COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE 300 PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES COVERING ALL
TESTED CONTENT AREAS FOR EXAM SUCCESS
Question 1
A client is experiencing anaphylactic shock. Which medication should
the nurse administer first?
A) Diphenhydramine
B) Epinephrine
C) Methylprednisolone
D) Albuterol
Correct Answer: B) Epinephrine
Rationale: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylactic shock
as it rapidly reverses bronchospasm, increases blood pressure, and
reduces edema. Antihistamines and corticosteroids are adjunct
therapies.
Question 2
A disaster triage nurse is assessing victims at the scene. A victim has a
penetrating head injury with agonal respirations. Which triage category
should the nurse assign?
A) Green (minor)
B) Yellow (delayed)
,C) Red (immediate)
D) Black (expectant)
Correct Answer: D) Black (expectant)
Rationale: The expectant category (Black) is assigned to victims with
unsurvivable injuries, such as penetrating head trauma with agonal
respirations, as resources should be directed to those with a higher
chance of survival.
Question 3
What is the priority nursing assessment for a client returning to the unit
following a thyroidectomy?
A) Blood pressure
B) Respiratory status
C) Pain level
D) Surgical dressing
Correct Answer: B) Respiratory status
Rationale: Airway compromise from laryngeal edema or hematoma
formation is the greatest risk following thyroidectomy. Respiratory
assessment is the priority.
Question 4
The nurse is preparing a client for surgery. Which of the following
should be verified before the client is taken to the operating room?
(Select all that apply)
A) Informed consent signed
B) NPO status
,C) Allergy band present
D) Vital signs stable
E) All of the above
Correct Answer: E) All of the above
Question 5
A client is receiving oxygen via a non-rebreather mask. What is the
minimum flow rate needed to prevent carbon dioxide buildup?
A) 2 L/min
B) 4 L/min
C) 6 L/min
D) 10 L/min
Correct Answer: D) 10 L/min
Rationale: Non-rebreather masks require a minimum flow rate of 10-15
L/min to keep the reservoir bag inflated and prevent rebreathing of
carbon dioxide.
Question 6
The emergency department receives a mass casualty alert. What is the
first action of the charge nurse?
A) Call in additional staff
B) Begin triage protocols
C) Activate the emergency management plan
D) Notify hospital administration
Correct Answer: C) Activate the emergency management plan
Rationale: The first action in any mass casualty event is to activate the
, facility's emergency management plan, which coordinates resources,
staff, and communication.
Question 7
A client with a chest tube has continuous bubbling in the water seal
chamber. What should the nurse do first?
A) Clamp the chest tube
B) Assess for an air leak
C) Notify the healthcare provider
D) Strip the chest tube
Correct Answer: B) Assess for an air leak
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an
air leak. The nurse should first assess the tube and connections to locate
the leak before notifying the provider.
Question 8
Which client should the charge nurse assign to an experienced
registered nurse?
A) Client requiring wound care
B) Client with a new tracheostomy
C) Client ready for discharge teaching
D) Client needing ambulation assistance
Correct Answer: B) Client with a new tracheostomy
Rationale: A new tracheostomy client is unstable and requires
assessment and intervention from an experienced RN. Wound care and
discharge teaching can be delegated appropriately.