NUR 176 FINAL EXAM | NURSING EXAM QUESTIONS &
EXAM REVIEW COMPLETE WITH 100% VERIFIED
ANSWERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Domain Approx. Page
Questions Reference
Section I Diabetes Mellitus 35 Page 2
Section Dementia & Alzheimer's 35 Page 8
II Disease
Section Stroke Assessment & 35 Page 15
III Intervention
Section Seizure Disorders 30 Page 22
IV
Section Meningitis 30 Page 28
V
Section Patient Safety Protocols 35 Page 34
VI
SECTION I: DIABETES MELLITUS
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient with Type 1 diabetes. Which finding
indicates an immediate need for further assessment?
,A) "My dad and his dad had pancreatic cancer"
B) "I check my blood sugar before meals"
C) "I have been feeling increasingly thirsty and urinating more at night"
D) "I take my insulin glargine in the morning"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increased thirst (polydipsia) and urination (polyuria) are
classic signs of hyperglycemia and potential diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA),
requiring immediate assessment. Family history of pancreatic cancer
and morning insulin routines are expected findings.
Question 2
A patient with Type 2 diabetes is prescribed metformin. Which
instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
A) "Take this medication on an empty stomach."
B) "Report any muscle pain or difficulty breathing."
C) "You can skip doses if you feel your blood sugar is normal."
D) "Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin carries a risk of lactic acidosis, which is
exacerbated by alcohol consumption. It should be taken with meals to
reduce GI upset. Muscle pain and breathing difficulties are not typical
side effects of metformin.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a patient experiencing hypoglycemia. Which early
manifestation should the nurse expect to find?
A) Kussmaul respirations
B) Diaphoresis and tremors
C) Fruity breath odor
D) Deep, rapid breathing
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diaphoresis, tremors, palpitations, and anxiety are early signs
of hypoglycemia due to the release of catecholamines. Kussmaul
respirations and fruity breath are signs of hyperglycemia/DKA.
Question 4
A patient with diabetes is scheduled for surgery. The nurse understands
that the primary goal of preoperative management for this patient is to:
A) Maintain blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.
B) Withhold all insulin to prevent intraoperative hypoglycemia.
C) Administer a large dose of long-acting insulin the morning of surgery.
D) Encourage a high-carbohydrate meal the night before surgery.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Maintaining euglycemia (normal blood glucose)
preoperatively reduces the risk of surgical complications, including poor
wound healing and infection. Insulin is typically adjusted, not withheld
entirely, and long-acting insulin doses are often held or reduced to
prevent hypoglycemia during fasting.
Question 5
A nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about proper foot care.
Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I will cut my toenails straight across."
B) "I will soak my feet in warm water daily."
C) "I will inspect my feet every day for cuts or blisters."
D) "I will wear closed-toe shoes that fit well."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Soaking feet can lead to maceration (softening) of the skin,
increasing the risk of infection and breakdown. Patients with diabetes
, should wash feet daily but avoid soaking. The other statements are
correct foot care practices.
Question 6
A patient with Type 1 diabetes is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis
(DKA). Which laboratory value should the nurse expect to see?
A) Blood pH of 7.50
B) Serum bicarbonate of 28 mEq/L
C) Blood glucose of 450 mg/dL
D) Serum potassium of 5.8 mEq/L
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia (usually >250 mg/dL),
metabolic acidosis (low pH, low bicarbonate), and ketonemia. A pH of
7.50 indicates alkalosis. While potassium may be elevated or normal
initially due to shifts, glucose of 450 mg/dL is a hallmark finding.
Question 7
A nurse is administering regular insulin to a patient. When should the
nurse expect the peak action of this insulin to occur?
A) 30 minutes
B) 2 to 4 hours
C) 6 to 8 hours
D) 12 to 16 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Regular insulin has an onset of 30-60 minutes, a peak of 2-4
hours, and a duration of 6-8 hours. Knowing the peak time is crucial to
monitor for hypoglycemia.
