NSG-320 Adult Health Nursing I Comprehensive Exam 3
Preparation | 2026/2027 Edition | 250 Verified Questions
NSG-320 Adult Health Nursing I Exam 3 2026-2027 Questions and Answers Already Graded A+. 100% Verified
Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+
This comprehensive preparation guide for NSG-320 Adult Health Nursing I Exam 3 contains 250
original questions with detailed answers and rationales, designed to reinforce key concepts in adult
health nursing. The content aligns with the 2026/2027 academic year curriculum and reflects the latest
evidence-based practice guidelines. Each question is crafted to simulate the exam format and difficulty,
ensuring thorough readiness. Ideal for nursing students seeking to achieve a top score on the
comprehensive exam.
Key Features:
Cardiovascular and respiratory disorders
Gastrointestinal and renal systems
Endocrine and neurological conditions
Perioperative and pain management
Fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance
Pharmacology and nursing interventions
Updates for 2026:
- Updated to reflect 2026/2027 AACN and QSEN competencies
- Incorporated latest evidence-based practice guidelines for adult health
- Revised rationales to include current pharmacological recommendations
- Added new questions on emerging adult health issues
- Enhanced distractor explanations to clarify common misconceptions
Abstract:
This document provides a rigorous preparation tool for NSG-320 Adult Health Nursing I Comprehensive Exam 3,
featuring 250 original questions with answers and rationales. The content is meticulously aligned with the
2026/2027 Grand Canyon University College of Nursing curriculum and national nursing standards. Each
question targets critical thinking and clinical judgment, covering major adult health disorders across body
systems. Rationales are evidence-based and include nursing implications, pharmacological considerations, and
patient education points. The guide emphasizes high-yield topics such as cardiovascular, respiratory,
gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine, and neurological conditions, as well as perioperative care, fluid and electrolyte
balance, and pain management. Designed to simulate the exam experience, this resource helps students identify
knowledge gaps and reinforce mastery. Updated to incorporate the latest guidelines from the American Heart
Association, American Diabetes Association, and other authoritative bodies, it ensures relevance and accuracy.
With a focus on application and analysis, this preparation aid is essential for achieving a high score and
demonstrating competency in adult health nursing.
Keywords:
NSG-320, Adult Health Nursing I, Exam 3, 250 questions, Answers and rationales, Grand Canyon University,
2026/2027, Comprehensive exam prep
Answer Format:
Each question is followed by the correct answer and a detailed rationale explaining the underlying
pathophysiology, nursing process, and evidence-based rationale. Incorrect options are addressed with distractor
explanations to clarify why they are wrong, promoting deeper understanding and retention.
Page 1
,Compliance Checklist:
Aligned with 2026/2027 NSG-320 course objectives and exam blueprint
Incorporates latest evidence-based practice and national guidelines
Questions written at application and analysis levels per Bloom's taxonomy
Rationales include nursing interventions, pharmacology, and patient education
Distractor explanations address common misconceptions and errors
Content reviewed by subject matter experts for accuracy and relevance
Content Area Overview:
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Cardiovascular and Respiratory 1-50 Hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery 20%
Disorders disease, COPD, pneumonia, asthma
Gastrointestinal and Renal 51-100 Peptic ulcer disease, pancreatitis, renal 20%
Systems failure, urinary tract infections, fluid and
electrolyte imbalances
Endocrine and Neurological 101-150 Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, stroke, 20%
Conditions seizures, Parkinson's disease
Perioperative and Pain 151-200 Preoperative assessment, postoperative 20%
Management complications, pain assessment, opioid and
non-opioid analgesics
Fluid, Electrolyte, and 201-250 Dehydration, overhydration, electrolyte 20%
Acid-Base Balance imbalances, arterial blood gas interpretation,
acid-base disorders
Page 2
,Q1. A patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted
with acute respiratory distress. Arterial blood gas results show pH 7.25, PaCO2 60 mm Hg,
PaO2 50 mm Hg, HCO3- 24 mEq/L. The nurse notes the patient is using accessory muscles
and has a prolonged expiratory phase. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate as the
priority?
A. Administer high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
B. Prepare for noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) with bi-level positive airway
pressure (BiPAP)
C. Initiate intravenous sodium bicarbonate to correct acidosis
D. Administer a rapid-acting bronchodilator via nebulizer and reassess
Correct Answer: B. Prepare for noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) with
bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP)
Rationale: The ABG shows uncompensated respiratory acidosis (pH low, PaCO2 high, HCO3-
normal) indicating acute hypercapnic respiratory failure. In COPD patients, the priority is to
improve ventilation and reduce PaCO2. NIPPV (BiPAP) is first-line to support ventilation and
avoid intubation. High-flow oxygen may worsen hypercapnia by reducing hypoxic drive. Sodium
bicarbonate is not indicated for respiratory acidosis and could cause alkalosis. Bronchodilators
are important but do not address the underlying hypoventilation.
