NCLEX-Style Questions: Cardiovascular System
Question 1
A nurse is teaching a patient about hypertension. Which of the following statements by the
patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will monitor my blood pressure regularly."
B. "I can stop taking my medication once my blood pressure is normal."
C. "I should reduce my salt intake."
D. "I will maintain a healthy weight."
Answer: B. "I can stop taking my medication once my blood pressure is normal."
Rationale: Patients with hypertension often require lifelong treatment to maintain blood pressure
control, even when readings are normal.
Question 2
Which of the following is a common risk factor for developing coronary artery disease (CAD)?
A. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels of 70 mg/dL
B. Regular physical activity
C. Smoking
D. Low blood pressure
Answer: C. Smoking
Rationale: Smoking is a significant modifiable risk factor for CAD, while the other options
represent protective factors.
Question 3
,A patient with heart failure is prescribed a diuretic. Which of the following assessments is most
important for the nurse to monitor?
A. Blood glucose levels
B. Respiratory rate
C. Serum potassium levels
D. Daily weights
Answer: C. Serum potassium levels
Rationale: Diuretics can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels), so monitoring serum
potassium is crucial.
Question 4
The nurse is caring for a patient after a myocardial infarction (MI). Which of the following
findings would indicate a potential complication of the MI?
A. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
B. Heart rate of 92 beats per minute
C. Crackles in the lungs
D. Temperature of 98.6°F
Answer: C. Crackles in the lungs
Rationale: Crackles may indicate fluid overload or pulmonary edema, which can occur as a
complication of MI.
Question 5
What is the priority nursing action for a patient who is experiencing chest pain and shortness of
breath?
A. Assess the patient's vital signs.
B. Administer oxygen as prescribed.
, C. Call for help immediately.
D. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
Answer: B. Administer oxygen as prescribed.
Rationale: Administering oxygen is a priority intervention to improve oxygenation to the
myocardium during an acute episode.
Question 6
Which assessment finding would most likely indicate that a patient is experiencing heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Increased appetite
C. Bradycardia
D. Dry skin
Answer: A. Peripheral edema
Rationale: Peripheral edema is a common sign of heart failure due to fluid retention.
Question 7
A patient with atrial fibrillation is prescribed warfarin. What should the nurse teach the patient
about this medication?
A. "You will need to monitor your heart rate daily."
B. "You must avoid all foods high in vitamin K."
C. "Report any signs of bleeding to your healthcare provider."
D. "You can stop the medication if you feel better."
Answer: C. "Report any signs of bleeding to your healthcare provider."
Rationale: Warfarin increases the risk of bleeding, so patients must be educated on this risk.
Question 1
A nurse is teaching a patient about hypertension. Which of the following statements by the
patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will monitor my blood pressure regularly."
B. "I can stop taking my medication once my blood pressure is normal."
C. "I should reduce my salt intake."
D. "I will maintain a healthy weight."
Answer: B. "I can stop taking my medication once my blood pressure is normal."
Rationale: Patients with hypertension often require lifelong treatment to maintain blood pressure
control, even when readings are normal.
Question 2
Which of the following is a common risk factor for developing coronary artery disease (CAD)?
A. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels of 70 mg/dL
B. Regular physical activity
C. Smoking
D. Low blood pressure
Answer: C. Smoking
Rationale: Smoking is a significant modifiable risk factor for CAD, while the other options
represent protective factors.
Question 3
,A patient with heart failure is prescribed a diuretic. Which of the following assessments is most
important for the nurse to monitor?
A. Blood glucose levels
B. Respiratory rate
C. Serum potassium levels
D. Daily weights
Answer: C. Serum potassium levels
Rationale: Diuretics can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels), so monitoring serum
potassium is crucial.
Question 4
The nurse is caring for a patient after a myocardial infarction (MI). Which of the following
findings would indicate a potential complication of the MI?
A. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
B. Heart rate of 92 beats per minute
C. Crackles in the lungs
D. Temperature of 98.6°F
Answer: C. Crackles in the lungs
Rationale: Crackles may indicate fluid overload or pulmonary edema, which can occur as a
complication of MI.
Question 5
What is the priority nursing action for a patient who is experiencing chest pain and shortness of
breath?
A. Assess the patient's vital signs.
B. Administer oxygen as prescribed.
, C. Call for help immediately.
D. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
Answer: B. Administer oxygen as prescribed.
Rationale: Administering oxygen is a priority intervention to improve oxygenation to the
myocardium during an acute episode.
Question 6
Which assessment finding would most likely indicate that a patient is experiencing heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Increased appetite
C. Bradycardia
D. Dry skin
Answer: A. Peripheral edema
Rationale: Peripheral edema is a common sign of heart failure due to fluid retention.
Question 7
A patient with atrial fibrillation is prescribed warfarin. What should the nurse teach the patient
about this medication?
A. "You will need to monitor your heart rate daily."
B. "You must avoid all foods high in vitamin K."
C. "Report any signs of bleeding to your healthcare provider."
D. "You can stop the medication if you feel better."
Answer: C. "Report any signs of bleeding to your healthcare provider."
Rationale: Warfarin increases the risk of bleeding, so patients must be educated on this risk.
