Nclex Cardiovascular Exam Questions
and Correct Detailed Answers
A 24-year-old man seeks medical attention for complaints of claudication in the arch of
the foot. The nurse also notes superficial thrombophlebitis of the lower leg. Next, the
nurse should check the client's medical history for which item? - CORRECT ANSWERS:
Smoking history
A client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) tells the
nurse that the pain likely resulted from the fried chicken sandwich that the client had for
lunch. The nurse's response is based on which fact? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Denial is
a common occurrence early after MI.
A client admitted to the hospital with coronary artery (CAD) disease complains of
dyspnea at rest. The nurse determines that which would be of most help to the client? -
CORRECT ANSWERS: Elevating the head of the bed to at least 45 degrees
A client asks the nurse about metabolic syndrome and what it means. The teaching plan
should include which characteristics that define metabolic syndrome? Select all that
apply. - CORRECT ANSWERS: Blood pressure is elevated with systolic values greater
than 130 mm Hg and diastolic values greater than 85 mm Hg.
The client has abdominal obesity with a waist greater than 40 inches in males and
greater 35 inches in females.
A client being seen in the emergency department for complaints of chest pain confides
in the nurse about regular use of cocaine as a recreational drug. The nurse takes which
important action in delivering holistic nursing care to this client? - CORRECT
ANSWERS: Teaches about the effects of cocaine on the heart and offers referral for
further help
A client brings the following medications to the clinic for a yearly physical. The nurse
realizes which medication has been prescribed to treat heart failure? - CORRECT
ANSWERS: Digoxin
A client complaining of chest pain has an as-needed (PRN) prescription for sublingual
nitroglycerin. Before administering the medication to the client, the nurse should first
check which parameter? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Blood pressure
A client diagnosed with angina pectoris returns to the nursing unit after experiencing an
angioplasty. The nurse reinforces instructions to the client regarding the procedure and
home care measures. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the
instructions? - CORRECT ANSWERS: "I need to adhere to my dietary restrictions."
,A client diagnosed with thrombophlebitis 1 day ago suddenly complains of chest pain
and shortness of breath, and the client is visibly anxious. Which is a life-threatening
complication that could be occurring? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Pulmonary embolism
A client has a history of left-sided heart failure. The nurse should look for the presence
of which finding to determine whether the problem is currently active? - CORRECT
ANSWERS: Bilateral lung crackles
A client has an Unna boot applied for treatment of a venous stasis leg ulcer. The nurse
notes that the client's toes are mottled and cool, and the client verbalizes some
numbness and tingling of the foot. Which interpretation should the nurse make of these
findings? - CORRECT ANSWERS: The boot has been applied too tightly.
A client has been diagnosed with Prinzmetal's angina. The nurse reviews the medical
record and notes which accompanying characteristics? Select all that apply. -
CORRECT ANSWERS: Prolonged severe pain
Happens at the same time each day
A client has experienced an episode of pulmonary edema. The nurse determines that
the client's respiratory status is improving if which breath sounds are noted? -
CORRECT ANSWERS: Crackles in the lung bases
A client has just completed an information session about measures to minimize the
progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Which statement indicates an initial
understanding of lifestyle alterations? - CORRECT ANSWERS: I should eat a diet that
is low in fat and cholesterol.
A client has just returned from the cardiac catheterization laboratory. The left femoral
vessel was used as the access site. After returning the client to bed and conducting an
initial assessment, the nurse assisting in caring for the client expects the cardiologist to
write a prescription for the client to remain on bed rest. In which position should the bed
be positioned? - CORRECT ANSWERS: With the head of bed elevated no more than
30 degrees
A client has just returned from the cardiac catheterization laboratory. The left femoral
vessel was used as the access site. After returning the client to bed, the nurse places a
sign above the bed stating that the client should remain on bed rest and in which
position? - CORRECT ANSWERS: With the head of the bed elevated no more than 15
degrees
A client has received atropine sulfate intravenously during a surgical procedure. The
nurse monitors the client for which side effect of the atropine sulfate in the postoperative
period? - CORRECT ANSWERS:
, A client has received instructions about an upcoming cardiac catheterization. The nurse
determines that the client has the best understanding of the procedure if the client
knows to report which symptoms? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Chest pain
A client in a long-term care facility who has a history of angina pectoris wants to go for a
short walk outside with a family member. It is a sunny but chilly December day. The
nurse should perform which intervention to care for this client in a holistic manner? -
CORRECT ANSWERS: Instruct the family member to dress the client warmly before
going outside.
