Question 1. A 55-year-old male, with a history of intravenous drug use, presents to the emergency department complaining of fever, chills, and fatigue. On examination, he has a new-onset murmur and splinter hemorrhages on his nails. Laboratory results show an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and a positive blood culture for Staphylococcus aureus. What is the priority nursing action for this client?
A) Administer antibiotic therapy as ordered.
B) Elevate the head of the bed and place the patient on oxygen
C) Assess the client’s pain level.
D) Educate the client about the importance of regular dental hygiene.

Question 2. A 68-year-old female, with a history of rheumatic heart disease, is admitted to the hospital with signs and symptoms of infective endocarditis. The nurse reviews the client’s laboratory results and finds an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and positive blood cultures for Streptococcus viridans. What is the primary nursing intervention for this client?
A) Administer intravenous fluids to maintain hydration.
B) Administer prophylactic antibiotic therapy as prescribed.
C) Assess for peripheral edema and weight gain.
D) Instruct the client to perform deep breathing and coughing exercises.

Question 3. A 30-year-old male, who recently underwent a dental procedure, is admitted to the hospital with a fever, malaise, and new-onset heart murmur. The nurse suspects infective endocarditis and assesses the client for complications. Which assessment finding requires immediate nursing intervention?
A) Petechiae on the client’s chest and abdomen.
B) Irregular heart rate of 110 beats per minute.
C) Mild shortness of breath with exertion.
D) Blood pressure of 128/78 mmHg.

Question 4. A 62-year-old female presents to the primary care clinic complaining of shortness of breath and swelling in her ankles. Upon auscultation, the nurse detects a high-pitched, blowing sound during systole at the second intercostal space, right sternal border. Which heart sound is most likely present in this client?
A) S1
B) S2
C) S3
D) S4

Question 5. A 48-year-old male presents to the emergency department with complaints of chest pain radiating to the left arm and diaphoresis. The nurse auscultates a harsh, loud, blowing sound heard best at the left sternal border during systole. Which condition is most likely causing this abnormal heart sound?
A) Aortic stenosis
B) Mitral valve prolapse
C) Ventricular septal defect
D) Atrial septal defect

Question 6. A 65-year-old male presents to the cardiology clinic with complaints of fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, and peripheral edema. Upon auscultation, the nurse hears a low-pitched, rumbling sound heard best at the apex during diastole. Which murmur is most likely present in this client?
A) Aortic regurgitation
B) Mitral stenosis
C) Tricuspid regurgitation
D) Pulmonic stenosis

Question 7. A 35-year-old female presents to the primary care clinic for a routine check-up. Upon auscultation, the nurse hears a harsh, blowing sound heard best at the second right intercostal space during systole. Which condition is most likely causing this abnormal heart sound?
A) Atrial septal defect
B) Mitral valve prolapse
C) Aortic stenosis
D) Tricuspid regurgitation

Question 8. A client diagnosed with hypertension is prescribed a thiazide diuretic. The nurse understands that the primary action of this medication is to:
A) Increase systemic vascular resistance
B) Decrease cardiac output
C) Promote sodium and water excretion
D) Inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Question 9. A client is admitted to the emergency department with symptoms of hypotension. The nurse suspects hypovolemic shock. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?
A) Administer a vasopressor medication
B) Initiate fluid resuscitation
C) Place the client in Trendelenburg position
D) Administer a beta-blocker medication.

Question 10. During a physical examination, the nurse hears a “lub-dub” sound while auscultating the client’s heart. Which of the following heart sounds is the nurse most likely hearing?
A) S3 heart sound
B) S1 heart sound
C) S4 heart sound
D) Split S2 heart sound.