NU 402 EXAM 300 ACTUAL TEST BANK QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DESCRIPTION LATEST 2026
ALREADY GRADED A+
This comprehensive 305-question NUR 170 exam guide covers essential
medical-surgical nursing concepts, focusing on fluid and electrolyte balance,
acid-base disorders, perioperative care, and respiratory management.
Questions address electrolyte imbalances (sodium, potassium, calcium,
magnesium), IV therapy, blood transfusions, transfusion reactions, chest tube
management, tracheostomy care, oxygen therapy, and central line
complications. Each question provides realistic clinical scenarios with
multiple-choice answers, correct responses, and detailed rationales to
reinforce understanding. Topics include ABG interpretation, laboratory value
analysis, therapeutic communication, safety measures, and patient education.
This resource emphasizes critical thinking, clinical judgment, and safe
nursing interventions essential for success on nursing examinations and
clinical practice.
1. The client asks the nurse for a copy of their medical record. The nurse knows
that this right is part of which regulation?
A) The Patient Self-Determination Act
B) HIPAA
C) The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act
D) The Americans with Disabilities Act
Answer: B
Explanation: HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) grants
patients the right to access and obtain copies of their medical records. The Patient
Self-Determination Act addresses advance directives, not record access .
2. A nurse is preparing a sterile field. Which of the following actions contaminated
the sterile field? Select all that apply.
A) A cotton ball dampened with sterile normal saline is placed on the field
,B) A contaminated instrument touches the outer edge of the sterile field
C) A sterile instrument is dropped onto the near side of the sterile field
D) The nurse turns to address the client's question concerning the procedure
E) The procedure is postponed for 30 minutes to accommodate the client
F) A liquid is poured into a sterile container from a distance of 25 cm
Answer: A, D, E, F
Explanation: Placing a dampened cotton ball on the field causes strike-through
contamination. Turning away from the field compromises sterility. A 30-minute
postponement allows airborne contaminants to settle. Pouring liquid from 25 cm
(too close) can cause splashing and contamination. A contaminated instrument
touching the outer edge does NOT contaminate the field because the outer 1-inch
border is considered non-sterile. Dropping an instrument onto the near side does
not contaminate it as long as it remains within the sterile boundary .
3. Which communication strategies should the nurse use when working with a
client who has difficulty speaking due to weakness? Select all that apply.
A) Encourage the client to speak quickly
B) Ask yes and no questions when able
C) Have the client use a communication board
D) Repeat what the client said to verify the message
E) Use a pen and paper to communicate client needs
F) Encourage verbal communication to strengthen the client's voice
Answer: B, C, D, E
Explanation: Asking yes/no questions, using communication boards, repeating
messages for verification, and using pen/paper are all appropriate strategies for
clients with speech difficulties. Encouraging rapid speech or forcing verbal
communication would be frustrating and counterproductive .
4. A post-operative patient says, "Don't touch me, I will take care of myself."
Which response is therapeutic?
A) "Fine, I won't touch you."
B) "Let's work together so you can do things for yourself."
C) "I have to change your dressing so I have to touch you."
D) "If that's what you want but I need to report this to the surgeon."
Answer: B
Explanation: This response acknowledges the patient's desire for independence
while maintaining a collaborative, therapeutic relationship. It validates the patient's
feelings without being confrontational or dismissive .
,5. The nurse understands that which are judgmental statements? Select all that
apply.
A) "I don't think you need to do that."
B) "Tell me about making that decision."
C) "I'm not sure that's what is best for you."
D) "When did you first notice you felt that way?"
E) "I would like to be sure I understood what you said."
F) "It will be fine. We all feel that way sometimes."
Answer: A, C, F
Explanation: Judgmental statements impose the nurse's values or opinions on the
patient. "I don't think you need to do that," "I'm not sure that's what is best for
you," and "It will be fine" are all dismissive and judgmental. The other options are
open-ended, clarifying, or supportive .
6. The nurse is teaching a patient about home safety. Which recommendations
would they include? Select all that apply.
