ADN/NCLEX Practice Exam – Cardiovascular Nursing 2026 EXAM WITH (80 updated Questions & Verified Answers A+ Graded)

ADN/NCLEX Practice Exam – Cardiovascular Nursing 2026 EXAM WITH (80 updated Questions & Verified Answers A+ Graded) Cardiovascular Disorders & Concepts Part 1 1. A patient with chest pain is diagnosed with stable angina. Which characteristic is typical? a) Pain occurs at rest b) Pain relieved by rest or nitroglycerin c) Pain lasts >30 minutes d) Pain unrelated to exertion Rationale: Stable angina is exertional and relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. 2. Which medication improves mortality in heart failure? a) Furosemide b) Lisinopril c) Digoxin d) Nitroglycerin Rationale: ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril reduce mortality; furosemide/digoxin relieve symptoms only. 3. A patient with atrial fibrillation is at risk for: a) Pulmonary embolism b) Stroke c) Myocardial infarction d) Hem thorax Rationale: A-fib → atrial stasis → thrombi → stroke. 4. Which assessment is most concerning post–cardiac catheterization? a) Small hematoma at insertion site b) Warm toes c) Absent pedal pulse d) Bruising at site Rationale: Absent pulse suggests arterial occlusion — emergency. 5. Which EKG change indicates myocardial infarction? a) U waves b) ST-segment elevation c) PR prolongation d) QT shortening Rationale: ST elevation = STEMI. 6. Nurse gives nitroglycerin for chest pain. Which is priority? a) Check respiratory rate b) Check blood pressure c) Check potassium d) Check sodium Rationale: Nitro can cause hypotension — BP must be monitored. 7. Patient on heparin for DVT suddenly has chest pain and dyspnea. Suspect: a) MI b) Stroke c) Pulmonary embolism d) Pneumonia Rationale: PE → chest pain, SOB, hypoxemia. 8. Best diet for hypertension: a) High sodium b) DASH diet c) High fat, low carb d) High protein Rationale: DASH diet lowers BP — fruits, veggies, low sodium. 9. Patient with pericarditis may present with: a) Chest pain worse on inspiration b) ST depression c) Pain relieved by lying flat d) Bradycardia Rationale: Pericarditis → sharp pain, worse when lying, better sitting forward. 10. Which drug requires INR monitoring? a) Aspirin b) Clopidogrel c) Warfarin d) Heparin Rationale: Warfarin monitored by PT/INR. Heart Failure 11. Classic sign of left-sided heart failure: a) Peripheral edema b) Ascites c) Pulmonary crackles d) JVD Rationale: Left HF → pulmonary congestion. 12. Patient with heart failure gains 5 lbs in 2 days. Priority action? a) Document b) Restrict fluids c) Encourage ambulation d) Give iron supplement Rationale: Rapid weight gain = fluid retention → restrict fluids, notify provider. 13. First-line drug for acute pulmonary edema: a) Beta-blocker b) IV furosemide c) Digoxin d) Atorvastatin Rationale: Diuretics reduce preload and pulmonary congestion. 14. BNP 900 pg/mL indicates: a) Normal heart function b) Heart failure exacerbation c) Dehydration d) Renal failure only Rationale: BNP >500 suggests decompensated HF. 15. Patient with HF on digoxin has nausea and visual halos. First step? a) Hold digoxin b) Give more potassium c) Give antidote immediately d) Give next dose early Rationale: Classic digoxin toxicity → hold drug, check level. Hypertension 16. Which teaching is most effective for hypertension management? a) “I will limit sodium intake to 1500 mg/day.” b) “I can drink unlimited alcohol.” c) “I should avoid exercise.” d) “I should stop taking meds when BP normalizes.” Rationale: Sodium restriction, exercise, and medication adherence lower BP. 17. Hypertensive crisis symptom needing immediate action: a) Nosebleed b) Severe headache c) Fatigue d) Mild ankle edema Rationale: Severe headache → risk of stroke/encephalopathy. 18. Priority assessment for IV nitroprusside in hypertensive emergency? a) Bowel sounds b) Blood pressure c) Oxygen saturation d) Pupils Rationale: Nitroprusside lowers BP rapidly; must monitor continuously. Dysrhythmias 19. Patient with ventricular tachycardia, no pulse. First action? a) Administer amiodarone b) Begin CPR c) Give oxygen by mask d) Check potassium Rationale: Pulseless VT = cardiac arrest → CPR + defib. 20. Antidote for heparin overdose: a) Vitamin K b) Protamine sulfate c) Atropine d) Naloxone Rationale: Protamine neutralizes heparin. 21. ECG: irregular rhythm, no P waves, HR 110. Likely rhythm? a) Atrial fibrillation b) Sinus tachycardia c) Ventricular fibrillation d) Junctional rhythm Rationale: A-fib → irregular, no P waves. 22. Patient with bradycardia HR 38 and dizziness. First intervention? a) Administer atropine b) Administer lidocaine c) Begin chest compressions d) Give propranolol Rationale: Symptomatic bradycardia → atropine first