RNSG 1517 Midterm Exam Questions and
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2027 Q&A| Instant Download
Pdf
1. A nurse is assessing a client who reports sudden shortness of
breath and chest discomfort. Which action should the nurse take
first?
A. Obtain a complete health history.
B. Administer the prescribed analgesic.
C. Assess the client's airway, breathing, and circulation.
D. Ask the client to rate the pain on a 0-to-10 scale.
Rationale: Airway, breathing, and circulation are the immediate
priorities when a client develops acute respiratory symptoms and chest
discomfort. The nurse should first determine whether the client has an
immediately life-threatening problem before completing a detailed
history or administering medications.
, 2. A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client. Which
action best demonstrates safe medication administration?
A. Ask the client to state the medication's purpose.
B. Use the client's room number as an identifier.
C. Verify the client's identity using two approved identifiers.
D. Ask another client to confirm the client's name.
Rationale: Using two approved identifiers, such as the client's name and
date of birth, helps prevent medication errors. Room numbers should
not be used as identifiers because they can change and do not uniquely
identify the client.
3. A client has a prescription for a medication that has not been
administered previously. Which assessment is most important
before giving the medication?
A. The client's dietary preferences
B. The client's medication allergies
C. The client's educational level
D. The client's usual sleep pattern
Rationale: Determining medication allergies is essential before
administering a new medication because an allergic reaction can be life-
threatening. The nurse should verify allergies and document them
according to facility policy.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Keep all four side rails raised at all times.
B. Place the bedside table across the doorway.
C. Encourage the client to walk independently.
D. Keep the bed in the lowest position and ensure the call light is
within reach.
Rationale: A low bed and accessible call light reduce the risk of falls
while promoting client independence. Four side rails may constitute a
restraint in some circumstances and should not be routinely used solely
for fall prevention.
5. A nurse is assessing a client who has a respiratory rate of 8/min
and is difficult to arouse. Which finding requires the most
immediate intervention?
A. Blood pressure of 138/84 mm Hg
B. Temperature of 37.1°C (98.8°F)
C. Pulse rate of 58/min
D. Respiratory rate of 8/min
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 8/min indicates significant respiratory
depression and may result in inadequate oxygenation and ventilation.
Airway and breathing take priority according to the ABC framework.
, 6. A client reports pain of 8/10 one hour after receiving an analgesic.
What should the nurse do first?
A. Document that the medication was ineffective.
B. Administer another dose immediately.
C. Reassess the client's pain characteristics and response to the
medication.
D. Tell the client that the medication needs more time to work.
Rationale: Pain should be reassessed after an intervention to determine
effectiveness and identify whether additional assessment or
intervention is necessary. The nurse should not administer an additional
dose unless it is prescribed and clinically appropriate.
7. A nurse is teaching a client about incentive spirometry after
surgery. Which statement indicates correct understanding?
A. "I should use it only when I feel short of breath."
B. "I should breathe rapidly into the device."
C. "I should inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece."
D. "I should exhale forcefully into the device."
Rationale: Incentive spirometry promotes lung expansion by
encouraging slow, sustained deep inhalation. It is commonly used after
surgery to reduce the risk of atelectasis and other pulmonary
complications.
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2027 Q&A| Instant Download
1. A nurse is assessing a client who reports sudden shortness of
breath and chest discomfort. Which action should the nurse take
first?
A. Obtain a complete health history.
B. Administer the prescribed analgesic.
C. Assess the client's airway, breathing, and circulation.
D. Ask the client to rate the pain on a 0-to-10 scale.
Rationale: Airway, breathing, and circulation are the immediate
priorities when a client develops acute respiratory symptoms and chest
discomfort. The nurse should first determine whether the client has an
immediately life-threatening problem before completing a detailed
history or administering medications.
, 2. A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client. Which
action best demonstrates safe medication administration?
A. Ask the client to state the medication's purpose.
B. Use the client's room number as an identifier.
C. Verify the client's identity using two approved identifiers.
D. Ask another client to confirm the client's name.
Rationale: Using two approved identifiers, such as the client's name and
date of birth, helps prevent medication errors. Room numbers should
not be used as identifiers because they can change and do not uniquely
identify the client.
3. A client has a prescription for a medication that has not been
administered previously. Which assessment is most important
before giving the medication?
A. The client's dietary preferences
B. The client's medication allergies
C. The client's educational level
D. The client's usual sleep pattern
Rationale: Determining medication allergies is essential before
administering a new medication because an allergic reaction can be life-
threatening. The nurse should verify allergies and document them
according to facility policy.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Keep all four side rails raised at all times.
B. Place the bedside table across the doorway.
C. Encourage the client to walk independently.
D. Keep the bed in the lowest position and ensure the call light is
within reach.
Rationale: A low bed and accessible call light reduce the risk of falls
while promoting client independence. Four side rails may constitute a
restraint in some circumstances and should not be routinely used solely
for fall prevention.
5. A nurse is assessing a client who has a respiratory rate of 8/min
and is difficult to arouse. Which finding requires the most
immediate intervention?
A. Blood pressure of 138/84 mm Hg
B. Temperature of 37.1°C (98.8°F)
C. Pulse rate of 58/min
D. Respiratory rate of 8/min
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 8/min indicates significant respiratory
depression and may result in inadequate oxygenation and ventilation.
Airway and breathing take priority according to the ABC framework.
, 6. A client reports pain of 8/10 one hour after receiving an analgesic.
What should the nurse do first?
A. Document that the medication was ineffective.
B. Administer another dose immediately.
C. Reassess the client's pain characteristics and response to the
medication.
D. Tell the client that the medication needs more time to work.
Rationale: Pain should be reassessed after an intervention to determine
effectiveness and identify whether additional assessment or
intervention is necessary. The nurse should not administer an additional
dose unless it is prescribed and clinically appropriate.
7. A nurse is teaching a client about incentive spirometry after
surgery. Which statement indicates correct understanding?
A. "I should use it only when I feel short of breath."
B. "I should breathe rapidly into the device."
C. "I should inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece."
D. "I should exhale forcefully into the device."
Rationale: Incentive spirometry promotes lung expansion by
encouraging slow, sustained deep inhalation. It is commonly used after
surgery to reduce the risk of atelectasis and other pulmonary
complications.
