2026/2027
NUR 2811 Nursing Capstone Exam
Preparation Workbook with Detailed
Study Notes, Practice Tests and
Assessment Review 2026/2027
Question 1:
A client who had a cast applied to the right lower arm 48 hours ago presents with
severe burning pain, paresthesia, and a cool, pale extremity. What complication
should the nurse suspect?
A. Fat embolism syndrome
B. Compartment syndrome
C. Deep vein thrombosis
D. Cellulitis
Correct Answer: B. Compartment syndrome
Rationale: Compartment syndrome occurs when increased pressure within a closed
muscle compartment compromises circulation and nerve function. Classic signs
include severe pain unrelieved by medication, paresthesia, pallor, and coolness of the
extremity. Fat embolism would present with respiratory distress and petechiae, while
DVT would present with warmth and swelling rather than pallor. Cellulitis is an
infectious process with redness and warmth, not ischemic symptoms.
Question 2:
The nurse is assessing a client’s urinary elimination pattern. Which questions are
appropriate? (Select all that apply)
A. “Do you frequently wake up at night to urinate?”
B. “Does your bladder feel empty after voiding?”
C. “Do you void at least every 8 hours?”
D. “Has the appearance of your urine changed?”
Correct Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: Nocturia, incomplete bladder emptying, and changes in urine appearance
are important indicators of urinary dysfunction. Voiding every 8 hours is not a
,2026/2027
standard assessment question and does not provide meaningful diagnostic information
about elimination problems.
Question 3:
Which dietary choice best supports healthy bowel elimination?
A. White rice with fried chicken
B. Grape and walnut chicken salad on whole wheat bread
C. Processed cheese sandwich on white bread
D. Bacon and egg breakfast platter
Correct Answer: B. Grape and walnut chicken salad on whole wheat bread
Rationale: High-fiber foods such as whole grains, fruits, and nuts promote healthy
bowel movements. Whole wheat bread and fruits increase stool bulk and improve
motility. Processed and fatty foods slow digestion and contribute to constipation.
Question 4:
Which technique is appropriate when performing ice massage for pain relief?
A. Apply ice for 20–30 minutes continuously
B. Use slow circular movements until numbness occurs
C. Apply ice only to inflamed joints without movement
D. Use intermittent heat and ice alternating every minute
Correct Answer: B. Use slow circular movements until numbness occurs
Rationale: Ice massage involves applying ice with firm, circular motion until
numbness develops, usually within 5–10 minutes. Prolonged application increases
risk of tissue injury. Heat is not used in ice massage techniques.
Question 5:
What is the correct guideline when bathing a bedridden client?
A. Keep windows open for fresh air
B. Close doors and windows to prevent drafts
C. Bathe only exposed areas of the body
D. Use cold water to stimulate circulation
Correct Answer: B. Close doors and windows to prevent drafts
,2026/2027
Rationale: Preventing drafts maintains client comfort and prevents chilling, especially
in immobile or ill clients. Open windows may cause discomfort and temperature
instability.
Question 6:
Which clients are at increased risk for falls? (Select all that apply)
A. 67-year-old with shuffling gait
B. 72-year-old fully oriented client
C. 48-year-old receiving opioids and sedatives
D. 58-year-old legally blind client
Correct Answer: A, C, D
Rationale: Fall risk increases with gait disturbances, sedative use, and sensory
impairment. Orientation alone does not increase fall risk.
Question 7:
A client receiving propranolol develops expiratory wheezes. What does this indicate?
A. Expected therapeutic effect
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Bronchospasm (adverse effect)
D. Fluid overload
Correct Answer: C. Bronchospasm (adverse effect)
Rationale: Propranolol is a nonselective beta-blocker that can cause
bronchoconstriction, especially in patients with reactive airway disease. Wheezing
indicates airway narrowing and requires immediate intervention.
Question 8:
Which finding best indicates successful pain management using nonpharmacological
interventions?
A. Blood pressure remains elevated
B. Client reports “I feel more comfortable”
C. Client sleeps for 8 hours
D. Pain score remains 10/10
Correct Answer: B. Client reports “I feel more comfortable”
, 2026/2027
Rationale: Pain is subjective; the client’s self-report of comfort is the most reliable
indicator of effectiveness. Vital signs and sleep patterns are secondary indicators.
Question 9:
Which client has the highest risk for skin breakdown?
A. 34-year-old wheelchair-bound client
B. 25-year-old athlete
C. 40-year-old ambulatory client
D. 60-year-old walking independently
Correct Answer: A. 34-year-old wheelchair-bound client
Rationale: Immobility is a major risk factor for pressure injuries due to prolonged
pressure and reduced circulation.
Question 10:
Which client is most at risk for impaired skin integrity?
A. Diaphoretic patient
B. Hydrated patient
C. Active patient
D. Young adult
Correct Answer: A. Diaphoretic patient
Rationale: Excessive moisture from sweating leads to skin maceration and breakdown.
Question 11:
What is the priority assessment for a client in skeletal traction?
A. Pain level
B. Pin site infection
C. Nutrition status
D. Family support
Correct Answer: B. Pin site infection
Rationale: Infection at pin sites is a serious complication of skeletal traction and
requires immediate assessment.
