Home › SNLE exam › Cardiovascular Nursing
SNLE Cardiovascular Nursing Practice Questions
Cardiovascular questions focus on recognising deterioration and acting quickly: chest pain, heart failure, dangerous rhythms and anticoagulation safety. Below are 5 free sample questions for the Saudi Nursing Licensure Exam (SNLE), each with the answer and a rationale.
What this topic covers
- Acute coronary syndrome and MI priorities
- Left vs right heart failure
- Rhythm recognition (AF, VT, VF, asystole)
- DVT, PE and anticoagulation
- Hypertension and antihypertensives
- Cardiac catheterisation care
The full bank has 110 cardiovascular nursing questions, part of 1,500 questions across 16 nursing topics.
Free SNLE cardiovascular nursing questions
1. A patient's blood pressure is 146/88 mmHg. What is the pulse pressure?
- A. 107 mmHg
- B. 88 mmHg
- C. 58 mmHg
- D. 234 mmHg
Show answer and rationale
Pulse pressure is systolic minus diastolic pressure: 146 − 88 = 58 mmHg. About 107 mmHg is the approximate mean arterial pressure, not the pulse pressure.
Reference: Potter & Perry Fundamentals of Nursing – vital signs
2. Which safety advice is appropriate for a patient taking long-term anticoagulants?
- A. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor
- B. Use a stiff toothbrush to prevent gum disease
- C. Take aspirin for any headaches
- D. Do not tell the dentist about the medicine
Show answer and rationale
A soft toothbrush and electric razor reduce the risk of bleeding. Aspirin increases bleeding risk, and all healthcare providers, including dentists, should be told about anticoagulant use.
Reference: Standard nursing pharmacology – anticoagulants
3. A patient with unstable atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular rate is to have electrical cardioversion. Which step is essential before delivering the shock?
- A. Turn off the monitor to avoid interference
- B. Remove the patient's oxygen supply for the whole procedure
- C. Activate the synchronise mode on the defibrillator
- D. Give a full dose of atropine
Show answer and rationale
Cardioversion must be synchronised with the R wave; a shock on the T wave can trigger ventricular fibrillation. Oxygen sources are moved away from the chest at the moment of the shock, not stopped for the whole procedure.
Reference: AHA ACLS 2020 – tachycardia with a pulse algorithm
4. A patient is being discharged on long-term oral amiodarone. Which symptom should the patient be taught to report promptly?
- A. Mild constipation during the first week
- B. A new dry cough or increasing breathlessness
- C. An occasional mild headache that settles with rest
- D. A resting pulse of 64 beats/min
Show answer and rationale
Pulmonary toxicity (pneumonitis or fibrosis) is a serious adverse effect of amiodarone, so a new cough or dyspnoea must be reported. Patients are also taught sun protection and the need for regular thyroid and liver function tests.
Reference: Standard nursing pharmacology – amiodarone
5. A patient recovering from a myocardial infarction asks when sexual activity can safely be resumed. Which guideline does the nurse give?
- A. Only after one full year has passed
- B. Only after a repeat coronary angiogram is normal
- C. When they can climb two flights of stairs briskly without symptoms
- D. Immediately after discharge regardless of symptoms
Show answer and rationale
A common guide is that the energy cost of sexual activity is similar to briskly climbing two flights of stairs, so patients who can do this without chest pain or dyspnoea can usually resume sexual activity.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – cardiac rehabilitation
Study tip
For chest pain scenarios, think ABCs and time: what must happen in the first few minutes, and what can wait.
Practise the full SNLE bank
Unlock all 1,500 questions, practice by topic, and unlimited timed 150-question mock tests in the SNLE format (180 minutes, 60% practice pass mark). One-time $19.
More SNLE practice topics
SNLE exam guide: format, booking and study plan →