American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What is the normal systolic pressure range for the right ventricle?

1. 10-15 mm Hg

2. 15-30 mm Hg

3. 30-40 mm Hg

4. 40-50 mm Hg

The correct answer is: 15-30 mm Hg

The correct answer reflects that the normal systolic pressure range for the right ventricle is 15-30 mm Hg. The right ventricle's primary role is to pump deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary artery, which then carries blood to the lungs for oxygenation. The pressures in the right ventricle are generally lower than those found in the left ventricle, due to the differences in the distance and resistance each ventricle has to overcome. Understanding the normal systolic pressure range is crucial for evaluating cardiac function and identifying potential issues such as right heart dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension. Pressures that fall significantly outside this normal range can suggest underlying health issues, guiding further investigation and management. In the context of the other pressure ranges provided, they exceed the normal physiological parameters for the right ventricle, making them less applicable.