Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) Practice Test

If the right atrial (RA) waveform is twice the normal value, where would this be most likely assessed physically?

1. Pedal edema

2. Jugular venous distension (JVD)

3. Elevated blood pressure

4. Capillary refill

The correct answer is: Jugular venous distension (JVD)

The correct answer is jugular venous distension (JVD) because JVD is a clinical sign that reflects the pressure in the right atrium and assesses central venous pressure. When the right atrial waveform is twice the normal value, it indicates elevated pressure in the right atrium, which can lead to increased venous pressure and distension of the jugular veins. Observing JVD can provide important insights into heart function and circulatory status, particularly in conditions like heart failure or right-sided heart dysfunction. Other options, while significant in their own ways, do not directly correlate with the assessment of right atrial pressure. Pedal edema relates more to fluid retention and may not specifically indicate changes in atrial pressure. Elevated blood pressure typically pertains to systemic arterial pressure rather than specifically the right atrium. Capillary refill is a measure of peripheral blood flow and does not reflect central venous pressure. Therefore, JVD is the most appropriate choice to assess right atrial pressure abnormalities.