Cardiovascular System Practice Test 6
Cardiovascular System NCLEX Practice Test
Cardiovascular System is a key topic within the NCLEX test plan, located under Nursing Science → Clinical Foundations → Cardiovascular System. This section explores cardiac physiology and nursing care for common cardiovascular disorders. Each test contains 50 questions designed to mirror the difficulty and variety of the real exam.
This is the 6th part of the Cardiovascular System series. To explore all practice tests under this topic, use the “Back to Main Topic” button at the end of the page.
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Cardiovascular System Practice Test 6
Prolonged occlusion of the right coronary artery produces an infarction in which area of the heart?
- Anterior
- Inferior
- Posterior
- Lateral
Explanation: Answer reason: The right coronary artery typically supplies the inferior wall of the left ventricle via the posterior descending artery; its occlusion commonly causes an inferior myocardial infarction.
What is the longest vein in the human body?
- Svc
- Long saphenous vein
- Short saphenous vein
- Ivc
Explanation: Answer reason: The great (long) saphenous vein runs from the medial foot to the groin and is the longest vein in the body.
What is the largest artery in the body?
- Stapes
- Muscles
- Aorta
- Pulmonary
Explanation: Answer reason: The aorta is the largest artery, carrying blood from the left ventricle to the systemic circulation. Stapes is a bone; muscles are not arteries; pulmonary (artery) is large but not the largest.
During which phase does blood flow primarily occur through the coronary arteries?
- Inspiration
- Systole
- Diastole
- Expiration
Explanation: Answer reason: Coronary perfusion mainly occurs during diastole when the myocardium relaxes and intramyocardial pressure falls, allowing aortic diastolic pressure to drive blood into the coronary arteries. During systole, vessel compression reduces coronary flow.
Where is the carotid pulse located?
- In front of the ear just above the eye
- In the middle of the groin
- On the anterior side of the neck
- On the middle aspect of the wrist
Explanation: Answer reason: The carotid artery runs along the anterior neck beside the trachea; its pulse is palpated on the anterior side of the neck.
What is the patient's mean arterial pressure (MAP) if the blood pressure is 155/98 mmHg?
- 89 mmHg
- 75 mmHg
- 117 mmHg
- 96 mmHg
Explanation: Answer reason: MAP = (SBP + 2×DBP)/3 = (155 + 2×98)/3 = 351/3 = 117 mmHg.
The water bottle sign is present in which condition?
- Hydrocephalus
- Angina pectoris
- CVA
- Cardiac tamponade
Explanation: Answer reason: The ‘water bottle’ cardiac silhouette on chest X-ray indicates a large pericardial effusion, commonly associated with cardiac tamponade.
Which of the following can cause a heart attack?
- Blood protein
- Blood Urea
- Blood sugar
- Cholesterol
Explanation: Answer reason: Elevated blood cholesterol promotes atherosclerotic plaque formation in coronary arteries, leading to myocardial infarction. The other options are not primary direct causes.
What is the correct formula to determine cardiac output?
- HR - SV
- HR divided by SV
- HR + SV
- HR x SV
Explanation: Answer reason: Cardiac output equals heart rate multiplied by stroke volume (CO = HR × SV).
Which place is the heart situated in?
- Thyroid anterior
- Plural cavity
- Ziphisternum
- Mediasternum
Explanation: Answer reason: The heart lies in the mediastinum of the thoracic cavity; the other options are incorrect anatomical locations.
Which congenital disorder presents with a “boot-shaped” heart on chest X-ray due to right ventricular hypertrophy?
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Tricuspid atresia
- Transposition of the great arteries
Explanation: Answer reason: The classic boot-shaped heart appearance results from right ventricular hypertrophy, a defining feature of Tetralogy of Fallot.
Which organ works day & night (24 hours)?
- Brain
- Heart
Explanation: Answer reason: The heart contracts continuously throughout life due to intrinsic pacemaker activity of the sinoatrial node, modulated by the autonomic nervous system. It maintains uninterrupted circulation to deliver oxygen and nutrients and remove waste, including during sleep. Any sustained cessation of cardiac activity leads rapidly to loss of perfusion and death, underscoring its nonstop function.
