CHAMBERLAIN NR 667 CEA FNP
CAPSTONE PRACTICE EXAM
(2026 UPDATE)|| Questions And
Answers With Rationales/Graded
A+/2026 Update/100% Correct
/Instant Download
EXAM INSTRUCTIONS
• Total Questions: 85
• Format: Multiple Choice
• Directions: Select the best answer for each question. Correct answers are
utilized in clinical practice and align with the latest EBP guidelines.
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS (Questions 1-20)
1. A 58-year-old male with a history of hypertension presents for a follow-up.
According to JNC8, what is the recommended blood pressure target for this
patient?
• A. < 120/80 mm Hg
• B. < 140/90 mm Hg
• C. < 130/80 mm Hg
• D. < 150/90 mm Hg
Rationale: JNC8 guidelines recommend a BP target of <140/90 mm Hg for the
general population aged <60 years, and <150/90 for those ≥60 years or with
chronic kidney disease/diabetes . Option C (<130/80) aligns with the newer
ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines, but the Chamberlain FNP curriculum heavily
emphasizes JNC8 for the capstone.
,2. A patient presents with acute onset of right-sided weakness and difficulty
speaking. Symptoms started 90 minutes ago. What is the priority intervention
before administering tPA?
• A. Administer Aspirin 324 mg
• B. Obtain a non-contrast CT scan of the head
• C. Check blood glucose
• D. Start IV fluids
Rationale: Before thrombolytics (tPA) can be administered, a non-contrast CT
scan is required to rule out hemorrhagic stroke. "Time is brain," and the clock is
ticking, but the CT is the mandatory gatekeeper .
3. Which diagnostic finding is diagnostic for metabolic syndrome? (Select the
set that qualifies)
• A. Waist circumference 42 inches (male), BP 135/85, Fasting glucose 110
mg/dL
• B. HDL 55 mg/dL, Triglycerides 140, Waist 38 inches (male)
• C. LDL 160 mg/dL, BP 128/80, Waist 39 inches
• D. Fasting glucose 95 mg/dL, Triglycerides 200, HDL 60
Rationale: Metabolic syndrome requires 3 of 5 criteria: Elevated waist
circumference (>40 men/>35 women), elevated triglycerides (≥150), reduced HDL
(<40 men/<50 women), elevated BP (≥130/≥85), or elevated fasting glucose
(≥100) .
4. A patient with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) has
an EF of 35%. Which medication combination is considered first-line
foundational therapy?
• A. Furosemide and Digoxin
• B. Entresto (Sacubitril/Valsartan) and a Beta-blocker
• C. Amlodipine and Hydralazine
• D. Metoprolol succinate only
, Rationale: Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for HFrEF includes ARNI
(Entresto), Beta-blockers (Carvedilol, Metoprolol Succinate, Bisoprolol), and
Aldosterone antagonists. Entresto has been shown to be superior to ACE
inhibitors .
5. You auscultate a murmur at the 2nd intercostal space, right sternal border,
which radiates to the carotids. This is most likely:
• A. Mitral regurgitation
• B. Aortic stenosis
• C. Pulmonic stenosis
• D. Tricuspid regurgitation
Rationale: The aortic valve is best heard at the 2nd ICS RSB. A harsh, crescendo-
decrescendo murmur radiating to the neck is classic for aortic stenosis .
6. A patient presents with chest pain that is reproducible with palpation of the
ribs. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• A. Unstable angina
• B. Costochondritis
• C. Pericarditis
• D. Aortic dissection
Rationale: Costochondritis is inflammation of the costochondral junctions. A key
distinguishing feature is that the pain is reproducible with palpation, which is not
typical of cardiac ischemia.
7. Which beta-blocker is specifically indicated for and has mortality benefit in
Heart Failure?
• A. Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
• B. Atenolol (Tenormin)
• C. Carvedilol (Coreg)
• D. Propranolol (Inderal)
CAPSTONE PRACTICE EXAM
(2026 UPDATE)|| Questions And
Answers With Rationales/Graded
A+/2026 Update/100% Correct
/Instant Download
EXAM INSTRUCTIONS
• Total Questions: 85
• Format: Multiple Choice
• Directions: Select the best answer for each question. Correct answers are
utilized in clinical practice and align with the latest EBP guidelines.
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS (Questions 1-20)
1. A 58-year-old male with a history of hypertension presents for a follow-up.
According to JNC8, what is the recommended blood pressure target for this
patient?
• A. < 120/80 mm Hg
• B. < 140/90 mm Hg
• C. < 130/80 mm Hg
• D. < 150/90 mm Hg
Rationale: JNC8 guidelines recommend a BP target of <140/90 mm Hg for the
general population aged <60 years, and <150/90 for those ≥60 years or with
chronic kidney disease/diabetes . Option C (<130/80) aligns with the newer
ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines, but the Chamberlain FNP curriculum heavily
emphasizes JNC8 for the capstone.
,2. A patient presents with acute onset of right-sided weakness and difficulty
speaking. Symptoms started 90 minutes ago. What is the priority intervention
before administering tPA?
• A. Administer Aspirin 324 mg
• B. Obtain a non-contrast CT scan of the head
• C. Check blood glucose
• D. Start IV fluids
Rationale: Before thrombolytics (tPA) can be administered, a non-contrast CT
scan is required to rule out hemorrhagic stroke. "Time is brain," and the clock is
ticking, but the CT is the mandatory gatekeeper .
3. Which diagnostic finding is diagnostic for metabolic syndrome? (Select the
set that qualifies)
• A. Waist circumference 42 inches (male), BP 135/85, Fasting glucose 110
mg/dL
• B. HDL 55 mg/dL, Triglycerides 140, Waist 38 inches (male)
• C. LDL 160 mg/dL, BP 128/80, Waist 39 inches
• D. Fasting glucose 95 mg/dL, Triglycerides 200, HDL 60
Rationale: Metabolic syndrome requires 3 of 5 criteria: Elevated waist
circumference (>40 men/>35 women), elevated triglycerides (≥150), reduced HDL
(<40 men/<50 women), elevated BP (≥130/≥85), or elevated fasting glucose
(≥100) .
4. A patient with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) has
an EF of 35%. Which medication combination is considered first-line
foundational therapy?
• A. Furosemide and Digoxin
• B. Entresto (Sacubitril/Valsartan) and a Beta-blocker
• C. Amlodipine and Hydralazine
• D. Metoprolol succinate only
, Rationale: Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for HFrEF includes ARNI
(Entresto), Beta-blockers (Carvedilol, Metoprolol Succinate, Bisoprolol), and
Aldosterone antagonists. Entresto has been shown to be superior to ACE
inhibitors .
5. You auscultate a murmur at the 2nd intercostal space, right sternal border,
which radiates to the carotids. This is most likely:
• A. Mitral regurgitation
• B. Aortic stenosis
• C. Pulmonic stenosis
• D. Tricuspid regurgitation
Rationale: The aortic valve is best heard at the 2nd ICS RSB. A harsh, crescendo-
decrescendo murmur radiating to the neck is classic for aortic stenosis .
6. A patient presents with chest pain that is reproducible with palpation of the
ribs. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• A. Unstable angina
• B. Costochondritis
• C. Pericarditis
• D. Aortic dissection
Rationale: Costochondritis is inflammation of the costochondral junctions. A key
distinguishing feature is that the pain is reproducible with palpation, which is not
typical of cardiac ischemia.
7. Which beta-blocker is specifically indicated for and has mortality benefit in
Heart Failure?
• A. Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
• B. Atenolol (Tenormin)
• C. Carvedilol (Coreg)
• D. Propranolol (Inderal)
