Cardiovascular NCLEX Practice Questions For Nursing Excellence In 2023

Are you a nursing student gearing up to take the NCLEX examination in 2023? As you prepare for this crucial nursing license exam, one of the areas that demand special attention is cardiovascular nursing.

The cardiovascular section of the NCLEX is a critical component. Understanding the complexities of the cardiovascular system and the various disorders that can affect it is essential for any aspiring nurse.

Let's delve into the world of cardiovascular NCLEX questions to sharpen your skills and pave the way for nursing excellence.

Cardiovascular NCLEX questions

The NCLEX can be a challenging examination, but with the right approach and preparation, you can increase your chances of success.

Smart’n offers 2500 NCLEX practice questions and over 60 hours of NGN nursing case studies, to help students pass the NCLEX exam.

Smart'n offers personalized questions, catering to the individual needs of each student. This standout feature helps students concentrate their efforts on areas that require more attention, facilitating the enhancement of their knowledge and skills.

Let’s check some of Smart’n’s cardiovascular NCLEX practice questions with their answers and rationals:

Question 1:

A nurse is teaching a client with venous insufficiency about the application and use of TED hose to promote circulation and venous return. Which of the following statements by the client indicates that more teaching is needed?

A. "When these wear out, I will buy pantyhose from the pharmacy"

B. "I will make sure to keep the surface of the stockings smooth, without any wrinkles"

C. "I will take these off at least once a day and then reapply them"

D. "I must be sure to check that the stockings are not too tight over my toes"

A. Correct Answer

"When these wear out, I will buy pantyhose from the pharmacy"

Rationale: Anti-embolism stockings, sometimes called TED hose, are applied to promote the venous return of blood to the heart. These medical-grade stockings are designed to apply enough graduated pressure that blood flow is improved, which reduces the risk of blood clots and skin breakdown. The client cannot substitute other stockings, such as tight socks or pantyhose in place of TED hose.

B. Incorrect Answer

"I will make sure to keep the surface of the stockings smooth, without any wrinkles"

Rationale: These statements demonstrate correct understanding by the client.

C. Incorrect Answer

"I will take these off at least once a day and then reapply them"

Rationale: These statements demonstrate correct understanding by the client.

D. Incorrect Answer

"I must be sure to check that the stockings are not too tight over my toes"

Rationale: These statements demonstrate correct understanding by the client.

Question 2:

The nurse knows which signs and symptoms of a client indicate a venous disorder?

A. Generalized edema and shortness of breath

B. Red, painful skin with a distinct border on the arm

C. Shortness of breath and strong pulses

D. Edema and hyperpigmented skin of the lower extremities

A. Incorrect Answer

Generalized edema and shortness of breath

Rationale: Generalized edema and shortness of breath are not symptoms of a venous disorder.  Edema is a sign but shortness of breath would be related to respiratory and possibly a pulmonary embolus.

B. Incorrect Answer

Red, painful skin with a distinct border on the arm

Rationale: Red, painful skin with a distinct border is not a sign of a venous disorder and is usually a sign of a skin rash or shingles.

C. Incorrect Answer

Shortness of breath and strong pulses

Rationale: Shortness of breath and strong pulses are not symptoms of a venous disorder.  Edema and shortness of breath are symptoms of a venous disorder.

D. Correct Answer

Edema and hyperpigmented skin of the lower extremities

Rationale: Edema and hyperpigmented skin are signs of a venous disorder. Edema occurs from blood not being able to return to the heart as efficiently and hyperpigmented skin occurs from blood pooling and not moving effectively.

Question 3:

A client recently had a pacemaker implanted and the nurse assistant notifies the nurse that the client called out complaining of dizziness. Which of the following is the first step that the nurse should take?

A. Call for pacemaker interrogation

B. Perform an EKG

C. Call the healthcare provider

D. Listen to the client's heart and check pulses

A. Incorrect Answer

Call for pacemaker interrogation

Rationale: Pacemaker interrogation may be done at a later time if deemed necessary by the healthcare provider, but an assessment of the client should be done first.

B. Incorrect Answer

Perform an EKG

Rationale: The nurse should perform an EKG, but the priority is to assess the client first.

C. Incorrect Answer

Call the healthcare provider

Rationale: The healthcare provider should be called, but it is a priority to assess the client before notifying the healthcare provider.

D. Correct Answer

Listen to the client's heart and check pulses

Rationale: The nurse should immediately assess the client by checking for pulse and listening to the client’s heart. Dizziness can be a sign that an episode is happening that has not been corrected.

