NR 603 APEA Mock Exam 2026 | Trusted Questions &
Answers | 2026
1. A patient presents with unilateral leg swelling and pain. What initial
assessment should be prioritized to rule out deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Ultrasound of the affected leg
Chest X-ray
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Blood test for cholesterol levels
2. What is a common side effect associated with ACE inhibitors?
Cough
Rash
Dizziness
Nausea
3. A patient on an ACE inhibitor presents with elevated potassium levels. What
dietary advice should be given?
Avoid all dietary restrictions.
Limit intake of potassium-rich foods.
Consume more potassium supplements.
Increase sodium intake to balance potassium.
4. What is the major difference between varicose veins and atherosclerosis?
The degree of pain
Vessels that are affected
, The limbs that are affected
The gender that's affected
5. In a clinical examination, if a patient with a history of poorly controlled
hypertension presents with a PMI located in the 6th intercostal space, what
could this indicate about their cardiovascular status?
Pulmonary hypertension
Aortic stenosis
Possible left ventricular hypertrophy or heart failure
Normal cardiovascular status
6. Describe how deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can affect the body and why
recognizing its symptoms is important.
DVT is a minor condition that resolves on its own without intervention.
DVT can lead to complications like pulmonary embolism if not
treated, making symptom recognition crucial.
DVT only occurs in individuals with a history of heart disease.
DVT primarily affects the lungs and causes respiratory issues.
7. Describe the impact of chronic rheumatic heart disease on heart valve
function.
Chronic rheumatic heart disease strengthens the aortic valve,
improving function.
Chronic rheumatic heart disease primarily affects the tricuspid valve,
causing it to close more effectively.
Chronic rheumatic heart disease often leads to stenosis or
regurgitation of the mitral valve, affecting blood flow.
, Chronic rheumatic heart disease has no effect on heart valve function.
8. If a 28-year-old patient presents with a grade 3 murmur and has a history of
hypertension, what would be the most appropriate next step in
management?
Advise the patient to increase physical activity.
Refer the patient for further cardiac evaluation.
Schedule a follow-up appointment in six months.
Prescribe antihypertensive medication and monitor.
9. A patient has had poorly controlled hypertension for more than 10 years.
Indicate the most likely position of his point of maximal impulse (PMI)
8th ICS MCL
5th ICS, left of MCL
6th ICS, right of MCL
5th intercostal space (ICS) midclavicular line (MCL)
10. If a 75-year-old patient with aortic stenosis presents with new-onset
syncope, what should be the immediate clinical consideration?
Refer the patient for a routine check-up.
Evaluate for potential heart failure or severe obstruction.
Increase the patient's physical activity level.
Prescribe a diuretic for fluid management.
11. Describe why patients on ACE inhibitors need to be cautious about
potassium intake.
Answers | 2026
1. A patient presents with unilateral leg swelling and pain. What initial
assessment should be prioritized to rule out deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Ultrasound of the affected leg
Chest X-ray
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Blood test for cholesterol levels
2. What is a common side effect associated with ACE inhibitors?
Cough
Rash
Dizziness
Nausea
3. A patient on an ACE inhibitor presents with elevated potassium levels. What
dietary advice should be given?
Avoid all dietary restrictions.
Limit intake of potassium-rich foods.
Consume more potassium supplements.
Increase sodium intake to balance potassium.
4. What is the major difference between varicose veins and atherosclerosis?
The degree of pain
Vessels that are affected
, The limbs that are affected
The gender that's affected
5. In a clinical examination, if a patient with a history of poorly controlled
hypertension presents with a PMI located in the 6th intercostal space, what
could this indicate about their cardiovascular status?
Pulmonary hypertension
Aortic stenosis
Possible left ventricular hypertrophy or heart failure
Normal cardiovascular status
6. Describe how deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can affect the body and why
recognizing its symptoms is important.
DVT is a minor condition that resolves on its own without intervention.
DVT can lead to complications like pulmonary embolism if not
treated, making symptom recognition crucial.
DVT only occurs in individuals with a history of heart disease.
DVT primarily affects the lungs and causes respiratory issues.
7. Describe the impact of chronic rheumatic heart disease on heart valve
function.
Chronic rheumatic heart disease strengthens the aortic valve,
improving function.
Chronic rheumatic heart disease primarily affects the tricuspid valve,
causing it to close more effectively.
Chronic rheumatic heart disease often leads to stenosis or
regurgitation of the mitral valve, affecting blood flow.
, Chronic rheumatic heart disease has no effect on heart valve function.
8. If a 28-year-old patient presents with a grade 3 murmur and has a history of
hypertension, what would be the most appropriate next step in
management?
Advise the patient to increase physical activity.
Refer the patient for further cardiac evaluation.
Schedule a follow-up appointment in six months.
Prescribe antihypertensive medication and monitor.
9. A patient has had poorly controlled hypertension for more than 10 years.
Indicate the most likely position of his point of maximal impulse (PMI)
8th ICS MCL
5th ICS, left of MCL
6th ICS, right of MCL
5th intercostal space (ICS) midclavicular line (MCL)
10. If a 75-year-old patient with aortic stenosis presents with new-onset
syncope, what should be the immediate clinical consideration?
Refer the patient for a routine check-up.
Evaluate for potential heart failure or severe obstruction.
Increase the patient's physical activity level.
Prescribe a diuretic for fluid management.
11. Describe why patients on ACE inhibitors need to be cautious about
potassium intake.
