NURS 6512 WEEK 6:
CARDIOVASCULAR, PERIPHERAL
VASCULAR, AND LYMPHATIC
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT |
GRADE A+
1. Which heart sound is associated with the rapid filling phase of the ventricles and is often
considered a hallmark sign of heart failure in older adults?
A. S1
B. S3
C. S2
D. S4
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: S3 (ventricular gallop) occurs during the early rapid filling
phase of diastole. While it can be normal in children and athletes, in older adults it often
indicates decreased ventricular compliance or volume overload, as seen in heart failure.
2. When assessing the carotid arteries, which technique is most appropriate to avoid
stimulating a reflex drop in heart rate?
A. Palpate one artery at a time in the lower half of the neck
,B. Palpate the arteries in the upper third of the neck
C. Palpate both carotid arteries simultaneously
D. Apply firm pressure to the carotid sinus
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Carotid arteries should be palpated one at a time to avoid
compromised blood flow to the brain and lower in the neck to avoid the carotid sinus,
which can trigger bradycardia if stimulated.
3. A patient presents with a ‘machinery-like’ continuous murmur heard throughout the
cardiac cycle. This is most characteristic of which condition?
A. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
B. Mitral Stenosis
C. Aortic Regurgitation
D. Ventricular Septal Defect
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A continuous, machinery-like murmur is the classic description
for a Patent Ductus Arteriosus, representing flow through the shunt from the aorta to the
pulmonary artery during both systole and diastole.
, 4. During a physical exam, the clinician notes a thrill while palpating the precordium. This
indicates the murmur is at least what grade?
A. Grade II
B. Grade III
C. Grade IV
D. Grade V
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Grading of murmurs requires the presence of a palpable thrill
for Grade IV, Grade V, and Grade VI. Grade IV is the first grade where a thrill is definitely
present.
5. Which physical finding is most specific for Chronic Venous Insufficiency rather than
Peripheral Artery Disease?
A. Brownish skin discoloration (hemosiderin staining) around the ankles
B. Dependent rubor
C. Intermittent claudication
D. Absent pedal pulses
Answer: A
CARDIOVASCULAR, PERIPHERAL
VASCULAR, AND LYMPHATIC
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT |
GRADE A+
1. Which heart sound is associated with the rapid filling phase of the ventricles and is often
considered a hallmark sign of heart failure in older adults?
A. S1
B. S3
C. S2
D. S4
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: S3 (ventricular gallop) occurs during the early rapid filling
phase of diastole. While it can be normal in children and athletes, in older adults it often
indicates decreased ventricular compliance or volume overload, as seen in heart failure.
2. When assessing the carotid arteries, which technique is most appropriate to avoid
stimulating a reflex drop in heart rate?
A. Palpate one artery at a time in the lower half of the neck
,B. Palpate the arteries in the upper third of the neck
C. Palpate both carotid arteries simultaneously
D. Apply firm pressure to the carotid sinus
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Carotid arteries should be palpated one at a time to avoid
compromised blood flow to the brain and lower in the neck to avoid the carotid sinus,
which can trigger bradycardia if stimulated.
3. A patient presents with a ‘machinery-like’ continuous murmur heard throughout the
cardiac cycle. This is most characteristic of which condition?
A. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
B. Mitral Stenosis
C. Aortic Regurgitation
D. Ventricular Septal Defect
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A continuous, machinery-like murmur is the classic description
for a Patent Ductus Arteriosus, representing flow through the shunt from the aorta to the
pulmonary artery during both systole and diastole.
, 4. During a physical exam, the clinician notes a thrill while palpating the precordium. This
indicates the murmur is at least what grade?
A. Grade II
B. Grade III
C. Grade IV
D. Grade V
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Grading of murmurs requires the presence of a palpable thrill
for Grade IV, Grade V, and Grade VI. Grade IV is the first grade where a thrill is definitely
present.
5. Which physical finding is most specific for Chronic Venous Insufficiency rather than
Peripheral Artery Disease?
A. Brownish skin discoloration (hemosiderin staining) around the ankles
B. Dependent rubor
C. Intermittent claudication
D. Absent pedal pulses
Answer: A
