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Hondros NUR 163 Exam 2 2026/2027 Concepts of
Practical Nursing Elderly Care Actual Exam Verified
Answers Detailed Rationales Grade A
1. The nurse is caring for four patients today. Which finding should the nurse
immediately report to the RN?
A. Patient with a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg
B. Patient with a respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
C. Patient with positive Chvostek's sign
D. Patient with a temperature of 99.0°F
Correct Answer: C. Patient with positive Chvostek's sign
Rationale: A positive Chvostek's sign indicates hypocalcemia, which can lead to tetany,
laryngospasm, and cardiac arrhythmias. This finding requires immediate reporting.
2. Which patient finding should cause the nurse to encourage oral (PO) fluid intake?
A. Constipation
B. Diarrhea
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C. Edema
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: B. Diarrhea
Rationale: Diarrhea causes fluid loss and dehydration, requiring increased oral fluid
intake to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.
3. The home health nurse is visiting a patient and notices the unpaid caregiver is
having caregiver strain. The nurse knows, when communicating with the unpaid
caregiver, praise is the best way to improve caregiver strain. Which of the following
would be the best response to the caregiver?
A. "You need to take better care of yourself."
B. "I've noticed all your time and effort with the patient. You are very important to the
healthcare team."
C. "You should consider hiring professional help."
D. "Why aren't you getting more rest?"
Correct Answer: B. "I've noticed all your time and effort with the patient. You are
very important to the healthcare team."
Rationale: Praising the caregiver and acknowledging their importance validates their
efforts and helps reduce caregiver strain.
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4. Which patient will the nurse determine to have potential for hypernatremia?
A. The patient who consumes excessive amounts of table salt
B. The patient who drinks 8 glasses of water daily
C. The patient with diarrhea
D. The patient on a low-sodium diet
Correct Answer: A. The patient who consumes excessive amounts of table salt
Rationale: Excessive sodium intake increases the risk of hypernatremia (elevated serum
sodium), especially when combined with inadequate water intake.
5. The LPN is preparing to discuss a plan of care with a 72-year-old patient who is hard
of hearing. When communicating with the patient, what is the best approach?
A. Shout loudly to ensure the patient can hear
B. Speak in a low pitch tone and face level with the patient
C. Speak quickly to get the information across
D. Use complex medical terminology
Correct Answer: B. Speak in a low pitch tone and face level with the patient
Rationale: For patients with hearing loss, speaking in a low pitch tone, facing the
patient, and ensuring the face is well-lit improves communication.
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6. A patient arrives in the emergency department (ED) and is diagnosed with
hyperkalemia. The nurse will monitor the patient for which possible consequence of
hyperkalemia?
A. Hypothermia
B. Cardiac arrhythmias
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Hypotension
Correct Answer: B. Cardiac arrhythmias
Rationale: Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, including bradycardia, heart
block, and cardiac arrest. Continuous cardiac monitoring is essential.
7. Which of the following patients would least likely experience a fluid and electrolyte
imbalance?
A. A 23-year-old with an upper extremity bone fracture
B. A 70-year-old with renal failure
C. An 80-year-old with diarrhea
D. A 65-year-old taking diuretics
Correct Answer: A. A 23-year-old with an upper extremity bone fracture
Hondros NUR 163 Exam 2 2026/2027 Concepts of
Practical Nursing Elderly Care Actual Exam Verified
Answers Detailed Rationales Grade A
1. The nurse is caring for four patients today. Which finding should the nurse
immediately report to the RN?
A. Patient with a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg
B. Patient with a respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
C. Patient with positive Chvostek's sign
D. Patient with a temperature of 99.0°F
Correct Answer: C. Patient with positive Chvostek's sign
Rationale: A positive Chvostek's sign indicates hypocalcemia, which can lead to tetany,
laryngospasm, and cardiac arrhythmias. This finding requires immediate reporting.
2. Which patient finding should cause the nurse to encourage oral (PO) fluid intake?
A. Constipation
B. Diarrhea
,2|Page
C. Edema
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: B. Diarrhea
Rationale: Diarrhea causes fluid loss and dehydration, requiring increased oral fluid
intake to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.
3. The home health nurse is visiting a patient and notices the unpaid caregiver is
having caregiver strain. The nurse knows, when communicating with the unpaid
caregiver, praise is the best way to improve caregiver strain. Which of the following
would be the best response to the caregiver?
A. "You need to take better care of yourself."
B. "I've noticed all your time and effort with the patient. You are very important to the
healthcare team."
C. "You should consider hiring professional help."
D. "Why aren't you getting more rest?"
Correct Answer: B. "I've noticed all your time and effort with the patient. You are
very important to the healthcare team."
Rationale: Praising the caregiver and acknowledging their importance validates their
efforts and helps reduce caregiver strain.
,3|Page
4. Which patient will the nurse determine to have potential for hypernatremia?
A. The patient who consumes excessive amounts of table salt
B. The patient who drinks 8 glasses of water daily
C. The patient with diarrhea
D. The patient on a low-sodium diet
Correct Answer: A. The patient who consumes excessive amounts of table salt
Rationale: Excessive sodium intake increases the risk of hypernatremia (elevated serum
sodium), especially when combined with inadequate water intake.
5. The LPN is preparing to discuss a plan of care with a 72-year-old patient who is hard
of hearing. When communicating with the patient, what is the best approach?
A. Shout loudly to ensure the patient can hear
B. Speak in a low pitch tone and face level with the patient
C. Speak quickly to get the information across
D. Use complex medical terminology
Correct Answer: B. Speak in a low pitch tone and face level with the patient
Rationale: For patients with hearing loss, speaking in a low pitch tone, facing the
patient, and ensuring the face is well-lit improves communication.
, 4|Page
6. A patient arrives in the emergency department (ED) and is diagnosed with
hyperkalemia. The nurse will monitor the patient for which possible consequence of
hyperkalemia?
A. Hypothermia
B. Cardiac arrhythmias
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Hypotension
Correct Answer: B. Cardiac arrhythmias
Rationale: Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, including bradycardia, heart
block, and cardiac arrest. Continuous cardiac monitoring is essential.
7. Which of the following patients would least likely experience a fluid and electrolyte
imbalance?
A. A 23-year-old with an upper extremity bone fracture
B. A 70-year-old with renal failure
C. An 80-year-old with diarrhea
D. A 65-year-old taking diuretics
Correct Answer: A. A 23-year-old with an upper extremity bone fracture
