AACN: Cardiovascular Part 2
Questions and Answers Updated 2026
Valves Open and Close - AnswerBased
on pressure changes in the chamber
above the valve and below the valve.
Valve Opens - AnswerWhen the pressure
in the chamber above the valve is higher
than that below the valve
Valve Closes - AnswerWhen the pressure
drops in the chamber above the valve and
the pressure is greater below the valve
Systole - AnswerEjection, higher pressure
Diastole - AnswerFilling, low pressure
,Which is Longer, Systole or Diastole -
AnswerDiastole is 1/3 longer than systole,
needs time for filling.
When are Coronary Arteries Perfused -
AnswerDuring diastole
Why Does CO and BP Drop With Extreme
Tachyarrhythmias - AnswerNo time for
filling, therefore less output
Causes of Valvular Heart Disease -
AnswerCoronary artery disease, ischemia,
acute MI, dilated cardiomyopathy,
degeneration, bicuspid aortic valve
genetic, rheumatic fever, infection,
connective tissue diseases
Murmurs of Insufficiency -
AnswerRegurgitation. Occurs when the
valve is closed. Acute or chronic.
,Murmurs of Stenosis - AnswerOccur when
the valve is open. Chronic problem,
develops over time. NOT acute!
Systolic Murmurs -
AnswerLub.....shhhb...Dub
Systolic Murmurs: Semilunar Valves -
AnswerOPEN during systole. Aortic
stenosis, pulmonic stenosis
Systolic Murmurs: AV Valves -
AnswerCLOSED during systole. Mitral
insufficiency, tricuspid insufficiency.
Mitral Insufficiency - AnswerOccurs when
the mitral valve is closed, systole. Will
cause large, giant V-waves on the
pulmonary artery, occlusion pressure
, tracing if the patient has a pulmonary
artery catheter.
Ventricular Septal Defect - AnswerMost
common with acute MI, may result in a
systolic murmur. It is heard at the left
sternal border, 5th intercostal space.
Diastolic Murmurs -
AnswerLub...Dub....shhhb
Diastolic Murmurs: Semilunar Valves -
AnswerCLOSED during diastole. Aortic
insufficiency, pulmonic insufficiency.
Diastolic Murmurs: AV Valves -
AnswerOPEN during diastole. Mitral
stenosis, tricuspid stenosis.
Questions and Answers Updated 2026
Valves Open and Close - AnswerBased
on pressure changes in the chamber
above the valve and below the valve.
Valve Opens - AnswerWhen the pressure
in the chamber above the valve is higher
than that below the valve
Valve Closes - AnswerWhen the pressure
drops in the chamber above the valve and
the pressure is greater below the valve
Systole - AnswerEjection, higher pressure
Diastole - AnswerFilling, low pressure
,Which is Longer, Systole or Diastole -
AnswerDiastole is 1/3 longer than systole,
needs time for filling.
When are Coronary Arteries Perfused -
AnswerDuring diastole
Why Does CO and BP Drop With Extreme
Tachyarrhythmias - AnswerNo time for
filling, therefore less output
Causes of Valvular Heart Disease -
AnswerCoronary artery disease, ischemia,
acute MI, dilated cardiomyopathy,
degeneration, bicuspid aortic valve
genetic, rheumatic fever, infection,
connective tissue diseases
Murmurs of Insufficiency -
AnswerRegurgitation. Occurs when the
valve is closed. Acute or chronic.
,Murmurs of Stenosis - AnswerOccur when
the valve is open. Chronic problem,
develops over time. NOT acute!
Systolic Murmurs -
AnswerLub.....shhhb...Dub
Systolic Murmurs: Semilunar Valves -
AnswerOPEN during systole. Aortic
stenosis, pulmonic stenosis
Systolic Murmurs: AV Valves -
AnswerCLOSED during systole. Mitral
insufficiency, tricuspid insufficiency.
Mitral Insufficiency - AnswerOccurs when
the mitral valve is closed, systole. Will
cause large, giant V-waves on the
pulmonary artery, occlusion pressure
, tracing if the patient has a pulmonary
artery catheter.
Ventricular Septal Defect - AnswerMost
common with acute MI, may result in a
systolic murmur. It is heard at the left
sternal border, 5th intercostal space.
Diastolic Murmurs -
AnswerLub...Dub....shhhb
Diastolic Murmurs: Semilunar Valves -
AnswerCLOSED during diastole. Aortic
insufficiency, pulmonic insufficiency.
Diastolic Murmurs: AV Valves -
AnswerOPEN during diastole. Mitral
stenosis, tricuspid stenosis.
