Chamberlain University NR-103 Transition to the
Nursing Profession – NR103 Study Guide, Original
Practice Questions & Answers, Nursing Assessment
Preparation, Comprehensive Course Review,
Professional Nursing Identity, Communication &
Collaboration, Emotional Intelligence, Civility,
Empathy & Caring, Information Literacy, Medical
Terminology, Mindfulness, ePortfolio & Career
Development
Question 1: A newly licensed nurse is struggling with time management during
morning care. Which of the following actions best demonstrates the principle
of prioritization using the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)?
A. Performing a bed bath before checking the patient's blood pressure.
B. Assessing a patient with a new-onset, audible wheeze before administering a routine
oral medication.
C. Answering all call lights before reviewing the morning's laboratory results.
D. Documenting a wound dressing change before assisting a patient to the commode.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Assessing a patient with a new-onset, audible wheeze
before administering a routine oral medication.
Rationale: The ABCs are the foundation of prioritization in nursing. An audible wheeze
indicates a potential airway or breathing compromise (B), which must be addressed
immediately to prevent respiratory distress or failure. Administering a routine oral
medication (A), performing a bed bath (A), or answering non-urgent call lights (C) are
lower priorities compared to a potential respiratory issue. Documenting a wound
dressing (D) is also a lower priority than a life-threatening airway concern.
Question 2: A nurse is preparing to delegate tasks to an unlicensed assistive
personnel (UAP). Which of the following tasks is within the appropriate scope
of practice for a UAP in most healthcare settings?
A. Administering enteral tube feedings via a gastrostomy tube.
B. Performing a sterile dressing change on a post-operative wound.
C. Obtaining and documenting a patient's orthostatic blood pressure.
D. Assessing the lung sounds of a patient with pneumonia.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Obtaining and documenting a patient's orthostatic
blood pressure.
Rationale: The collection of stable, routine data such as vital signs (including orthostatic
blood pressures) is a standard task that can be delegated to UAPs under the supervision
of a registered nurse. Administering tube feedings (A), performing sterile procedures (B),
and conducting assessments (D) are higher-level nursing functions that require clinical
,judgment, assessment skills, and are not within the UAP's legal scope of practice to
perform independently.
Question 3: A patient who is a devout Jehovah's Witness is scheduled for a
surgical procedure that may require a blood transfusion. The patient has a
valid, signed advance directive refusing blood products. How should the
healthcare team proceed?
A. Administer the blood transfusion if clinically indicated to save the patient's life,
overriding the directive.
B. Ask the patient's family to make the decision regarding the transfusion.
C. Respect the patient's advance directive and seek alternative treatments to manage
blood loss.
D. Delay the surgery until the patient changes their mind.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Respect the patient's advance directive and seek
alternative treatments to manage blood loss.
Rationale: A patient's advance directive is a legally binding document that reflects their
autonomous choices regarding medical care. The principle of autonomy dictates that
healthcare providers must respect a competent patient's right to refuse treatment, even
if it is life-saving. The team must work to find alternative strategies (e.g., cell salvage,
erythropoietin) while respecting the patient's wishes.
Question 4: A nurse is providing education to a patient about a new
prescription for an ACE inhibitor. Which of the following adverse effects is
most important for the patient to report immediately to their healthcare
provider?
A. A persistent, dry cough.
B. Dizziness when standing up.
C. Swelling of the lips and face.
D. A change in taste sensation.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Swelling of the lips and face.
Rationale: Swelling of the lips and face (angioedema) is a sign of a severe, potentially
life-threatening allergic reaction to the ACE inhibitor. This requires immediate medical
attention. While a persistent dry cough (A) and dizziness (B) are common side effects,
and taste changes (D) can occur, they do not present the same immediate risk as
angioedema.
,Question 5: Which of the following patient statements indicates an
understanding of the teaching regarding the use of a continuous positive
airway pressure (CPAP) device for obstructive sleep apnea?
A. "I should use the CPAP only when I feel short of breath."
B. "I will clean the mask with mild soap and water daily."
C. "I can stop using it once my snoring stops."
D. "The pressure setting should be adjusted by me if I feel uncomfortable."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "I will clean the mask with mild soap and water daily."
Rationale: Proper hygiene of the CPAP equipment, including cleaning the mask daily, is
essential to prevent infection and ensure the device functions effectively. The CPAP
should be used every night during sleep (A), not just when short of breath. Treatment is
ongoing (C), and the pressure setting must be adjusted only by the healthcare provider
(D).
Question 6: A nurse is caring for a patient who has a new colostomy. Which
statement by the patient indicates a positive adaptation to the change in body
image?
A. "I will never be able to go out in public again."
B. "I am so embarrassed; my spouse will not find me attractive anymore."
C. "I need to learn how to manage this ostomy so I can return to work and live my life."
D. "My life is over; there's no point in trying anything."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I need to learn how to manage this ostomy so I can
return to work and live my life."
