Grand Canyon University
3 MAXE · 613 GSN
College of Nursing
GCU
EST. 1949
FIND YOUR PURPOSE
NSG-316 Exam 3 — Grand Canyon University
C A R D I OVA S CU L A R & R E S P I RATO RY A SS E SS M E N T
INSTITUTION Grand Canyon University COURSE CODE NSG-316
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Nursing ACADEMIC YEAR
EXAM TITLE NSG-316 Exam 3 — Grand Canyon TOTAL QUESTIONS 57 Questions
University
COURSE TITLE Health Assessment Across the FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the
Lifespan Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question unless otherwise instructed.
▸ Cardiovascular and respiratory anatomy, heart sounds, murmurs, and assessment techniques are all
testable content.
▸ Peripheral vascular assessment, murmurs, and age-related changes are emphasized.
▸ Correct answers and rationales appear below each question for review purposes.
▸ All content reflects the NSG-316 Health Assessment curriculum.
, SECTION I — CARDIOVASCULAR & RESPIRATORY
Questions 1 – 57
ASSESSMENT
1. How do you calculate pulse deficit?
A. Apical pulse - radial pulse
B. Radial pulse - apical pulse
C. Apical pulse + radial pulse
D. Apical pulse × radial pulse
CORRECT ANSWER A — Apical pulse - radial pulse
RATIONALE Pulse deficit is calculated by subtracting the radial pulse rate from the apical
pulse rate. A pulse deficit indicates that not all heartbeats are being transmitted
to the peripheral pulse, which can occur with atrial fibrillation or other cardiac
conditions.
2. How long do you palpate the apical pulse?
A. 1 full minute
B. 30 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 2 minutes
CORRECT ANSWER A — 1 full minute
RATIONALE The apical pulse should be palpated for 1 full minute to accurately assess the
heart rate and detect any irregularities. This is the most accurate way to measure
heart rate.
, 3. Where is the apex of the heart located?
A. "The tip"; inferior portion
B. Superior portion
C. Base of the heart
D. Midline of the chest
CORRECT ANSWER A — "The tip"; inferior portion
RATIONALE The apex of the heart is the tip, located at the inferior portion of the heart. It is
found at the 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line.
4. Where is the base of the heart located?
A. Superior portion
B. "The tip"; inferior portion
C. Apex of the heart
D. Midline of the chest
CORRECT ANSWER A — Superior portion
RATIONALE The base of the heart is the superior portion where the great vessels attach. It is
located at the level of the 2nd intercostal space.
5. Where is S1 heard?
A. Apex
B. Base
C. 2nd intercostal space
D. Midline
CORRECT ANSWER A — Apex
RATIONALE S1 is heard loudest at the apex of the heart (5th intercostal space, midclavicular
line). It is caused by closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves.
3 MAXE · 613 GSN
College of Nursing
GCU
EST. 1949
FIND YOUR PURPOSE
NSG-316 Exam 3 — Grand Canyon University
C A R D I OVA S CU L A R & R E S P I RATO RY A SS E SS M E N T
INSTITUTION Grand Canyon University COURSE CODE NSG-316
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Nursing ACADEMIC YEAR
EXAM TITLE NSG-316 Exam 3 — Grand Canyon TOTAL QUESTIONS 57 Questions
University
COURSE TITLE Health Assessment Across the FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the
Lifespan Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question unless otherwise instructed.
▸ Cardiovascular and respiratory anatomy, heart sounds, murmurs, and assessment techniques are all
testable content.
▸ Peripheral vascular assessment, murmurs, and age-related changes are emphasized.
▸ Correct answers and rationales appear below each question for review purposes.
▸ All content reflects the NSG-316 Health Assessment curriculum.
, SECTION I — CARDIOVASCULAR & RESPIRATORY
Questions 1 – 57
ASSESSMENT
1. How do you calculate pulse deficit?
A. Apical pulse - radial pulse
B. Radial pulse - apical pulse
C. Apical pulse + radial pulse
D. Apical pulse × radial pulse
CORRECT ANSWER A — Apical pulse - radial pulse
RATIONALE Pulse deficit is calculated by subtracting the radial pulse rate from the apical
pulse rate. A pulse deficit indicates that not all heartbeats are being transmitted
to the peripheral pulse, which can occur with atrial fibrillation or other cardiac
conditions.
2. How long do you palpate the apical pulse?
A. 1 full minute
B. 30 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 2 minutes
CORRECT ANSWER A — 1 full minute
RATIONALE The apical pulse should be palpated for 1 full minute to accurately assess the
heart rate and detect any irregularities. This is the most accurate way to measure
heart rate.
, 3. Where is the apex of the heart located?
A. "The tip"; inferior portion
B. Superior portion
C. Base of the heart
D. Midline of the chest
CORRECT ANSWER A — "The tip"; inferior portion
RATIONALE The apex of the heart is the tip, located at the inferior portion of the heart. It is
found at the 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line.
4. Where is the base of the heart located?
A. Superior portion
B. "The tip"; inferior portion
C. Apex of the heart
D. Midline of the chest
CORRECT ANSWER A — Superior portion
RATIONALE The base of the heart is the superior portion where the great vessels attach. It is
located at the level of the 2nd intercostal space.
5. Where is S1 heard?
A. Apex
B. Base
C. 2nd intercostal space
D. Midline
CORRECT ANSWER A — Apex
RATIONALE S1 is heard loudest at the apex of the heart (5th intercostal space, midclavicular
line). It is caused by closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves.