The heart is made up of which type of muscle?
- Skeletal muscle
- Smooth muscle
- Cardiac muscle
Explanation: Answer reason: The myocardium of the heart consists of specialized cardiac muscle tissue. This striated, involuntary muscle has branching fibers connected by intercalated discs, enabling rapid, synchronized contractions for effective pumping. Skeletal muscle is voluntary and attached to bones, while smooth muscle lines viscera and vessels, not the heart.
ECG is an instrument used for Disorder of ________?
- Heart
- Kidney
- Liver
- Brain
Explanation: Answer reason: An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical activity of the heart. It is used to detect cardiac rhythm disturbances, ischemia or infarction, and conduction abnormalities. Therefore, it is an instrument used for disorders of the heart.
Which of the following is an indication for surgery in peripheral arterial disease of a diabetic patient?
- Healing wound
- Claudication
- Rest pain
- Hypoglycaemia
Explanation: Answer reason: Surgical revascularization in peripheral arterial disease is indicated for critical limb ischemia, which includes ischemic rest pain, nonhealing ulcers, or gangrene. Claudication alone is typically managed first with risk-factor modification, exercise therapy, and medications, reserving surgery for severe lifestyle-limiting cases refractory to therapy. A healing wound does not require surgery, and hypoglycaemia is unrelated to PAD management.
The heart is made up of ______?
- Non-striated muscle
- Cardiac muscle
- Adipose tissue
- Striated muscle
Explanation: Answer reason: The myocardium, the main contractile layer of the heart, consists of specialized cardiac muscle tissue. Cardiac muscle is striated and involuntary, featuring intercalated discs that allow synchronized contraction. Smooth (non-striated) muscle is found in visceral organs, and skeletal striated muscle forms voluntary muscles, not the heart. While the heart contains some connective and adipose tissue, its defining functional tissue is cardiac muscle.
Which of the following is the largest artery in the human body?
- Aorta
- Pulmonary artery
- Femoral artery
- Carotid artery
Explanation: Answer reason: The aorta is the largest artery, originating from the left ventricle and distributing oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation. Its diameter is the greatest among arteries (about 2.5–3.5 cm in adults) to accommodate high cardiac output and pressure. The pulmonary, femoral, and carotid arteries are major vessels but are smaller branches compared with the aorta.
The smallest form of vein is known as -?
- Venules
- Vein
- Vena cava
- Sinus
Explanation: Answer reason: Venules are the smallest veins; they receive blood from capillary beds and coalesce into larger veins. In contrast, the vena cava is the largest vein, not the smallest. A venous sinus is a specialized venous channel, not the smallest structural unit. Therefore, the correct term for the smallest form of vein is venules.
The sound of Heart is........?
- LUB LUB
- DUB DUB
- LUB DUB
- RUB RUB
Explanation: Answer reason: Normal heart sounds consist of S1 followed by S2, commonly described as "lub-dub." S1 (lub) is produced by closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves at the start of systole. S2 (dub) results from closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves at the end of systole. Therefore, the characteristic sequence is lub-dub.
Membranous covering of Heart is called?
- Meninges
- Peritoneum
- Periosteum
- Pericardium
Explanation: Answer reason: The heart is enclosed by a double-walled sac called the pericardium, which protects the heart and reduces friction during cardiac motion. Meninges cover the brain and spinal cord, not the heart. The peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity and viscera. The periosteum is the connective tissue covering bones.
Normal pulse in the adult person is...?
- 20 - 50/min
- 60 - 100/min
- 80 - 120/min
- 40 - 60/min
Explanation: Answer reason: The normal resting heart rate for a healthy adult is 60–100 beats per minute. Rates below 60 bpm indicate bradycardia, while rates above 100 bpm indicate tachycardia. This range applies when assessing the pulse, commonly at the radial artery, under resting conditions.
ECG is used to measure?
- Blood count
- Heart beat
- Temperature
- Electricity
Explanation: Answer reason: An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the heart’s electrical activity via skin electrodes, measuring voltage changes over time. The tracing reflects atrial and ventricular depolarization and repolarization (P, QRS, T waves). Heart rate can be derived from the ECG, but the instrument measures electrical signals themselves. Therefore, the best answer is electricity.
