Cardiovascular System Practice Test 7
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 7th 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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In the Cardiovascular System Study Cards section, shared by real NCLEX candidates, you’ll find concise summaries and high-yield insights related to the most tested concepts. It’s a perfect space to reinforce challenging topics and sharpen your recall through quick, focused repetitions. Short, powerful, and repeatable!
Cardiovascular System Practice Test 7
Blood pressure is created by?
- Veins
- Arteries
- Capillaries
- Valves
Explanation: Answer reason: Systemic arterial pressure is generated by ventricular systole ejecting blood into the arterial tree, and maintained by arterial elasticity and peripheral resistance. Veins operate at low pressure and do not create blood pressure. Capillaries and valves contribute to flow regulation but do not generate systemic pressure. Therefore, arteries are responsible for creating measurable blood pressure.
What is heart made up of...?
- Skin
- Bone
- Muscle
- Tissues
Explanation: Answer reason: The heart is composed primarily of cardiac muscle tissue (the myocardium), which generates the force to pump blood. It is not bone or skin. While the heart contains several tissue layers (endocardium, myocardium, and epicardium), its main functional composition is muscle.
Excess fat in blood causes?
- Hypertension
- Atherosclerosis
- Diabetes
- Rickets
Explanation: Answer reason: Excess fat in the blood (hyperlipidemia) promotes endothelial injury and deposition of lipids within arterial walls, forming atherosclerotic plaques. This process narrows arteries and predisposes to ischemic events. Hypertension is a risk factor and potential consequence, not the direct primary effect. Diabetes and rickets are not caused by elevated blood lipids.
The silent killer among NCDs is?
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Cancer
- COPD
Explanation: Answer reason: Hypertension is termed the silent killer because it is often asymptomatic for years while causing progressive vascular and end-organ damage. Uncontrolled blood pressure greatly increases risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and retinopathy. Because patients frequently feel well, it is underdiagnosed and undertreated without routine screening.
Myocardium is a special muscle tissue found only in the?
- Brain
- Heart
- Stomach
- Lungs
Explanation: Answer reason: The myocardium is cardiac muscle, a specialized striated, involuntary tissue unique to the heart. It contains intercalated discs and a conduction system that enables synchronized contraction. Brain, stomach, and lungs contain nervous, smooth, and respiratory tissues respectively, not myocardium.
The heart is enclosed in?
- Pleura
- Pericardium
- Endocardium
- Myocardium
Explanation: Answer reason: The pericardium is the fibroserous sac that encloses the heart and the roots of the great vessels, consisting of fibrous and serous (parietal and visceral) layers. The pleura surrounds the lungs, not the heart. The endocardium lines the inner chambers of the heart, and the myocardium is the muscular wall of the heart. Therefore, the heart is enclosed by the pericardium.
How many chambers in heart?
- 4
- 2
- 3
- 6
Explanation: Answer reason: The human heart has four chambers: two atria and two ventricles. The right atrium and ventricle handle deoxygenated blood returning from the body and pump it to the lungs. The left atrium and ventricle receive oxygenated blood from the lungs and pump it systemically. This four-chambered design supports separation of pulmonary and systemic circulation.
The pacemaker of the heart is?
- AV node
- SA node
- Bundle of His
- Purkinje fibers
Explanation: Answer reason: The sinoatrial (SA) node has the highest intrinsic rate of spontaneous depolarization (about 60–100 bpm) and normally initiates each heartbeat, making it the heart’s primary pacemaker. The AV node has a slower intrinsic rate and serves primarily to delay conduction to the ventricles, acting as a backup pacemaker if the SA node fails. The Bundle of His and Purkinje fibers mainly conduct impulses through the ventricles and have even slower automaticity.
How many Chambers are present in the Human Heart?
- 01
- 02
- 04
- 06
Explanation: Answer reason: The human heart has four chambers: right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle. The atria receive blood while the ventricles pump blood out of the heart. This four-chamber structure separates oxygenated and deoxygenated blood and supports distinct pulmonary and systemic circulations.
Pulse is feel in?
- Vein
- Artery
- Vessels
- Both a & b
Explanation: Answer reason: A palpable pulse is produced by the pressure wave generated with each left ventricular systole, which distends arteries. Therefore pulses are palpated over superficial arteries such as the radial or carotid. Veins are low-pressure vessels and do not transmit a palpable pulse; the jugular venous pulse is observed, not felt. Hence the correct choice is artery.
Normal Human blood pressure is?