Question 8
A patient with diabetes presents to the emergency department with a
EXAM REVIEW COMPLETE WITH 100% VERIFIED
ANSWERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Domain Approx. Page
Questions Reference
Section I Diabetes Mellitus 35 Page 2
Section Dementia & Alzheimer's 35 Page 8
II Disease
Section Stroke Assessment & 35 Page 15
III Intervention
Section Seizure Disorders 30 Page 22
IV
Section Meningitis 30 Page 28
V
Section Patient Safety Protocols 35 Page 34
VI
SECTION I: DIABETES MELLITUS
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient with Type 1 diabetes. Which finding
indicates an immediate need for further assessment?
,A) "My dad and his dad had pancreatic cancer"
B) "I check my blood sugar before meals"
C) "I have been feeling increasingly thirsty and urinating more at night"
D) "I take my insulin glargine in the morning"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increased thirst (polydipsia) and urination (polyuria) are
classic signs of hyperglycemia and potential diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA),
requiring immediate assessment. Family history of pancreatic cancer
and morning insulin routines are expected findings.
Question 2
A patient with Type 2 diabetes is prescribed metformin. Which
instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
A) "Take this medication on an empty stomach."
B) "Report any muscle pain or difficulty breathing."
C) "You can skip doses if you feel your blood sugar is normal."
D) "Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin carries a risk of lactic acidosis, which is
exacerbated by alcohol consumption. It should be taken with meals to
reduce GI upset. Muscle pain and breathing difficulties are not typical
side effects of metformin.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a patient experiencing hypoglycemia. Which early
manifestation should the nurse expect to find?
A) Kussmaul respirations
B) Diaphoresis and tremors
C) Fruity breath odor
D) Deep, rapid breathing
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diaphoresis, tremors, palpitations, and anxiety are early signs
of hypoglycemia due to the release of catecholamines. Kussmaul
respirations and fruity breath are signs of hyperglycemia/DKA.
Question 4
A patient with diabetes is scheduled for surgery. The nurse understands
that the primary goal of preoperative management for this patient is to:
A) Maintain blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.
B) Withhold all insulin to prevent intraoperative hypoglycemia.
C) Administer a large dose of long-acting insulin the morning of surgery.
D) Encourage a high-carbohydrate meal the night before surgery.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Maintaining euglycemia (normal blood glucose)
preoperatively reduces the risk of surgical complications, including poor
wound healing and infection. Insulin is typically adjusted, not withheld
entirely, and long-acting insulin doses are often held or reduced to
prevent hypoglycemia during fasting.
Question 5
A nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about proper foot care.
Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I will cut my toenails straight across."
B) "I will soak my feet in warm water daily."
C) "I will inspect my feet every day for cuts or blisters."
D) "I will wear closed-toe shoes that fit well."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Soaking feet can lead to maceration (softening) of the skin,
increasing the risk of infection and breakdown. Patients with diabetes
, should wash feet daily but avoid soaking. The other statements are
correct foot care practices.
Question 6
A patient with Type 1 diabetes is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis
(DKA). Which laboratory value should the nurse expect to see?
A) Blood pH of 7.50
B) Serum bicarbonate of 28 mEq/L
C) Blood glucose of 450 mg/dL
D) Serum potassium of 5.8 mEq/L
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia (usually >250 mg/dL),
metabolic acidosis (low pH, low bicarbonate), and ketonemia. A pH of
7.50 indicates alkalosis. While potassium may be elevated or normal
initially due to shifts, glucose of 450 mg/dL is a hallmark finding.
Question 7
A nurse is administering regular insulin to a patient. When should the
nurse expect the peak action of this insulin to occur?
A) 30 minutes
B) 2 to 4 hours
C) 6 to 8 hours
D) 12 to 16 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Regular insulin has an onset of 30-60 minutes, a peak of 2-4
hours, and a duration of 6-8 hours. Knowing the peak time is crucial to
monitor for hypoglycemia.
Question 8
A patient with diabetes presents to the emergency department with a
