NPTE Cardiopulmonary Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• Which two factors primarily determine lung compliance?
• Which of the following conditions would maintain a normal heart rate of 60-100 beats per minute?
• Which class of pharmacological agents decreases plasma volume by increasing the excretion of sodium and urine?
• What effect does pulmonary fibrosis have on diffusion capacity?
• What substance do white blood cells primarily combat in the body?
• A therapist notes that a patient's medication makes it extremely difficult for them to reach their target heart range during exercise. Which class of pharmacological agents would be most likely to produce the described effect?
• A patient with congestive heart failure demonstrates dyspnea during ambulation with an ejection fraction of less than 55 percent. What intervention is most appropriate for this patient?
• Which condition is characterized by the destruction of the alveoli leading to increased compliance of the lungs?
• What is the primary purpose of the Valsalva maneuver?
• What is the primary effect of bronchoconstriction on airflow?
• What finding is NOT typically associated with left-sided heart failure?
• Which class of pharmacological agents places a patient at increased risk of bleeding?
• Which Korotkoff's sound is associated with a patient's systolic blood pressure?
• What is the primary purpose of pulmonary function tests (PFTs)?
• What should the therapist do if a patient reports chest pain during exercise and remains unchanged after 20 minutes of rest?
• Which of the following is a common symptom of congestive heart failure?
• Which component of the cardiac cycle represents atrial depolarization?
• Which conditions are associated with a cough productive of foul-smelling sputum?
• Which of the following blood pressure measurements would be most representative of hypertension?
• What factor is most likely to contribute to a significant decrease in cardiac output?
• Which medication class is commonly used as a first-line treatment for asthma?
• What is the target heart rate range for a 40-year-old female with a resting heart rate of 60 bpm and a maximal heart rate of 180 bpm using the Karvonen formula?
• A patient is placed on anticoagulant medication following total hip arthroplasty. Which laboratory value is most likely to be affected?
• What is the primary challenge associated with obstructive sleep apnea?
• A therapist assesses a patient's pulse by palpating along the medial aspect of the arm midway between the shoulder and elbow. This location would be used to assess the:
• Which phase of cardiac rehabilitation typically concludes with a low-level exercise test?
• What is the primary purpose of cardiac rehabilitation?
• A therapist assesses the blood pressure of a patient that repeatedly reports feeling dizzy when changing positions. Which blood pressure measurement would be most likely to produce this type of clinical finding?
• A therapist treats a patient taking anticoagulant medication. What increased risk should the therapist be aware of?
• Which of the following conditions is considered a primary symptom of heart failure?
• What is a common long-term consequence of untreated hypertension?
• Which value would be most representative of a normal hematocrit in an arterial blood gas analysis?
• What value is most representative of the pH of arterial blood?
• What is considered a normal S1 heart sound?
• What is the primary cause of pulmonary hypertension?
• What is the main purpose of pulmonary function tests?
• Which value is most representative of the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood?
• What physiological process do corticosteroids primarily influence in respiratory diseases?
• Which of the following is a common symptom of congestive heart failure during ambulation?
• Which value would be considered the greatest risk factor associated with coronary artery disease?
• When measuring blood pressure in a patient with cardiac pathology, how fast should the therapist release the cuff pressure?
• What is the term for the abnormal increase in the production of mucus in the airways?
• Which change in heart rate is commonly observed in response to increased physical activity?
• What is the primary mechanism of action for antithrombotics in patients with cardiovascular disease?
• What does an ejection fraction of less than 55 percent indicate in a patient with heart disease?
• A therapist assesses the oxygen saturation rate of a patient using supplemental oxygen. What is the minimum level of oxygen saturation the patient should maintain?
• In terms of cardiovascular health, what does "ejection fraction" refer to?
• Which patient scenario would most warrant questioning dependence on caffeine?
• What is the most common cause of pneumonia in adults?
• A therapist reviews the medical record to determine a patient's ankle-brachial index. Which lower extremity locations would be utilized to obtain this measure?
• In the context of heart disease, what does ST segment depression typically indicate?
• What device is commonly used to monitor heart rhythms?
• What is the normal range for adult resting respiratory rate?
• A physical therapist observes an electrocardiogram of a patient on beta-blockers. Which of the following electrocardiogram changes could be facilitated by beta blockers?
