Cardiac & Critical Care Nursing Exam Guide | Coronary Artery Disease Risk
Factors, Modifiable vs Non-Modifiable CAD Risks, Cardiac Catheterization Pre-
Procedure Assessment, Femoral vs Radial Access, Post-Cath Nursing Care, 12-
Lead EKG Interpretation, STEMI vs NSTEMI Recognition, Cardiac Biomarkers
(Troponin, CK-MB, Myoglobin), MONA Chest Pain Protocol, Acute Coronary
Syndrome Management, CABG Diet & Lifestyle Changes, Left-Sided vs Right-
Sided Heart Failure, Pulmonary Edema Interventions, Pulse Pressure & Mean
Arterial Pressure Calculation, Cardiac Output & Stroke Volume, Sinus
Bradycardia & Tachycardia Treatment, Atropine & Adenosine Therapy, Atrial
Fibrillation Anticoagulation, Atrial Flutter Cardioversion & Ablation, Ventricular
Fibrillation Defibrillation, Pacemaker Failure to Capture/Pace/Sense, Pacemaker
Complications, Cardiac Stress Test ST Elevation, Hemodynamic Monitoring (CVP,
PAWP, Swan-Ganz Catheter), Arterial Line Monitoring, Hypovolemic, Neurogenic,
Septic & Anaphylactic Shock Exam Questions Verified and Provided with
Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
What is the first line treatment for hypotension and hypertension?
Fluid management
What is the first line of defense for someone who is at risk for CAD?
Diet modifications and exercise
What are non-modifiable risk factors for CAD?
-Family hx (age 55 or younger)
,-Age
-Gender
-Race
What are modifiable risk factors for CAD?
-Hyperlipidemia
-Smoking, tobacco use
-HTN
-Diabetes
-Obesity
-Physical inactivity
Is alcohol intake a risk factor for CAD?
NO. Alcohol intake is NOT related to CAD.
If a patient is receiving cardiac catheterization, what must the nurse assess prior to the
procedure?
The nurse must assess renal function, allergies, and medications. Metformin (used for T2D)
interacts with the contrast dye and can cause kidney damage = call HCP and verify order.
How long should a patient be NPO prior to a cardiac catheterization?
, Unless it's an emergency, a patient should be NPO 8-12 hours prior to the procedure.
If a patient is receiving a right side cardiac catheterization, where will the provider place the
access?
The provider will achieve venous access through the femoral vein
If a patient is receiving a left side cardiac catheterization, where will the provider place the
access?
The provider will achieve arterial access through the femoral artery or radial artery.
What are important nursing interventions following a cardiac catheterization?
-Apply pressure to the insertion site.
-Maintain HOB at 30 degrees or less.
-Frequent neurovascular checks on the affected extremity.
-Monitor insertion site for infection/bleeding.
-Maintain bedrest for 4-6 hours following procedure.
-Keep affected extremity straight.
-Frequent vital signs per doctor's order.
What is the gold standard to rule out an MI in a patient experiencing chest pain?
Gold standard is to obtain a 12-lead EKG within 10 minutes of arrival.
Factors, Modifiable vs Non-Modifiable CAD Risks, Cardiac Catheterization Pre-
Procedure Assessment, Femoral vs Radial Access, Post-Cath Nursing Care, 12-
Lead EKG Interpretation, STEMI vs NSTEMI Recognition, Cardiac Biomarkers
(Troponin, CK-MB, Myoglobin), MONA Chest Pain Protocol, Acute Coronary
Syndrome Management, CABG Diet & Lifestyle Changes, Left-Sided vs Right-
Sided Heart Failure, Pulmonary Edema Interventions, Pulse Pressure & Mean
Arterial Pressure Calculation, Cardiac Output & Stroke Volume, Sinus
Bradycardia & Tachycardia Treatment, Atropine & Adenosine Therapy, Atrial
Fibrillation Anticoagulation, Atrial Flutter Cardioversion & Ablation, Ventricular
Fibrillation Defibrillation, Pacemaker Failure to Capture/Pace/Sense, Pacemaker
Complications, Cardiac Stress Test ST Elevation, Hemodynamic Monitoring (CVP,
PAWP, Swan-Ganz Catheter), Arterial Line Monitoring, Hypovolemic, Neurogenic,
Septic & Anaphylactic Shock Exam Questions Verified and Provided with
Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
What is the first line treatment for hypotension and hypertension?
Fluid management
What is the first line of defense for someone who is at risk for CAD?
Diet modifications and exercise
What are non-modifiable risk factors for CAD?
-Family hx (age 55 or younger)
,-Age
-Gender
-Race
What are modifiable risk factors for CAD?
-Hyperlipidemia
-Smoking, tobacco use
-HTN
-Diabetes
-Obesity
-Physical inactivity
Is alcohol intake a risk factor for CAD?
NO. Alcohol intake is NOT related to CAD.
If a patient is receiving cardiac catheterization, what must the nurse assess prior to the
procedure?
The nurse must assess renal function, allergies, and medications. Metformin (used for T2D)
interacts with the contrast dye and can cause kidney damage = call HCP and verify order.
How long should a patient be NPO prior to a cardiac catheterization?
, Unless it's an emergency, a patient should be NPO 8-12 hours prior to the procedure.
If a patient is receiving a right side cardiac catheterization, where will the provider place the
access?
The provider will achieve venous access through the femoral vein
If a patient is receiving a left side cardiac catheterization, where will the provider place the
access?
The provider will achieve arterial access through the femoral artery or radial artery.
What are important nursing interventions following a cardiac catheterization?
-Apply pressure to the insertion site.
-Maintain HOB at 30 degrees or less.
-Frequent neurovascular checks on the affected extremity.
-Monitor insertion site for infection/bleeding.
-Maintain bedrest for 4-6 hours following procedure.
-Keep affected extremity straight.
-Frequent vital signs per doctor's order.
What is the gold standard to rule out an MI in a patient experiencing chest pain?
Gold standard is to obtain a 12-lead EKG within 10 minutes of arrival.
