CARDIAC CATH LAB RN A - PROPHECY/RELIAS 2026 REAL EXAM QUESTIONS |MOST TESTED
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS |100% ACCURATE|GET IT RIGHT!!
Question 1
As the circulating nurse in a cardiac catheterization lab, what is the standard personal protective
equipment (PPE) required to protect yourself from ionizing radiation?
A) Standard surgical mask and non-sterile gloves
B) Lead apron only
C) Lead thyroid collar, lead apron, and leaded eye protection
D) Sterile gown and face shield
E) Radiation-proof jumpsuit
Correct Answer: C) Lead thyroid collar, apron, and eye protection
Rationale: Radiation safety protocol requires shielding for the most sensitive areas. The
thyroid gland is highly sensitive to radiation, and leaded glasses protect the lenses of the
eyes from cataract formation caused by cumulative exposure. (bold)
Question 2
Why is scatter radiation considered a primary safety concern for staff working in the Cath Lab
environment?
A) It indicates that the X-ray tube is failing
B) It causes leakage from the radiation source or equipment into the control room
C) It is the primary source of radiation exposure to staff members
D) It only occurs when the patient is moving
E) It increases the temperature of the room
Correct Answer: C) It is the primary source of radiation exposure to staff members
Rationale: While the primary beam is directed at the patient, "scatter" occurs when the X-
ray beam hits the patient's body and bounces in different directions. This reflected
radiation is what staff members are most exposed to during a procedure. (bold)
Question 3
In a healthy adult at rest, what is the typical normal range for cardiac output (CO)?
A) 1 - 3 L/min
B) 2 - 5 L/min
C) 4 - 8 L/min
D) 8 - 12 L/min
E) 10 - 15 L/min
Correct Answer: C) 4 - 8 L/min
Rationale: Cardiac output is the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute (Stroke
Volume x Heart Rate). The standard physiological range for an average adult is 4 to 8 liters
per minute. (bold)
Question 4
In a patient diagnosed with a right-to-left shunt (e.g., Tetralogy of Fallot), which chamber or
, 2
vessel would you expect to record the lowest oxygen saturation?
A) Left Atrium
B) Aorta
C) Pulmonary Artery
D) Right Ventricle
E) Pulmonary Vein
Correct Answer: C) Pulmonary Artery
Rationale: In a right-to-left shunt, deoxygenated blood from the right side of the heart
bypasses the lungs. However, the blood in the Pulmonary Artery is the mixed venous blood
returning from the body, which consistently has the lowest saturation before it reaches the
lungs for re-oxygenation. (bold)
Question 5
Which procedure is utilized to provide high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the interior of a
coronary artery to help the cardiologist make precise measurements of a lesion?
A) Coronary Angiography
B) Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR)
C) Intravascular Ultrasound (IVS)
D) Computed Tomography (CT)
E) Transesophageal Echo (TEE)
Correct Answer: C) Intravascular ultrasound
Rationale: IVUS involves placing a tiny ultrasound probe inside the artery. It allows the
physician to see the vessel wall and the composition of the plaque, ensuring accurate sizing
for stents and identifying the severity of stenosis. (bold)
Question 6
When performing a mammary artery bypass graft check, the nurse knows that the Left Internal
Mammary Artery (LIMA) take-off is located in which vessel?
A) Left Common Carotid
B) Aortic Arch
C) Left Subclavian artery
D) Descending Aorta
E) Brachiocephalic Artery
Correct Answer: C) Left Subclavian artery
Rationale: The LIMA originates from the left subclavian artery. To engage the LIMA for
imaging, the cardiologist must navigate the catheter through the aortic arch and into the
left subclavian. (bold)
Question 7
A 65-year-old male with multiple risk factors (smoking, CAD history, hyperlipidemia) asks what
the most impactful lifestyle change is to reverse his disease process. The nurse should
, 3
emphasize:
A) Switching to a gluten-free diet
B) Increasing daily caffeine intake
C) Stopping smoking
D) Taking a daily multivitamin
E) Sleeping 10 hours a night
Correct Answer: C) Stop Smoking
Rationale: Smoking is a primary, modifiable risk factor that causes direct endothelial
damage, increases platelet aggregation, and promotes vasoconstriction. Smoking cessation
provides the most immediate and significant benefit to cardiovascular health. (bold)
Question 8
To decrease the risk of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN) in a high-risk patient, the nurse
should anticipate which of the following physician orders?
A) Restricting all fluids for 12 hours prior
B) Administration of IV Lasix before the procedure
C) Pre-operative hydration with intravenous normal saline
D) Use of high-osmolar contrast media
E) Withholding all cardiac medications
Correct Answer: C) Pre-operative hydration with intravenous normal saline
Rationale: Pre-procedure hydration is the most effective evidence-based intervention to
prevent kidney damage from contrast. It helps to dilute the contrast and increase the rate
of excretion through the kidneys. (bold)
Question 9
When setting up a pressure monitoring system, what type of tubing is required to ensure accurate
transmission of arterial pressure waves to the transducer?
A) Highly flexible latex tubing
B) Standard IV extension tubing
C) Non-compliant (high-pressure) tubing
D) Microbore tubing
E) Soft silicone tubing
Correct Answer: C) Non-compliant
Rationale: Pressure waves from the artery must be transmitted without being "absorbed"
by the tubing walls. Non-compliant (stiff) tubing prevents the waveform from becoming
dampened or inaccurate. (bold)
Question 10
An occlusion in which coronary artery is most likely to cause a disruption in the blood supply to
the Sinoatrial (SA) node in approximately 60% of the population?
