NUR 170- NUR 171 COMPREHENSIVE
PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.32, a PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and an HCO3 of 25 mEq/L.
Which acid-base imbalance is the patient experiencing?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the normal range (22-26), it is
uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. When delegating tasks to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP), which task is most
appropriate for the nurse to assign?
A. Assisting a stable patient with ambulation
B. Evaluating the effectiveness of a pain medication
C. Assessing a new admission’s skin integrity
,D. Teaching a patient how to use an incentive spirometer
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: UAPs can perform routine tasks on stable patients, such as ADLs
and ambulation. Assessment, evaluation, and teaching are responsibilities of the Registered
Nurse.
3. A patient is prescribed Digoxin 0.125 mg daily. Which of the following clinical
manifestations should the nurse identify as an early sign of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Anorexia and nausea
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Tachycardia
D. Constipation
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Early signs of digoxin toxicity are often gastrointestinal, such as
anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as visual disturbances like yellow-green
halos.
4. Which physiological change is a common early sign of hypoxia in an adult patient?
A. Cyanosis of the mucous membranes
B. Bradycardia
C. Decreased respiratory rate
, D. Restlessness and agitation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Restlessness, agitation, and apprehension are early signs of
hypoxia due to the brain’s sensitivity to declining oxygen levels. Cyanosis is a late sign.
5. A nurse is caring for a patient with Pulmonary Tuberculosis. Which type of precautions
must be implemented?
A. Droplet Precautions
B. Contact Precautions
C. Airborne Precautions
D. Standard Precautions only
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Tuberculosis is transmitted via small droplets that remain
suspended in the air; therefore, Airborne Precautions (including a private negative-
pressure room and N95 respirator) are required.
6. The nurse is using the SBAR communication tool. Under which letter would the nurse
report the patient’s current vital signs and mental status?
A. A (Assessment)
B. B (Background)
C. S (Situation)
PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.32, a PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and an HCO3 of 25 mEq/L.
Which acid-base imbalance is the patient experiencing?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the normal range (22-26), it is
uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. When delegating tasks to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP), which task is most
appropriate for the nurse to assign?
A. Assisting a stable patient with ambulation
B. Evaluating the effectiveness of a pain medication
C. Assessing a new admission’s skin integrity
,D. Teaching a patient how to use an incentive spirometer
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: UAPs can perform routine tasks on stable patients, such as ADLs
and ambulation. Assessment, evaluation, and teaching are responsibilities of the Registered
Nurse.
3. A patient is prescribed Digoxin 0.125 mg daily. Which of the following clinical
manifestations should the nurse identify as an early sign of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Anorexia and nausea
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Tachycardia
D. Constipation
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Early signs of digoxin toxicity are often gastrointestinal, such as
anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as visual disturbances like yellow-green
halos.
4. Which physiological change is a common early sign of hypoxia in an adult patient?
A. Cyanosis of the mucous membranes
B. Bradycardia
C. Decreased respiratory rate
, D. Restlessness and agitation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Restlessness, agitation, and apprehension are early signs of
hypoxia due to the brain’s sensitivity to declining oxygen levels. Cyanosis is a late sign.
5. A nurse is caring for a patient with Pulmonary Tuberculosis. Which type of precautions
must be implemented?
A. Droplet Precautions
B. Contact Precautions
C. Airborne Precautions
D. Standard Precautions only
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Tuberculosis is transmitted via small droplets that remain
suspended in the air; therefore, Airborne Precautions (including a private negative-
pressure room and N95 respirator) are required.
6. The nurse is using the SBAR communication tool. Under which letter would the nurse
report the patient’s current vital signs and mental status?
A. A (Assessment)
B. B (Background)
C. S (Situation)