- 110/110
- 120/70
- 120/80
- 140/60
Explanation: Answer reason: The commonly accepted reference for normal adult arterial blood pressure is about 120/80 mm Hg (systolic/diastolic). 110/110 would imply no pulse pressure and is not physiologic. 120/70 can be within normal limits but the standard textbook norm is 120/80. 140/60 suggests isolated systolic elevation and is not considered normal.
What is the major cause of blood pressure?
- Sugar
- Stress
- Sodium
Explanation: Answer reason: Excess dietary sodium increases intravascular volume via osmotic water retention and raises peripheral vascular resistance, both of which elevate blood pressure. Large population studies link high sodium intake with higher rates of hypertension and cardiovascular events. Stress can cause transient spikes in blood pressure, and high sugar intake may contribute indirectly through weight gain and metabolic effects, but sodium is the most established modifiable driver.
Estimate total blood volume for a 60 kg adult using 70 ml/kg?
- 4100ml
- 4200ml
- 4300ml
- 4400ml
Explanation: Answer reason: Adult total blood volume is commonly estimated as 70 mL/kg. For a 60 kg adult: 60 × 70 mL = 4200 mL. This falls within the typical range of 65–75 mL/kg used for adults. Therefore, 4200 mL is the best estimate.
Pain of angina radiates to?
- Right arm
- Left arm and jaw
- Lower abdomen
- Lower limb
Explanation: Answer reason: Typical angina from myocardial ischemia radiates to the left shoulder/arm and to the neck or jaw due to shared spinal segments (C5–T1) between the heart and these regions. While pain can occasionally be right-sided, the classic and most common pattern is left arm and jaw radiation. Radiation to the lower abdomen or lower limb is not characteristic of angina.
Coronary arteries supply blood to?
- Diaphragm
- Lungs
- Heart muscles
- Skull bones
Explanation: Answer reason: The coronary arteries arise from the ascending aorta and deliver oxygenated blood to the myocardium (heart muscle), primarily during diastole. Adequate coronary perfusion is essential for cardiac function. The diaphragm is supplied mainly by the phrenic arteries, the lungs by bronchial and pulmonary circulations, and skull bones by branches of the external carotid and vertebral systems.
The longest vein in the human body is?
- Inferior venacava
- Subclavain
- Jugular
- Long saphenous
Explanation: Answer reason: The great (long) saphenous vein is the longest vein in the body, running from the medial foot up the leg and thigh to join the femoral vein near the groin. Although the inferior vena cava is the largest vein by diameter, it is not the longest. The jugular and subclavian veins are regional veins of the neck and upper thorax and are much shorter. Therefore, the correct choice is the long saphenous vein.
Cardiogenic shock occurs due to failure of?
- Lungs
- Liver
- Heart
- Kidneys
Explanation: Answer reason: Cardiogenic shock is caused by failure of the heart as a pump, leading to markedly reduced cardiac output and tissue hypoperfusion. Common etiologies include acute myocardial infarction, severe cardiomyopathy, mechanical valve failure, or malignant arrhythmias. Pulmonary, hepatic, or renal failure do not primarily cause cardiogenic shock.
Machinery murmur is characteristic of?
- ASD
- VSD
- PDA
- TOF
Explanation: Answer reason: A continuous, machinery-like murmur is classic for patent ductus arteriosus due to continuous left-to-right shunt from the aorta to the pulmonary artery throughout systole and diastole. It is best heard at the left infraclavicular area. ASD typically causes a fixed split S2 with a systolic ejection murmur, and VSD produces a holosystolic murmur at the left lower sternal border. TOF usually has a harsh systolic ejection murmur due to pulmonary stenosis, not a continuous machinery murmur.
The normal adult heart rate is?
- 60-100 beats per minute
- 70-110 beats per minute
- 50-80 beats per minute
- 80-120 beats per minute
Explanation: Answer reason: In healthy adults, the normal resting heart rate is 60–100 beats per minute per standard cardiovascular physiology and AHA guidelines. Values below 60 are considered bradycardia (except in well-trained athletes), and values above 100 indicate tachycardia. The other ranges provided fall outside the accepted normal resting range, making them incorrect.
The heartbeat is regulated by the?
- Digestive system
- Nervous system
- Endocrine system
- Circulatory system
Explanation: Answer reason: Heart rate is primarily regulated by the autonomic nervous system: sympathetic stimulation increases rate and contractility while parasympathetic (vagal) tone slows the heart. The sinoatrial node has intrinsic pacemaker activity that is modulated by these neural inputs. Hormones can influence rate, but neural control provides the rapid, moment-to-moment regulation.
Which blood vessels supply blood to the heart?