Rationale: A positive adaptation is characterized by an acceptance of the change and a
proactive, goal-directed approach to learning self-care and returning to normal activities
of daily living. Statements of hopelessness (A, D) and extreme embarrassment (B) are
indicative of maladaptive coping or depression and require further nursing intervention.
Question 7: During a home visit, a nurse notices that an elderly patient's
medication vials are scattered on the counter, and several are expired. What is
the nurse's priority action?
A. Discard all expired medications in the trash immediately.
B. Reorganize the medications in a weekly pill organizer for the patient.
C. Assess the patient's ability to manage their medications and identify barriers.
D. Call the patient's pharmacy to refill all the prescriptions.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Assess the patient's ability to manage their
medications and identify barriers.
, Rationale: The priority is to perform a comprehensive assessment to understand the
root cause of the issue (e.g., cognitive decline, vision problems, lack of social support)
before intervening. This ensures that any intervention (like organizing medications) is
tailored to the patient's specific needs. Discarding medications (A) or immediately
refilling them (D) without assessment does not solve the underlying problem.
Question 8: A nurse is reviewing a patient's laboratory results and notes a
serum potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L. Which of the following interventions is
the priority?
A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor.
B. Administer a phosphate binder.
C. Instruct the patient to eat more potassium-rich foods.
D. Prepare to administer a potassium-wasting diuretic.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor.
Rationale: A potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia. The most critical
immediate risk of hyperkalemia is the development of life-threatening cardiac
arrhythmias. Therefore, initiating cardiac monitoring is the priority to detect and
manage any dysrhythmias. Phosphate binders (B) are for hyperphosphatemia, and the
patient should be on a potassium-restricted diet, not eating more (C). While a
potassium-wasting diuretic (D) may be used, monitoring the cardiac status is the highest
priority.
Question 9: Which of the following actions by a nurse best demonstrates the
concept of "cultural humility"?
A. Reading a textbook about the health beliefs of a specific cultural group.
B. Asking a patient to describe their personal health practices and beliefs.
C. Utilizing a standardized interpreter for all non-English speaking patients.
D. Assuming a patient's health practices based on their ethnic background.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Asking a patient to describe their personal health
practices and beliefs.
Rationale: Cultural humility is an ongoing process of self-reflection and a commitment to
understanding the patient's individual perspective. It involves asking the patient about
their own beliefs and practices (B) rather than making assumptions (D) or relying solely
on general knowledge from a textbook (A). While using an interpreter (C) is a
component of providing equitable care, it is a tool, whereas asking the patient directly
embodies the interpersonal process of cultural humility.
Nursing Profession – NR103 Study Guide, Original
Practice Questions & Answers, Nursing Assessment
Preparation, Comprehensive Course Review,
Professional Nursing Identity, Communication &
Collaboration, Emotional Intelligence, Civility,
Empathy & Caring, Information Literacy, Medical
Terminology, Mindfulness, ePortfolio & Career
Development
Question 1: A newly licensed nurse is struggling with time management during
morning care. Which of the following actions best demonstrates the principle
of prioritization using the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)?
A. Performing a bed bath before checking the patient's blood pressure.
B. Assessing a patient with a new-onset, audible wheeze before administering a routine
oral medication.
C. Answering all call lights before reviewing the morning's laboratory results.
D. Documenting a wound dressing change before assisting a patient to the commode.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Assessing a patient with a new-onset, audible wheeze
before administering a routine oral medication.
Rationale: The ABCs are the foundation of prioritization in nursing. An audible wheeze
indicates a potential airway or breathing compromise (B), which must be addressed
immediately to prevent respiratory distress or failure. Administering a routine oral
medication (A), performing a bed bath (A), or answering non-urgent call lights (C) are
lower priorities compared to a potential respiratory issue. Documenting a wound
dressing (D) is also a lower priority than a life-threatening airway concern.
Question 2: A nurse is preparing to delegate tasks to an unlicensed assistive
personnel (UAP). Which of the following tasks is within the appropriate scope
of practice for a UAP in most healthcare settings?
A. Administering enteral tube feedings via a gastrostomy tube.
B. Performing a sterile dressing change on a post-operative wound.
C. Obtaining and documenting a patient's orthostatic blood pressure.
D. Assessing the lung sounds of a patient with pneumonia.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Obtaining and documenting a patient's orthostatic
blood pressure.
Rationale: The collection of stable, routine data such as vital signs (including orthostatic
blood pressures) is a standard task that can be delegated to UAPs under the supervision
of a registered nurse. Administering tube feedings (A), performing sterile procedures (B),
and conducting assessments (D) are higher-level nursing functions that require clinical
,judgment, assessment skills, and are not within the UAP's legal scope of practice to
perform independently.
Question 3: A patient who is a devout Jehovah's Witness is scheduled for a
surgical procedure that may require a blood transfusion. The patient has a
valid, signed advance directive refusing blood products. How should the
healthcare team proceed?
A. Administer the blood transfusion if clinically indicated to save the patient's life,
overriding the directive.
