CARDIAC NCLEX UPDATED ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS CORRECT ANSWERS GRADED A
PLUS
Cardiac Nclex Actual EXAM Paper 2026/2027
Questions and Answers Verified Solutions Latest
Update
Question:
A patient has been diagnosed with Right-Sided Congestive Heart Failure, and is confused about
return of deoxygenated blood from the tissue. To clarify the confusion, which chamber of the heart
receives blood from systemic circulation? Left atrium Right atrium Right ventricle Left ventricle.
Answer:
Right atrium Rationale: The right atrium is a thin-walled structure that receives deoxygenated blood
from all the peripheral tissues by way of the superior and inferior vena cava and from the heart
muscle by way of the coronary sinus.
Question:
It is important that the nurse be knowledgeable about cardiac output in order to: Evaluate blood flow
to peripheral tissues. Determine the electrical activity of the myocardium. Provide information on
the immediate need for oxygen. Implement nutritional changes.
Answer:
Evaluate blood flow to peripheral tissues. Rationale: Blood flow to the tissues is measured clinically
as the cardiac output, and assists to predict tissue perfusion. Electrical activity is evaluated more
effectively by EKG. While the cardiac output is important for perfusion and oxygenation of tissues,
the oxygen saturation would provide more valuable information. Nutritional changes would be
targeted to sodium and would depend on symptoms of disease. Integrated Process: Nursing Process;
Planning Cognitive Level: Evaluation NCLEX-RN Test Plan: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Question:
Nurses can best help older clients prevent hypertension by teaching: Low-fat, low-cholesterol diets.
The importance of exercise. How to handle stressful situations. How to maintain a normal blood
pressure.
Answer:
,How to maintain a normal blood pressure. Rationale: Hypertension is a major risk factor for other
cardiovascular conditions. In persons older than 50, systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mm Hg
is a much more important cardiovascular disease risk factor than is diastolic blood pressure. The risk
of cardiovascular disease, beginning at 115/75 mm Hg, doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm
Hg. Answers 1, 2, and 3 are important elements to include in education of a patient with blood
pressure elevation, and are included in the correct answer.
Question:
Modification of lifestyle behaviors to help manage hypertension does not include which of the
following? (Select all that apply.) Weight loss of even 10 pounds The DASH diet Fruits, vegetables,
and whole grains Alcohol intake with meals.
Answer:
Alcohol intake with meals \ Rationale: Weight loss of even 10 pounds; fruits, vegetables, and whole
grains; the DASH diet; and a daily exercise regimen will help reduce high blood pressure. Alcohol
intake with meals should be reduced to help manage high blood pressure.
Question:
A patient receiving the drug simvastatin (Zocor) should be taught this medication helps to prevent
coronary heart disease by: Increasing lower-density lipoprotein. Controlling lower-density
lipoprotein. Increasing triglycerides. Increasing very low-density lipoprotein.
Answer:
Controlling lower- density lipoprotein. Rationale: The Heart Protective Study has also shown that
controlling low-density lipoprotein (LDL) with simvastatin (Zocor) assists in the prevention of
coronary heart disease by raising HDL. Responses 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect.
Question:
Which of the following are direct causes of chronic ischemic pain? (Select all that apply.) Aortic
stenosis Acid reflux Pulmonary embolus Herpes zoster (shingles).
Answer:
Aortic stenosis Acid reflux Pulmonary embolus Rationale: Herpes zoster (shingles) manifests as a
vesicular rash along a dermatome, not chronic ischemic pain. Integrated Process: Nursing Process;
Evaluation Cognitive Level: Evaluation NCLEX-RN Test Plan: Physiological Integrity;
Physiological Adaptation Rationale: Herpes zoster (shingles) manifests as a vesicular rash along a
,dermatome, not chronic ischemic pain.
Question:
Older clients experiencing anginal pain with complaints of fatigue or weakness usually are
medicated with which of the following types of medication? Sublingual nitroglycerin Cardiac
glycosides HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors Morphine sulfate.
Answer:
Sublingual nitroglycerin Rationale: Angina frequently is managed with sublingual nitroglycerin,
which causes vasodilation and increases blood flow to the coronary arteries. Cardiac glycosides are
used to treat heart failure, and morphine is used to treat myocardial infarction. The HMG-CoA
reductase inhibitors are used for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Question:
Which of the following diagnostic studies most likely would confirm a myocardial infarction?
Serum myoglobin level Creatinine kinase (CK) White blood cell count (WBC) Troponin T levels.
Answer:
Troponin T levels Rationale: CK-MB elevates 4-6 hours after tissue necrosis. Troponin levels rise
6-8 hours after the infarct (tissue necrosis) but also can occur with other types of tissue damage.
Myoglobin also elevates, but to a lesser degree. WBC levels elevate with an inflammatory response.
Troponin levels are more elevated than are the other cardiac enzymes, are more specific to cardiac
tissue, and rise 6-8 hours after the infarct (tissue necrosis).
