Comprehensive NR 507 Cardiac Pathophysiology Midterm Resource with Study Guide, Test Bank, Correct Answers, and In-Depth Rationales for Graduate Nursing, MSN, and Nurse Practitioner Programs (Updated 2025–2026 Study Pack)

NR 507 Midterm – Cardiac Pathophysiology Study
Guide | Complete Test Bank, Practice Exam
Questions, Verified Answer Key, Detailed Rationales,
and Nursing School Exam Prep for MSN and NP
Students (Latest 2025–2026 Edition)
Question 1
A patient presents with chest pain radiating to the left arm. What condition should the
nurse suspect?
A) Myocardial infarction (MI). (Correct Option)
B) Pulmonary embolism
C) Aortic dissection
D) Costochondritis
Rationale:
Chest pain radiating to the left arm is a classic symptom of myocardial infarction.


Question 2
A patient with heart failure is experiencing shortness of breath and edema. What is the
primary underlying cause?
A) Left ventricular dysfunction. (Correct Option)
B) Right ventricular dysfunction
C) Aortic stenosis
D) Myocardial ischemia
Rationale:
Left ventricular dysfunction leads to pulmonary congestion and systemic edema in heart
failure.


Question 3
A nurse is assessing a patient with hypertension. What is the most significant risk factor
for developing heart disease?
A) High blood pressure. (Correct Option)
B) Low physical activity
C) High cholesterol
D) Smoking
Rationale:
Hypertension is a major risk factor for the development of heart disease due to
increased workload on the heart.

,Question 4
A patient with a history of atrial fibrillation presents to the emergency department. What
is the primary concern?
A) Risk of stroke. (Correct Option)
B) Risk of heart failure
C) Risk of myocardial infarction
D) Risk of pulmonary embolism
Rationale:
Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of thrombus formation in the atria, which can lead to
stroke.


Question 5
A nurse is monitoring a patient after a myocardial infarction. What is the most important
parameter to assess?
A) Heart rate and rhythm. (Correct Option)
B) Blood pressure
C) Temperature
D) Respiratory rate
Rationale:
Monitoring heart rate and rhythm is crucial to detect any arrhythmias that may arise
post-MI.


Question 6
A patient with congestive heart failure is prescribed a diuretic. What is the primary
purpose of this medication?
A) Reduce fluid overload. (Correct Option)
B) Increase blood pressure
C) Decrease heart rate
D) Improve myocardial contractility
Rationale:
Diuretics help to reduce fluid overload by promoting renal excretion of sodium and
water.


Question 7

,A nurse is educating a patient with coronary artery disease about lifestyle modifications.
Which change should be prioritized?
A) Smoking cessation. (Correct Option)
B) Increasing sodium intake
C) Reducing physical activity
D) Increasing saturated fats
Rationale:
Smoking cessation significantly reduces cardiovascular risk and is a critical lifestyle
modification.


Question 8
A patient presents with a heart murmur characterized as a "whooshing" sound. What
condition should the nurse suspect?
A) Valve regurgitation. (Correct Option)
B) Myocardial infarction
C) Aortic stenosis
D) Pericarditis
Rationale:
A "whooshing" sound often indicates turbulent blood flow due to valve regurgitation.


Question 9
A nurse is caring for a patient post-cardiac surgery. What is the most important nursing
intervention?
A) Monitor vital signs closely. (Correct Option)
B) Encourage ambulation immediately
C) Limit fluid intake
D) Restrict pain medication
Rationale:
Close monitoring of vital signs is crucial to detect any complications early after cardiac
surgery.


Question 10
A patient with acute coronary syndrome is experiencing diaphoresis, nausea, and chest
discomfort. What is the priority nursing action?

, A) Administer aspirin as ordered. (Correct Option)
B) Obtain a 12-lead ECG
C) Provide oxygen
D) Start an IV line
Rationale:
Administering aspirin helps to inhibit platelet aggregation and is critical in managing
acute coronary syndrome.


Question 11
A nurse is teaching a patient about heart failure. What is a common symptom of this
condition?
A) Shortness of breath on exertion. (Correct Option)
B) Increased energy levels
C) Decreased heart rate
D) Weight loss
Rationale:
Shortness of breath on exertion is a common symptom of heart failure due to
pulmonary congestion.


Question 12
A patient with a history of hypertension presents with a severe headache and blurred
vision. What condition should the nurse suspect?
A) Hypertensive crisis. (Correct Option)
B) Stroke
C) Migraine
D) Aortic dissection
Rationale:
A hypertensive crisis can cause severe headaches and visual disturbances due to
elevated blood pressure.


Question 13
A nurse is assessing a patient with peripheral artery disease. What symptom is most
characteristic?
A) Intermittent claudication. (Correct Option)
B) Cold intolerance