Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales | Latest 2026-2027 Edition
Prepare for the NURS 5434 CAD/Lipids Quiz (Family III, FNP 3) with this comprehensive study guide
designed to reinforce key concepts in cardiovascular disease prevention and lipid management. This
resource includes original practice questions, accurate answers, and detailed rationales covering
coronary artery disease, lipid disorders, cardiovascular risk assessment, cholesterol guidelines,
pharmacologic therapies, lifestyle interventions, and evidence-based clinical management. Organized in
a clear, easy-to-follow format, this study guide is ideal for self-assessment, focused review, and
strengthening your understanding before completing the quiz.
Question 1
Which lipoprotein is considered most atherogenic?
A) HDL
B) LDL
C) VLDL
D) Chylomicrons
Rationale: LDL particles penetrate arterial walls, initiating plaque formation and is the
primary driver of ASCVD risk. LDL is commonly referred to as "bad cholesterol" because it
contributes to the buildup of plaque in arteries.
Question 2
Which factor is the strongest non-modifiable risk for CAD?
A) Family history
B) Smoking
C) Hypertension
D) Obesity
,Rationale: Genetics and family history cannot be altered, but they strongly predict CAD
risk. A family history of premature CHD is defined as a first-degree relative with a definite
MI or sudden death in males younger than 55 and females younger than 65.
Question 3
Endothelial dysfunction in CAD is primarily caused by:
A) Hyperglycemia
B) Hypocalcemia
C) Hypokalemia
D) Hypernatremia
Rationale: Chronic hyperglycemia damages endothelium, accelerating atherosclerosis. This
is a key mechanism linking diabetes to cardiovascular disease.
Question 4
At what age should lipid screening begin for average-risk adults?
A) 20 years
B) 30 years
C) 40 years
D) 50 years
Rationale: The USPSTF recommends screening starting at age 20 for risk assessment.
Question 5
Which guideline recommends statin therapy for adults 40–75 with diabetes?
A) ACC/AHA
B) WHO
,C) CDC
D) FDA
Rationale: The ACC/AHA guidelines recommend statin therapy for all adults aged 40–75
with diabetes, regardless of LDL level.
Question 6
True or False: In the US, more men than women die of CVD (cardiovascular disease).
A) True
B) False
Rationale: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women
in the US. In women, approximately 1 in 5 deaths are caused by CVD.
Question 7
In US women, what is the approximate ratio of deaths caused by CVD?
A) 1 in 10
B) 1 in 5
C) 1 in 3
D) 1 in 2
Rationale: Approximately 1 in 5 deaths in US women are caused by cardiovascular disease.
Question 8
75% of myocardial infarctions occur due to rupture of plaques in blood vessels that are
___ occluded.
A) More than 50%
B) Less than 50%
, C) More than 75%
D) 100%
Rationale: The majority of MIs occur from rupture of plaques in vessels that are less than
50% occluded, highlighting that even mild stenosis can be dangerous.
Question 9
Stress tests do not identify obstruction until a ___ lesion is present.
A) 50-55%
B) 70-75%
C) 80-90%
D) 95-100%
Rationale: Stress tests typically detect coronary obstruction at around 70-75% stenosis
because significant hemodynamic changes occur at this level of obstruction.
Question 10
A plaque is unstable due to:
A) Calcification
B) Inflammation
C) Fibrosis
D) Lipid depletion
Rationale: Inflammation is the primary driver of plaque instability. Inflammatory processes
weaken the fibrous cap, making the plaque prone to rupture.
Question 11
Statins ___ & ___ plaques, especially at the lesion shoulders.