A) Install grab bars in the bathroom
B) Remove throw rugs to prevent tripping
C) Ensure adequate lighting in hallways
D) Keep electrical cords out of pathways
E) Store frequently used items on high shelves
F) Use nonslip mats in the shower
Answer: A, B, C, D, F
Explanation: Home safety recommendations for older adults include grab bars,
removing tripping hazards (throw rugs), adequate lighting, securing electrical
cords, and nonslip shower mats. Items should be stored within easy reach, not on
high shelves, to prevent falls from reaching .
7. A nurse performing a home assessment on an older client having weakness
would be concerned about which unsafe findings? Select all that apply.
A) Nonskid surfaces on slippers
B) Nonskid backing on small rugs
C) Electrical cords taped to the floor
D) Bath mats on the shower stall floor
E) Electrical appliances and cords near the sink
F) Full bathroom on the second floor
Answer: E, F
Explanation: Electrical appliances and cords near the sink pose an electrocution
risk. A full bathroom only on the second floor is a safety concern for a client with
, weakness who may need to climb stairs frequently. The other items represent
appropriate safety measures .
8. The human body is approximately what percentage of water?
A) 40%
B) 50%
C) 60%
D) 70%
Answer: C
Explanation: The human body is approximately 60% water, with about two-thirds
located in the intracellular fluid (ICF) compartment and one-third in the
extracellular fluid (ECF) compartment. This distribution is essential for
understanding fluid balance assessment .
9. A patient with chronic kidney disease has a potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L.
Which ECG change does the nurse expect to observe?
A) Flattened T waves
B) Prominent U waves
C) Peaked, narrow T waves
D) ST segment elevation
Answer: C
Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium >5.0 mEq/L) produces characteristic
peaked, narrow T waves on ECG. As potassium rises further, the QRS complex
widens and can progress to cardiac arrest. Flattened T waves and U waves are
associated with hypokalemia .
10. A patient with prolonged vomiting has a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which
ECG change does the nurse anticipate?
A) Peaked T waves
B) U waves
C) Widened QRS
D) Prolonged PR interval
Answer: B
Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium <3.5 mEq/L) commonly causes U waves
(small deflections following T waves), flattened T waves, and ST depression.
Causes include vomiting, diuretic use, and poor intake .
11. A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has deep, rapid respirations. This is
known as:
A) Cheyne-Stokes breathing
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DESCRIPTION LATEST 2026
ALREADY GRADED A+
This comprehensive 305-question NUR 170 exam guide covers essential
medical-surgical nursing concepts, focusing on fluid and electrolyte balance,
acid-base disorders, perioperative care, and respiratory management.
Questions address electrolyte imbalances (sodium, potassium, calcium,
magnesium), IV therapy, blood transfusions, transfusion reactions, chest tube
management, tracheostomy care, oxygen therapy, and central line
complications. Each question provides realistic clinical scenarios with
multiple-choice answers, correct responses, and detailed rationales to
reinforce understanding. Topics include ABG interpretation, laboratory value
analysis, therapeutic communication, safety measures, and patient education.
This resource emphasizes critical thinking, clinical judgment, and safe
nursing interventions essential for success on nursing examinations and
clinical practice.
1. The client asks the nurse for a copy of their medical record. The nurse knows
that this right is part of which regulation?
A) The Patient Self-Determination Act
B) HIPAA
C) The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act
D) The Americans with Disabilities Act
Answer: B
Explanation: HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) grants
patients the right to access and obtain copies of their medical records. The Patient
Self-Determination Act addresses advance directives, not record access .
2. A nurse is preparing a sterile field. Which of the following actions contaminated
the sterile field? Select all that apply.
A) A cotton ball dampened with sterile normal saline is placed on the field
,B) A contaminated instrument touches the outer edge of the sterile field
C) A sterile instrument is dropped onto the near side of the sterile field
D) The nurse turns to address the client's question concerning the procedure
E) The procedure is postponed for 30 minutes to accommodate the client
F) A liquid is poured into a sterile container from a distance of 25 cm
Answer: A, D, E, F
Explanation: Placing a dampened cotton ball on the field causes strike-through
contamination. Turning away from the field compromises sterility. A 30-minute
postponement allows airborne contaminants to settle. Pouring liquid from 25 cm
(too close) can cause splashing and contamination. A contaminated instrument
touching the outer edge does NOT contaminate the field because the outer 1-inch
border is considered non-sterile. Dropping an instrument onto the near side does
not contaminate it as long as it remains within the sterile boundary .