A client in pulmonary edema has a prescription to receive morphine sulfate
intravenously. The licensed practical nurse assisting in caring for the client determines
that the client experienced an intended effect of the medication if which is noted? -
CORRECT ANSWERS: Relief of apprehension
A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of pericarditis. The nurse reviews the
client's record for which sign or symptom that differentiates pericarditis from other
cardiopulmonary problems? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Pericardial friction rub
A client is admitted to the hospital with a venous stasis leg ulcer. The nurse is reviewing
the physical examination in the medical record. Which symptom is least likely to be
noted by the primary health care provider? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Sharp pain in the
leg
A client is admitted to the hospital with possible rheumatic endocarditis. The nurse
should check for a history of which type of infection? - CORRECT ANSWERS:
Streptococcal infection
A client is admitted to the hospital with possible rheumatic heart disease. The nurse
collects data from the client and checks the client for which signs/symptoms? -
CORRECT ANSWERS: Fever and sore throat
A client is admitted with an arterial ischemic leg ulcer. The nurse expects to note that
this ulcer has which typical characteristic? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Deep and painful
A client is at risk for complications of heart failure. Which is the nurse's priority for early
detection of the most likely cause of complications with this client? - CORRECT
ANSWERS: Evaluating total body fluid
A client is diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). The nurse
should become concerned with which laboratory values? Select all that apply. -
CORRECT ANSWERS: Increased D-dimer
Decreased hemoglobin
Decreased fibrinogen level
and Correct Detailed Answers
A 24-year-old man seeks medical attention for complaints of claudication in the arch of
the foot. The nurse also notes superficial thrombophlebitis of the lower leg. Next, the
nurse should check the client's medical history for which item? - CORRECT ANSWERS:
Smoking history
A client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) tells the
nurse that the pain likely resulted from the fried chicken sandwich that the client had for
lunch. The nurse's response is based on which fact? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Denial is
a common occurrence early after MI.
A client admitted to the hospital with coronary artery (CAD) disease complains of
dyspnea at rest. The nurse determines that which would be of most help to the client? -
CORRECT ANSWERS: Elevating the head of the bed to at least 45 degrees
A client asks the nurse about metabolic syndrome and what it means. The teaching plan
should include which characteristics that define metabolic syndrome? Select all that
apply. - CORRECT ANSWERS: Blood pressure is elevated with systolic values greater
than 130 mm Hg and diastolic values greater than 85 mm Hg.
The client has abdominal obesity with a waist greater than 40 inches in males and
greater 35 inches in females.
A client being seen in the emergency department for complaints of chest pain confides
in the nurse about regular use of cocaine as a recreational drug. The nurse takes which
important action in delivering holistic nursing care to this client? - CORRECT
ANSWERS: Teaches about the effects of cocaine on the heart and offers referral for
further help
A client brings the following medications to the clinic for a yearly physical. The nurse
realizes which medication has been prescribed to treat heart failure? - CORRECT
ANSWERS: Digoxin
A client complaining of chest pain has an as-needed (PRN) prescription for sublingual
nitroglycerin. Before administering the medication to the client, the nurse should first
check which parameter? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Blood pressure
A client diagnosed with angina pectoris returns to the nursing unit after experiencing an
angioplasty. The nurse reinforces instructions to the client regarding the procedure and
home care measures. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the
instructions? - CORRECT ANSWERS: "I need to adhere to my dietary restrictions."
