NUR 257 Chronic Exam 2 Complete Practice Test (2026–
2027) | 100+ NCLEX-Style Questions with Answers and
Rationales Review Guide for Exam Success
Antipsychotics, Elderly Care, Thermoregulation, Medication Safety, SAFE DRIVE
Assessment, SSRI vs TCA Switching, and Chronic Nursing Pharmacology Review Guide for
Exam Success
1.
You are teaching a patient who has been prescribed antipsychotic medications for long-term
management of schizophrenia. Which instruction should the nurse include to ensure patient
safety at home?
Ans:
Report chest pain, sudden weakness, slurred speech, or any signs of stroke immediately
and keep regular follow-up appointments with the provider.
Explanation: Antipsychotics increase risk for cardiovascular events and stroke, requiring
close monitoring.
2.
You are teaching an older adult client about a newly prescribed medication. Which nursing
action will best improve the client’s understanding of the instructions?
Ans:
Use the KISS method by keeping teaching simple, clear, and free of medical terminology.
Explanation: Older adults learn best with simple, direct language and limited information at
one time.
3.
A nurse is evaluating a patient who uses a medication organizer at home due to difficulty
remembering doses. Which behavior indicates correct understanding of medication
management?
,Ans:
The client correctly explains each medication purpose while placing pills into the correct
compartments of the organizer.
Explanation: Understanding medication purpose supports adherence and safe self-
management.
4.
A home health nurse enters a client’s home where the temperature is 82°F, windows are
closed, and the client is wearing heavy blankets. What is the most likely explanation for this
behavior?
Ans:
Age-related changes have impaired the client’s ability to properly regulate body
temperature.
Explanation: Older adults have reduced thermoregulation and may misinterpret
environmental temperatures.
5.
A frail older adult is admitted with risk for hypothermia. Which nursing intervention is most
appropriate for prevention?
Ans:
Provide warm humidified oxygen therapy as prescribed to maintain body temperature.
Explanation: Warm humidified air helps prevent heat loss in vulnerable patients.
6.
The community nurse is assessing an older adult using the SAFE DRIVE tool. Which finding
would indicate the client is no longer safe to drive?
Ans:
The client demonstrates poor executive functioning and difficulty connecting ideas during
conversation.
Explanation: Cognitive impairment affects judgment and driving safety.
, 7.
A nurse is caring for a patient who is switching from amitriptyline (TCA) to fluoxetine (SSRI).
What should the nurse monitor for during this transition?
Ans:
Monitor for changes in mood, agitation, or signs of adverse medication reactions.
Explanation: Switching antidepressants requires monitoring for side effects and
neurotransmitter changes.
8.
A patient taking antipsychotic medication reports feeling “fine” and wants to stop the
medication. What is the nurse’s best response?
Ans:
Explain that stopping medication suddenly increases risk for relapse and requires provider
guidance.
Explanation: Nonadherence can worsen psychiatric symptoms and increase risk of
complications.
9.
An older adult patient is learning how to manage multiple medications at home. Which
instruction is most important for the nurse to include?
Ans:
Keep a simple routine and use a pill organizer to prevent missed or double doses.
Explanation: Structure and organization improve medication adherence and safety.
10.
A nurse is assessing an older adult who appears confused and is wearing excessive
clothing in a warm environment. What is the priority nursing concern?
Ans:
The client may be experiencing impaired thermoregulation related to aging changes.
Explanation: Older adults often misjudge temperature due to physiological changes.
2027) | 100+ NCLEX-Style Questions with Answers and
Rationales Review Guide for Exam Success
Antipsychotics, Elderly Care, Thermoregulation, Medication Safety, SAFE DRIVE
Assessment, SSRI vs TCA Switching, and Chronic Nursing Pharmacology Review Guide for
Exam Success
1.
You are teaching a patient who has been prescribed antipsychotic medications for long-term
management of schizophrenia. Which instruction should the nurse include to ensure patient
safety at home?
Ans:
Report chest pain, sudden weakness, slurred speech, or any signs of stroke immediately
and keep regular follow-up appointments with the provider.
Explanation: Antipsychotics increase risk for cardiovascular events and stroke, requiring
close monitoring.
2.
You are teaching an older adult client about a newly prescribed medication. Which nursing
action will best improve the client’s understanding of the instructions?
Ans:
Use the KISS method by keeping teaching simple, clear, and free of medical terminology.
Explanation: Older adults learn best with simple, direct language and limited information at
one time.
3.
A nurse is evaluating a patient who uses a medication organizer at home due to difficulty
remembering doses. Which behavior indicates correct understanding of medication
management?
,Ans:
The client correctly explains each medication purpose while placing pills into the correct
compartments of the organizer.
Explanation: Understanding medication purpose supports adherence and safe self-
management.
4.
A home health nurse enters a client’s home where the temperature is 82°F, windows are
closed, and the client is wearing heavy blankets. What is the most likely explanation for this
behavior?
Ans:
Age-related changes have impaired the client’s ability to properly regulate body
temperature.
Explanation: Older adults have reduced thermoregulation and may misinterpret
environmental temperatures.
5.
A frail older adult is admitted with risk for hypothermia. Which nursing intervention is most
appropriate for prevention?
Ans:
Provide warm humidified oxygen therapy as prescribed to maintain body temperature.
Explanation: Warm humidified air helps prevent heat loss in vulnerable patients.
6.
The community nurse is assessing an older adult using the SAFE DRIVE tool. Which finding
would indicate the client is no longer safe to drive?
Ans:
The client demonstrates poor executive functioning and difficulty connecting ideas during
conversation.
Explanation: Cognitive impairment affects judgment and driving safety.
, 7.
A nurse is caring for a patient who is switching from amitriptyline (TCA) to fluoxetine (SSRI).
What should the nurse monitor for during this transition?
Ans:
Monitor for changes in mood, agitation, or signs of adverse medication reactions.
Explanation: Switching antidepressants requires monitoring for side effects and
neurotransmitter changes.
8.
A patient taking antipsychotic medication reports feeling “fine” and wants to stop the
medication. What is the nurse’s best response?
Ans:
Explain that stopping medication suddenly increases risk for relapse and requires provider
guidance.
Explanation: Nonadherence can worsen psychiatric symptoms and increase risk of
complications.
9.
An older adult patient is learning how to manage multiple medications at home. Which
instruction is most important for the nurse to include?
Ans:
Keep a simple routine and use a pill organizer to prevent missed or double doses.
Explanation: Structure and organization improve medication adherence and safety.
10.
A nurse is assessing an older adult who appears confused and is wearing excessive
clothing in a warm environment. What is the priority nursing concern?
Ans:
The client may be experiencing impaired thermoregulation related to aging changes.
Explanation: Older adults often misjudge temperature due to physiological changes.