Question:
A client with post-myocardial infarction develops acute bacterial pericarditis. Which of the
following medications would the physician most likely prescribe as the primary drug? Ticarcillin
disodium (Ticar) Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Ibuprofen (Motrin) Trioxsalen (Trisoralen).
Answer:
Ticarcillin disodium (Ticar) Rationale: Acute bacterial pericarditis is a complication that can occur
post-myocardial infarction. Acute bacterial pericarditis usually requires antibiotics. NSAIDs usually
are prescribed to relieve pain from the inflammatory process. If the NSAIDs do not relieve pain
within 48 to 96 hours, corticosteroids are ordered. There is no mention of pain in the stem of the
question. Trisoralen is used to repigment skin for persons with vitiligo.
, Question:
Which of the following diagnostic tests is preferred for evaluating heart valve function? Chest x-ray
Duplex Doppler Echocardiogram Electrocardiogram.
Answer:
Echocardiogram Rationale: The echocardiogram is the preferred test to evaluate heart valves,
because it allows the visualization of the valves as they open and close. A chest x-ray will determine
the size of the heart, the duplex measures blood flow through major arteries, and an
electrocardiogram identifies electrical activity.
Question:
An elderly client is being monitored for evidence of congestive heart failure. To detect early signs of
heart failure, the nurse would instruct the certified nursing attendant (CNA) to do which of the
following during care of the patient? Observe electrocardiogram readings and report deviations to
the nurse. Assist the client with ambulation three times during the shift. Monitor vital signs every 15
minutes and report each reading to the nurse. Accurately weigh the patient, and report and record the
readings.
Answer:
Accurately weigh the patient, and report and record the readings. Rationale: Due to fluid
accumulation, an expanded blood volume can result when the heart fails. Body weight is a sensitive
indicator of water and sodium retention, which will manifest itself with edema, dyspnea - especially
nocturnal - and pedal edema. Patients also should be instructed about the need to perform daily
weights upon discharge to monitor body water. It is not within the role of the CNA to monitor ECG
readings, and ambulation is not an assessment. Vital signs every 15 minute are not necessary for this
level of patient care.
Question:
Which of the following drug classifications should the nurse question if prescribed for a person with
congested heart failure (CHF)? Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor Beta-adrenergic
blocker Alpha adrenergic antagonist Rosiglitazone (Avandia).
Answer:
Rosiglitazone (Avandia) Correct answer: Thiazolidinediones, like rosiglitazone (Avandia), are
glucose-reducing drugs that are prescribed for persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ACE inhibitors,
such as Lisinopril, are first- line drugs used to treat CHF. Propranolol (Inderal), a beta blocker, has
PLUS
Cardiac Nclex Actual EXAM Paper 2026/2027
Questions and Answers Verified Solutions Latest
Update
Question:
A patient has been diagnosed with Right-Sided Congestive Heart Failure, and is confused about
return of deoxygenated blood from the tissue. To clarify the confusion, which chamber of the heart
receives blood from systemic circulation? Left atrium Right atrium Right ventricle Left ventricle.
Answer:
Right atrium Rationale: The right atrium is a thin-walled structure that receives deoxygenated blood
from all the peripheral tissues by way of the superior and inferior vena cava and from the heart
muscle by way of the coronary sinus.
Question:
It is important that the nurse be knowledgeable about cardiac output in order to: Evaluate blood flow
to peripheral tissues. Determine the electrical activity of the myocardium. Provide information on
the immediate need for oxygen. Implement nutritional changes.
Answer:
Evaluate blood flow to peripheral tissues. Rationale: Blood flow to the tissues is measured clinically
as the cardiac output, and assists to predict tissue perfusion. Electrical activity is evaluated more
effectively by EKG. While the cardiac output is important for perfusion and oxygenation of tissues,
the oxygen saturation would provide more valuable information. Nutritional changes would be
targeted to sodium and would depend on symptoms of disease. Integrated Process: Nursing Process;
Planning Cognitive Level: Evaluation NCLEX-RN Test Plan: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Question:
Nurses can best help older clients prevent hypertension by teaching: Low-fat, low-cholesterol diets.
The importance of exercise. How to handle stressful situations. How to maintain a normal blood
pressure.
Answer:
,How to maintain a normal blood pressure. Rationale: Hypertension is a major risk factor for other
cardiovascular conditions. In persons older than 50, systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mm Hg
is a much more important cardiovascular disease risk factor than is diastolic blood pressure. The risk
of cardiovascular disease, beginning at 115/75 mm Hg, doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm
Hg. Answers 1, 2, and 3 are important elements to include in education of a patient with blood
pressure elevation, and are included in the correct answer.
Question:
Modification of lifestyle behaviors to help manage hypertension does not include which of the
following? (Select all that apply.) Weight loss of even 10 pounds The DASH diet Fruits, vegetables,
and whole grains Alcohol intake with meals.
Answer:
Alcohol intake with meals \ Rationale: Weight loss of even 10 pounds; fruits, vegetables, and whole
grains; the DASH diet; and a daily exercise regimen will help reduce high blood pressure. Alcohol
intake with meals should be reduced to help manage high blood pressure.