- Aorta
- Vena cava
- Carotid
- Coronary
Explanation: Answer reason: The myocardium receives its oxygenated blood from the right and left coronary arteries, which arise from the ascending aorta just above the aortic valve. The aorta is the main systemic artery but does not directly perfuse the heart muscle. The vena cava returns deoxygenated blood to the right atrium, and the carotid arteries supply the head and neck. Therefore, the coronary vessels are responsible for supplying blood to the heart.
Pulse is measured at?
- Arteries
- Veins
- Capillaries
- Heart
Explanation: Answer reason: The palpable pulse is the pressure wave generated by ventricular systole that travels through the arterial tree. It is felt where arteries lie close to the skin over a firm surface (e.g., radial, carotid). Veins have low, non-pulsatile flow and capillaries do not transmit a palpable pulse. The heart generates the pulse but the measurement is performed at peripheral arteries.
The wall of the heart consists of layers?
- Three
- One
- Four
- Two
Explanation: Answer reason: The heart wall has three layers: the epicardium (outer layer/visceral pericardium), the myocardium (thick muscular middle layer responsible for contraction), and the endocardium (inner endothelial lining). These distinct layers support protection, pumping function, and smooth blood flow within chambers. Therefore, the correct count is three.
Which artery supplies the brain?
- Coronary artery
- Carotid artery
- Renal artery
- Femoral artery
Explanation: Answer reason: The brain receives its primary blood supply from the internal carotid arteries (anterior circulation) and vertebral arteries (posterior circulation). The coronary arteries supply the myocardium, not the brain. The renal arteries supply the kidneys, and the femoral artery supplies the lower limb. Therefore, the carotid artery is the correct choice.
What is the amount of minute volume in a patient who takes 1.8 liter of O2 in 6 minutes, the amount of O2 released from his arteries is 19 ml and the amount of oxygen in the blood collected from the veins is 14 ml?
- 3 L/minute
- 6 L/minute
- 9 L/minute
- 7 L/minute
Explanation: Answer reason: Use the Fick principle: Cardiac output (minute volume) = oxygen consumption (VO2) divided by the arteriovenous O2 difference. VO2 = 1.8 L in 6 min = 0.3 L/min = 300 ml/min. The a–v O2 difference = 19 − 14 = 5 ml O2 per 100 ml blood (5 ml/dL). CO = 300 ml/min ÷ (5 ml/dL) = 60 dL/min = 6 L/min.
Tachycardia means pulse rate more than?
- 60/min
- 80/min
- 100/min
- 120/min
Explanation: Answer reason: In adults, tachycardia is defined as a resting heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute. Normal resting range is 60–100 bpm; values above this threshold indicate tachycardia, while below 60 suggests bradycardia. Therefore, 80/min is still normal and 120/min is tachycardic but exceeds the standard cutoff.
The largest artery in human body is?
- Pulmonary
- Aorta
- Coronary
- Carotid
Explanation: Answer reason: The aorta is the largest artery by diameter and length, originating from the left ventricle and distributing oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation. The pulmonary artery is large but smaller than the aorta and carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs. Coronary and carotid arteries are branches that are much smaller. Therefore, the largest artery is the aorta.
The most common cause of hypovolemic shock is?
- Trauma
- Burns
- Hemorrhage
- Sepsis
Explanation: Answer reason: Hypovolemic shock results from a critical reduction in intravascular volume, most commonly due to acute blood loss. Hemorrhage from trauma, gastrointestinal bleeding, or obstetric causes is the leading etiology. Burns cause plasma loss but are less frequent, and sepsis produces distributive rather than hypovolemic shock. Therefore, hemorrhage is the single best answer.
Severe dehydration can cause?
- Septic shock
- Hypovolemic shock
- Cardiogenic shock
- Neurogenic shock
Explanation: Answer reason: Severe dehydration leads to significant loss of intravascular fluid volume, reducing preload and cardiac output. This results in inadequate tissue perfusion characteristic of hypovolemic shock. Septic shock is due to infection and vasodilation, cardiogenic shock stems from pump failure, and neurogenic shock arises from autonomic disruption—none are caused directly by dehydration.
What is the normal heart rate of a newborn per minute?
- 60-80
- 80-100
- 100-160
- 160-200
Explanation: Answer reason: Newborns have higher baseline heart rates than older children and adults due to higher metabolic demands and sympathetic tone. The commonly accepted normal range for a term newborn while awake is about 100–160 beats per minute. Rates persistently below 100 suggest bradycardia, and sustained rates above 160 suggest tachycardia, warranting evaluation. Therefore, 100–160 is the correct normal range.
The triad of cyanosis, clubbing, and squatting spells is typical of?
