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NSG 3130 EXAM 4 2026/2027 | FUNDAMENTAL
CONCEPTS & SKILLS FOR NURSING PRACTICE II |
40 VERIFIED Q&A | DETAILED RATIONALES | NGN-
ALIGNED | PASS GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR ASSESSMENT & HEART FAILURE – Questions 1-12
Q1: Components of the Cardiovascular System
The nurse is reviewing the components of the cardiovascular system. Which of the following are
considered components of the heart? (Select all that apply)
A. The pump
B. The electrical system
C. The vascular system
D. The blood volume
E. Serum lipid levels
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D
Rationale: The components of the heart and cardiovascular system include the pump (the heart
muscle), the electrical system (conduction pathways), the vascular system (blood vessels), and the
blood volume. Serum lipid levels are a laboratory value that affects cardiovascular health but are not
a structural component of the heart .
Q2: Cardiac Output Calculation
The nurse is reviewing hemodynamic principles. Cardiac output is calculated as:
A. Heart rate × Stroke volume
B. Preload × Afterload
C. Systolic BP × Diastolic BP
D. Stroke volume ÷ Heart rate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cardiac output (CO) is calculated as heart rate (HR) multiplied by stroke volume (SV).
Cardiac output represents the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute and is a critical
indicator of cardiac function .
Q3: Preload Definition
The nurse is explaining hemodynamic concepts to a patient. The nurse defines preload as:
, 2
A. The resistance the ventricle must overcome to eject blood
B. The amount of blood and pressure in the ventricle at the end of diastole
C. The volume of blood ejected with each heartbeat
D. The pressure in the aorta during contraction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Preload is the amount of blood and pressure in the ventricle at the end of diastole. It
increases due to increased blood volume. Afterload (A) is the resistance that must be exceeded for
the ventricle to eject blood during systole .
Q4: Afterload Definition
The nurse is teaching a patient about heart function. The nurse explains that afterload increases due
to which condition?
A. Decreased blood volume
B. Hypertension or vasoconstriction
C. Increased heart rate
D. Decreased stroke volume
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Afterload is the resistance that has to be exceeded for the ventricle to eject blood during
systole. It increases due to hypertension or vasoconstriction .
Q5: Left-Sided Heart Failure Assessment
A patient with left-sided heart failure has crackles in the lung fields. Which intervention should the
nurse implement to promote comfort?
A. Place the patient in a supine position
B. Use three pillows for support
C. Restrict all fluids
D. Encourage the patient to ambulate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed with pillows helps reduce venous return, decrease
pulmonary congestion, and improve oxygenation in patients with left-sided heart failure. This non-
pharmacological intervention promotes comfort and respiratory function .
Q6: Left-Sided Heart Failure Priority Intervention
The patient has a history of congestive heart failure who is acutely short of breath. The nurse hears
fine crackles throughout both lung fields and notes that the pulse oximetry is only on 4 L of oxygen.
What is the priority intervention of the nurse?
A. Administer the ordered intravenous diuretic
B. Place the patient in supine position
NSG 3130 EXAM 4 2026/2027 | FUNDAMENTAL
CONCEPTS & SKILLS FOR NURSING PRACTICE II |
40 VERIFIED Q&A | DETAILED RATIONALES | NGN-
ALIGNED | PASS GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR ASSESSMENT & HEART FAILURE – Questions 1-12
Q1: Components of the Cardiovascular System
The nurse is reviewing the components of the cardiovascular system. Which of the following are
considered components of the heart? (Select all that apply)
A. The pump
B. The electrical system
C. The vascular system
D. The blood volume
E. Serum lipid levels
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D
Rationale: The components of the heart and cardiovascular system include the pump (the heart
muscle), the electrical system (conduction pathways), the vascular system (blood vessels), and the
blood volume. Serum lipid levels are a laboratory value that affects cardiovascular health but are not
a structural component of the heart .
Q2: Cardiac Output Calculation
The nurse is reviewing hemodynamic principles. Cardiac output is calculated as:
A. Heart rate × Stroke volume
B. Preload × Afterload
C. Systolic BP × Diastolic BP
D. Stroke volume ÷ Heart rate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cardiac output (CO) is calculated as heart rate (HR) multiplied by stroke volume (SV).
Cardiac output represents the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute and is a critical
indicator of cardiac function .
Q3: Preload Definition
The nurse is explaining hemodynamic concepts to a patient. The nurse defines preload as:
, 2
A. The resistance the ventricle must overcome to eject blood
B. The amount of blood and pressure in the ventricle at the end of diastole
C. The volume of blood ejected with each heartbeat
D. The pressure in the aorta during contraction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Preload is the amount of blood and pressure in the ventricle at the end of diastole. It
increases due to increased blood volume. Afterload (A) is the resistance that must be exceeded for
the ventricle to eject blood during systole .
Q4: Afterload Definition
The nurse is teaching a patient about heart function. The nurse explains that afterload increases due
to which condition?
A. Decreased blood volume
B. Hypertension or vasoconstriction
C. Increased heart rate
D. Decreased stroke volume
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Afterload is the resistance that has to be exceeded for the ventricle to eject blood during
systole. It increases due to hypertension or vasoconstriction .
Q5: Left-Sided Heart Failure Assessment
A patient with left-sided heart failure has crackles in the lung fields. Which intervention should the
nurse implement to promote comfort?
A. Place the patient in a supine position
B. Use three pillows for support
C. Restrict all fluids
D. Encourage the patient to ambulate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed with pillows helps reduce venous return, decrease
pulmonary congestion, and improve oxygenation in patients with left-sided heart failure. This non-
pharmacological intervention promotes comfort and respiratory function .
Q6: Left-Sided Heart Failure Priority Intervention
The patient has a history of congestive heart failure who is acutely short of breath. The nurse hears
fine crackles throughout both lung fields and notes that the pulse oximetry is only on 4 L of oxygen.
What is the priority intervention of the nurse?
A. Administer the ordered intravenous diuretic
B. Place the patient in supine position