• A therapist attempts to quantify the resting pulse rate of a patient with an irregular heart rhythm using an upper extremity pulse site. Which variable would be the most critical to control in order to obtain a valid measurement?
• Which of the following medical conditions would result in a patient not being a candidate for cardiac rehabilitation?
• A note in the patient's medical record indicates the presence of anemia. Which laboratory test finding would be most consistent with the described state?
• Which period of the cardiac cycle includes the emptying of blood from the atria to the ventricles?
• Which of the following measures would be utilized to determine cardiac output?
• What condition is characterized by irreversible dilation of the bronchi?
• What is the expected blood pressure response during dynamic exercise?
• What is the leading cause of preventable death related to cardiovascular disease?
• Which cardiac medication acts to decrease cardiac contractility and increase vasodilation resulting in a reduction of the heart's oxygen demand?
• Which of the following would not be considered a lower extremity pulse site?
• Which clinical sign is most associated with left-sided heart failure?
• Which of the following is a risk factor for coronary artery disease?
• Which type of respiratory failure is characterized by low oxygen levels and elevated carbon dioxide levels?
• Which examination finding is common in patients with congestive heart failure?
• Which of the following is a common symptom of bronchiectasis?
• What is the primary mechanism causing breathing difficulty in patients with COPD?
• Which structure serves as the primary pacemaker of the heart?
• What pulmonary function test measures the total air volume that can be exhaled after a deep breath?
• In the context of respiratory conditions, elevated carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) indicates what?
• Which form of stress testing is typically used for patients who cannot perform physical exercises?
• A therapist determines the target heart rate of a 45-year-old patient using the age-adjusted target heart rate formula. Which of the following heart rates would fall within the patient's normal training range?
• What is the role of mucus in the lungs?
• What is the effect of beta blockers on heart rate?
• Which of the following conditions is typically associated with elevated levels of creatine kinase (CK)?
• What is the primary effect of emphysema on lung physiology?
• A therapist begins an exercise session with a patient diagnosed with left sided heart failure. Which of the following findings would most likely occur with the initiation of the exercise session?
• In evaluating a patient with known heart disease for an exercise program, which condition would likely exclude them from participation?
• Which heart structure receives arterial blood from the pulmonary veins?
• A physical therapist determines that a 67-year-old female is at an increased fall risk after being prescribed a new medication that tends to promote postural hypotension. The medication MOST consistent with the described scenario is:
• Which diagnosis is characterized by pressure in the substernal area without radiating pain?
• A therapist educates a patient on modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for cardiac pathology. Which factor would be considered modifiable?
• A physical therapist notes a linear increase in systolic blood pressure with exercise. What explains this change?
• Which measurement method describes the technique used to determine the ankle-brachial index?
• Which intervention targets both respiratory function and patient education for those with heart disease?
• Which class of pharmacological agents would most likely be used to treat an acute angina attack?
• A positive response to bronchodilator therapy suggests what about a patient's lung condition?
• Which vital sign is primarily affected in patients with severe respiratory distress?
• Which structure would be the least appropriate to utilize when palpating an artery as part of a pulse assessment?
• What is the primary physiological change in restrictive lung disease?
• Which of the following conditions is a type of restrictive lung disease?
• What are the characteristic features of chronic bronchitis?
• Which condition could lead to the development of congestive heart failure?
• What cardiac risk factor is modifiable through lifestyle changes and medication?
• Which period of the cardiac cycle is characterized by ventricular relaxation and filling?
• In the context of lung function, what does the FEV1/FVC ratio help to differentiate?
• What is the primary goal of educating a patient with congestive heart failure about energy conservation?
• Which variable would have the greatest impact on the measurement of hematocrit?
• What potential complication is a patient after myocardial infarction most susceptible to while in the coronary care unit?
• A therapist attempts to locate the ulnar artery at the wrist. Which two tendons should the therapist utilize to locate the ulnar artery?
• Which abnormal lung condition is associated with increased production of mucus?
• What artery can be palpated deep within the posterior aspect of the knee?
• What is a common cause of secondary pulmonary hypertension?
• During which phase of the cardiac cycle do the atria contract to fill the ventricles?
• What is indicated by a low arterial oxygen saturation level (below 90%)?
• Which diagnostic imaging is most commonly used to assess for pulmonary embolism?
• Which exercise limitation is frequently observed in patients with heart failure?
