Testing in October 2026? You're studying the question patterns the current NCSBN test plan is built around.
Nurxep2026 Edition
Start free
All resources

Both · Body system workbooks · Printable PDF

Cardiovascular System Pathophysiology & EKG Matrix

“Read the rhythm. Act on the change.”

21-page printable study edition. arrhythmia recognition, myocardial infarction, heart failure and cardiac medications. The exact PDF is delivered after purchase.

Look inside

4 of 21 pages · from the exact PDF you receive

Read a sample from Cardiovascular System Pathophysiology & EKG Matrix

Heart Anatomy & Electrical Conduction Structure at a glance - 4 chambers: right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle - 4 valves: tricuspid, pulmonic, mitral, aortic - Flow: SVC/IVC to RA to tricuspid to RV to pulmonic to lungs to LA to mitral to LV to aortic to body

Conduction pathway SA node to AV node to Bundle of His to Right & Left bundle branches to Purkinje fibers - SA node = intrinsic pacemaker (60–100 bpm) - AV node delay allows atrial kick before ventricular contraction - Purkinje fibers depolarize ventricles from apex up

ECG landmarks | Wave | Represents | | P | Atrial depolarization | | QRS | Ventricular depolarization | | T | Ventricular repolarization | | PR interval | 0.12–0.20 s | | QRS | < 0.12 s |

High-yield NCLEX points - Loss of P waves + irregularly irregular rhythm to atrial fibrillation to anticoagulate to prevent stroke. - Prolonged PR (>0.20 s) to 1st-degree AV block. - Wide QRS to ventricular origin — always assess perfusion first (LOC, BP, pulse). - Right-sided heart failure to peripheral edema, JVD, hepatomegaly. Left-sided to pulmonary crackles, orthopnea, pink frothy sputum.

Apply the lesson: original practice questions 1. A nurse notes an irregularly irregular rhythm with no discernible P waves on the client's cardiac monitor. Which action is the nurse's priority? A. Prepare to defibrillate the client immediately. B. Assess the client's level of consciousness, blood pressure, and pulse. C. Administer a 500 mL IV fluid bolus. D. Notify the rapid response team.

2. Which findings are expected in a client with left-sided heart failure? Select all that apply. A. Bilateral crackles B. Jugular venous distention C. Orthopnea D. Peripheral pitting edema E. Pink frothy sputum

3. Which structure is the intrinsic pacemaker of the heart? A. AV node B. Bundle of His C. SA node D. Purkinje fibers

4. A PR interval of 0.28 seconds indicates: A. Normal conduction B. First-degree AV block C. Third-degree AV block D. Ventricular tachycardia

5. Blood returning from the body enters the heart through the: A. Left atrium B. Right ventricle C. Right atrium D. Pulmonary vein

Sample shown: about 358 of 3,829 words.

Continue reading — get the full 21-page book.

What’s included

  • 21-page downloadable PDF
  • EKG rhythm basics
  • Arrhythmias
  • MI and heart failure
  • Cardiac medications

Free preview · high-yield NCLEX areas

Try a few before you buy

Each card shows a real sample of what's inside: the topic area, the skill being tested, an original exam-style question, the full explanation and a tip you can reuse on test day.

NCLEX-RN · Prioritization

Skill tested: Who do you see first?

Four clients were just assigned. Which should the RN assess first?

  1. A. Client 1 day after an appendectomy asking for pain medication
  2. B. Client with COPD whose SpO2 is 90%, which is their baseline
  3. C. Client with new confusion and a respiratory rate of 8/min after an opioid dose
  4. D. Client with diabetes whose breakfast tray is late
NCLEX-PN · Infection control

Skill tested: Choosing the right precautions

A client has confirmed C. difficile. Which PPE and hand-hygiene practice is correct?

  1. A. Surgical mask and alcohol rub
  2. B. Gown and gloves, then soap and water
  3. C. N95 respirator only
  4. D. Gloves only, then alcohol rub
NCLEX-RN · Pharmacology

Skill tested: Spotting drug toxicity

A client taking digoxin reports nausea and yellow-tinged vision. What is the priority action?

  1. A. Give the next dose with food
  2. B. Hold the dose, check the apical pulse, and report possible toxicity
  3. C. Encourage oral fluids
  4. D. Recheck vision in 4 hours
NCLEX-PN · Coordinated care

Skill tested: Knowing when to escalate

Which finding should the PN report to the RN right away?

  1. A. Temperature 37.2 °C (99 °F)
  2. B. New facial droop on one side
  3. C. Client requests a blanket
  4. D. Urine output of 50 mL/hr
NCLEX-RN · Cardiac & electrolytes

Skill tested: Reading lab values

Which potassium level needs urgent follow-up for a client receiving IV furosemide?

  1. A. 4.2 mEq/L
  2. B. 3.8 mEq/L
  3. C. 2.9 mEq/L
  4. D. 4.9 mEq/L
NCLEX-PN · Basic care & comfort

Skill tested: Preventing complications

Which action best prevents pressure injury in a client who cannot move independently?

  1. A. Massage reddened bony areas
  2. B. Reposition at least every 2 hours
  3. C. Keep the head of the bed at 60° at all times
  4. D. Use a donut cushion
The full editions include many more questions like these across all eight NCLEX client-needs areas, each with a full explanation.