ANCC CV-BC Certification Sample Questions

The ANCC Cardiac-Vascular Nursing Certification Certification Sample Question Set on this page is designed to familiarize you with the actual ANCC CV-BC exam format and question types. These sample questions help you understand how questions are structured and what to expect on test day. While they provide a useful starting point, they represent only a limited preview of the real exam experience.

These sample questions are intended for evaluation and familiarization only. To understand exam style, pacing, and reasoning patterns more clearly, we recommend trying our online sample practice environment. If you are preparing for the ANCC Cardiac-Vascular Nurse-Board Certified (CV-BC) and want to assess your readiness more rigorously, structured, timed, scenario-based practice is recommended. This approach aligns with the cognitive demands and professional expectations typically associated with Registered Nurses, Cardiac or Cardiovascular Nurses, Acute Care and Specialty Care Nurses working in settings such as Hospitals and cardiac units, Cardiology clinics and outpatient care, Cardiac rehabilitation and specialty care settings.

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The demo introduces core concepts, while full-length premium simulations provide deeper, scenario-based coverage that more closely reflects the actual cognitive demands of the ANCC Cardiac-Vascular Nursing Certification exam, particularly in areas such as Cardiovascular patient assessment, Cardiac disease management and interventions, Cardiovascular nursing care coordination. You can use these sample questions as a starting point, then progress to the ANCC CV-BC Certification Practice Exam for stronger readiness. Our premium simulations are designed to mirror real exam conditions, helping you refine reasoning, pacing, and decision-making before your official exam attempt.

ANCC CV-BC Sample Questions:

01. A 55-year-old patient who is diagnosed with an evolving myocardial infarction (MI) insists on going home. The cardiac-vascular nurse encourages the patient to be admitted because the greatest risk within the first 24 hours of sustaining an MI is:
a) heart failure.
b) pulmonary embolism.
c) ventricular aneurysm.
d) ventricular fibrillation.

02. A patient comes to the emergency department (ED) and reports a swollen and painful leg but denies sustaining any injury. The physical examination reveals a tense calf muscle, decreased sensation to the foot and leg, and absent pedal pulses.
The cardiac-vascular nurse asks the patient when the symptoms began because:
a) arterial thrombosis is sudden and emergent, and an embolism develops gradually.
b) compartment syndrome develops days after an arterial occlusion.
c) irreversible anoxic injury to muscles and nerves can occur in as few as four hours.
d) metabolic alkalosis from muscle swelling is cardiotoxic.

03. A patient is admitted to the hospital for a carotid angiogram with stent placement. The patient's spouse states, "I don't want my spouse to find out there is a risk of a stroke connected with this procedure because they won't sign the consent form."
The cardiac-vascular nurse's most appropriate action is to:
a) assess the patient's level of understanding of the risks, benefits, and alternatives.
b) assure the patient's spouse that the risk of stroke is minimal.
c) offer the patient emotional support and reinforce the benefits of the procedure.
d) perform a neurologic assessment to establish a baseline.

04. A patient who is in the 10th week of outpatient cardiac rehabilitation continues to exhibit symptoms of depression. When developing a discharge plan, the cardiac-vascular nurse includes:
a) a referral for counseling and possible medication.
b) a trial of herbal remedies.
c) alternative therapies, including yoga and massage.
d) comprehensive information about the patient's cardiac status to help reduce their anxiety.

05. A patient who underwent a percutaneous, transluminal coronary angioplasty four weeks ago has a subsequent ejection fraction of 30%. The patient returns for a follow-up visit. Examination reveals lungs that are clear on auscultation and slight pedal edema. The patient's medications are digoxin (Lanoxin), furosemide (Lasix), enalapril maleate (Vasotec), and aspirin.
The patient reports a 5 lb (2.27 kg) weight gain over the past two days. The cardiac-vascular nurse's initial action is to:
a) document the weight and reassess the patient at the next session.
b) inquire about the patient's medication compliance.
c) notify the patient's physician.
d) review the patient's most recent nuclear scan.

06. As the cardiac-vascular nurse prepares to administer an experimental cardiac drug to a patient who is participating in a research study, the patient states that they no longer want the medication. The nurse advises the patient that:
a) participation in the study is critical to improving the quality of patient outcomes.
b) the medication dose has been scheduled for administration.
c) they have the right to refuse the medication and to withdraw from the study.
d) the primary investigator will speak with the patient about their decision.
 

07. The cardiac-vascular nurse reviews risk factor reduction with a patient who is newly diagnosed with a myocardial infarction. The patient states, "I don't know why you're making such a big deal about this stuff. I feel fine, and the doctor said that my heart attack was small."
The nurse's most effective action is to:
a) assess the patient's perception of the event with open-ended questions.
b) present research to support the need for risk-factor reduction.
c) reinforce patient education.
d) review the laboratory values with the patient.

08. What is the primary consideration when preparing to administer thrombolytic therapy to a patient who is experiencing an acute myocardial infarction (MI)?
a) History of heart disease.
b) Sensitivity to aspirin.
c) Size and location of the MI.
d) Time since onset of symptoms.

09. When reviewing a patient's four-week diet history, the cardiac-vascular nurse identifies a pattern of high-calorie intake on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights. The patient states that their spouse recently started taking a night class on those evenings at a local university.
The patient's diet history indicates:
a) a disabling family coping behavior.
b) a lack of dietary instruction.
c) an individual coping behavior.
d) a need for cooking classes.

10. While the cardiac-vascular nurse preceptor is orienting a graduate nurse on the telemetry unit, a patient experiences cardiac arrest. Which action by the preceptor, during the emergency cardiac care procedure, facilitates the graduate nurse's competence and professional development?
a) Asking the graduate nurse to review the policy and procedure for cardiac arrest.
b) Assigning the graduate nurse to comfort the family during the arrest.
c) Directing the graduate nurse to attempt IV access.
d) Involving the graduate nurse in the resuscitation by assigning a basic task.

Answers:

For full-length, timed, scenario-based practice aligned with the official exam framework - and to build pacing, consistency, and confidence - explore our Premium ANCC CV-BC Certification Practice Exam.

Note: These sample questions are not official exam questions and are intended only for familiarization and study purposes. If you find any typos or data entry errors in these ANCC Cardiac-Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC) sample questions, please let us know by emailing us at feedback@medicoexam.com