• What is a common symptom associated with right-sided heart failure?
• Which component of the cardiac cycle is most representative of ventricular depolarization?
• Which artery serves as the primary artery that carries blood from the right ventricle to the lungs?
• Which lung condition is characterized by a "honeycomb" appearance on chest X-ray?
• Which pharmacological agent would increase the incidence of first-degree atrioventricular heart block?
• A note in the patient's medical record indicates that a patient should avoid any position that requires his head to be down. Which position would be the most problematic for the patient?
• What is the primary benefit of cardiac rehabilitation?
• Which symptom is most commonly associated with lung fibrosis?
• What is the most immediate action for a physical therapist when a patient with congestive heart failure complains of pain during therapy?
• What is the primary muscle responsible for inspiration during quiet breathing?
• Which conditions are classified as restrictive lung diseases?
• Which condition is characterized by high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood?
• What is considered the gold standard for diagnosing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
• A physical therapist monitors a patient's vital signs while completing 20 minutes of jogging at 5 mph on a treadmill. As the session approaches its conclusion, the therapist incorporates a cool down period. The anticipated response during the post-exercise period is:
• A therapist notes that the pulse of a patient with premature ventricular contractions skips every other beat. This finding is best termed?
• What type of exercises would be least appropriate for a patient with a recent myocardial infarction and an ejection fraction of 45%?
• Which auscultation sound may indicate the presence of fluid in the alveoli?
• What lung volume measurement refers to the maximum amount of air a person can exhale after a maximum inhalation?
• What is considered a critical sign when monitoring a patient’s blood pressure response to exercise?
• Which activity would be most consistent with a metabolic equivalent level of 5 METs?
• What heart sound is typically associated with heart failure and can indicate volume overload?
• A therapist plans to assess a patient's pulse for 15 seconds to determine their resting heart rate. Which variable would provide the best rationale for increasing the duration of the pulse assessment?
• What percentage of ejection fraction is considered normal for the human heart?
• In identifying the femoral artery, which structure does NOT serve as a border for the femoral triangle?
• What is the primary cause of hypoxemia in patients with COPD?
• What does the presence of a "barrel chest" typically indicate?
• Which is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis?
• Which medication class is commonly prescribed to reduce heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand?
• A therapist discusses the importance of cholesterol level as a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Which total blood cholesterol level would place the patient at the greatest risk?
• Which type of heart murmurs are usually detected in patients with mitral valve prolapse?
• What is a common distinguishing feature of systolic heart failure?
• Which clinical condition is characterized by a heart rate between 160 and 250 beats per minute?
• Results of recent laboratory testing indicate that a patient may be at risk for easily bruising and bleeding. This finding is most consistent with a/an:
• Which pharmacological agent decreases the heart's oxygen demand by minimizing the effect of epinephrine?
• White blood cell count is not used in the assessment of:
• What condition is primarily characterized by airflow obstruction?
• Which heart valve prevents systemic blood from returning to the left ventricle?
• Which respiratory therapy method is most effective for rapid relief of acute asthma symptoms?
• What is the normal range for forced vital capacity (FVC) in adult males?
• In pulmonary function testing, which measure is often used to determine the severity of obstructive deficits?
• Which method is most appropriate for monitoring exercise intensity in a patient after cardiac transplantation?
• A therapist attempts to assess the dorsalis pedis pulse. The most appropriate location to palpate is:
• Which clinical condition would be considered a potential clinical emergency?
• What lung sound is described as high-pitched, whistling, or musical during expiration?
• Three weeks after cardiac transplantation, what physiological response should a physical therapist anticipate?
• What percentage of the age-adjusted maximum heart rate would be considered within a normal training range?
• What is the primary goal of pulmonary rehabilitation programs?
• Which substance, stimulated by decreased arterial pressure, acts as a vasoconstrictor?
• Which condition is characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs due to heart failure?
• Which assessment test measures the level of oxygen in the blood?
• An individual with a high caffeine intake may have increased susceptibility to:
• What is the term for the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing?
• Which type of lung disease is defined by a decreased ability to expand the lungs?
• Which symptom is most commonly associated with critical limb ischemia?
• What is the primary function of calcium channel blockers in cardiac therapy?
• Which Korotkoff's sound is most closely associated with diastolic pressure?
