MED SURG CARDIOVASCULAR REVIEW
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | NCLEX
STYLE CARDIAC NURSING STUDY GUIDE
2026 | GRADED A+ | GUARANTEED
SUCCESS
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers | 100% Verified
Exam Prep and Comprehensive Rationales Included
,1. A client complains of crushing chest pain that radiates Answer: 1. Aspirin, oxygen, nitroglycerin, and morphine
to his left arm. He should be presented with the following
treatment:
1. Aspirin, oxygen, nitroglycerin, and morphine
2. Aspirin, oxygen, nitroglycerin, and codeine
3. Oxygen, nitroglycerin, meperidine, and thrombolytics
4. Aspirin, oxygen, nitroprusside, and morphine
2. Which lifestyle changes should a client diagnosed with Answer: 4. All of the Above
coronary artery disease consider?
1. Smoking cessation
2. Establishing a regular exercise routine
3. Weight reduction
4. All of the Above
3. A client's cardiac monitor alarm sounds, indicating Answer: 2. Assess the client.
ventricular tachycardia. The nurse should:
1. perform immediate defibrillation.
2. Assess the client.
3. Call the physician.
4. Administer a precordial thump.
,4. A complication of peripheral vascular disease may be: Answer: 1. stasis ulcer.
1. stasis ulcer.
2. Pressure ulcer.
3. Gastric ulcer.
4. Duodenal ulcer.
5. A key diagnostic test for heart failure is: Answer: 2. B-type natriuretic peptide.
1. serum potassium.
2. B-type natriuretic peptide.
3. Troponin I
4. cardiac enzymes.
6. While auscultating the heart sounds of a client with Answer: 2. S3.
mitral insufficiency, the nurse hears an extra heart sound Rationale: An S3, is heard following an S2. This indicates that the client is
immediately after the S2. The nurse should document this experiencing heart failure and results from increased filling pressures. An S1 is a
extra heart sound as a: normal heart sound made by the closing of the mitral and tricuspid valves. An S4
1. S1. is heard before S1 and is caused by resistance to ventricular filling. A murmur of
2. S3. mitral insufficiency occurs during systole and is heard when there's turbulent
3. S4. blood flow across the valve.
4. mitral murmur.
7. A nurse administers heparin to a client with deep vein Answer: 1. PTT
thrombophlebitis. Which laboratory value should the Rationale: The therapeutic effectiveness of heparin is determined by monitoring
nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of heparin? the patient's PTT, PT, HCT, and CBC don't monitor the therapeutic effectiveness of
1. PTT heparin. Monitoring the PT determines warfarin's effectiveness.
2. HCT
3. CBC
4. PT
8. A client has just returned from cardiac catheterization. Answer. 3. Monitor peripheral pulses.
Which nursing intervention would be most appropriate? Rationale: After cardiac catheterization, monitor peripheral pulses to assess
1. Help the client ambulate to the bathroom. peripheral perfusion. Helping the client ambulate to the bathroom is incorrect
2. Restrict fluids. because the client should be on bed rest for 4 to 8 hours after the procedure to
3. Monitor peripheral pulses. reduce the risk of bleeding at the insertion site. Restricting fluids is incorrect
4. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter. because the client should be encouraged to drink fluids after the procedure,
unless contraindicated. Adequate hydration reduces the risk of nephrotoxicity that
can occur with the use of contrast dye. Although urine output is monitored
following cardiac catheterization, the insertion of a urinary catherter isn't
necessary.
9. A client is in the first postoperative day after left Answer: 3. On his right side
femoropopliteal revascularization. Which position would Rationale: Following revascularization, avoid positioning the client on the surgical
be most appropriate for this client? side. Because this client had left femoropoliteal revascularization, he may be
1. On his left-sided positioned on the right side. Placing the client on the left side is incorrect
2. In high Fowler's position because this would position the client on the operative side. Positioning the client
3. On his right side in high Fowler's position is incorrect because the client should avoid flexion at the
4. In a left lateral decubitus position surgical site. Placing the client in a left lateral decubitus position is incorrect
because this would place the client on the surgical side and cause flexion at the
site.
, 10. A nurse is evaluating a client with left-sided heart Answer: 2. Dyspnea
failure. Which finding should the nurse expect to assess? Rationale: Dyspnea may occur in a client with left-sided heart failure. Ascites,
1. Ascites hepatomegaly, and jugular vein distention are assessment findings in right-sided
2. Dyspnea heart failure.
3. Hepatomegaly
4. Jugular vein distention
11. A client has developed acute pulmonary edema. Which Answer: 1. Interstitial edema by chest X-ray
test result should the nurse expect? Rationale: The chest X-ray of a client with acute pulmonary edema shows
1. Interstitial edema by chest X-ray interstitial edema as a result of the heart's failure to pump adequately. Metabolic
2. Metabolic alkalosis by ABG analysis alkalosis is incorrect because the ABG analysis of a client in acute pulmonary
3. Bradycardia by ECG edema shows respiratory alkalosis or acidosis. Bradycardia is incorrect because
4. Decreased PAWP by hemodynamic monitoring the ECG would most likely indicate tachycardia. Decreased PAWP is incorrect
because PAWP rises in the client with acute pulmonary edema.
