NSG430 Exam 1 V1 | NSG 430 Adult Health
Nursing II | Grand Canyon University
This exam preparation resource is designed to help students strengthen their understanding of
advanced adult health nursing concepts, medical-surgical nursing interventions, and
evidence-based patient care practices. The material emphasizes clinical reasoning, patient
safety, and nursing management strategies commonly applied in adult healthcare settings.
The questions included in this version are structured to closely mirror the actual course exam
format and level of difficulty. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve clinical
judgment, prioritization skills, and exam readiness.
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The Exam Covers:
• Advanced adult health assessment
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Respiratory disorders in adults
• Fluid and electrolyte balance
• Adult patient safety
• Pharmacological interventions
• Nursing process in acute care
• Evidence-based nursing practice
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1. A patient with left-sided heart failure is experiencing worsening dyspnea. Which breath
sound is the nurse most likely to hear during auscultation?
A. Crackles
B. Stridor
C. Rhonchi
D. Wheezing
Correct Answer: A
,Expert Explanation: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the pulmonary
veins, leading to pulmonary congestion. As fluid leaks into the alveoli, crackles are typically
heard on inspiration. The nurse must monitor these sounds closely as they indicate the
severity of pulmonary edema and fluid overload.
2. An arterial blood gas (ABG) result shows: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L.
How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Metabolic acidosis
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, and a PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
confirms a respiratory origin. Because the bicarbonate level is within the normal range, this
represents uncompensated respiratory acidosis. This condition often occurs in patients
with hypoventilation or obstructive lung diseases like COPD.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which cardiac monitor
finding is the highest priority?
A. U waves
B. Tall, peaked T waves
C. Prolonged PR interval
, D. ST-segment depression
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Hyperkalemia, defined as potassium greater than 5.0 mEq/L, can
cause dangerous cardiac dysrhythmias. Tall, peaked T waves are one of the earliest signs of
hyperkalemia on an EKG. Immediate intervention is required to prevent progression to
ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrest.
4. Which intervention is most appropriate for a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack?
A. Administering a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA)
B. Applying a high-flow oxygen mask at 15L
C. Administering a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA)
D. Encouraging the patient to lie flat
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like albuterol are the first-line
‘rescue’ medications for acute bronchospasm. They work by rapidly dilating the
bronchioles to improve airflow. Long-acting medications are for maintenance and are not
effective during an acute exacerbation.
5. A patient is prescribed lisinopril for hypertension. Which side effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Increased appetite
Nursing II | Grand Canyon University
This exam preparation resource is designed to help students strengthen their understanding of
advanced adult health nursing concepts, medical-surgical nursing interventions, and
evidence-based patient care practices. The material emphasizes clinical reasoning, patient
safety, and nursing management strategies commonly applied in adult healthcare settings.
The questions included in this version are structured to closely mirror the actual course exam
format and level of difficulty. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve clinical
judgment, prioritization skills, and exam readiness.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Advanced adult health assessment
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Respiratory disorders in adults
• Fluid and electrolyte balance
• Adult patient safety
• Pharmacological interventions
• Nursing process in acute care
• Evidence-based nursing practice
════════════════════════════════════
1. A patient with left-sided heart failure is experiencing worsening dyspnea. Which breath
sound is the nurse most likely to hear during auscultation?
A. Crackles
B. Stridor
C. Rhonchi
D. Wheezing
Correct Answer: A
,Expert Explanation: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the pulmonary
veins, leading to pulmonary congestion. As fluid leaks into the alveoli, crackles are typically
heard on inspiration. The nurse must monitor these sounds closely as they indicate the
severity of pulmonary edema and fluid overload.
2. An arterial blood gas (ABG) result shows: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L.
How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Metabolic acidosis
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, and a PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
confirms a respiratory origin. Because the bicarbonate level is within the normal range, this
represents uncompensated respiratory acidosis. This condition often occurs in patients
with hypoventilation or obstructive lung diseases like COPD.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which cardiac monitor
finding is the highest priority?
A. U waves
B. Tall, peaked T waves
C. Prolonged PR interval
, D. ST-segment depression
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Hyperkalemia, defined as potassium greater than 5.0 mEq/L, can
cause dangerous cardiac dysrhythmias. Tall, peaked T waves are one of the earliest signs of
hyperkalemia on an EKG. Immediate intervention is required to prevent progression to
ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrest.
4. Which intervention is most appropriate for a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack?
A. Administering a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA)
B. Applying a high-flow oxygen mask at 15L
C. Administering a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA)
D. Encouraging the patient to lie flat
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like albuterol are the first-line
‘rescue’ medications for acute bronchospasm. They work by rapidly dilating the
bronchioles to improve airflow. Long-acting medications are for maintenance and are not
effective during an acute exacerbation.
5. A patient is prescribed lisinopril for hypertension. Which side effect should the nurse
instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Increased appetite