Question 4:

The nurse is discharging a client being treated for hyperlipidemia and hypertension. The client smokes occasionally to decrease stress from work and has just been diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Which of the following client education topics should the nurse include? Select all that apply.

A. Continue taking statins

B. Quit smoking

C. Stop taking blood pressure medications

D. Decrease physical activity

E. Manage stress in life

A. Correct Answer

Continue taking statins

Rationale: The client should continue taking statins to help with their cholesterol, which will worsen coronary artery disease.

B. Correct Answer

Quit smoking

Rationale: The client should quit smoking because it causes damage to the vessel walls, allowing plaque to stick which will worsen coronary artery disease

C. Incorrect Answer

Stop taking blood pressure medications

Rationale: The client should not stop medications. The client should continue to take their blood pressure medication. Remember, high blood pressure can cause coronary artery disease. 

D. Incorrect Answer

Decrease physical activity

Rationale: The client should continue or begin implementing physical activity into their life to help decrease the stress on the heart and prevent coronary artery disease complications.

E. Correct Answer

Manage stress in life

Rationale: The client should manage stress because it can cause and worsen coronary artery disease.

Question 5:

The client has a complete heart block. Which of the following is true regarding this condition?

A. The ventricular rate is usually about 60

B. There is damage to the heart at the level of the SA node

C. There is a blockage of all impulses at the AV junction

D. The blood pressure will be extremely high

A. Incorrect Answer

The ventricular rate is usually about 60

Rationale: The ventricular rate is about 20-40 beats per minute.

B. Incorrect Answer

There is damage to the heart at the level of the SA node

Rationale: Blockage occurs at the level of the AV node, not the SA node.

C. Correct Answer

There is a blockage of all impulses at the AV junction

Rationale: In a complete heart block, there is blockage of all electrical impulses at the AV node with a ventricular rate of about 20-40 beats per minute. The atria contract at their own rate, and the ventricles contract at their own, slow rate.

D. Incorrect Answer

The blood pressure will be extremely high

Rationale: Clinical signs of complete heart block include hypotension due to decreased cardiac output and perfusion. However, there have been cases of malignant hypertension with complete heart blocks, but this is NOT a usual symptom.

Question 6:

A client has undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the management of acute coronary syndrome. Following the procedure, the client develops a retroperitoneal hemorrhage. Which of the following nursing interventions is necessary if this occurs?

A. Prepare for intubation and mechanical ventilation

B. Assist the client to get out of bed to ambulate

C. Apply pressure to the lower back

D. Notify the provider and prepare for a CT scan or blood administration

A. Incorrect Answer

Prepare for intubation and mechanical ventilation

Rationale: A hemorrhage situation does not warrant intubation or a ventilator. Rather, interventions that center on protecting or restoring blood volume are needed.

B. Incorrect Answer

Assist the client to get out of bed to ambulate

Rationale: The client would need to maintain bedrest in this situation.

C. Incorrect Answer

Apply pressure to the lower back

Rationale: Pressure to the lower back would do nothing to stop a retroperitoneal bleed.

D. Correct Answer

Notify provider and prepare for CT scan or blood administration

Rationale: Retroperitoneal hemorrhage is a complication of PCI when there is bleeding into the retroperitoneal cavity. The client may have a drop in blood pressure and the situation could become severe if bleeding is not controlled. The nurse should have the client rest and increase fluid administration. If the client is not stable, the provider must be notified. A CT scan will likely be ordered in addition to a blood product transfusion and/or surgery.

Question 7:

A nurse is working on a team responding to cardiac arrest in the hospital. Because the client’s heart stopped, his body has gone into a state of acidosis. Which of the following medications would most likely correct metabolic acidosis that occurs during cardiac arrest?

A. Lidocaine

B. Procainamide

C. Sodium bicarbonate

D. Dobutamine

A. Incorrect Answer

Lidocaine

Rationale: As this is an antiarrhythmic drug used for ventricular arrhythmias. It is a second-choice drug used if amiodarone is contraindicated, but is not used to correct metabolic acidosis.

B. Incorrect Answer

Procainamide

Rationale: This is an antiarrhythmic drug used to cardiovert a client out of various arrhythmias. It is not used to correct metabolic acidosis.

Correct Answer

Sodium bicarbonate

Rationale: When a client's heart stops during cardiac arrest, his body goes into a state of acidosis in which the pH of the bloodstream is too low and acidic wastes have accumulated. Sodium bicarbonate can be given to correct acidosis and help restore a normal pH level.

