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HESI PHARMACOLOGY
CARDIOVASCULAR EXIT EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025
What is the relationship of the kidneys to the cardiovascular
system? - correct answer- The kidneys filter about 1 L of blood
per minute.
If cardiac output is decreased, the amount of blood going
through the kidneys is decreased; urinary output is decreased.
Therefore, a decreased urinary output may be a sign of cardiac
problems.
When the kidneys produce and excrete 0.5mL of urine/kg of
body weight or average 30mL/hr output, the blood supply is
considered to be minimally adequate to perfuse the vital organs
Angina description - correct answer- Chest discomfort or pain
that occurs when myocardial O2 demands exceed supply
Common causes of angina - correct answer- Atherosclerotic
heart disease
HTN
coronary artery spasm
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Any activity that increases the heart's oxygen demand; physical
exertion, cold extremities
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Nursing assessment Angina
Pain - correct answer- Pain: mild to severe intensity, described
as heavy, squeezing, pressing, burning, choking, aching, and
feeling of apprehension
Substernal, radiating to left arm and/or shoulder, jaw, right
shoulder
Transient or prolonged, with gradual or sudden onset; typically
of short duration
Often precipitated by exercise, exposure to cold, a heavy meal,
mental tension, sexual intercourse
Relieved by rest and/or nitroglycerin
Nursing assessment angina continued - correct answer-
Dyspnea, tachycardia, palpitations
N/V
Fatigue
Diaphoresis, pallor, weakness
Syncope
Dysrhythmias
Angina
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Diagnostic info - correct answer- ECG: is generally at client
baseline unless taken during anginal attack, when ST segment
depression and T wave inversion may occur
Exercise stress test: shows ST segment depression and
hypotension
Stress echo: looks for changes in wall motion (indicated in
women)
Coronary angiogram: detects coronary artery spams
Cardiac cath: detects arterial blockage
Risk factors angina - correct answer- Nonmodifiable
Heredity
Gender: male > female until menopause, then equal risk
Ethnic background: African Americans
Age
Modifiable: hyperlipidemia
Total serum cholesterol above 300 mg/dl: four times greater risk
for developing coronary artery disease than those with levels
less than 200.
LDLs: <100 desirable
HDLs: >60 desirable
HTN, cigarette smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, DM, stress
Nursing plans and interventions
HESI PHARMACOLOGY
CARDIOVASCULAR EXIT EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025
What is the relationship of the kidneys to the cardiovascular
system? - correct answer- The kidneys filter about 1 L of blood
per minute.
If cardiac output is decreased, the amount of blood going
through the kidneys is decreased; urinary output is decreased.
Therefore, a decreased urinary output may be a sign of cardiac
problems.
When the kidneys produce and excrete 0.5mL of urine/kg of
body weight or average 30mL/hr output, the blood supply is
considered to be minimally adequate to perfuse the vital organs
Angina description - correct answer- Chest discomfort or pain
that occurs when myocardial O2 demands exceed supply
Common causes of angina - correct answer- Atherosclerotic
heart disease
HTN
coronary artery spasm
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Any activity that increases the heart's oxygen demand; physical
exertion, cold extremities
,2 | Page
Nursing assessment Angina
Pain - correct answer- Pain: mild to severe intensity, described
as heavy, squeezing, pressing, burning, choking, aching, and
feeling of apprehension
Substernal, radiating to left arm and/or shoulder, jaw, right
shoulder
Transient or prolonged, with gradual or sudden onset; typically
of short duration
Often precipitated by exercise, exposure to cold, a heavy meal,
mental tension, sexual intercourse
Relieved by rest and/or nitroglycerin
Nursing assessment angina continued - correct answer-
Dyspnea, tachycardia, palpitations
N/V
Fatigue
Diaphoresis, pallor, weakness
Syncope
Dysrhythmias
Angina
, 3 | Page
Diagnostic info - correct answer- ECG: is generally at client
baseline unless taken during anginal attack, when ST segment
depression and T wave inversion may occur
Exercise stress test: shows ST segment depression and
hypotension
Stress echo: looks for changes in wall motion (indicated in
women)
Coronary angiogram: detects coronary artery spams
Cardiac cath: detects arterial blockage
Risk factors angina - correct answer- Nonmodifiable
Heredity
Gender: male > female until menopause, then equal risk
Ethnic background: African Americans
Age
Modifiable: hyperlipidemia
Total serum cholesterol above 300 mg/dl: four times greater risk
for developing coronary artery disease than those with levels
less than 200.
LDLs: <100 desirable
HDLs: >60 desirable
HTN, cigarette smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, DM, stress
Nursing plans and interventions