The inner most layer of the heart is -?
- Epicardium
- Endocardium
- Epicardium
- Myocardium
Explanation: Answer reason: The endocardium is the thin endothelial lining that covers the inner surfaces of the heart chambers and valves, providing a smooth, nonthrombogenic surface continuous with vascular endothelium. The myocardium is the thick muscular middle layer responsible for contraction. The epicardium is the outermost visceral layer of the pericardium. Therefore, the innermost layer is the endocardium.
Blood pressure below normal is called?
- Anemia
- Hypothermia
- Hypertension
- Hypotension
Explanation: Answer reason: Blood pressure that is below the normal range is termed hypotension. Hypertension is elevated blood pressure, the opposite condition. Anemia refers to a low red blood cell or hemoglobin level, and hypothermia is abnormally low body temperature. Therefore, the correct term for low blood pressure is hypotension.
Blood pressure is measured in units of?
- Mm Hg.
- Beats per minute.
- °F.
- L/min.
Explanation: Answer reason: Blood pressure is a measure of hydrostatic pressure exerted by blood against arterial walls and is conventionally reported in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Beats per minute measures heart rate, not pressure. °F is a temperature unit, and L/min is a flow rate unit often used for cardiac output or oxygen delivery. Therefore, the correct unit for blood pressure is mmHg.
The normal range of systolic blood pressure is?
- 60–80 mmHg
- 80–100 mmHg
- 90–120 mmHg
- 130–160 mmHg
Explanation: Answer reason: For healthy adults, the normal systolic blood pressure typically ranges from about 90 to 120 mmHg, reflecting adequate cardiac output and vascular tone. Values below 90 mmHg suggest hypotension, while sustained readings above 120–129 progress toward hypertension. Therefore, among the options, 90–120 mmHg is the correct normal range.
Which of the following can cause heart attack?
- Blood sugar
- Cholesterol
- Blood protein
- Blood urea
Explanation: Answer reason: Elevated cholesterol, particularly LDL, drives atherosclerosis in coronary arteries. Plaque formation and potential rupture lead to thrombotic occlusion and myocardial infarction. While high blood sugar raises cardiovascular risk, and blood urea or protein reflect other conditions, they are not the primary direct cause implicated like cholesterol.
Which of organ continuous work (24 hours)?
- Heart
- Nose
- Brain
- Eye
Explanation: Answer reason: The heart must beat continuously to maintain perfusion of all tissues and sustain life. Cardiac muscle has intrinsic automaticity via the sinoatrial node, allowing 24/7 rhythmic contractions without rest. Interruption of cardiac activity rapidly leads to loss of consciousness and death, unlike organs such as the eyes that can rest or close during sleep.
The umbilical vein carry-?
- Oxygenate blood
- Deoxygenated blood
- Mixed blood
- All above
Explanation: Answer reason: In fetal circulation, the placenta is the site of gas exchange, so blood leaving the placenta via the umbilical vein is highly oxygenated. This vein delivers oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. In contrast, the umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus back to the placenta. Therefore, the umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood.
What is the thick muscular layer of the heart wall called?
- Endocardium
- Myocardium
- Epicardium
- Pericardium
Explanation: Answer reason: The myocardium is the thick, middle layer of the heart wall composed of cardiac muscle fibers that generate the contractile force to pump blood. The endocardium is the thin inner endothelial lining. The epicardium is the outer surface of the heart and is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium, while the pericardium is the surrounding fibrous-serous sac.
Which of the following is correctly matched?
- Cockroach -- 13 heart chambers
- Frog -- 4 heart chambers
- Pigeon -- 3 heart chambers
- Rabbit -- 2 heart chambers
Explanation: Answer reason: Cockroaches have a tubular dorsal vessel with 13 chambers, making this pairing correct. Frogs possess a three-chambered heart (two atria and one ventricle), not four. Birds such as pigeons and mammals like rabbits both have four-chambered hearts. Therefore, only the cockroach option is correctly matched.
Heartbeat originates from the?
