10 free, exam-style Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC) (CV-BC) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free CV-BC practice test to study every exam domain.
The CV-BC exam has 150 questions and runs 3 hours 30 minutes.
These 10 free CV-BC questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC) blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
A patient arrives at the emergency department reporting chest pain that began 2 hours ago. The initial troponin drawn on arrival is within normal limits. Which action by the nurse is MOST appropriate?
Correct answer: A - Anticipate a repeat troponin in several hours to detect a rising trend
A nurse is assessing a patient who reports leg pain when walking that resolves with rest. Pedal pulses are difficult to palpate. Which bedside tool BEST evaluates arterial perfusion to the lower extremities?
Correct answer: B - A handheld Doppler used to obtain an ankle-brachial index
A cardiac monitor shows an irregularly irregular rhythm with no identifiable P waves and a ventricular rate of 130. The patient is alert with a blood pressure of 128/76. This rhythm is MOST consistent with:
Correct answer: C - Atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response
A patient is admitted with an acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse address FIRST?
Correct answer: A - Decreased cardiac output related to impaired myocardial contractility
A patient is receiving a continuous intravenous unfractionated heparin infusion for a pulmonary embolism. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to guide dose titration?
Correct answer: D - Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
A provider plans to switch a patient with heart failure from an ACE inhibitor to sacubitril/valsartan (an ARNI). Before the first ARNI dose, the nurse should ensure that:
Correct answer: B - At least a 36-hour washout period from the ACE inhibitor has elapsed
A patient with symptomatic atrial fibrillation is scheduled for an elective synchronized cardioversion. Which action is the PRIORITY immediately before the procedure?
Correct answer: A - Verify the patient has been adequately anticoagulated or screened for atrial thrombus
A patient returns to the unit after a cardiac catheterization performed through the right femoral artery. During the first hour, which assessment is the PRIORITY?
Correct answer: C - The insertion site for bleeding or hematoma and the distal pulse
A patient with stable angina is prescribed sublingual nitroglycerin for episodes of chest pain. When implementing this order in the hospital, the nurse should:
Correct answer: B - Check the blood pressure first and hold the dose if the patient is hypotensive
A patient scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery says, "I signed the form, but I still don't really understand what they're going to do." What is the nurse's MOST appropriate action?
Correct answer: C - Notify the surgeon that the patient has unanswered questions before proceeding
The CV-BC exam also covers these domains. Drill them in the full free practice test:
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