Why Wrong:
A - High-flow oxygen may suppress the hypoxic drive in COPD patients, leading to
worsening hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis.
C - Sodium bicarbonate is not recommended for respiratory acidosis because it can cause
metabolic alkalosis and does not address the underlying hypoventilation.
D - While bronchodilators are essential for COPD exacerbations, they do not correct the
acute hypercapnic respiratory failure; ventilatory support is needed.
Reference: Lewis, S.L., et al. (2023). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of
Clinical Problems, 11th Ed., Ch. 28
Q2. A patient with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is receiving a
continuous infusion of dobutamine. The nurse notes the patient's heart rate has increased
from 72 to 108 bpm, and the patient complains of palpitations and chest pressure. What is
the nurse's best action?
A. Increase the infusion rate to improve cardiac output
B. Administer a beta-blocker as prescribed to reduce heart rate
C. Decrease the infusion rate and notify the prescriber
D. Administer intravenous nitroglycerin for chest pain
Correct Answer: C. Decrease the infusion rate and notify the prescriber
Rationale: Dobutamine is a positive inotrope that can cause tachycardia and myocardial
ischemia. The patient is experiencing signs of excessive sympathetic stimulation (tachycardia,
chest pressure). The infusion should be decreased or stopped to reduce the risk of ischemia and
arrhythmias. Increasing the rate would worsen the condition. Beta-blockers are typically avoided
in acute decompensated HF with tachycardia from dobutamine because they can reduce
contractility. Nitroglycerin may be used for ischemia but does not address the cause.
Page 3
, Why Wrong:
A - Increasing the infusion rate would worsen tachycardia and myocardial oxygen demand,
potentially causing ischemia.
B - Beta-blockers are usually withheld during acute decompensation with inotropic support
because they can reduce cardiac output.
D - Nitroglycerin may relieve chest pain but does not address the underlying cause of
ischemia (tachycardia from dobutamine).
Reference: Lehne, R.A. (2026). Pharmacology for Nursing Care, 12th Ed., Ch. 26
Page 4
Preparation | 2026/2027 Edition | 250 Verified Questions
NSG-320 Adult Health Nursing I Exam 3 2026-2027 Questions and Answers Already Graded A+. 100% Verified
Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+
This comprehensive preparation guide for NSG-320 Adult Health Nursing I Exam 3 contains 250
original questions with detailed answers and rationales, designed to reinforce key concepts in adult
health nursing. The content aligns with the 2026/2027 academic year curriculum and reflects the latest
evidence-based practice guidelines. Each question is crafted to simulate the exam format and difficulty,
ensuring thorough readiness. Ideal for nursing students seeking to achieve a top score on the
comprehensive exam.
Key Features:
Cardiovascular and respiratory disorders
Gastrointestinal and renal systems
Endocrine and neurological conditions
Perioperative and pain management
Fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance
Pharmacology and nursing interventions
Updates for 2026:
- Updated to reflect 2026/2027 AACN and QSEN competencies
- Incorporated latest evidence-based practice guidelines for adult health
- Revised rationales to include current pharmacological recommendations
- Added new questions on emerging adult health issues
- Enhanced distractor explanations to clarify common misconceptions
Abstract:
This document provides a rigorous preparation tool for NSG-320 Adult Health Nursing I Comprehensive Exam 3,
featuring 250 original questions with answers and rationales. The content is meticulously aligned with the
2026/2027 Grand Canyon University College of Nursing curriculum and national nursing standards. Each
question targets critical thinking and clinical judgment, covering major adult health disorders across body
systems. Rationales are evidence-based and include nursing implications, pharmacological considerations, and
patient education points. The guide emphasizes high-yield topics such as cardiovascular, respiratory,
gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine, and neurological conditions, as well as perioperative care, fluid and electrolyte
balance, and pain management. Designed to simulate the exam experience, this resource helps students identify
knowledge gaps and reinforce mastery. Updated to incorporate the latest guidelines from the American Heart
Association, American Diabetes Association, and other authoritative bodies, it ensures relevance and accuracy.
With a focus on application and analysis, this preparation aid is essential for achieving a high score and
demonstrating competency in adult health nursing.