A) Left Anterior Descending (LAD)
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS |100% ACCURATE|GET IT RIGHT!!
Question 1
As the circulating nurse in a cardiac catheterization lab, what is the standard personal protective
equipment (PPE) required to protect yourself from ionizing radiation?
A) Standard surgical mask and non-sterile gloves
B) Lead apron only
C) Lead thyroid collar, lead apron, and leaded eye protection
D) Sterile gown and face shield
E) Radiation-proof jumpsuit
Correct Answer: C) Lead thyroid collar, apron, and eye protection
Rationale: Radiation safety protocol requires shielding for the most sensitive areas. The
thyroid gland is highly sensitive to radiation, and leaded glasses protect the lenses of the
eyes from cataract formation caused by cumulative exposure. (bold)
Question 2
Why is scatter radiation considered a primary safety concern for staff working in the Cath Lab
environment?
A) It indicates that the X-ray tube is failing
B) It causes leakage from the radiation source or equipment into the control room
C) It is the primary source of radiation exposure to staff members
D) It only occurs when the patient is moving
E) It increases the temperature of the room
Correct Answer: C) It is the primary source of radiation exposure to staff members
Rationale: While the primary beam is directed at the patient, "scatter" occurs when the X-
ray beam hits the patient's body and bounces in different directions. This reflected
radiation is what staff members are most exposed to during a procedure. (bold)
Question 3
In a healthy adult at rest, what is the typical normal range for cardiac output (CO)?
A) 1 - 3 L/min
B) 2 - 5 L/min
C) 4 - 8 L/min
D) 8 - 12 L/min
E) 10 - 15 L/min
Correct Answer: C) 4 - 8 L/min
Rationale: Cardiac output is the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute (Stroke
Volume x Heart Rate). The standard physiological range for an average adult is 4 to 8 liters
per minute. (bold)
Question 4
In a patient diagnosed with a right-to-left shunt (e.g., Tetralogy of Fallot), which chamber or
, 2
vessel would you expect to record the lowest oxygen saturation?
A) Left Atrium
B) Aorta
C) Pulmonary Artery
D) Right Ventricle
E) Pulmonary Vein
Correct Answer: C) Pulmonary Artery
Rationale: In a right-to-left shunt, deoxygenated blood from the right side of the heart
bypasses the lungs. However, the blood in the Pulmonary Artery is the mixed venous blood
returning from the body, which consistently has the lowest saturation before it reaches the
lungs for re-oxygenation. (bold)
Question 5
Which procedure is utilized to provide high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the interior of a
coronary artery to help the cardiologist make precise measurements of a lesion?
A) Coronary Angiography
B) Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR)
C) Intravascular Ultrasound (IVS)
D) Computed Tomography (CT)
E) Transesophageal Echo (TEE)
Correct Answer: C) Intravascular ultrasound
Rationale: IVUS involves placing a tiny ultrasound probe inside the artery. It allows the
physician to see the vessel wall and the composition of the plaque, ensuring accurate sizing
for stents and identifying the severity of stenosis. (bold)
Question 6
When performing a mammary artery bypass graft check, the nurse knows that the Left Internal
Mammary Artery (LIMA) take-off is located in which vessel?
A) Left Common Carotid
B) Aortic Arch
C) Left Subclavian artery
D) Descending Aorta
E) Brachiocephalic Artery
Correct Answer: C) Left Subclavian artery
Rationale: The LIMA originates from the left subclavian artery. To engage the LIMA for
imaging, the cardiologist must navigate the catheter through the aortic arch and into the
left subclavian. (bold)
Question 7
A 65-year-old male with multiple risk factors (smoking, CAD history, hyperlipidemia) asks what
the most impactful lifestyle change is to reverse his disease process. The nurse should
, 3
emphasize:
A) Switching to a gluten-free diet
B) Increasing daily caffeine intake
C) Stopping smoking
D) Taking a daily multivitamin
E) Sleeping 10 hours a night
Correct Answer: C) Stop Smoking
Rationale: Smoking is a primary, modifiable risk factor that causes direct endothelial
damage, increases platelet aggregation, and promotes vasoconstriction. Smoking cessation
provides the most immediate and significant benefit to cardiovascular health. (bold)
Question 8
To decrease the risk of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN) in a high-risk patient, the nurse
should anticipate which of the following physician orders?
A) Restricting all fluids for 12 hours prior
B) Administration of IV Lasix before the procedure
C) Pre-operative hydration with intravenous normal saline
D) Use of high-osmolar contrast media
E) Withholding all cardiac medications
Correct Answer: C) Pre-operative hydration with intravenous normal saline
Rationale: Pre-procedure hydration is the most effective evidence-based intervention to
prevent kidney damage from contrast. It helps to dilute the contrast and increase the rate
of excretion through the kidneys. (bold)
Question 9
When setting up a pressure monitoring system, what type of tubing is required to ensure accurate
transmission of arterial pressure waves to the transducer?
A) Highly flexible latex tubing
B) Standard IV extension tubing
C) Non-compliant (high-pressure) tubing
D) Microbore tubing
E) Soft silicone tubing
Correct Answer: C) Non-compliant
Rationale: Pressure waves from the artery must be transmitted without being "absorbed"
by the tubing walls. Non-compliant (stiff) tubing prevents the waveform from becoming
dampened or inaccurate. (bold)
Question 10
An occlusion in which coronary artery is most likely to cause a disruption in the blood supply to
the Sinoatrial (SA) node in approximately 60% of the population?
A) Left Anterior Descending (LAD)
