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

Which pressure reflects the amount of blood returning to the heart?

1. Central Venous Pressure (CVP)

2. Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP)

3. Left Ventricular Pressure (LVP)

4. Right Ventricular Pressure (RVP)

The correct answer is: Central Venous Pressure (CVP)

Central Venous Pressure (CVP) is a measurement that indicates the amount of blood returning to the heart, specifically to the right atrium. This pressure reflects the volume of blood filling the heart and is an important parameter in assessing right heart function, fluid status, and circulatory dynamics. CVP is typically measured via a central venous catheter placed in a large vein, such as the internal jugular or subclavian, and it provides insight into the effectiveness of the heart's ability to receive and manage blood volume returning from the systemic circulation. When CVP is elevated, it may suggest fluid overload or increased right atrial pressure, while low CVP values may indicate hypovolemia or inadequate venous return. Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP), Left Ventricular Pressure (LVP), and Right Ventricular Pressure (RVP), while helpful in assessing different aspects of cardiac function, do not directly measure the blood returning to the heart. PCWP assesses left atrial pressure and indirectly measures left ventricular filling, LVP relates to the pressure within the left ventricle during diastole, and RVP pertains to the pressure within the right ventricle. Therefore, CVP is the specific metric