,A client diagnosed with thrombophlebitis 1 day ago suddenly complains of chest pain
and shortness of breath, and the client is visibly anxious. Which is a life-threatening
complication that could be occurring? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Pulmonary embolism
A client has a history of left-sided heart failure. The nurse should look for the presence
of which finding to determine whether the problem is currently active? - CORRECT
ANSWERS: Bilateral lung crackles
A client has an Unna boot applied for treatment of a venous stasis leg ulcer. The nurse
notes that the client's toes are mottled and cool, and the client verbalizes some
numbness and tingling of the foot. Which interpretation should the nurse make of these
findings? - CORRECT ANSWERS: The boot has been applied too tightly.
A client has been diagnosed with Prinzmetal's angina. The nurse reviews the medical
record and notes which accompanying characteristics? Select all that apply. -
CORRECT ANSWERS: Prolonged severe pain
Happens at the same time each day
A client has experienced an episode of pulmonary edema. The nurse determines that
the client's respiratory status is improving if which breath sounds are noted? -
CORRECT ANSWERS: Crackles in the lung bases
A client has just completed an information session about measures to minimize the
progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Which statement indicates an initial
understanding of lifestyle alterations? - CORRECT ANSWERS: I should eat a diet that
is low in fat and cholesterol.
A client has just returned from the cardiac catheterization laboratory. The left femoral
vessel was used as the access site. After returning the client to bed and conducting an
initial assessment, the nurse assisting in caring for the client expects the cardiologist to
write a prescription for the client to remain on bed rest. In which position should the bed
be positioned? - CORRECT ANSWERS: With the head of bed elevated no more than
30 degrees
A client has just returned from the cardiac catheterization laboratory. The left femoral
vessel was used as the access site. After returning the client to bed, the nurse places a
sign above the bed stating that the client should remain on bed rest and in which
position? - CORRECT ANSWERS: With the head of the bed elevated no more than 15
degrees
A client has received atropine sulfate intravenously during a surgical procedure. The
nurse monitors the client for which side effect of the atropine sulfate in the postoperative
period? - CORRECT ANSWERS:
, A client has received instructions about an upcoming cardiac catheterization. The nurse
determines that the client has the best understanding of the procedure if the client
knows to report which symptoms? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Chest pain
A client in a long-term care facility who has a history of angina pectoris wants to go for a
short walk outside with a family member. It is a sunny but chilly December day. The
nurse should perform which intervention to care for this client in a holistic manner? -
CORRECT ANSWERS: Instruct the family member to dress the client warmly before
going outside.
A client in pulmonary edema has a prescription to receive morphine sulfate
intravenously. The licensed practical nurse assisting in caring for the client determines
that the client experienced an intended effect of the medication if which is noted? -
CORRECT ANSWERS: Relief of apprehension
A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of pericarditis. The nurse reviews the
client's record for which sign or symptom that differentiates pericarditis from other
cardiopulmonary problems? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Pericardial friction rub
A client is admitted to the hospital with a venous stasis leg ulcer. The nurse is reviewing
the physical examination in the medical record. Which symptom is least likely to be
noted by the primary health care provider? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Sharp pain in the
leg
A client is admitted to the hospital with possible rheumatic endocarditis. The nurse
should check for a history of which type of infection? - CORRECT ANSWERS:
Streptococcal infection
A client is admitted to the hospital with possible rheumatic heart disease. The nurse
collects data from the client and checks the client for which signs/symptoms? -
CORRECT ANSWERS: Fever and sore throat
A client is admitted with an arterial ischemic leg ulcer. The nurse expects to note that
this ulcer has which typical characteristic? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Deep and painful
A client is at risk for complications of heart failure. Which is the nurse's priority for early
detection of the most likely cause of complications with this client? - CORRECT
ANSWERS: Evaluating total body fluid
A client is diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). The nurse
should become concerned with which laboratory values? Select all that apply. -
CORRECT ANSWERS: Increased D-dimer
Decreased hemoglobin
Decreased fibrinogen level
