Priority and Triage Questions in Nursing Exam
Study Guide 2026 PDF for PN and RN Students |
Patient Prioritization, Emergency Assessment,
Critical Thinking, Clinical Decision-Making,
Maslow’s Hierarchy, ABCs, and Nursing
Interventions | Comprehensive Exam Preparation
to Strengthen Prioritization Skills, Critical
Thinking, and Test Performance
, Question 1:
A nurse is assessing a patient in the emergency department who has just arrived with
shortness of breath. What should the nurse do first?
A) Administer oxygen
B) Start an IV
C) Obtain a drug history
D) Document the findings
Correct Option: A) Administer oxygen
Rationale:
When a patient presents with shortness of breath, the immediate priority is to ensure
adequate oxygenation. Administering oxygen can stabilize the patient while further
assessments and interventions are carried out. Starting an IV and obtaining a drug
history are important but can come after ensuring the patient's airway and oxygenation
are secure. Documentation is critical but should occur after patient stabilization.
Question 2:
A charge nurse is delegating tasks to a team of nurses. Which task is most appropriate
to delegate to an experienced LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)?
A) Assessing a new patient’s vital signs
B) Administering a medication through a G-tube
C) Teaching a patient about wound care
D) Performing a head-to-toe assessment
Correct Option: B) Administering a medication through a G-tube
Rationale:
LPNs are trained to administer medications, including through G-tubes, which falls
within their scope of practice. While they can perform certain assessments, the initial
assessment of a new patient and teaching complex patient education typically require
RN-level competencies. Delegating tasks should always consider the level of education
and specific competencies of the team members.
Question 3:
A nurse is triaging patients in the emergency department. Which patient should the
nurse assess first?
A) A patient with a compound fracture who is in moderate pain
B) A patient with chest pain and diaphoresis
C) A patient with a severe headache who is disoriented
D) A patient with a laceration on the arm
Correct Option: B) A patient with chest pain and diaphoresis
Study Guide 2026 PDF for PN and RN Students |
Patient Prioritization, Emergency Assessment,
Critical Thinking, Clinical Decision-Making,
Maslow’s Hierarchy, ABCs, and Nursing
Interventions | Comprehensive Exam Preparation
to Strengthen Prioritization Skills, Critical
Thinking, and Test Performance
, Question 1:
A nurse is assessing a patient in the emergency department who has just arrived with
shortness of breath. What should the nurse do first?
A) Administer oxygen
B) Start an IV
C) Obtain a drug history
D) Document the findings
Correct Option: A) Administer oxygen
Rationale:
When a patient presents with shortness of breath, the immediate priority is to ensure
adequate oxygenation. Administering oxygen can stabilize the patient while further
assessments and interventions are carried out. Starting an IV and obtaining a drug
history are important but can come after ensuring the patient's airway and oxygenation
are secure. Documentation is critical but should occur after patient stabilization.
Question 2:
A charge nurse is delegating tasks to a team of nurses. Which task is most appropriate
to delegate to an experienced LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)?
A) Assessing a new patient’s vital signs
B) Administering a medication through a G-tube
C) Teaching a patient about wound care
D) Performing a head-to-toe assessment
Correct Option: B) Administering a medication through a G-tube
Rationale:
LPNs are trained to administer medications, including through G-tubes, which falls
within their scope of practice. While they can perform certain assessments, the initial
assessment of a new patient and teaching complex patient education typically require
RN-level competencies. Delegating tasks should always consider the level of education
and specific competencies of the team members.
Question 3:
A nurse is triaging patients in the emergency department. Which patient should the
nurse assess first?
A) A patient with a compound fracture who is in moderate pain
B) A patient with chest pain and diaphoresis
C) A patient with a severe headache who is disoriented
D) A patient with a laceration on the arm
Correct Option: B) A patient with chest pain and diaphoresis