- Papillary muscles
- SA node
- AV node
- Purkinje fibres
Explanation: Answer reason: The sinoatrial (SA) node is the heart’s primary pacemaker, with the highest intrinsic firing rate that initiates each normal heartbeat. Its spontaneous phase 4 depolarization triggers atrial depolarization and conducts to the AV node, His bundle, and Purkinje system. Papillary muscles and Purkinje fibers conduct or provide mechanical function but do not normally initiate the heartbeat; the AV node is a secondary pacemaker.
Study of heart is called _____?
- Oncology
- Biology
- Zoology
- Cardiology
Explanation: Answer reason: Cardiology is the medical specialty focused on the heart and cardiovascular system, including their structure, function, and disorders. Oncology deals with cancers, not the heart. Biology is the general study of living organisms, and zoology is the study of animals. Therefore, the correct term for the study of the heart is cardiology.
Study of heart is called as ________?
- Myology
- Cardiology
- Hepatology
- Neurology
Explanation: Answer reason: Cardiology is the branch of medicine that studies the heart and the vascular system. Myology concerns muscles, hepatology deals with the liver, and neurology focuses on the nervous system. Therefore, the correct term for the study of the heart is cardiology.
A child with CCF is experiencing poor feeding and failure to thrive. These symptoms are most related to?
- Increased metabolic rate
- Decreased oxygen demand
- Hyperglycemia
- Low-grade infection
Explanation: Answer reason: In pediatric congestive heart failure, sympathetic activation and increased work of breathing and circulation raise the basal metabolic rate and oxygen consumption. Infants fatigue easily during feeds and expend more calories than they take in, leading to poor feeding and failure to thrive. Decreased oxygen demand is the opposite of what occurs, and hyperglycemia or a low-grade infection are not primary drivers of these chronic symptoms.
In infants with CCF, excessive sweating is most likely due to?
- Renal impairment
- Cardiac sympathetic overactivity
- Liver dysfunction
- Electrolyte imbalance
Explanation: Answer reason: In congestive cardiac failure, reduced cardiac output triggers compensatory sympathetic activation to maintain perfusion. Increased adrenergic tone stimulates eccrine sweat glands, leading to diaphoresis, which is especially notable in infants during feeding. Renal or hepatic dysfunction does not directly cause profuse sweating, and electrolyte imbalance is not the primary mechanism for this symptom.
ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF suggests infarction in which region?
- Anterior wall
- Lateral wall
- Inferior wall
- Posterior wall
Explanation: Answer reason: Leads II, III, and aVF view the inferior surface of the left ventricle. ST-segment elevation in these leads indicates an inferior wall myocardial infarction, most often due to occlusion of the right coronary artery (or less commonly the left circumflex). Reciprocal ST depression may be seen in leads I and aVL.
Which system circulates blood around the body?
- Digestive
- Respiratory
- Circulatory
- Nervous
Explanation: Answer reason: The circulatory (cardiovascular) system, composed of the heart and blood vessels, pumps and distributes blood throughout the body. This flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removes carbon dioxide and metabolic wastes. The digestive system processes food, the respiratory system performs gas exchange in the lungs, and the nervous system coordinates body functions, but none of these circulate blood.
How many time does the human heart beats in one minute?
- 72
- 71
- 73
- 66
Explanation: Answer reason: The normal adult resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute, with a commonly cited average of about 72 bpm. Many basic physiology references use 72 bpm as the standard mean for teaching. While 66, 71, and 73 can all be normal in individuals, 72 represents the conventional single best average value.
Average Heart beat per Minute in a normal person is?
- 50 time
- 72 time
- 80 time
- 100 time
Explanation: Answer reason: In healthy adults, the normal resting heart rate is roughly 60–100 beats per minute, with a commonly cited mean around 72 bpm. A rate of 50 bpm is typically bradycardic for most adults unless well-trained athletes. Eighty and 100 bpm are within the normal range but are not the usual average. Therefore, 72 beats per minute is the best answer.
Collapsing pulse is also known as -?