Incorrect Answer

Dobutamine

Rationale: This is an inotropic agent used to treat heart failure. It does not improve metabolic acidosis.

Question 8:

A nurse is caring for a client in a cardiac telemetry unit and notes the image above on the client’s EKG strip. Which electrolyte value should the nurse be concerned about?

A. Potassium

B. Calcium

C. Chloride

D. Sodium

A. Correct Answer

Potassium

Rationale: The EKG is showing inverted T-waves which is a common sign of hypokalemia.

B. Incorrect Answer

Calcium

Rationale: Abnormalities in calcium tend to cause rate and contractility issues, as opposed to conduction issues, which is what T-wave inversion represents.

C. Incorrect Answer

Chloride

Rationale: These abnormalities will not cause T-wave inversions on an EKG.

D. Incorrect Answer

Sodium

Rationale: These abnormalities will not cause T-wave inversions on an EKG.

Question 9:

A client in the primary care clinic has poor peripheral perfusion due to peripheral arterial disease. The nurse is talking with the client about the effects of health on tissue perfusion. Which of the following would be a modifiable risk factor in the prevention of decreased tissue perfusion? Select all that apply.

A. Elevated serum lipids

B. Gender

C. Hypertension

D. Age

E. Obesity

A. Correct Answer

Elevated serum lipids

Rationale: Altered tissue perfusion describes a state in which the client's circulation is not at a high enough level to adequately perfuse the peripheral extremities or internal organs. Factors such as high cholesterol levels, client obesity, and hypertension can all affect circulation and potentially lead to altered tissue perfusion but are able to be modified through either lifestyle changes or medication therapy.

B. Incorrect Answer

Gender

Rationale: This trait cannot be modified.

C. Correct Answer

Hypertension

Rationale: Hypertension is a condition that can be modified.

D. Incorrect Answer

Age

Rationale: This trait cannot be modified.

E. Correct Answer

Obesity

Rationale: Obesity is a modifiable risk factor.

Question 10:

A client with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation has just been placed on warfarin therapy.  The registered nurse (RN) overhears a student nurse teaching the client about potential food-drug interactions.  Which statement made by the student nurse requires an intervention by the RN?

A. "Do you take any nutritional supplements?"

B. "You will need to monitor your intake of foods containing vitamin K."

C. "You will not be able to eat green, leafy vegetables while taking this medication."

D. "Your blood will be tested at regular intervals."

A. Incorrect Answer

"Do you take any nutritional supplements?"

Rationale: Many medications can interfere with warfarin metabolism.  Nutritional supplements may contain vitamin K, and so any new medication or nutritional supplement should be approved by the health care provider.  Cranberry juice, grapefruit, green tea, and alcohol may also interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin.

B. Incorrect Answer

"You will need to monitor your intake of foods containing vitamin K."

Rationale: Rather than avoid vitamin K-rich foods, the client needs to keep vitamin K intake consistent from day to day to keep International Normalized Ratio (INR)/prothrombin time (PT) stable and within the recommended therapeutic range.  If the client enjoys vitamin K-rich foods (eg, kale, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, green leafy vegetables), these may be consumed in the same amounts, consistently on a daily basis.  There is some evidence that a very low intake of vitamin K could decrease the overall effectiveness of warfarin.

C. Correct Answer

"You will not be able to eat green, leafy vegetables while taking this medication."

Rationale: Warfarin (Coumadin) works by blocking the availability of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting.  As a result, the clotting mechanism is disrupted, reducing the risk of a stroke, venous thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism.

Sudden increases or decreases in the consumption of vitamin K-rich foods could inversely alter the effectiveness of warfarin.  An increase in vitamin K could decrease the effectiveness of warfarin, placing the client at increased risk of blood clot formation; a decrease could increase the effectiveness of warfarin, placing the client at increased risk for bleeding.

D. Incorrect Answer

"Your blood will be tested at regular intervals."

Rationale: INR/PT will be monitored on an ongoing basis to determine the safest, most therapeutic warfarin dosage.

You can find more cardiovascular NCLEX practice questions on Smart’n.

Benefits of using Cardiovascular NCLEX questions

Using cardiovascular NCLEX questions as part of your preparation strategy offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your chances of success on the NCLEX examination. Let's explore these advantages in detail:

1. Comprehensive content coverage

NCLEX cardiac questions cover a wide range of topics related to the cardiovascular system. By practicing these questions, you ensure that you have a solid grasp of the anatomy, physiology, common disorders, diagnostic tests, and nursing interventions relevant to the cardiovascular system.

