CARDIAC NURSING | CLINICAL JUDGMENT
CARDIAC
NURSING FULL EXAM
100 ORIGINAL QUESTIONS | ANSWERS + RATIONALES
Five sections of 20 | Print-friendly practice exam
ASSESS THE RHYTHM. RESPOND TO THE RISK. SUPPORT THE HEART.
Independent educational practice | Not an official exam
,Exam Instructions
Suggested time: 120 minutes. Select the single best answer. Complete all five sections before reviewing the answer key and
rationales.
Coverage: cardiovascular assessment, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, dysrhythmias, cardiac medications, procedures and
devices, vascular disorders, prevention, and emergencies.
This is independently written educational practice material, not an official licensing exam or publisher test bank. Follow current clinical guidance,
orders, and facility protocols.
CONTENTS
Section 1: Questions 1-20
Section 2: Questions 21-40
Section 3: Questions 41-60
Section 4: Questions 61-80
Section 5: Questions 81-100
Answer Key and Rationales: Questions 1-100
CARDIAC NURSING | FULL PRACTICE EXAM 2
, SECTION 1 | QUESTIONS 1-20
ASSESSMENT 1. A client has new crushing chest pressure and diaphoresis. What should the nurse do first?
A. Stop activity, assess promptly, and activate the acute chest-pain pathway.
B. Urgent escalation for possible aortic emergency
C. Daily weight under consistent conditions
D. New confusion with cool, clammy skin
Answer: ______
ASSESSMENT 2. Which finding best suggests reduced cardiac output?
A. New confusion with cool, clammy skin
B. Chronic stable ankle discoloration
C. Warm dry skin with normal mentation
D. Increased appetite
Answer: ______
ASSESSMENT 3. A nurse hears an S3 in a client with dyspnea and edema. What is the concern?
A. Normal finding in every adult
B. Possible volume overload and heart failure
C. Expected sign of dehydration
D. Evidence of isolated peripheral arterial disease
Answer: ______
ASSESSMENT 4. Which assessment is most useful for trending fluid retention in heart failure?
A. One-time skin turgor
B. Monthly height
C. Pupil size
D. Daily weight under consistent conditions
Answer: ______
ASSESSMENT 5. A client reports palpitations and dizziness. What should the nurse assess first?
A. Bowel sounds only
B. Heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure, and symptoms
C. Hair distribution
D. Visual acuity
Answer: ______
ASSESSMENT 6. Which pulse assessment is important before giving a rate-slowing medication?
A. Count respirations for 10 seconds
B. Check pedal pulse only
C. Assess capillary refill on one finger
D. Measure the apical rate and compare with ordered hold parameters
Answer: ______
CARDIAC NURSING | FULL PRACTICE EXAM 3
CARDIAC
NURSING FULL EXAM
100 ORIGINAL QUESTIONS | ANSWERS + RATIONALES
Five sections of 20 | Print-friendly practice exam
ASSESS THE RHYTHM. RESPOND TO THE RISK. SUPPORT THE HEART.
Independent educational practice | Not an official exam
,Exam Instructions
Suggested time: 120 minutes. Select the single best answer. Complete all five sections before reviewing the answer key and
rationales.
Coverage: cardiovascular assessment, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, dysrhythmias, cardiac medications, procedures and
devices, vascular disorders, prevention, and emergencies.
This is independently written educational practice material, not an official licensing exam or publisher test bank. Follow current clinical guidance,
orders, and facility protocols.
CONTENTS
Section 1: Questions 1-20
Section 2: Questions 21-40
Section 3: Questions 41-60
Section 4: Questions 61-80
Section 5: Questions 81-100
Answer Key and Rationales: Questions 1-100
CARDIAC NURSING | FULL PRACTICE EXAM 2
, SECTION 1 | QUESTIONS 1-20
ASSESSMENT 1. A client has new crushing chest pressure and diaphoresis. What should the nurse do first?
A. Stop activity, assess promptly, and activate the acute chest-pain pathway.
B. Urgent escalation for possible aortic emergency
C. Daily weight under consistent conditions
D. New confusion with cool, clammy skin
Answer: ______
ASSESSMENT 2. Which finding best suggests reduced cardiac output?
A. New confusion with cool, clammy skin
B. Chronic stable ankle discoloration
C. Warm dry skin with normal mentation
D. Increased appetite
Answer: ______
ASSESSMENT 3. A nurse hears an S3 in a client with dyspnea and edema. What is the concern?
A. Normal finding in every adult
B. Possible volume overload and heart failure
C. Expected sign of dehydration
D. Evidence of isolated peripheral arterial disease
Answer: ______
ASSESSMENT 4. Which assessment is most useful for trending fluid retention in heart failure?
A. One-time skin turgor
B. Monthly height
C. Pupil size
D. Daily weight under consistent conditions
Answer: ______
ASSESSMENT 5. A client reports palpitations and dizziness. What should the nurse assess first?
A. Bowel sounds only
B. Heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure, and symptoms
C. Hair distribution
D. Visual acuity
Answer: ______
ASSESSMENT 6. Which pulse assessment is important before giving a rate-slowing medication?
A. Count respirations for 10 seconds
B. Check pedal pulse only
C. Assess capillary refill on one finger
D. Measure the apical rate and compare with ordered hold parameters
Answer: ______
CARDIAC NURSING | FULL PRACTICE EXAM 3