• What physiological change occurs in response to aerobic exercise training?
• Which structure consists of a double-walled connective tissue sac that surrounds the heart and protects it from trauma and infection?
• Which of the following symptoms may indicate a need for immediate medical evaluation in a patient with cardiovascular disease?
• What term describes the volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a normal exhalation?
• Which of the following values would be considered a normal platelet count?
• What is the primary treatment for acute exacerbation of asthma?
• What is the primary reason for limited exercise tolerance in a patient with congestive heart failure?
• Which structure serves as the primary gas exchange site in the lungs?
• Which of the following values would be considered atypical during coronary artery disease risk assessment?
• What does a forced expiratory volume (FEV1) less than 80% of predicted values typically indicate?
• What condition is characterized by the presence of chronic productive cough and dyspnea?
• Digitalis is primarily used to treat which condition?
• What is the primary function of the alveoli in the lungs?
• Which of the following would be a common laboratory finding for a patient receiving chemotherapy?
• What condition typically results in pulmonary edema as a symptom?
• Which position would be the most appropriate for a patient experiencing orthostatic hypotension?
• The most appropriate location to palpate the posterior tibial artery is on the:
• What type of breathing pattern is characterized by a period of deep breathing followed by a period of apnea?
• What is the main action of beta-adrenergic receptor agonists during respiratory therapy?
• What arterial blood gas change is typically seen in patients with chronic respiratory acidosis?
• Which factor is essential in determining exercise recommendations for cardiac rehabilitation?
• Which area of the body is not supplied with blood from the ascending aorta?
• A therapist reviews a laboratory report for a patient receiving oral anticoagulant therapy. Which test would be most important to determine the effectiveness of the therapy?
• Which component of the cardiac cycle would be the most useful in identifying the presence of myocardial ischemia?
• Which value would be most representative of an adult's normal resting cardiac output?
• What is the primary role of surfactant in the alveoli?
• A patient in a cardiac rehabilitation program is clinically stable, independent with self-monitoring techniques, and no longer requires electrocardiograph monitoring. This description is most consistent with a patient entering:
• Which of the following typically increases during moderate exercise due to increased demand?
• What is a common symptom of myocardial infarction?
• In which condition might a patient experience decreased breath sounds upon auscultation?
• Which heart valve prevents blood from returning to the right ventricle?
• Which heart sound occurs when the mitral and tricuspid valves close at the onset of systole?
• In cardiac terms, what does pre-load refer to?
• When auscultating the heart sounds of a patient post coronary artery bypass graft, which sound indicates the closing of the mitral and tricuspid valves?
• What finding would necessitate the termination of low-level exercise for a patient in a cardiac rehabilitation program?
• Which of the following would be considered a contraindication to cardiac rehabilitation?
• Which assessment tool is commonly used to measure the severity of heart failure?
• Which disease is primarily characterized by reversible airway obstruction?
• Which etiology is most likely associated with right-sided heart failure?
• In cardiovascular physiology, what does "afterload" refer to?
• What type of heart failure is characterized by the heart's inability to pump effectively during systole?
• Which heart sound occurs when the aortic and pulmonic valves close at the onset of diastole?
• What is the primary function of erythrocytes in the circulatory system?
• What is the primary purpose of cardiac rehabilitation programs?
• Where is the aortic valve most appropriately auscultated?
• What is an acceptable target heart rate for a patient whose age-predicted maximal heart rate is 175 bpm during cardiovascular exercise?
• What does an increase in stroke volume typically indicate in a cardiac exam?
• What is the typical resting heart rate response in individuals post-cardiac transplantation?
• What value would represent the age-adjusted maximum heart rate for a 56-year-old male?
• A patient presents with dyspnea when performing activities. What should the therapist prioritize in their treatment plan?
• Which heart structure is responsible for pumping blood into the aorta and the systemic circulation?
• In regards to blood pressure, what does the term 'systolic' refer to?
• What cardiac measure would most closely approximate the volume associated with a patient's venous return?
• Which cardiovascular condition is characterized by the presence of a third heart sound (S3)?
• What is the significance of a patient's peak flow measurement?
• Which term is used to describe the outer layer of the cardiac tissue which protects the surface of the heart against trauma or infection?
• How does nitroglycerin help control angina during exercise?
• Why is it important to monitor heart rate response after cardiac transplantation?