2. Application of knowledge

Cardiac NCLEX questions are designed to test your ability to apply your knowledge to real-world nursing scenarios. By practicing nursing cardiac questions, you develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for providing safe and effective patient care.

3. Familiarity with NCLEX format

The NCLEX exam follows a specific format, including multiple-choice questions and alternate format questions (such as select-all-that-apply and prioritization). Practicing cardiovascular or dysrhythmias NCLEX questions helps you get accustomed to the test format, reducing test-day anxiety.

4. Assessment of weak areas

As you answer cardiovascular NCLEX questions, you'll identify areas where you may be struggling. Recognizing these weaknesses allows you to target your study efforts on specific topics that need improvement.

5. Time management skills

Practicing cardiovascular or hypertension NCLEX questions under timed conditions enhances your time management skills. You'll learn how to allocate your time wisely during the exam, ensuring you have ample time to complete all questions.

6. Increased confidence

As you consistently answer cardiovascular NCLEX questions correctly, your confidence in your abilities as a nursing professional will grow. Confidence is crucial for approaching the NCLEX with a positive mindset.

7. Active learning

Practicing cardiac NCLEX questions with rationale promotes active learning, which is more effective than passive learning methods. Active learning engages your mind and helps you retain information better.

8. Focus on high-yield topics

Cardiovascular or coronary artery disease NCLEX questions often focus on high-yield topics that are frequently tested on the exam. Prioritizing these topics in your preparation maximizes your chances of encountering familiar concepts during the test.

9. Realistic test simulation

The NCLEX is a high-stakes exam, and practicing cardiovascular questions replicates the test environment, giving you a sense of what to expect on the actual exam day.

10. Immediate feedback

Most practice question resources provide immediate feedback on your answers. This feedback helps you understand the reasoning behind each correct and incorrect choice, reinforcing your understanding of the material.

11. Adaptability

The NCLEX adapts its difficulty based on your performance. Practicing cardiovascular NCLEX questions exposes you to varying levels of difficulty, making you more adaptable to different question types.

12. Integration of knowledge

Cardiac NCLEX questions often require you to integrate knowledge from various nursing concepts. This integration strengthens your ability to think critically and make connections between different aspects of patient care.

13. Identification of knowledge gaps

As you encounter unfamiliar or challenging cardiovascular questions, you'll be able to identify knowledge gaps. Addressing these gaps through further study helps you become a well-rounded nursing professional.

14. Motivation and accountability

The act of practicing NCLEX questions can be motivating and hold you accountable for your study progress. Tracking your performance and improvement can be encouraging during the preparation process.

15. Preparation for real-life nursing

Lastly, cardiovascular NCLEX questions not only prepare you for the exam but also for real-life nursing scenarios. The critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills you develop are invaluable for your future nursing practice.

Incorporating cardiovascular NCLEX practice questions into your study routine is an effective and efficient way to enhance your understanding, test-taking skills, and overall readiness for the NCLEX examination. Combine these practice questions with a comprehensive NCLEX study plan, and you'll be well on your way to achieving nursing excellence in 2023 and beyond!

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering cardiovascular nursing in 2023 requires staying updated with the latest guidelines and utilizing NCLEX practice questions for skill enhancement.

With cardiovascular diseases remaining a major health concern, nurses must be well-prepared to prevent, manage, and educate patients about these conditions. Embracing technology and a proactive approach will contribute to nursing excellence and better patient outcomes. By committing to continuous learning and compassionate care, nurses can make a significant impact in reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases and promoting healthier communities.

FAQs

1. How should I approach studying for the Cardiovascular NCLEX section?

Studying for the Cardiovascular NCLEX section requires a combination of understanding the underlying concepts, memorization of important facts, and extensive practice with questions.

2. What is the passing score for the NCLEX examination?

The passing standard for the NCLEX examination is not based on a fixed percentage. It uses a computerized adaptive testing method, where the passing score is determined by the candidate's performance throughout the test.

3. Is it essential to understand every detail about cardiovascular disorders for the NCLEX?

While a thorough understanding of cardiovascular disorders is crucial, the NCLEX focuses on testing your ability to apply knowledge and critical thinking skills to nursing scenarios.

4. Can I take breaks during the NCLEX examination?

Yes, you can take optional breaks during the NCLEX examination. However, the exam clock will continue running, so use your time wisely and strategically plan your breaks.