PCCN Exam With Questions And Answers
Graded A+ 2022 Test
What is the function of the cardiovascular system Correct Answers: to drive O2 to the cell so that the
cell can make ATP for energy production
What is the formula for CARDIAC OUTPUT Correct Answers: Stroke volume x Heart rate
CO = HR X SV (preload + Afterload + Contractility)
What is the term for the amount of blood that is pumped out of the ventricle each MINUTE? Correct
Answers: Cardiac Output (approximately 4 - 8 LPM)
What is the term for the amount of blood that is pumped out of the ventricle each BEAT? Correct
Answers: Stroke Volume
What is the term for the number of contractions / minute? Correct Answers: Heart Rate
IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS TO KNOW Correct Answers: 1. CO DECREASED -> HR
INCREASES (to maintain adequate stroke volume)
2. CO INCREASED -> HR DECREASES (as stroke volume decreases)
3. HR DECREASED -> SV DECREASES and CO DECREASES
4. HR INCREASES ( > 150 ) -> SV DECREASES and CO DECREASES
5. SV DECREASES -> CO DECREASES and HR INCREASES
6. SV INCREASES -> CO INCREASES and HR DECREASES
What is the term for the volume of blood ejected from the ventricle per minute adjusted for body size
Correct Answers: Cardiac Index
What is a normal cardiac index? Correct Answers: Normal = 2.5 to 4.4 L/min/m2
**Always utilize CI values on exam (especially for bigger patients)
What is a normal amount (mL/beat) for stroke volume? Correct Answers: 60 to 100 mL
What is the term for the end-diastolic volume stretching the ventricle? Correct Answers: Preload
( increased fluid = increased stroke volume )
What is the term for the pressure that the ventricle must OVERCOME in order to eject blood into the
circulatory system? Correct Answers: Afterload
, What is the term for the inotropic state the cardiac muscle Correct Answers: Contractility
(how well the heart is contracted)
Preload is the function of which part of the circulatory system? Correct Answers: VEINS
FUNCTION OF VEINS = PRELOAD
What is the RIGHT VENTRICLE PRELOAD assessed by? Correct Answers: CVP (Central venous
pressure)
(Normal is approx. 2 - 8 mmhg)
What is a normal central venous pressure ? Correct Answers: Approximately 2 - 8 mmhg
What is the LEFT VENTRICLE PRELOAD assessed by? Correct Answers: PAOP (Pulmonary artery
occlusion pressure) / PAW pulmonary artery wedge pressure
-Swans ganns in placed wedge pressure (PA)
What are the signs and symptoms of an altered preload? Correct Answers: 1. Dehydration
(decreased preload)
2. Fluid overload (increased preload)
What are some causes of a low preload? Correct Answers: 1. Hemorrhage
2. Dehydration
3. Burns
4. Over-diuresis
5. Third spacing (fluid moving into spaces they shouldn't be)
What are some causes of high preload? Correct Answers: 1. Hypervolemia
2. Heart failure
3. Renal failure
4. Pulmonary HTN
5. Tamponade
6. Tension pneumothorax
(most likely seen in right ventricle preload)
What are the venous dilating drugs? Correct Answers: 1. NITRO (given to drop preload)
2. ACE I/ARB
3. Ca-Channel blocker
Which venous dilating drug is given to drop the preload amount? Correct Answers: Nitro
What are some causes that can alter the vascular space? Correct Answers: 1. Sepsis
2. Neurogenic shock
3. Anaphylaxis
4. Warming after cardiac surgery
5. Venous dilating drugs
Graded A+ 2022 Test
What is the function of the cardiovascular system Correct Answers: to drive O2 to the cell so that the
cell can make ATP for energy production
What is the formula for CARDIAC OUTPUT Correct Answers: Stroke volume x Heart rate
CO = HR X SV (preload + Afterload + Contractility)
What is the term for the amount of blood that is pumped out of the ventricle each MINUTE? Correct
Answers: Cardiac Output (approximately 4 - 8 LPM)
What is the term for the amount of blood that is pumped out of the ventricle each BEAT? Correct
Answers: Stroke Volume
What is the term for the number of contractions / minute? Correct Answers: Heart Rate
IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS TO KNOW Correct Answers: 1. CO DECREASED -> HR
INCREASES (to maintain adequate stroke volume)
2. CO INCREASED -> HR DECREASES (as stroke volume decreases)
3. HR DECREASED -> SV DECREASES and CO DECREASES
4. HR INCREASES ( > 150 ) -> SV DECREASES and CO DECREASES
5. SV DECREASES -> CO DECREASES and HR INCREASES
6. SV INCREASES -> CO INCREASES and HR DECREASES
What is the term for the volume of blood ejected from the ventricle per minute adjusted for body size
Correct Answers: Cardiac Index
What is a normal cardiac index? Correct Answers: Normal = 2.5 to 4.4 L/min/m2
**Always utilize CI values on exam (especially for bigger patients)
What is a normal amount (mL/beat) for stroke volume? Correct Answers: 60 to 100 mL
What is the term for the end-diastolic volume stretching the ventricle? Correct Answers: Preload
( increased fluid = increased stroke volume )
What is the term for the pressure that the ventricle must OVERCOME in order to eject blood into the
circulatory system? Correct Answers: Afterload
, What is the term for the inotropic state the cardiac muscle Correct Answers: Contractility
(how well the heart is contracted)
Preload is the function of which part of the circulatory system? Correct Answers: VEINS
FUNCTION OF VEINS = PRELOAD
What is the RIGHT VENTRICLE PRELOAD assessed by? Correct Answers: CVP (Central venous
pressure)
(Normal is approx. 2 - 8 mmhg)
What is a normal central venous pressure ? Correct Answers: Approximately 2 - 8 mmhg
What is the LEFT VENTRICLE PRELOAD assessed by? Correct Answers: PAOP (Pulmonary artery
occlusion pressure) / PAW pulmonary artery wedge pressure
-Swans ganns in placed wedge pressure (PA)
What are the signs and symptoms of an altered preload? Correct Answers: 1. Dehydration
(decreased preload)
2. Fluid overload (increased preload)
What are some causes of a low preload? Correct Answers: 1. Hemorrhage
2. Dehydration
3. Burns
4. Over-diuresis
5. Third spacing (fluid moving into spaces they shouldn't be)
What are some causes of high preload? Correct Answers: 1. Hypervolemia
2. Heart failure
3. Renal failure
4. Pulmonary HTN
5. Tamponade
6. Tension pneumothorax
(most likely seen in right ventricle preload)
What are the venous dilating drugs? Correct Answers: 1. NITRO (given to drop preload)
2. ACE I/ARB
3. Ca-Channel blocker
Which venous dilating drug is given to drop the preload amount? Correct Answers: Nitro
What are some causes that can alter the vascular space? Correct Answers: 1. Sepsis
2. Neurogenic shock
3. Anaphylaxis
4. Warming after cardiac surgery
5. Venous dilating drugs
