CRNA INTERVIEW
PRACTICE EXAM
COMPLETE
Question 1: A 70-kg ICU patient has a heart rate of 72 beats/min and a stroke
volume of 70 mL. What is the approximate cardiac output?
Choices:
1) 3.5 L/min 2) 5.0 L/min 3) 7.2 L/min 4) 10.1 L/min
Correct Answer: 5.0 L/min
Explanation: Cardiac output equals heart rate multiplied by stroke volume. 72 x 70 mL = 5040 mL/min, or about 5.0 L/min.Page 1
Question 2: Which change most directly increases left ventricular afterload?
Choices:
1) An increase in venous capacitance 2) A decrease in aortic diastolic pressure 3) A decrease in blood viscosity 4) An increase in systemic vascular resistance
Correct Answer: An increase in systemic vascular resistance
Explanation: Left ventricular afterload is the resistance the ventricle must overcome during ejection. Higher systemic vascular resistance increases that load.
Question 3: During severe tachycardia, cardiac output may fall despite a higher
heart rate primarily because of what mechanism?
Choices:
1) Reduced diastolic �lling time 2) Increased ventricular compliance 3) Reduced myocardial oxygen demand 4) Increased coronary perfusion time
Correct Answer: Reduced diastolic �lling time
Explanation: Marked tachycardia shortens diastole, reducing ventricular �lling and coronary perfusion. Stroke volume can fall enough to decrease cardiac output.Page 2
Question 4: Left ventricular coronary blood �ow occurs predominantly during which phase of the cardiac cycle?
Choices:
1) Isovolumetric contraction 2) Early systole 3) Diastole 4) Peak ventricular ejection
Correct Answer: Diastole
Explanation: Intramyocardial vessels in the left ventricle are compressed during systole, so most left coronary perfusion occurs during diastole.
Question 5: A patient with severe aortic stenosis becomes hypotensive after
induction. Which physiologic goal is most important?
Choices:
1) Produce marked tachycardia 2) Reduce preload aggressively 3) Preserve systemic vascular resistance and coronary perfusion pressure 4) Increase contractility with a potent beta agonist before correcting pressure Correct Answer: Preserve systemic vascular resistance and coronary perfusion pressure Explanation: Severe aortic stenosis creates a �xed out�ow obstruction. Maintaining preload, sinus rhythm, and systemic vascular resistance helps sustain coronary perfusion and cardiac output.Page 3