Answers 2026 | Chamberlain FNP Capstone Practicum &
Intensive | Exam-Style Questions
,Cardiovascular
1. A 62-year-old patient reports substernal chest pressure when
climbing stairs that resolves after 5 minutes of rest. Which condition is
most consistent with this presentation?
A. Acute pericarditis
B. Stable angina
C. Aortic dissection
D. Pulmonary embolism
Answer: B. Stable angina
Rationale: Stable angina causes predictable exertional chest discomfort
that improves with rest or reduced myocardial oxygen demand.
2. A patient with hypertension and albumin uric chronic kidney disease
needs an antihypertensive medication. Which class provides renal-
protective benefits?
A. ACE inhibitor
B. Alpha blocker
C. Loop diuretic
D. No dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker
,Answer: A. ACE inhibitor
Rationale: ACE inhibitors reduce intraglomerular pressure and
albuminuria and can slow progression of chronic kidney disease in
appropriate patients.
3. Which ECG finding is most characteristic of atrial fibrillation?
A. Regular rhythm with narrow QRS complexes
B. Sawtooth flutter waves
C. Irregularly irregular rhythm without consistent P waves
D. Wide QRS complexes with a fixed PR interval
Answer: C. Irregularly irregular rhythm without consistent P waves
Rationale: Atrial fibrillation produces chaotic atrial activity and an
irregularly irregular ventricular response.
4. A patient with atrial fibrillation has a ventricular rate of 150/min and
hypotension with altered mental status. What is the immediate
treatment?
A. Oral metoprolol
B. IV adenosine
, C. Synchronized cardioversion
D. Oral anticoagulation
Answer: C. Synchronized cardioversion
Rationale: Hemodynamically unstable tachyarrhythmia requires
immediate synchronized cardioversion.
5. Which symptom combination is most concerning for acute
myocardial infarction?
A. Chest pain reproducible with palpation
B. Exertional chest pressure with diaphoresis and nausea
C. Brief sharp pain lasting one second
D. Chest discomfort relieved by changing position
Answer: B. Exertional chest pressure with diaphoresis and nausea
Rationale: Pressure-like chest discomfort accompanied by autonomic
symptoms is concerning for acute coronary syndrome.
6. Which lipid abnormality is most directly associated with increased
atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk?