Cardiac Nursing Practice Test with Answers
& Explanations
Description:
Ace your Cardiovascular Nursing exam with this targeted 2026 study guide. This comprehensive
resource features 55 original NUR 445 Exam 1 practice questions covering valvular disorders,
ECG interpretation, hemodynamics, hypertensive crisis, aortic aneurysms, and arrhythmia
management. Each question includes detailed Answer and Explanation sections to reinforce
critical thinking and clinical application—perfect for nursing students at Rutgers,
Chamberlain, or any BSN program.
Designed to mirror the latest 2026 NCLEX-RN® standards, this test prep tool helps you identify
knowledge gaps, master complex topics like cardiac tamponade, AFib, and heart failure, and
build confidence for your final.
Stop stressing and start mastering—download your free high-yield study guide now and pass with
certainty!
, NUR 445 Exam 1 Practice Questions 2026: Cardiac Nursing Study
Guide & Test Prep
1. Identify the two atrioventricular (AV) valves of the heart.
a) Aortic and Pulmonic
b) Mitral and Tricuspid
c) Semilunar and Atrial
d) Ventricular and Septal
Answer: b) Mitral and Tricuspid
Explanation: The atrioventricular valves are located between the atria and ventricles. The right
AV valve is the tricuspid valve, and the left AV valve is the bicuspid or mitral valve. Their
primary function is to prevent backflow of blood into the atria during ventricular contraction.
2. Which valves are classified as semilunar valves?
a) Mitral and Aortic
b) Tricuspid and Pulmonic
c) Aortic and Pulmonic
d) Mitral and Tricuspid
Answer: c) Aortic and Pulmonic
Explanation: The semilunar valves are the aortic and pulmonic valves. They are situated at the
exits of the ventricles into the great arteries (aorta and pulmonary artery) and prevent blood from
flowing back into the ventricles after ejection.
3. A systolic murmur is most commonly associated with which of the following conditions?
a) Aortic Regurgitation
b) Mitral Stenosis
c) Aortic Stenosis
d) Tricuspid Stenosis
Answer: c) Aortic Stenosis
, Explanation: Systolic murmurs occur during ventricular systole. Common causes include aortic
or pulmonic stenosis (obstruction to outflow) and mitral or tricuspid regurgitation (backflow of
blood into the atria during contraction).
4. Diastolic murmurs are typically indicative of:
a) Ventricular outflow obstruction
b) Atrioventricular valve regurgitation
c) Semilunar valve insufficiency or AV valve stenosis
d) Increased cardiac output states
Answer: c) Semilunar valve insufficiency or AV valve stenosis
Explanation: Diastolic murmurs occur during ventricular diastole. They are caused by aortic or
pulmonic regurgitation (leakage back into the ventricle) or mitral/tricuspid stenosis (obstructed
filling of the ventricle).
5. A primary pathological cause of valvular stenosis is:
a) Acute viral infection
b) Valvular leaflet prolapse
c) Calcification, often related to atherosclerosis or aging
d) Sudden traumatic injury
Answer: c) Calcification, often related to atherosclerosis or aging
Explanation: Valvular stenosis, the narrowing of a valve opening, is frequently caused by
calcification and fibrosis. This can be degenerative due to aging, a consequence of
atherosclerosis, or a sequela of conditions like rheumatic fever.
6. Which patient profile represents a classic risk factor for developing mitral stenosis?
a) A young male with a congenital heart defect
b) An older adult with long-standing hypertension
c) A middle-aged female with a history of rheumatic fever
d) An athlete with physiologic hypertrophy