12. A nurse is performing discharge teaching for a client Answer: 2. begin a daily walking program
with PVD. The nurse should teach the client to: Rationale: The nurse should encourage the client with PVD to follow a program of
1. inspect his feet weekly walking and other leg exercises. Inspecting the feet weekly is incorrect because
2. begin a daily walking program the nurse should teach the client to inspect his feet daily. Wearing constrictive
3. wear constrictive clothing clothing is incorrect because the client should wear loose clothing that doesn't
4. stand rather than sit when possible restrict circulation. Standing when possible—rather than sitting—is incorrect
because the client should avoid standing for long periods.
13. If a nurse knows a client's heart rate, what other value Answer: Stroke Volume
and formula does she need to know to calculate CO? Rationale: Cardiac output equals stroke volume (the amount of blood ejected
with each beat) times heart rate. [CO = SV X HR]
14. A client comes to the clinic and states he has a history Answer: 3. ACE inhibitors
of hypertension. Which type of medication might the Rationale: ACE inhibitors may be prescribed to help control high blood pressure.
nurse expect the client to be taking to control his blood Other types of medications that may be prescribed include diuretics, calcium
pressure? channel blockers, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and beta-adrenergic blockers.
1. Antilipemics Antilipemics help lower serum cholesterol levels. Antibiotics are used to fight
2. Antibiotics infection, and antidiabetics help control serum glucose levels.
3. ACE inhibitors
4. Antidiabetics
15. A cardiologist prescribes digoxin (Lanoxin)125 mcg by Answer: 0.5 tablet(s)
mouth every morning for a client diagnosed with heart Rationale: 0.5 tablets. The nurse should begin by converting 125 mcg to milligrams.
failure. The pharmacy dispenses tablets that contain 0.25 125 mcg / 1,000 = 0.125 mg. The following formula is used to calculate drug
mg each. How many tablets should the nurse administer dosages: dose on hand / quality on hand = dose desired./ X. The nurse should use
in each dose? Record your answer using one decimal the following equations: 0.25 mg / 1 tablet = 0.125 mg / X. The equation then
place. becomes 0.25(x) = 0.125. Which is 0..25 = X = 0.5 tablet
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | NCLEX
STYLE CARDIAC NURSING STUDY GUIDE
2026 | GRADED A+ | GUARANTEED
SUCCESS
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers | 100% Verified
Exam Prep and Comprehensive Rationales Included
,1. A client complains of crushing chest pain that radiates Answer: 1. Aspirin, oxygen, nitroglycerin, and morphine
to his left arm. He should be presented with the following
treatment:
1. Aspirin, oxygen, nitroglycerin, and morphine
2. Aspirin, oxygen, nitroglycerin, and codeine
3. Oxygen, nitroglycerin, meperidine, and thrombolytics
4. Aspirin, oxygen, nitroprusside, and morphine
2. Which lifestyle changes should a client diagnosed with Answer: 4. All of the Above
coronary artery disease consider?
1. Smoking cessation
2. Establishing a regular exercise routine
3. Weight reduction
4. All of the Above
3. A client's cardiac monitor alarm sounds, indicating Answer: 2. Assess the client.
ventricular tachycardia. The nurse should:
1. perform immediate defibrillation.
2. Assess the client.
3. Call the physician.
4. Administer a precordial thump.
,4. A complication of peripheral vascular disease may be: Answer: 1. stasis ulcer.
1. stasis ulcer.
2. Pressure ulcer.
3. Gastric ulcer.
4. Duodenal ulcer.
5. A key diagnostic test for heart failure is: Answer: 2. B-type natriuretic peptide.
1. serum potassium.
2. B-type natriuretic peptide.
3. Troponin I
4. cardiac enzymes.
6. While auscultating the heart sounds of a client with Answer: 2. S3.
mitral insufficiency, the nurse hears an extra heart sound Rationale: An S3, is heard following an S2. This indicates that the client is
immediately after the S2. The nurse should document this experiencing heart failure and results from increased filling pressures. An S1 is a
extra heart sound as a: normal heart sound made by the closing of the mitral and tricuspid valves. An S4
1. S1. is heard before S1 and is caused by resistance to ventricular filling. A murmur of
2. S3. mitral insufficiency occurs during systole and is heard when there's turbulent
3. S4. blood flow across the valve.
4. mitral murmur.