- VSD
- TOF
- PDA
- ASD
Explanation: Answer reason: Tetralogy of Fallot is a cyanotic congenital heart disease causing right-to-left shunting with hypoxemia, leading to cyanosis and digital clubbing over time. Children commonly have hypercyanotic “tet spells.” Squatting increases systemic vascular resistance, decreasing right-to-left shunt and improving oxygenation—thus the characteristic squatting spells.
What is considered normal blood pressure in adults?
- 120/80mmHg
- 130/80 mmHg
- 140/80 mmHg
- 150/80 mmHg
Explanation: Answer reason: For a healthy adult, the traditional reference for normal arterial blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg. Current guidelines define normal as less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic, making 120/80 an acceptable benchmark value. A reading of 130/80 mmHg is no longer considered normal and meets the threshold for stage 1 hypertension in many guidelines.
Approx weight of the heart?
- 250gm
- 300gm
- 340gm
- 350gm
Explanation: Answer reason: In adults, the normal heart weight ranges roughly from 250–350 g, with males tending toward the higher end and females toward the lower end. Standard anatomy references commonly cite an average of about 300 g. Because the question asks for an approximate weight, 300 gm is the best single estimate among the choices.
Which condition is not typically associated with diastolic dysfunction in CCF?
- Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- Constrictive pericarditis
- Mitral stenosis
- Ventricular septal defect
Explanation: Answer reason: Diastolic dysfunction arises from impaired ventricular relaxation or reduced compliance, as seen in restrictive cardiomyopathy and constrictive pericarditis. Mitral stenosis also leads to impaired ventricular filling and elevated diastolic pressures. A ventricular septal defect produces a left-to-right shunt with volume overload and a systolic murmur, typically causing systolic rather than diastolic dysfunction. Therefore, VSD is not typically associated with diastolic dysfunction in CCF.
Blood pressure is controlled by?
- Heart
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Lungs
Explanation: Answer reason: Long-term regulation of arterial pressure is primarily by the kidneys through control of extracellular fluid volume and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Renin release leads to angiotensin II–mediated vasoconstriction and aldosterone-driven sodium and water retention, raising blood pressure. While the heart affects cardiac output, the kidneys are the key organs that set and maintain baseline blood pressure.
Which BP range is called Hypotension...?
- 140/80 mmHg
- 90/160 mmHg
- 100/130 mmHg
- 90/60 mmHg
Explanation: Answer reason: Hypotension is commonly defined as a blood pressure less than 90/60 mmHg. A reading of 90/60 mmHg meets this low threshold and is considered hypotensive in adults. The other options are either hypertensive/elevated or physiologically incorrect because the diastolic value exceeds the systolic. Therefore, 90/60 mmHg best represents hypotension.
Coronary arteries arise from?
- Right atrium
- Left atrium
- Base of aorta
- Pulmonary trunk
Explanation: Answer reason: The right and left coronary arteries originate from the ascending aorta immediately above the aortic valve, within the aortic sinuses (sinuses of Valsalva). This location allows coronary perfusion primarily during diastole when the aortic valve is closed. They do not arise from the atria, and the pulmonary trunk gives rise to the pulmonary arteries, not the coronaries.
Purkinje fibers are found in?
- Atrium wall
- Ventricular wall
- Aorta
- Pulmonary artery
Explanation: Answer reason: Purkinje fibers are specialized conduction myocytes located in the subendocardial layer of the ventricular walls. They rapidly transmit impulses from the right and left bundle branches to the ventricular myocardium to produce synchronized ventricular contraction. They are not found in the atria or within great vessels such as the aorta or pulmonary artery.
The largest artery in the human body is?
- Pulmonary artery
- Carotid artery
- Coronary artery
- Aorta
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, typically about 2.5–3.5 cm in adults, and it has thick elastic walls to accommodate high-pressure blood ejection. The pulmonary, carotid, and coronary arteries are major vessels but are smaller branches compared with the aorta.
Which of the following is a heart disease?
- Asthma
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Gastritis
- Arthritis
Explanation: Answer reason: Coronary artery disease is a cardiovascular condition in which atherosclerotic plaque narrows or occludes the coronary arteries, reducing myocardial blood flow. It presents with ischemia-related symptoms such as angina and can lead to myocardial infarction. Asthma is a respiratory disorder, gastritis is gastrointestinal, and arthritis is a musculoskeletal/inflammatory joint condition.
Heartbeat is controlled by?
