Cardiac NCLEX Practice Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

Cardiac NCLEX Practice Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified A client reports chest tightness radiating to the left arm. What is the nurse’s priority action? a. Give prescribed nitroglycerin b. Assess vital signs and ECG c. Offer water d. Reposition the client **Rationale:** Assessment and monitoring precede interventions for suspected cardiac events. A client with heart failure has 3+ pitting edema in both legs. What should the nurse do first? a. Apply compression stockings b. Assess daily weight and intake/output c. Encourage ambulation d. Elevate legs and call physician later **Rationale:** Fluid status assessment is essential in heart failure management. A client with atrial fibrillation reports palpitations. What is the nurse’s first action? 2 a. Document the complaint b. Assess heart rate and rhythm c. Call family d. Offer a warm blanket **Rationale:** AF can cause rapid ventricular response; assessment guides immediate interventions. The nurse is caring for a client with suspected myocardial infarction. Which ECG finding is most concerning? a. Sinus bradycardia b. First-degree AV block c. ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, aVF d. Normal sinus rhythm **Rationale:** ST elevation indicates acute myocardial injury. A client is prescribed a beta-blocker for hypertension. Which assessment is most important before administration? a. Respiratory rate b. Oxygen saturation 3 c. Heart rate and blood pressure d. Pain score **Rationale:** Beta-blockers lower heart rate and BP; monitoring prevents adverse effects. A nurse is caring for a client with peripheral artery disease. Which symptom requires priority intervention? a. Intermittent claudication b. Cool, pale foot with absent pulse c. Mild leg pain at rest d. Thick toenails **Rationale:** Absent pulse and pallor indicate critical ischemia requiring urgent attention. A client has a new prescription for digoxin. Which finding requires holding the medication and notifying the provider? a. Blood pressure 110/70 mmHg b. Heart rate 48 bpm c. Mild nausea d. Peripheral edema 4 **Rationale:** Bradycardia indicates digoxin toxicity risk. A nurse is teaching a client with angina. Which statement shows correct understanding? a. “I will take nitroglycerin after pain has been severe for 15 minutes.” b. “I will take nitroglycerin at the first sign of chest pain.” c. “I can take multiple doses at once for relief.” d. “I will only take nitroglycerin before meals.” **Rationale:** Early use of nitroglycerin helps prevent myocardial ischemia. A client with heart failure is short of breath when lying flat. What should the nurse do? a. Encourage rest in supine position b. Administer oxygen only c. Elevate the head of the bed d. Encourage drinking more fluids **Rationale:** Orthopnea is relieved by upright positioning. A client is scheduled for cardiac catheterization. What is the priority nursing assessment before the procedure? 5 a. Skin condition b. Pain level c. Allergies to iodine or contrast d. Level of consciousness **Rationale:** Contrast dye can cause severe allergic reactions. A nurse is monitoring a client after an MI. Which rhythm is most concerning? a. Sinus tachycardia at 110 bpm b. First-degree AV block c. Ventricular tachycardia with pulse d. Normal sinus rhythm **Rationale:** V-tach can quickly deteriorate into cardiac