Advanced Cardiovascular & Respiratory Assessment Q&A |
Nursing
50 Multiple-Choice Questions with Answers and Expert Rationales
Cardiovascular Assessment | Cardiac Landmarks & ECG | Thoracic Examination | COPD & Heart Failure
Developed from the supplied NR 302 Exam 3 study material and checked against current course
and authoritative clinical references.
, Chamberlain University NR 302 Exam 3 | 2026/2027
Exam Map and Directions
Select the single best answer for each question. The correct option is bolded. Each item
includes a rationale and a separate explanation of why every other option is incorrect.
Content Area Questions Number of Items
Cardiovascular History and Focused 1–10 10
Assessment
Cardiac Landmarks, Auscultation, and ECG 11–20 10
Interpretation
Respiratory Examination and Breath Sounds 21–30 10
Thoracic Landmarks, Chest Configuration, and 31–40 10
Lifespan Findings
COPD, Heart Failure, and Clinical Integration 41–50 10
How to Use This Practice Exam
For a testing simulation, cover the answer and rationale areas and complete each section
before reviewing your responses. Use the explanations to identify knowledge gaps, then revisit
the corresponding topic in your course materials.
Scope note: This original practice exam focuses on the advanced cardiovascular, respiratory,
COPD, heart-failure, lifespan, and clinical-integration content represented in the uploaded Exam
3 material. It does not reproduce a live examination and is separate from the Exam 1 and Exam
2 practice resources.
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, Chamberlain University NR 302 Exam 3 | 2026/2027
Cardiovascular History and Focused Assessment
Questions 1–10
1. During a cardiovascular health history, a client asks which risk factors can be
changed. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
A. A family history of premature coronary disease is modifiable through medication.
B. Blood pressure is a modifiable risk factor that can be improved through treatment
and lifestyle measures.
C. Dietary pattern is nonmodifiable because it is established early in life.
D. Risk from hypertension disappears completely once one blood pressure reading is normal.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Blood pressure is a major modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. Ongoing
management can include nutrition, physical activity, weight management, medication when
indicated, and follow-up. Risk reduction is meaningful even when a risk factor cannot be
eliminated.
Why the other options are incorrect:
Option A is incorrect: Family history is nonmodifiable, although knowing it can guide
screening and motivate attention to factors that can be changed.
Option C is incorrect: Dietary pattern is modifiable; counseling can address sodium intake,
food quality, and sustainable eating habits.
Option D is incorrect: One normal reading does not establish that hypertension or its
associated risk has resolved; diagnosis and control require appropriate follow-up.
2. A client who has never had chest discomfort reports pressure-like pain that began
while sitting quietly 30 minutes ago. The client is nauseated and diaphoretic. What is the
nurse's priority action?
A. Document the pain as noncardiac because the client was not exercising.
B. Ask the client to monitor the discomfort at home for 24 hours.
C. Complete a detailed family history before taking further action.
D. Urgently evaluate the client for a possible acute coronary syndrome.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: New, persistent discomfort at rest accompanied by nausea and diaphoresis is
concerning for acute coronary syndrome. The nurse should activate the appropriate urgent
response, obtain vital signs, and follow emergency protocols rather than delay for routine history
taking.
Why the other options are incorrect:
Option A is incorrect: Ischemic symptoms can occur at rest; absence of exertion does not
establish a benign cause.
Option B is incorrect: Home monitoring would delay evaluation of symptoms that may
represent myocardial ischemia.
Option C is incorrect: Family history may matter later, but it must not take priority over
assessment and stabilization of a potentially life-threatening problem.
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