Question:
A patient receiving the drug simvastatin (Zocor) should be taught this medication helps to prevent
coronary heart disease by: Increasing lower-density lipoprotein. Controlling lower-density
lipoprotein. Increasing triglycerides. Increasing very low-density lipoprotein.
Answer:
Controlling lower- density lipoprotein. Rationale: The Heart Protective Study has also shown that
controlling low-density lipoprotein (LDL) with simvastatin (Zocor) assists in the prevention of
coronary heart disease by raising HDL. Responses 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect.
Question:
Which of the following are direct causes of chronic ischemic pain? (Select all that apply.) Aortic
stenosis Acid reflux Pulmonary embolus Herpes zoster (shingles).
Answer:
Aortic stenosis Acid reflux Pulmonary embolus Rationale: Herpes zoster (shingles) manifests as a
vesicular rash along a dermatome, not chronic ischemic pain. Integrated Process: Nursing Process;
Evaluation Cognitive Level: Evaluation NCLEX-RN Test Plan: Physiological Integrity;
Physiological Adaptation Rationale: Herpes zoster (shingles) manifests as a vesicular rash along a
,dermatome, not chronic ischemic pain.
Question:
Older clients experiencing anginal pain with complaints of fatigue or weakness usually are
medicated with which of the following types of medication? Sublingual nitroglycerin Cardiac
glycosides HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors Morphine sulfate.
Answer:
Sublingual nitroglycerin Rationale: Angina frequently is managed with sublingual nitroglycerin,
which causes vasodilation and increases blood flow to the coronary arteries. Cardiac glycosides are
used to treat heart failure, and morphine is used to treat myocardial infarction. The HMG-CoA
reductase inhibitors are used for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Question:
Which of the following diagnostic studies most likely would confirm a myocardial infarction?
Serum myoglobin level Creatinine kinase (CK) White blood cell count (WBC) Troponin T levels.
Answer:
Troponin T levels Rationale: CK-MB elevates 4-6 hours after tissue necrosis. Troponin levels rise
6-8 hours after the infarct (tissue necrosis) but also can occur with other types of tissue damage.
Myoglobin also elevates, but to a lesser degree. WBC levels elevate with an inflammatory response.
Troponin levels are more elevated than are the other cardiac enzymes, are more specific to cardiac
tissue, and rise 6-8 hours after the infarct (tissue necrosis).
Question:
A client with post-myocardial infarction develops acute bacterial pericarditis. Which of the
following medications would the physician most likely prescribe as the primary drug? Ticarcillin
disodium (Ticar) Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Ibuprofen (Motrin) Trioxsalen (Trisoralen).
Answer:
Ticarcillin disodium (Ticar) Rationale: Acute bacterial pericarditis is a complication that can occur
post-myocardial infarction. Acute bacterial pericarditis usually requires antibiotics. NSAIDs usually
are prescribed to relieve pain from the inflammatory process. If the NSAIDs do not relieve pain
within 48 to 96 hours, corticosteroids are ordered. There is no mention of pain in the stem of the
question. Trisoralen is used to repigment skin for persons with vitiligo.
, Question:
Which of the following diagnostic tests is preferred for evaluating heart valve function? Chest x-ray
Duplex Doppler Echocardiogram Electrocardiogram.
Answer:
Echocardiogram Rationale: The echocardiogram is the preferred test to evaluate heart valves,
because it allows the visualization of the valves as they open and close. A chest x-ray will determine
the size of the heart, the duplex measures blood flow through major arteries, and an
electrocardiogram identifies electrical activity.
Question:
An elderly client is being monitored for evidence of congestive heart failure. To detect early signs of
heart failure, the nurse would instruct the certified nursing attendant (CNA) to do which of the
following during care of the patient? Observe electrocardiogram readings and report deviations to
the nurse. Assist the client with ambulation three times during the shift. Monitor vital signs every 15
minutes and report each reading to the nurse. Accurately weigh the patient, and report and record the
readings.
Answer:
Accurately weigh the patient, and report and record the readings. Rationale: Due to fluid
accumulation, an expanded blood volume can result when the heart fails. Body weight is a sensitive
indicator of water and sodium retention, which will manifest itself with edema, dyspnea - especially
nocturnal - and pedal edema. Patients also should be instructed about the need to perform daily
weights upon discharge to monitor body water. It is not within the role of the CNA to monitor ECG
readings, and ambulation is not an assessment. Vital signs every 15 minute are not necessary for this
level of patient care.
Question:
Which of the following drug classifications should the nurse question if prescribed for a person with
congested heart failure (CHF)? Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor Beta-adrenergic
blocker Alpha adrenergic antagonist Rosiglitazone (Avandia).
Answer:
Rosiglitazone (Avandia) Correct answer: Thiazolidinediones, like rosiglitazone (Avandia), are
glucose-reducing drugs that are prescribed for persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ACE inhibitors,
such as Lisinopril, are first- line drugs used to treat CHF. Propranolol (Inderal), a beta blocker, has
