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NR324 CJE EXAM 2026/2027
Adult Health I — Clinical Judgment Examination Practice
Questions & Verified Answers | Complete Exam Prep Study Guide | High-
Yield Practice Test | Well-Explained Solutions & Detailed Rationales
Institution: Chamberlain University
Course: NR324 – Adult Health I
Academic Year: 2026/2027
RESOURCE DESIGNATION: VERIFIED A+ NOTES • UPDATED 2026/2027
• EXAM SUCCESS RESOURCES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Content Questions
I Introduction & Clinical Judgment Foundations 1–24
II Core Concepts & Adult Health 25–48
III Applied Clinical Scenarios 49–72
IV Critical Thinking & Prioritization 73–96
V Review Questions & High-Yield Practice 97–120
SECTION I — INTRODUCTION & CLINICAL JUDGMENT FOUNDATIONS
Question 1
A nurse begins an assessment of a hospitalized adult client. Which action should the nurse
perform first?
,A. Review the client's discharge instructions
B. Determine the client's immediate airway, breathing, and circulation status
C. Ask the client about family history
D. Complete the medication reconciliation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Airway, breathing, and circulation represent immediate physiologic priorities. A
potentially life-threatening ABC problem must be identified and treated before less urgent
assessment activities.
Question 2
Which finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A. Pain rated 5/10
B. Temperature of 37.6°C (99.7°F)
C. Oxygen saturation of 84% with new dyspnea
D. Client requesting assistance with bathing
Correct answer: C
Rationale: New dyspnea accompanied by significant hypoxemia represents an immediate threat
to oxygenation. The nurse should assess and intervene promptly rather than address routine
comfort needs first.
Question 3
Which nursing action best demonstrates clinical judgment?
A. Following every intervention in alphabetical order
B. Recognizing a change in condition, interpreting its significance, and selecting an appropriate
intervention
C. Completing documentation before assessment
D. Waiting for the provider to identify all changes
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Clinical judgment requires recognizing relevant cues, analyzing them, determining
priorities, taking action, and evaluating outcomes. It is more than simply following a checklist.
Question 4
,A client reports sudden chest pressure radiating to the jaw. What is the nurse's priority?
A. Obtain a detailed dietary history
B. Encourage ambulation
C. Assess vital signs and initiate appropriate emergency cardiac assessment
D. Schedule routine laboratory testing for the next morning
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Sudden chest pressure with radiation is concerning for acute coronary syndrome.
Immediate assessment and emergency intervention are warranted.
Question 5
Which assessment finding is most concerning in a postoperative client?
A. Incisional pain rated 4/10
B. Urine output of 35 mL/hr
C. New confusion and oxygen saturation of 86%
D. Mild nausea after anesthesia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: New altered mental status can occur with inadequate oxygenation, hypoperfusion,
infection, or other serious complications. The low oxygen saturation makes this an immediate
priority.
Question 6
The nurse uses the nursing process primarily to:
A. Replace clinical reasoning
B. Provide a systematic framework for individualized care
C. Eliminate the need for reassessment
D. Ensure that all clients receive identical interventions
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation provide a
structured approach to individualized nursing care. Reassessment and clinical judgment remain
essential throughout the process.
Question 7
, Which finding is an example of an objective cue?
A. “I feel dizzy.”
B. “My pain is terrible.”
C. Blood pressure 88/54 mm Hg
D. “I am worried.”
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Objective data are measurable or observable findings. Blood pressure can be directly
measured, whereas the other choices represent subjective client reports.
Question 8
A nurse receives four client reports. Which client should be assessed first?
A. Stable client requesting a snack
B. Client with chronic arthritis reporting usual pain
C. Client with COPD who suddenly becomes confused and restless
D. Client awaiting routine discharge instructions
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Sudden confusion and restlessness in a client with COPD may indicate worsening
hypoxemia or respiratory failure. Acute changes in oxygenation take priority over routine needs.
Question 9
Which statement best describes delegation?
A. The RN transfers accountability for nursing care to another person
B. The RN assigns appropriate tasks while retaining accountability for overall nursing care
C. Any task may be delegated if the unit is busy
D. Delegation eliminates the need for supervision
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Delegation involves assigning appropriate activities to qualified personnel while the
RN retains accountability for nursing care and must provide appropriate supervision.
Question 10
Which client statement demonstrates effective teach-back?