Louisiana State University LSU NURS 402 Exam 1 Practice Test
1. Which assessment is the priority when admitting a client with an acute medical-surgical
condition?
A. Sleep pattern
B. Family history
C. Dietary preferences
D. Airway, breathing, and circulation
Answer: D
Rationale: The ABCs identify immediate life-threatening problems.
2. A client reports sudden severe shortness of breath. What should the nurse assess first?
A. Dietary intake
B. Last bowel movement
C. Respiratory status and oxygen saturation
D. Sleep history
Answer: C
Rationale: Acute dyspnea may indicate respiratory compromise and requires immediate
assessment.
3. Which finding indicates increased work of breathing?
A. Use of accessory muscles
B. Respiratory rate of 16/min
C. Regular breathing pattern
D. Clear speech without dyspnea
Answer: A
Rationale: Accessory muscle use indicates increased respiratory effort.
4. A client has a respiratory rate of 30/min, oxygen saturation of 84%, and cyanosis. Which
action is the priority?
A. Apply oxygen as prescribed and assess the airway
B. Offer oral fluids
C. Obtain a dietary history
D. Encourage ambulation
1. Which assessment is the priority when admitting a client with an acute medical-surgical
condition?
A. Sleep pattern
B. Family history
C. Dietary preferences
D. Airway, breathing, and circulation
Answer: D
Rationale: The ABCs identify immediate life-threatening problems.
2. A client reports sudden severe shortness of breath. What should the nurse assess first?
A. Dietary intake
B. Last bowel movement
C. Respiratory status and oxygen saturation
D. Sleep history
Answer: C
Rationale: Acute dyspnea may indicate respiratory compromise and requires immediate
assessment.
3. Which finding indicates increased work of breathing?
A. Use of accessory muscles
B. Respiratory rate of 16/min
C. Regular breathing pattern
D. Clear speech without dyspnea
Answer: A
Rationale: Accessory muscle use indicates increased respiratory effort.
4. A client has a respiratory rate of 30/min, oxygen saturation of 84%, and cyanosis. Which
action is the priority?
A. Apply oxygen as prescribed and assess the airway
B. Offer oral fluids
C. Obtain a dietary history
D. Encourage ambulation
