NCLEX Physiological
Adaptation Exam
Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025/2026
Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1.
A patient with chronic kidney disease is at risk for metabolic
acidosis. Which lab value would the nurse expect?
A. Increased pH
B. Increased bicarbonate
,C. Decreased pH
D. Increased PaCO₂
Answer: C. Decreased pH
Rationale: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decreased
blood pH due to accumulation of acids or loss of bicarbonate.
2.
A nurse is caring for a patient with Cushing’s syndrome.
Which finding is most expected?
A. Weight loss
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Truncal obesity
D. Hypotension
Answer: C. Truncal obesity
Rationale: Cushing’s syndrome causes fat redistribution
leading to central (truncal) obesity.
3.
Which sign indicates hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient?
A. Fruity breath
B. Diaphoresis
C. Kussmaul respirations
D. Polyuria
,Answer: B. Diaphoresis
Rationale: Sweating is a common early sign of hypoglycemia
due to sympathetic nervous system activation.
4.
A patient with Addison’s disease is at risk for which
complication?
A. Hypertension
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Cushingoid appearance
Answer: C. Hypoglycemia
Rationale: Addison’s disease leads to cortisol deficiency,
which impairs glucose regulation.
5.
Which ABG result indicates respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.50, CO₂ low
B. pH 7.30, CO₂ high
C. pH 7.45, HCO₃ high
D. pH 7.40, CO₂ normal
Answer: B. pH 7.30, CO₂ high
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is caused by CO₂ retention
leading to low pH.
, 6.
A patient with SIADH is most likely to have:
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: B. Hyponatremia
Rationale: SIADH causes water retention, diluting sodium
levels.
7.
Which symptom is most consistent with hyperthyroidism?
A. Weight gain
B. Bradycardia
C. Heat intolerance
D. Cold intolerance
Answer: C. Heat intolerance
Rationale: Excess thyroid hormone increases metabolism and
heat production.
8.
A patient with left-sided heart failure is expected to present
with:
A. Peripheral edema
B. Jugular vein distention
Adaptation Exam
Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025/2026
Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1.
A patient with chronic kidney disease is at risk for metabolic
acidosis. Which lab value would the nurse expect?
A. Increased pH
B. Increased bicarbonate
,C. Decreased pH
D. Increased PaCO₂
Answer: C. Decreased pH
Rationale: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decreased
blood pH due to accumulation of acids or loss of bicarbonate.
2.
A nurse is caring for a patient with Cushing’s syndrome.
Which finding is most expected?
A. Weight loss
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Truncal obesity
D. Hypotension
Answer: C. Truncal obesity
Rationale: Cushing’s syndrome causes fat redistribution
leading to central (truncal) obesity.
3.
Which sign indicates hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient?
A. Fruity breath
B. Diaphoresis
C. Kussmaul respirations
D. Polyuria
,Answer: B. Diaphoresis
Rationale: Sweating is a common early sign of hypoglycemia
due to sympathetic nervous system activation.
4.
A patient with Addison’s disease is at risk for which
complication?
A. Hypertension
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Cushingoid appearance
Answer: C. Hypoglycemia
Rationale: Addison’s disease leads to cortisol deficiency,
which impairs glucose regulation.
5.
Which ABG result indicates respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.50, CO₂ low
B. pH 7.30, CO₂ high
C. pH 7.45, HCO₃ high
D. pH 7.40, CO₂ normal
Answer: B. pH 7.30, CO₂ high
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is caused by CO₂ retention
leading to low pH.
, 6.
A patient with SIADH is most likely to have:
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: B. Hyponatremia
Rationale: SIADH causes water retention, diluting sodium
levels.
7.
Which symptom is most consistent with hyperthyroidism?
A. Weight gain
B. Bradycardia
C. Heat intolerance
D. Cold intolerance
Answer: C. Heat intolerance
Rationale: Excess thyroid hormone increases metabolism and
heat production.
8.
A patient with left-sided heart failure is expected to present
with:
A. Peripheral edema
B. Jugular vein distention
