NURSING CLINICALS Cardiovascular Examination Practice Assessment Q & A 2024

• Which of the following is considered a risk factor for developing

cardiovascular disease?

• Drinking excessive amounts of water
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Smoking
• Eating a balanced diet

Answer: C. Smoking

Rationale: Smoking is a known risk factor for developing cardiovascular

disease as it can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

• Which of the following is not typically included in a cardiovascular

examination?

• Listening to heart sounds
• Measuring blood pressure
• Performing a skin assessment
• Palpating for pulses

Answer: C. Performing a skin assessment

Rationale: A skin assessment is not typically included in a cardiovascular

examination, as it is more relevant to a general physical examination.

• What is the purpose of assessing the jugular venous pulse during a

cardiovascular examination?

• To assess for the presence of trauma
• To assess the function of the right side of the heart
• To assess for anemia
• To assess for respiratory distress

Answer: B. To assess the function of the right side of the heart

Rationale: The jugular venous pulse provides information about the

function of the right side of the heart and can help identify conditions such

as heart failure or pulmonary hypertension.

• When listening to heart sounds during a cardiovascular examination,

which of the following sounds is considered abnormal and indicative of a heart murmur?

• S1
• S2
• S3
• S4

Answer: C. S3

Rationale: An S3 heart sound is indicative of heart failure and is

considered abnormal during a cardiovascular examination.

• Which of the following is a common method used to assess peripheral

vascular circulation during a cardiovascular examination?

• Measuring blood pressure in the legs
• Checking capillary refill time in the fingers
• Palpating for pulses in the neck
• Assessing jugular venous pressure

Answer: B. Checking capillary refill time in the fingers

Rationale: Checking capillary refill time in the fingers is a common

method used to assess peripheral vascular circulation and can help identify issues such as poor blood flow.

• During a cardiovascular examination, which of the following is a

characteristic finding in a patient with peripheral arterial disease?

• Weak pulses
• Elevated jugular venous pressure
• Intermittent claudication
• Increased capillary refill time

Answer: C. Intermittent claudication

Rationale: Intermittent claudication, or pain in the legs during walking

that improves with rest, is a characteristic finding in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

• Which of the following tests is commonly performed to assess the

electrical activity of the heart during a cardiovascular examination?

• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Cardiac catheterization
• Stress test

Answer: B. Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Rationale: An electrocardiogram is a common test performed during a

cardiovascular examination to assess the electrical activity of the heart and identify abnormalities such as arrhythmias.

• A friction rub heard during auscultation of the heart is most likely

indicative of which of the following conditions?

• Pericarditis
• Aortic stenosis
• Mitral regurgitation
• Pulmonary hypertension

Answer: A. Pericarditis

Rationale: A friction rub heard during auscultation of the heart is most

likely indicative of pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium surrounding the heart.

• Which of the following diagnostic tests is commonly used to evaluate

for coronary artery disease during a cardiovascular examination?

• Lipid panel
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Coronary angiography
• Urinalysis

Answer: C. Coronary angiography