- Bounding pulse
- Water – hammer pulse
- Pulse – alternons
- Bigeminal pulse
Explanation: Answer reason: A collapsing pulse is the classic “water-hammer” (Corrigan) pulse characterized by a rapid upstroke and sudden collapse due to wide pulse pressure, commonly seen in aortic regurgitation. A bounding pulse is forceful but does not have the rapid collapse. Pulse alternans indicates alternating strong and weak beats from left ventricular dysfunction, and bigeminal pulse reflects an arrhythmic pattern, not a collapsing character.
Heart muscles also called as?
- Endocardium
- Endothelium
- Myocardium
- Pericardium
Explanation: Answer reason: The muscular layer of the heart wall is the myocardium, composed of cardiac muscle fibers that generate the contractile force to pump blood. The endocardium is the thin endothelial lining of the heart chambers and valves. The pericardium is the fibrous serous sac surrounding the heart, not the muscle itself. Endothelium refers to the lining of blood vessels and the heart’s inner surface, not muscle tissue.
What is the silent killer disease?
- TB
- BP
- HIV
- Diarheo
Explanation: Answer reason: Hypertension (high blood pressure) is known as the “silent killer” because it is often asymptomatic while causing progressive end-organ damage. Uncontrolled BP increases the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. TB, HIV, and diarrhea usually present with more overt symptoms, making them less ‘silent’ clinically.
Most common cause of angina?
- Artherosclerosis
- Arthritis
- Heart blockage
- None
Explanation: Answer reason: Angina pectoris is chest discomfort caused by myocardial ischemia due to an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand. The most common cause is atherosclerotic narrowing of the coronary arteries, which limits blood flow during increased demand. Arthritis is unrelated, and “heart blockage” is nonspecific and usually refers to conduction abnormalities rather than ischemia.
Which of the following is also called the pacemaker of the heart?
- Bundle of His
- Bundle of Kent
- Sinoatrial node
- Purkinje fibre
Explanation: Answer reason: The sinoatrial (SA) node generates spontaneous depolarizations at 60–100 beats per minute and initiates each normal heartbeat, making it the heart’s primary pacemaker. The bundle of His and Purkinje fibers are downstream conduction pathways that distribute impulses through the ventricles. The bundle of Kent is an accessory pathway seen in Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, not a normal pacemaker.
The Normal Heart Rate.....?
- 60-100/min
- 60-80/min
- 90-120/min
- 120-140/min
Explanation: Answer reason: For a resting adult, the normal sinus heart rate is 60–100 beats per minute, governed by the sinoatrial node. Values below 60 are considered bradycardic (though well-trained athletes may be lower), and values above 100 reflect tachycardia. The 60–80 range is only a subset of the normal range, while 90–120/min indicates tachycardia.
The natural pacemaker of the heart is?
- AV Node
- SA Node
- Purkinje Fibre
- Bundle Of His
Explanation: Answer reason: The sinoatrial (SA) node, located in the right atrium near the superior vena cava, has the highest rate of spontaneous depolarization and initiates impulses that set normal sinus rhythm (about 60–100 bpm). It is therefore the heart’s natural pacemaker. The AV node, Bundle of His, and Purkinje fibers conduct impulses and can act as backup pacemakers but have slower intrinsic rates.
The ______ RECEIVES blood returning from the lungs?
- Right Ventricle
- Left Ventricle
- Left Atrium
- Right Atrium
Explanation: Answer reason: Oxygenated blood returns from the lungs via the pulmonary veins and enters the left atrium. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the systemic veins (SVC/IVC), not from the lungs. The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation, and the right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs. Therefore, the chamber that receives blood from the lungs is the left atrium.
What is a human heart made up of?
- Tissues
- Muscle
- Skin
- Bone
Explanation: Answer reason: The heart is primarily composed of cardiac muscle tissue (myocardium), which generates forceful contractions to pump blood. While organs are made of multiple tissues, the defining component of the heart is muscle. It is not skin or bone.
The coronary arteries supply blood to?
- Brain
- Kidneys
- Heart muscle
- Lungs
Explanation: Answer reason: Coronary arteries arise from the ascending aorta and perfuse the myocardium, delivering oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. Inadequate flow through these vessels leads to myocardial ischemia and infarction. The brain is supplied by the carotid and vertebral arteries, the kidneys by the renal arteries, and the lungs primarily by the pulmonary circulation.
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