NUR 2811 Nursing Capstone Exam
Preparation Workbook with Detailed
Study Notes, Practice Tests and
Assessment Review 2026/2027
Question 1:
A client who had a cast applied to the right lower arm 48 hours ago presents with
severe burning pain, paresthesia, and a cool, pale extremity. What complication
should the nurse suspect?
A. Fat embolism syndrome
B. Compartment syndrome
C. Deep vein thrombosis
D. Cellulitis
Correct Answer: B. Compartment syndrome
Rationale: Compartment syndrome occurs when increased pressure within a closed
muscle compartment compromises circulation and nerve function. Classic signs
include severe pain unrelieved by medication, paresthesia, pallor, and coolness of the
extremity. Fat embolism would present with respiratory distress and petechiae, while
DVT would present with warmth and swelling rather than pallor. Cellulitis is an
infectious process with redness and warmth, not ischemic symptoms.
Question 2:
The nurse is assessing a client’s urinary elimination pattern. Which questions are
appropriate? (Select all that apply)
A. “Do you frequently wake up at night to urinate?”
B. “Does your bladder feel empty after voiding?”
C. “Do you void at least every 8 hours?”
D. “Has the appearance of your urine changed?”
Correct Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: Nocturia, incomplete bladder emptying, and changes in urine appearance
are important indicators of urinary dysfunction. Voiding every 8 hours is not a
,2026/2027
standard assessment question and does not provide meaningful diagnostic information
about elimination problems.
Question 3:
Which dietary choice best supports healthy bowel elimination?
A. White rice with fried chicken
B. Grape and walnut chicken salad on whole wheat bread
C. Processed cheese sandwich on white bread
D. Bacon and egg breakfast platter
Correct Answer: B. Grape and walnut chicken salad on whole wheat bread
Rationale: High-fiber foods such as whole grains, fruits, and nuts promote healthy
bowel movements. Whole wheat bread and fruits increase stool bulk and improve
motility. Processed and fatty foods slow digestion and contribute to constipation.
Question 4:
Which technique is appropriate when performing ice massage for pain relief?
A. Apply ice for 20–30 minutes continuously
B. Use slow circular movements until numbness occurs
C. Apply ice only to inflamed joints without movement
D. Use intermittent heat and ice alternating every minute
Correct Answer: B. Use slow circular movements until numbness occurs
Rationale: Ice massage involves applying ice with firm, circular motion until
numbness develops, usually within 5–10 minutes. Prolonged application increases
risk of tissue injury. Heat is not used in ice massage techniques.
Question 5:
What is the correct guideline when bathing a bedridden client?
A. Keep windows open for fresh air
B. Close doors and windows to prevent drafts
C. Bathe only exposed areas of the body
D. Use cold water to stimulate circulation
Correct Answer: B. Close doors and windows to prevent drafts
,2026/2027
Rationale: Preventing drafts maintains client comfort and prevents chilling, especially
in immobile or ill clients. Open windows may cause discomfort and temperature
instability.
Question 6:
Which clients are at increased risk for falls? (Select all that apply)
A. 67-year-old with shuffling gait
B. 72-year-old fully oriented client
C. 48-year-old receiving opioids and sedatives
D. 58-year-old legally blind client
Correct Answer: A, C, D
Rationale: Fall risk increases with gait disturbances, sedative use, and sensory
impairment. Orientation alone does not increase fall risk.
Question 7:
A client receiving propranolol develops expiratory wheezes. What does this indicate?
A. Expected therapeutic effect
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Bronchospasm (adverse effect)
D. Fluid overload
Correct Answer: C. Bronchospasm (adverse effect)
Rationale: Propranolol is a nonselective beta-blocker that can cause
bronchoconstriction, especially in patients with reactive airway disease. Wheezing
indicates airway narrowing and requires immediate intervention.
Question 8:
Which finding best indicates successful pain management using nonpharmacological
interventions?
A. Blood pressure remains elevated
B. Client reports “I feel more comfortable”
C. Client sleeps for 8 hours
D. Pain score remains 10/10
Correct Answer: B. Client reports “I feel more comfortable”
, 2026/2027
Rationale: Pain is subjective; the client’s self-report of comfort is the most reliable
indicator of effectiveness. Vital signs and sleep patterns are secondary indicators.
Question 9:
Which client has the highest risk for skin breakdown?
A. 34-year-old wheelchair-bound client
B. 25-year-old athlete
C. 40-year-old ambulatory client
D. 60-year-old walking independently
Correct Answer: A. 34-year-old wheelchair-bound client
Rationale: Immobility is a major risk factor for pressure injuries due to prolonged
pressure and reduced circulation.
Question 10:
Which client is most at risk for impaired skin integrity?
A. Diaphoretic patient
B. Hydrated patient
C. Active patient
D. Young adult
Correct Answer: A. Diaphoretic patient
Rationale: Excessive moisture from sweating leads to skin maceration and breakdown.
Question 11:
What is the priority assessment for a client in skeletal traction?
A. Pain level
B. Pin site infection
C. Nutrition status
D. Family support
Correct Answer: B. Pin site infection
Rationale: Infection at pin sites is a serious complication of skeletal traction and
requires immediate assessment.
