Chamberlain University| Actual Exam Questions and
Correct Answers and Explanations
Question 1: The percentage of the FVC expired in one second is:
A) Tidal volume
B) FEV1/FVC ratio
C) Forced expiratory volume (FEV1)
D) Residual volume
Correct Answer: B) FEV1/FVC ratio
Explanation: The FEV1/FVC ratio represents the percentage of forced vital capacity (FVC)
expired in one second, used to assess obstructive or restrictive lung disease.
Question 2: The aging process causes what normal physiological changes in the heart?
A) Increased cardiac output
B) Decreased myocardial compliance
C) Enhanced contractility
D) Reduced heart rate variability
Correct Answer: B) Decreased myocardial compliance
Explanation: Aging reduces myocardial compliance, leading to stiffening and impaired diastolic
filling. Cardiac output and contractility may decline, and heart rate variability decreases.
Question 3: A 55-year-old Caucasian male reports cough and difficulty breathing, likely due to a
medication prescribed by a cardiologist. The most likely medication is:
A) Amlodipine
B) Lisinopril
C) Metoprolol
D) Atorvastatin
Correct Answer: B) Lisinopril
,Explanation: Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, commonly causes a dry cough and occasionally
dyspnea due to angioedema or pulmonary effects.
Question 4: JM, a 68-year-old man with T2DM (5 years), smokes 1/2 PPD, BMI 30. (Incomplete
question, assuming risk assessment for heart failure or cardiovascular disease.) The most
appropriate assessment is:
A) Order echocardiogram
B) Calculate ASCVD risk score
C) Initiate statin therapy
D) Start insulin
Correct Answer: B) Calculate ASCVD risk score
Explanation: Given T2DM, smoking, and obesity, calculating the ASCVD risk score guides
cardiovascular risk management, per AHA/ACC guidelines.
Question 5: MJ with structural heart damage and current heart failure symptoms. Treatment is
based on his stage of HF, which is:
A) Stage A
B) Stage B
C) Stage C
D) Stage D
Correct Answer: C) Stage C
Explanation: Stage C heart failure involves structural heart disease with current or prior
symptoms, per ACC/AHA classification, requiring guideline-directed therapy.
Question 6: A 65-year-old Caucasian female with mitral valve stenosis, unremarkable exam. Her
stage of HF is:
A) Stage A
B) Stage B
C) Stage C
D) Stage D
Correct Answer: B) Stage B
, Explanation: Mitral valve stenosis indicates structural heart disease without symptoms
(unremarkable exam), classifying as Stage B (asymptomatic), per ACC/AHA.
Question 7: DG, a 65-year-old man with chest pain and left shoulder pain after strenuous
activity, 8/10, relieved by rest, now persistent. The most likely differential diagnosis is:
A) Stable angina
B) Unstable angina
C) Costochondritis
D) Gastroesophageal reflux
Correct Answer: B) Unstable angina
Explanation: Persistent chest pain not relieved by rest, with nausea and radiation, suggests
unstable angina, a medical emergency, unlike stable angina or other causes.
Question 8: The best way to diagnose structural heart disease/dysfunction non-invasively is:
A) Chest X-ray
B) Electrocardiogram
C) Transthoracic echocardiogram
D) Stress test
Correct Answer: C) Transthoracic echocardiogram
Explanation: Echocardiography non-invasively assesses cardiac structure and function, ideal for
diagnosing structural heart disease.
Question 9: Chronic pain can have a major impact on a patient’s function and QOL. Ongoing
pain may be linked to: (Select all that apply)
A) Depression
B) Reduced mobility
C) Social isolation
D) Improved sleep
Correct Answers: A, B, C