NUR 354 Pharmacology II — Exam 3 Comprehensive Review | Full
Questions and Answers with Rationales | 2026/2027 Updated | 100%
Correct.
Arizona College of Nursing
Modules 5–6
Heart Failure • Hyperlipidemia • Dysrhythmias • Coagulation
MODULE 5 — HEART FAILURE
Questions 1–20: Multiple Choice
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which statement best
describes the pathophysiology of heart failure?
A. Cardiac output exceeds metabolic demand.
B. The heart is unable to produce sufficient cardiac output to meet tissue needs.
C. Systemic vascular resistance is always absent.
D. The ventricles eject 100% of their volume with each contraction.
Answer: B
Rationale: Heart failure occurs when cardiac output is inadequate to meet tissue oxygen and
metabolic requirements. Cardiac output is determined primarily by heart rate × stroke volume.
The NUR 354 material specifically emphasizes this relationship. [studocu.com] - NUR354 Exam
3 S…
2. Which assessment finding is most consistent with worsening left-sided heart
failure?
A. Improved exercise tolerance
B. Orthopnea and pulmonary crackles
C. Increased appetite
D. Warm, dry extremities without edema
Answer: B
,Rationale: Left ventricular dysfunction promotes pulmonary venous congestion, producing
dyspnea, orthopnea, cough and crackles.
3. Which home assessment provides the most useful early indication of changing
fluid status in a client with chronic HF?
A. Weekly temperature
B. Daily weight
C. Monthly blood glucose
D. Pupil size
Answer: B
Rationale: Daily weights can detect fluid accumulation before dramatic edema or respiratory
symptoms become apparent. Current NUR 354 material emphasizes daily weights, edema, lung
sounds and intake/output. Studocu
4. Which laboratory marker is commonly elevated in heart failure and reflects
ventricular wall stress?
A. BNP
B. INR
C. aPTT
D. HbA1c
Answer: A
Rationale: BNP or NT-proBNP can rise as ventricular myocardial stretch increases and can
support the diagnosis and assessment of HF.
5. Lisinopril benefits a patient with HF primarily by:
A. Increasing angiotensin II formation.
B. Reducing RAAS-mediated vasoconstriction and aldosterone activity.
C. Increasing preload.
D. Stimulating beta-1 receptors.
Answer: B
, Rationale: ACE inhibitors decrease formation of angiotensin II, reducing vasoconstriction and
aldosterone-related sodium and water retention.
6. A patient taking lisinopril suddenly develops swelling of the lips and tongue.
What is the nurse's priority?
A. Encourage ambulation.
B. Assess and protect the airway.
C. Administer the next dose with food.
D. Reassure the patient that this is expected.
Answer: B
Rationale: Angioedema can rapidly obstruct the airway and requires immediate intervention.
7. Which laboratory value requires particular attention in a client taking
lisinopril?
A. Potassium
B. Platelet count only
C. Amylase
D. Calcium only
Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia and renal dysfunction.
8. A client receiving milrinone requires continuous cardiac monitoring primarily
because milrinone can cause:
A. Severe hypoglycemia.
B. Ventricular dysrhythmias and hypotension.
C. Gingival hyperplasia.
D. Bronchospasm in every patient.
Answer: B
Questions and Answers with Rationales | 2026/2027 Updated | 100%
Correct.
Arizona College of Nursing
Modules 5–6
Heart Failure • Hyperlipidemia • Dysrhythmias • Coagulation
MODULE 5 — HEART FAILURE
Questions 1–20: Multiple Choice
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which statement best
describes the pathophysiology of heart failure?
A. Cardiac output exceeds metabolic demand.
B. The heart is unable to produce sufficient cardiac output to meet tissue needs.
C. Systemic vascular resistance is always absent.
D. The ventricles eject 100% of their volume with each contraction.
Answer: B
Rationale: Heart failure occurs when cardiac output is inadequate to meet tissue oxygen and
metabolic requirements. Cardiac output is determined primarily by heart rate × stroke volume.
The NUR 354 material specifically emphasizes this relationship. [studocu.com] - NUR354 Exam
3 S…
2. Which assessment finding is most consistent with worsening left-sided heart
failure?
A. Improved exercise tolerance
B. Orthopnea and pulmonary crackles
C. Increased appetite
D. Warm, dry extremities without edema
Answer: B
,Rationale: Left ventricular dysfunction promotes pulmonary venous congestion, producing
dyspnea, orthopnea, cough and crackles.
3. Which home assessment provides the most useful early indication of changing
fluid status in a client with chronic HF?
A. Weekly temperature
B. Daily weight
C. Monthly blood glucose
D. Pupil size
Answer: B
Rationale: Daily weights can detect fluid accumulation before dramatic edema or respiratory
symptoms become apparent. Current NUR 354 material emphasizes daily weights, edema, lung
sounds and intake/output. Studocu
4. Which laboratory marker is commonly elevated in heart failure and reflects
ventricular wall stress?
A. BNP
B. INR
C. aPTT
D. HbA1c
Answer: A
Rationale: BNP or NT-proBNP can rise as ventricular myocardial stretch increases and can
support the diagnosis and assessment of HF.
5. Lisinopril benefits a patient with HF primarily by:
A. Increasing angiotensin II formation.
B. Reducing RAAS-mediated vasoconstriction and aldosterone activity.
C. Increasing preload.
D. Stimulating beta-1 receptors.
Answer: B
, Rationale: ACE inhibitors decrease formation of angiotensin II, reducing vasoconstriction and
aldosterone-related sodium and water retention.
6. A patient taking lisinopril suddenly develops swelling of the lips and tongue.
What is the nurse's priority?
A. Encourage ambulation.
B. Assess and protect the airway.
C. Administer the next dose with food.
D. Reassure the patient that this is expected.
Answer: B
Rationale: Angioedema can rapidly obstruct the airway and requires immediate intervention.
7. Which laboratory value requires particular attention in a client taking
lisinopril?
A. Potassium
B. Platelet count only
C. Amylase
D. Calcium only
Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia and renal dysfunction.
8. A client receiving milrinone requires continuous cardiac monitoring primarily
because milrinone can cause:
A. Severe hypoglycemia.
B. Ventricular dysrhythmias and hypotension.
C. Gingival hyperplasia.
D. Bronchospasm in every patient.
Answer: B