3. Which communication strategies should the nurse use when working with a
client who has difficulty speaking due to weakness? Select all that apply.
A) Encourage the client to speak quickly
B) Ask yes and no questions when able
C) Have the client use a communication board
D) Repeat what the client said to verify the message
E) Use a pen and paper to communicate client needs
F) Encourage verbal communication to strengthen the client's voice
Answer: B, C, D, E
Explanation: Asking yes/no questions, using communication boards, repeating
messages for verification, and using pen/paper are all appropriate strategies for
clients with speech difficulties. Encouraging rapid speech or forcing verbal
communication would be frustrating and counterproductive .
4. A post-operative patient says, "Don't touch me, I will take care of myself."
Which response is therapeutic?
A) "Fine, I won't touch you."
B) "Let's work together so you can do things for yourself."
C) "I have to change your dressing so I have to touch you."
D) "If that's what you want but I need to report this to the surgeon."
Answer: B
Explanation: This response acknowledges the patient's desire for independence
while maintaining a collaborative, therapeutic relationship. It validates the patient's
feelings without being confrontational or dismissive .
,5. The nurse understands that which are judgmental statements? Select all that
apply.
A) "I don't think you need to do that."
B) "Tell me about making that decision."
C) "I'm not sure that's what is best for you."
D) "When did you first notice you felt that way?"
E) "I would like to be sure I understood what you said."
F) "It will be fine. We all feel that way sometimes."
Answer: A, C, F
Explanation: Judgmental statements impose the nurse's values or opinions on the
patient. "I don't think you need to do that," "I'm not sure that's what is best for
you," and "It will be fine" are all dismissive and judgmental. The other options are
open-ended, clarifying, or supportive .
6. The nurse is teaching a patient about home safety. Which recommendations
would they include? Select all that apply.
A) Install grab bars in the bathroom
B) Remove throw rugs to prevent tripping
C) Ensure adequate lighting in hallways
D) Keep electrical cords out of pathways
E) Store frequently used items on high shelves
F) Use nonslip mats in the shower
Answer: A, B, C, D, F
Explanation: Home safety recommendations for older adults include grab bars,
removing tripping hazards (throw rugs), adequate lighting, securing electrical
cords, and nonslip shower mats. Items should be stored within easy reach, not on
high shelves, to prevent falls from reaching .
7. A nurse performing a home assessment on an older client having weakness
would be concerned about which unsafe findings? Select all that apply.
A) Nonskid surfaces on slippers
B) Nonskid backing on small rugs
C) Electrical cords taped to the floor
D) Bath mats on the shower stall floor
E) Electrical appliances and cords near the sink
F) Full bathroom on the second floor
Answer: E, F
Explanation: Electrical appliances and cords near the sink pose an electrocution
risk. A full bathroom only on the second floor is a safety concern for a client with
, weakness who may need to climb stairs frequently. The other items represent
appropriate safety measures .
8. The human body is approximately what percentage of water?
A) 40%
B) 50%
C) 60%
D) 70%
Answer: C
Explanation: The human body is approximately 60% water, with about two-thirds
located in the intracellular fluid (ICF) compartment and one-third in the
extracellular fluid (ECF) compartment. This distribution is essential for
understanding fluid balance assessment .
9. A patient with chronic kidney disease has a potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L.
Which ECG change does the nurse expect to observe?
A) Flattened T waves
B) Prominent U waves
C) Peaked, narrow T waves
D) ST segment elevation
Answer: C
Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium >5.0 mEq/L) produces characteristic
peaked, narrow T waves on ECG. As potassium rises further, the QRS complex
widens and can progress to cardiac arrest. Flattened T waves and U waves are
associated with hypokalemia .
10. A patient with prolonged vomiting has a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which
ECG change does the nurse anticipate?
A) Peaked T waves
B) U waves
C) Widened QRS
D) Prolonged PR interval
Answer: B
Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium <3.5 mEq/L) commonly causes U waves
(small deflections following T waves), flattened T waves, and ST depression.
Causes include vomiting, diuretic use, and poor intake .
11. A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has deep, rapid respirations. This is
known as:
A) Cheyne-Stokes breathing
