Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification Practice Exam 2025 - Free Cardiac Vascular Nursing Practice Questions and Study Guide

A right coronary artery (RCA) occlusion typically affects the inferior wall of the heart, which is reflected on the electrocardiogram (ECG) by changes in specific leads. The leads that correspond to this region are II, III, and aVF. These leads are positioned to monitor the inferior aspect of the heart, and when a blockage occurs in the RCA, it usually leads to ST-segment elevations or other changes in these leads due to the compromised blood flow to this area.

The importance of recognizing these specific leads lies in their association with the RCA’s supply of blood to the inferior wall of the left ventricle and the right ventricle. Clinically, understanding which leads correspond to which artery can help in quickly diagnosing and managing patients with coronary artery disease and related complications.

Other options reflect leads corresponding to different areas of the heart; for instance, V3 and V4 are more associated with the anterior wall and the left anterior descending artery, while I and aVL assess the lateral wall, and V5 and V6 are related to the lateral and low lateral aspects of the heart, which do not specifically reflect RCA occlusion.