B. Ask the patient's family to make the decision regarding the transfusion.
C. Respect the patient's advance directive and seek alternative treatments to manage
blood loss.
D. Delay the surgery until the patient changes their mind.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Respect the patient's advance directive and seek
alternative treatments to manage blood loss.
Rationale: A patient's advance directive is a legally binding document that reflects their
autonomous choices regarding medical care. The principle of autonomy dictates that
healthcare providers must respect a competent patient's right to refuse treatment, even
if it is life-saving. The team must work to find alternative strategies (e.g., cell salvage,
erythropoietin) while respecting the patient's wishes.
Question 4: A nurse is providing education to a patient about a new
prescription for an ACE inhibitor. Which of the following adverse effects is
most important for the patient to report immediately to their healthcare
provider?
A. A persistent, dry cough.
B. Dizziness when standing up.
C. Swelling of the lips and face.
D. A change in taste sensation.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Swelling of the lips and face.
Rationale: Swelling of the lips and face (angioedema) is a sign of a severe, potentially
life-threatening allergic reaction to the ACE inhibitor. This requires immediate medical
attention. While a persistent dry cough (A) and dizziness (B) are common side effects,
and taste changes (D) can occur, they do not present the same immediate risk as
angioedema.
,Question 5: Which of the following patient statements indicates an
understanding of the teaching regarding the use of a continuous positive
airway pressure (CPAP) device for obstructive sleep apnea?
A. "I should use the CPAP only when I feel short of breath."
B. "I will clean the mask with mild soap and water daily."
C. "I can stop using it once my snoring stops."
D. "The pressure setting should be adjusted by me if I feel uncomfortable."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "I will clean the mask with mild soap and water daily."
Rationale: Proper hygiene of the CPAP equipment, including cleaning the mask daily, is
essential to prevent infection and ensure the device functions effectively. The CPAP
should be used every night during sleep (A), not just when short of breath. Treatment is
ongoing (C), and the pressure setting must be adjusted only by the healthcare provider
(D).
Question 6: A nurse is caring for a patient who has a new colostomy. Which
statement by the patient indicates a positive adaptation to the change in body
image?
A. "I will never be able to go out in public again."
B. "I am so embarrassed; my spouse will not find me attractive anymore."
C. "I need to learn how to manage this ostomy so I can return to work and live my life."
D. "My life is over; there's no point in trying anything."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I need to learn how to manage this ostomy so I can
return to work and live my life."
Rationale: A positive adaptation is characterized by an acceptance of the change and a
proactive, goal-directed approach to learning self-care and returning to normal activities
of daily living. Statements of hopelessness (A, D) and extreme embarrassment (B) are
indicative of maladaptive coping or depression and require further nursing intervention.
Question 7: During a home visit, a nurse notices that an elderly patient's
medication vials are scattered on the counter, and several are expired. What is
the nurse's priority action?
A. Discard all expired medications in the trash immediately.
B. Reorganize the medications in a weekly pill organizer for the patient.
C. Assess the patient's ability to manage their medications and identify barriers.
D. Call the patient's pharmacy to refill all the prescriptions.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Assess the patient's ability to manage their
medications and identify barriers.
, Rationale: The priority is to perform a comprehensive assessment to understand the
root cause of the issue (e.g., cognitive decline, vision problems, lack of social support)
before intervening. This ensures that any intervention (like organizing medications) is
tailored to the patient's specific needs. Discarding medications (A) or immediately
refilling them (D) without assessment does not solve the underlying problem.
Question 8: A nurse is reviewing a patient's laboratory results and notes a
serum potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L. Which of the following interventions is
the priority?
A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor.
B. Administer a phosphate binder.
C. Instruct the patient to eat more potassium-rich foods.
D. Prepare to administer a potassium-wasting diuretic.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor.
Rationale: A potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia. The most critical
immediate risk of hyperkalemia is the development of life-threatening cardiac
arrhythmias. Therefore, initiating cardiac monitoring is the priority to detect and
manage any dysrhythmias. Phosphate binders (B) are for hyperphosphatemia, and the
patient should be on a potassium-restricted diet, not eating more (C). While a
potassium-wasting diuretic (D) may be used, monitoring the cardiac status is the highest
priority.
Question 9: Which of the following actions by a nurse best demonstrates the
concept of "cultural humility"?
A. Reading a textbook about the health beliefs of a specific cultural group.
B. Asking a patient to describe their personal health practices and beliefs.
C. Utilizing a standardized interpreter for all non-English speaking patients.
D. Assuming a patient's health practices based on their ethnic background.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Asking a patient to describe their personal health
practices and beliefs.
Rationale: Cultural humility is an ongoing process of self-reflection and a commitment to
understanding the patient's individual perspective. It involves asking the patient about
their own beliefs and practices (B) rather than making assumptions (D) or relying solely
on general knowledge from a textbook (A). While using an interpreter (C) is a
component of providing equitable care, it is a tool, whereas asking the patient directly
embodies the interpersonal process of cultural humility.