Keywords:
NSG-320, Adult Health Nursing I, Exam 3, 250 questions, Answers and rationales, Grand Canyon University,
2026/2027, Comprehensive exam prep
Answer Format:
Each question is followed by the correct answer and a detailed rationale explaining the underlying
pathophysiology, nursing process, and evidence-based rationale. Incorrect options are addressed with distractor
explanations to clarify why they are wrong, promoting deeper understanding and retention.
Page 1
,Compliance Checklist:
Aligned with 2026/2027 NSG-320 course objectives and exam blueprint
Incorporates latest evidence-based practice and national guidelines
Questions written at application and analysis levels per Bloom's taxonomy
Rationales include nursing interventions, pharmacology, and patient education
Distractor explanations address common misconceptions and errors
Content reviewed by subject matter experts for accuracy and relevance
Content Area Overview:
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Cardiovascular and Respiratory 1-50 Hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery 20%
Disorders disease, COPD, pneumonia, asthma
Gastrointestinal and Renal 51-100 Peptic ulcer disease, pancreatitis, renal 20%
Systems failure, urinary tract infections, fluid and
electrolyte imbalances
Endocrine and Neurological 101-150 Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, stroke, 20%
Conditions seizures, Parkinson's disease
Perioperative and Pain 151-200 Preoperative assessment, postoperative 20%
Management complications, pain assessment, opioid and
non-opioid analgesics
Fluid, Electrolyte, and 201-250 Dehydration, overhydration, electrolyte 20%
Acid-Base Balance imbalances, arterial blood gas interpretation,
acid-base disorders
Page 2
,Q1. A patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted
with acute respiratory distress. Arterial blood gas results show pH 7.25, PaCO2 60 mm Hg,
PaO2 50 mm Hg, HCO3- 24 mEq/L. The nurse notes the patient is using accessory muscles
and has a prolonged expiratory phase. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate as the
priority?
A. Administer high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
B. Prepare for noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) with bi-level positive airway
pressure (BiPAP)
C. Initiate intravenous sodium bicarbonate to correct acidosis
D. Administer a rapid-acting bronchodilator via nebulizer and reassess
Correct Answer: B. Prepare for noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) with
bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP)
Rationale: The ABG shows uncompensated respiratory acidosis (pH low, PaCO2 high, HCO3-
normal) indicating acute hypercapnic respiratory failure. In COPD patients, the priority is to
improve ventilation and reduce PaCO2. NIPPV (BiPAP) is first-line to support ventilation and
avoid intubation. High-flow oxygen may worsen hypercapnia by reducing hypoxic drive. Sodium
bicarbonate is not indicated for respiratory acidosis and could cause alkalosis. Bronchodilators
are important but do not address the underlying hypoventilation.
Why Wrong:
A - High-flow oxygen may suppress the hypoxic drive in COPD patients, leading to
worsening hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis.
C - Sodium bicarbonate is not recommended for respiratory acidosis because it can cause
metabolic alkalosis and does not address the underlying hypoventilation.
D - While bronchodilators are essential for COPD exacerbations, they do not correct the
acute hypercapnic respiratory failure; ventilatory support is needed.
Reference: Lewis, S.L., et al. (2023). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of
Clinical Problems, 11th Ed., Ch. 28
Q2. A patient with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is receiving a
continuous infusion of dobutamine. The nurse notes the patient's heart rate has increased
from 72 to 108 bpm, and the patient complains of palpitations and chest pressure. What is
the nurse's best action?
A. Increase the infusion rate to improve cardiac output
B. Administer a beta-blocker as prescribed to reduce heart rate
C. Decrease the infusion rate and notify the prescriber
D. Administer intravenous nitroglycerin for chest pain
Correct Answer: C. Decrease the infusion rate and notify the prescriber
Rationale: Dobutamine is a positive inotrope that can cause tachycardia and myocardial
ischemia. The patient is experiencing signs of excessive sympathetic stimulation (tachycardia,
chest pressure). The infusion should be decreased or stopped to reduce the risk of ischemia and
arrhythmias. Increasing the rate would worsen the condition. Beta-blockers are typically avoided
in acute decompensated HF with tachycardia from dobutamine because they can reduce
contractility. Nitroglycerin may be used for ischemia but does not address the cause.
Page 3
, Why Wrong:
A - Increasing the infusion rate would worsen tachycardia and myocardial oxygen demand,
potentially causing ischemia.
B - Beta-blockers are usually withheld during acute decompensation with inotropic support
because they can reduce cardiac output.
D - Nitroglycerin may relieve chest pain but does not address the underlying cause of
ischemia (tachycardia from dobutamine).
Reference: Lehne, R.A. (2026). Pharmacology for Nursing Care, 12th Ed., Ch. 26
Page 4