- Brain
- Heart
- SA node
- Lungs
Explanation: Answer reason: The sinoatrial (SA) node is the heart’s primary pacemaker, generating spontaneous depolarizations that set the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. Autonomic input from the brain modulates rate but does not originate the rhythm. The lungs are not involved in initiating cardiac electrical activity, and saying “heart” is nonspecific; the SA node specifically controls the heartbeat.
The heart pumps blood through ____ and veins?
- Arteries
- Lungs
- Lymph nodes
- Stomach
Explanation: Answer reason: Arteries and veins are the two main types of blood vessels of the circulatory system. The heart ejects blood into arteries, which distribute it to tissues via arterioles and capillaries. Blood then returns to the heart through veins. Lungs, lymph nodes, and the stomach are organs, not vessels that carry blood away from or back to the heart.
Heart attack occurs due to blockage in?
- Liver
- Arteries
- Nerves
- Veins
Explanation: Answer reason: A myocardial infarction results from acute obstruction of a coronary artery, usually due to atherosclerotic plaque rupture and thrombus formation, causing ischemia and necrosis of heart muscle. Arterial blockage reduces oxygenated blood flow to the myocardium. Blockage in veins or nerves does not cause a heart attack, and the liver is unrelated to coronary perfusion.
Box shaped heart is seen in?
- Pericardial effusion
- Myocardial infarction
- Ebstein anomaly
- Tetralogy of fallot
Explanation: Answer reason: Ebstein anomaly features apical displacement of the tricuspid valve and atrialization of the right ventricle, producing massive right atrial enlargement. On chest radiograph this results in a characteristic box- or square-shaped cardiac silhouette. Pericardial effusion typically shows a globular 'water-bottle' heart, and tetralogy of Fallot shows a 'boot-shaped' heart. Myocardial infarction does not have a specific cardiac silhouette sign.
The pacemaker is used in some patients to serve the function normally performed by the...?
- Accelerator nerves to the heart
- AV Node
- Bundle of His
- SA Nodes
Explanation: Answer reason: The sinoatrial (SA) node is the heart’s natural pacemaker, initiating spontaneous electrical impulses that set the heart rate. Artificial pacemakers replace or support this function when the SA node fails or when bradyarrhythmias occur. The AV node and bundle of His primarily conduct impulses, not initiate them, and accelerator (sympathetic) nerves only modulate rate. Therefore, a pacemaker substitutes for the SA node’s function.
Pacemaker is called....?
- SA node
- AV node
- Purkinje fiber
- Bundle of his
Explanation: Answer reason: The sinoatrial (SA) node, located in the right atrium near the superior vena cava, is the heart’s primary pacemaker. It generates spontaneous depolarizations that set the normal sinus rhythm (about 60–100 beats/min). The AV node serves as a backup pacemaker and provides conduction delay, while the bundle of His and Purkinje fibers conduct impulses through the ventricles rather than initiating the heartbeat.
The opening of right atrium into right ventricle is guarded by?
- Mitral valve
- Tricuspid valve
- Bicuspid valve
- Aortic semilunar valve
Explanation: Answer reason: The right atrioventricular orifice between the right atrium and right ventricle is guarded by the tricuspid valve. The mitral (bicuspid) valve guards the left atrioventricular opening. The aortic semilunar valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta. Therefore, tricuspid valve is the correct choice.
Pulse beat is measured from?
- Artery
- Vein
- Capillary
- Nerve
Explanation: Answer reason: A palpable pulse represents the pressure wave generated by ventricular systole transmitted through arteries. It is felt where an artery lies close to the skin over a firm surface, such as the radial artery at the wrist. Veins and capillaries do not transmit a palpable pressure wave, and nerves are unrelated to pulse palpation.
Which valve prevents the backflow of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium?
- Pulmonary valve
- Aortic valve
- Mitral valve
- Tricuspid valve
Explanation: Answer reason: The mitral (bicuspid) valve lies between the left atrium and left ventricle and closes during ventricular systole to prevent regurgitation of blood back into the left atrium. The aortic valve prevents backflow from the aorta into the left ventricle. The pulmonary valve prevents backflow from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle, and the tricuspid valve prevents backflow from the right ventricle to the right atrium.
The innermost covering layer of the heart is?
- Endocardium
- Myocardium
- Pericardium
- Endometrium
Explanation: Answer reason: The heart wall consists of three layers: endocardium (inner lining), myocardium (muscular middle layer), and epicardium/visceral pericardium (outer layer). The endocardium lines the chambers and valves with endothelial tissue, providing a smooth surface for blood flow and playing a role in valve function. Myocardium is not a covering layer, and the pericardium is the external sac. Endometrium refers to the uterine lining, not the heart.
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