7. A nurse administers heparin to a client with deep vein Answer: 1. PTT
thrombophlebitis. Which laboratory value should the Rationale: The therapeutic effectiveness of heparin is determined by monitoring
nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of heparin? the patient's PTT, PT, HCT, and CBC don't monitor the therapeutic effectiveness of
1. PTT heparin. Monitoring the PT determines warfarin's effectiveness.
2. HCT
3. CBC
4. PT
8. A client has just returned from cardiac catheterization. Answer. 3. Monitor peripheral pulses.
Which nursing intervention would be most appropriate? Rationale: After cardiac catheterization, monitor peripheral pulses to assess
1. Help the client ambulate to the bathroom. peripheral perfusion. Helping the client ambulate to the bathroom is incorrect
2. Restrict fluids. because the client should be on bed rest for 4 to 8 hours after the procedure to
3. Monitor peripheral pulses. reduce the risk of bleeding at the insertion site. Restricting fluids is incorrect
4. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter. because the client should be encouraged to drink fluids after the procedure,
unless contraindicated. Adequate hydration reduces the risk of nephrotoxicity that
can occur with the use of contrast dye. Although urine output is monitored
following cardiac catheterization, the insertion of a urinary catherter isn't
necessary.
9. A client is in the first postoperative day after left Answer: 3. On his right side
femoropopliteal revascularization. Which position would Rationale: Following revascularization, avoid positioning the client on the surgical
be most appropriate for this client? side. Because this client had left femoropoliteal revascularization, he may be
1. On his left-sided positioned on the right side. Placing the client on the left side is incorrect
2. In high Fowler's position because this would position the client on the operative side. Positioning the client
3. On his right side in high Fowler's position is incorrect because the client should avoid flexion at the
4. In a left lateral decubitus position surgical site. Placing the client in a left lateral decubitus position is incorrect
because this would place the client on the surgical side and cause flexion at the
site.
, 10. A nurse is evaluating a client with left-sided heart Answer: 2. Dyspnea
failure. Which finding should the nurse expect to assess? Rationale: Dyspnea may occur in a client with left-sided heart failure. Ascites,
1. Ascites hepatomegaly, and jugular vein distention are assessment findings in right-sided
2. Dyspnea heart failure.
3. Hepatomegaly
4. Jugular vein distention
11. A client has developed acute pulmonary edema. Which Answer: 1. Interstitial edema by chest X-ray
test result should the nurse expect? Rationale: The chest X-ray of a client with acute pulmonary edema shows
1. Interstitial edema by chest X-ray interstitial edema as a result of the heart's failure to pump adequately. Metabolic
2. Metabolic alkalosis by ABG analysis alkalosis is incorrect because the ABG analysis of a client in acute pulmonary
3. Bradycardia by ECG edema shows respiratory alkalosis or acidosis. Bradycardia is incorrect because
4. Decreased PAWP by hemodynamic monitoring the ECG would most likely indicate tachycardia. Decreased PAWP is incorrect
because PAWP rises in the client with acute pulmonary edema.
12. A nurse is performing discharge teaching for a client Answer: 2. begin a daily walking program
with PVD. The nurse should teach the client to: Rationale: The nurse should encourage the client with PVD to follow a program of
1. inspect his feet weekly walking and other leg exercises. Inspecting the feet weekly is incorrect because
2. begin a daily walking program the nurse should teach the client to inspect his feet daily. Wearing constrictive
3. wear constrictive clothing clothing is incorrect because the client should wear loose clothing that doesn't
4. stand rather than sit when possible restrict circulation. Standing when possible—rather than sitting—is incorrect
because the client should avoid standing for long periods.
13. If a nurse knows a client's heart rate, what other value Answer: Stroke Volume
and formula does she need to know to calculate CO? Rationale: Cardiac output equals stroke volume (the amount of blood ejected
with each beat) times heart rate. [CO = SV X HR]
14. A client comes to the clinic and states he has a history Answer: 3. ACE inhibitors
of hypertension. Which type of medication might the Rationale: ACE inhibitors may be prescribed to help control high blood pressure.
nurse expect the client to be taking to control his blood Other types of medications that may be prescribed include diuretics, calcium
pressure? channel blockers, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and beta-adrenergic blockers.
1. Antilipemics Antilipemics help lower serum cholesterol levels. Antibiotics are used to fight
2. Antibiotics infection, and antidiabetics help control serum glucose levels.
3. ACE inhibitors
4. Antidiabetics
15. A cardiologist prescribes digoxin (Lanoxin)125 mcg by Answer: 0.5 tablet(s)
mouth every morning for a client diagnosed with heart Rationale: 0.5 tablets. The nurse should begin by converting 125 mcg to milligrams.
failure. The pharmacy dispenses tablets that contain 0.25 125 mcg / 1,000 = 0.125 mg. The following formula is used to calculate drug
mg each. How many tablets should the nurse administer dosages: dose on hand / quality on hand = dose desired./ X. The nurse should use
in each dose? Record your answer using one decimal the following equations: 0.25 mg / 1 tablet = 0.125 mg / X. The equation then
place. becomes 0.25(x) = 0.125. Which is 0..25 = X = 0.5 tablet
