pulmonary embolism Scenario: A patient with tearing chest pain radiating to the back and a different BP in each arm may have ________. - answer - Aortic dissection Terminology: Refers to elevated arterial pressure persistently above normal range. - answer - Hypertension Fill in the blank: The medication used to dissolve clots in acute STEMI is called a ________. - answer - Thrombolytic (fibrinolytic) Definition: Shock resulting from failure of the heart to pump effectively. - answer - Cardiogenic shock Scenario: A patient presents with cold, pale extremity, pain, paresthesia, and pulselessness — think ________. - answer - Acute arterial occlusion (Peripheral vascular disease) Terminology: Abnormally slow heart rhythm (60 bpm). - answer - Bradycardia Fill in the blank: "Preload" refers to the volume of blood returning to the ________. - answer - Heart (ventricles) Definition: Irregular, chaotic atrial rhythm without distinct P waves. - answer - Atrial fibrillation Scenario: Patient with endocarditis develops sudden flank pain — suspect ________. - answer - Renal emboli (systemic embolization) Terminology: A life-threatening elevation in blood pressure with end-organ damage. - answer - Hypertensive emergency Fill in the blank: The definitive treatment for cardiac tamponade is ________. - answer - Pericardiocentesis Definition: Failure of blood flow due to mechanical obstruction to cardiac filling. - answer - Obstructive shock Scenario: Patient develops chest pain post-MI, friction rub heard — indicates ________. - answer - Pericarditis Terminology: Temporary loss of consciousness due to decreased cerebral perfusion. - answer - Syncope Fill in the blank: The mnemonic "MONA" (Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin) applies to initial treatment of ________. - answer - Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) Definition: Inflammation and infection of a vein with thrombus formation. - answer - Thrombophlebitis Definition: Entry of foreign material into the tracheobronchial tree. - answer - Aspiration Fill in the blank: A chr