Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CVRN) Practice Exam

In assessing overall risk for cardiovascular disease, what contributing factor of inflammation can be measured?

1. Mini mental exam

2. C-reactive protein blood level

3. High density lipoprotein blood level

4. Graded exercise stress test

The correct answer is: C-reactive protein blood level

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important biomarker used in assessing inflammatory activity within the body, which is linked to cardiovascular disease. Increased levels of CRP indicate a heightened inflammatory response, which is associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular conditions. This measurement can provide valuable information about a patient’s cardiovascular health, especially in conjunction with other risk factors. Monitoring CRP levels can help healthcare providers identify individuals who may be at increased risk for heart attacks or strokes due to inflammation in the arteries. Elevated CRP levels can indicate the presence of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty deposits in the arterial walls that can lead to significant cardiovascular events. Thus, CRP serves as a useful tool in population health assessments and individual risk evaluations for cardiovascular diseases. The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not directly measure inflammation as it relates to cardiovascular risk. For instance, a mini mental exam assesses cognitive function, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels are related to cholesterol profiles rather than inflammation, and a graded exercise stress test evaluates cardiovascular performance under physical stress rather than inflammation markers.