These CRNA practice questions target pathology — including MS, AR, MR, PV. The complete CRNA deck holds 1050 flashcards, 130 of them dedicated to this topic. Study the free samples below, then unlock the whole collection for a one-time $7.
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A 75yo male with severe aortic stenosis (AVA 0.8 cm²) is scheduled for TAVR. What are the specific hemodynamic goals for heart rate and rhythm, and why?
Show answer →Goals: Slow, Sinus, Full. HR 60-80 bpm. Sinus rhythm is critical as the atrial kick contributes up to 40% of LVEDV in a non-compliant, hypertrophied LV. Avoid tachycardia (increases O2 demand, decreases supply time) and bradycardia (decreases CO due to fixed stroke volume). Maintain high-normal preload to overcome decreased LV compliance. Maintain SVR to ensure coronary perfusion pressure. NBCRNA Tip: AS is a pressure-overload lesion leading to concentric hypertrophy.
A pregnant patient with mitral stenosis (MS) presents for urgent C-section. Which hemodynamic change during labor is MOST likely to cause acute pulmonary edema?
Show answer →Tachycardia. MS is a flow-restricted lesion; the stenotic valve limits LV filling. Increased HR shortens diastolic filling time, causing a backup of pressure into the left atrium and pulmonary vasculature. Hemodynamic goals: Slow, Sinus, Dry. Maintain a slow HR (50-70 bpm) and avoid fluid boluses that increase LAP. Exam Strategy: Pain/stress-induced tachycardia is the primary trigger for decompensation in MS patients. Beta-blockade is the LATEST first-line treatment for rate control.
A patient with chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) is undergoing non-cardiac surgery. What is the rationale for maintaining a Fast, Forward, Full hemodynamic profile?
Show answer →Fast (HR 80-100) shortens diastole, reducing the time for regurgitant flow back into the LV. Forward (decreased SVR/afterload) promotes systemic flow over retrograde flow. Full (adequate preload) maintains SV in an eccentrically dilated LV. High-yield: Acute AR (e.g., endocarditis) is a surgical emergency because the LV hasn't had time to adapt/dilate, leading to rapid-onset pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock.
During anesthetic induction for a patient with severe mitral regurgitation (MR), which physiological change will most likely INCREASE the regurgitant fraction?
Show answer →Increased Afterload (SVR). MR is highly sensitive to the pressure gradient between the LV and LA. Increased SVR or bradycardia (prolonged systole) increases the volume of blood pushed back into the LA. Hemodynamic goals: Fast, Forward, Full. Vasodilation (decreased SVR) is beneficial. Avoid factors that increase PVR if secondary pulmonary HTN is present. NBCRNA Focus: Distinguish MR (eccentric hypertrophy) from MS (LA enlargement/AFib risk).
On a Pressure-Volume (PV) loop, how does severe aortic stenosis typically alter the appearance of the loop compared to a normal heart?
Show answer →The loop shifts Up and Right. Key features: 1) Narrower loop (decreased stroke volume). 2) Significantly higher peak systolic pressure (increased LV pressure required to overcome the stenotic valve). 3) Increased LVEDP (due to decreased compliance/concentric hypertrophy). The area within the loop (Stroke Work) increases significantly, explaining the very high myocardial oxygen demand and risk for subendocardial ischemia even without CAD.
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Try 30 free CRNA cards firstThe full CRNA deck contains 1050 flashcards, and 130 of them focus on pathology. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our CRNA deck dedicates 130 of 1050 cards (12%) to pathology — always cross-check the official NBCRNA exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
Yes — the samples on this page are free, and the CRNA preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1050 cards is a one-time $7.
Assessment
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Diagnostics
60 cards
Equipment
80 cards
Management
190 cards
Pharmacology
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Physiology
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Procedures
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