NURS 143 MIDTERM EXAM– QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED
ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS| LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027] –
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES |
GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
CORE DOMAINS
Foundations of Nursing Practice
Health Assessment and Physical Examination
Pharmacology and Medication Administration
Infection Control and Safety
Ethics, Legal, and Professional Standards
Maternal and Newborn Care
Pediatric Nursing
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Mental Health Nursing
Community and Public Health Nursing
INTRODUCTION
This examination is designed to evaluate the comprehensive knowledge, clinical reasoning, and
professional judgment of nursing students preparing for midterm-level practice. It assesses foundational
theory, applied professional knowledge, technical concepts, regulatory and legal compliance, ethics, and
real-world workplace decision-making. The assessment utilizes multiple-choice and scenario-based
questions that emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application. Students are
expected to demonstrate understanding, analysis, and sound professional judgment across diverse
patient care situations. This exam reflects the rigorous standards required for safe, effective, and ethical
nursing practice in contemporary healthcare environments.
SECTION ONE – QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a patient. Which of the following is the most
important initial action?
A. Verify the patient's name and date of birth
B. Check the medication expiration date
C. Review the patient's allergy history
D. Confirm the route of administration
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 Explanation: Verifying the patient's identity using two identifiers is the first and most critical step in
the medication administration process to prevent errors.
Question 2
A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which assessment finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Blood pressure of 118/72 mm Hg
B. Urine output of 50 mL/hr
C. Serum potassium of 3.1 mEq/L
,D. Weight loss of 0.5 kg in 24 hours
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia. A potassium level of 3.1
mEq/L is below normal and can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias, requiring immediate intervention.
Question 3
A nurse is teaching a patient about a low-sodium diet. Which food should the patient avoid?
A. Fresh apples
B. Canned soup
C. Steamed broccoli
D. Grilled chicken without seasoning
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: Canned soups are typically high in sodium due to added salt as a preservative and
flavor enhancer. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and unseasoned meats are lower in sodium.
Question 4
A postoperative patient reports sudden shortness of breath and chest pain. The nurse suspects a
pulmonary embolism. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer prescribed pain medication
B. Elevate the head of the bed and administer oxygen
C. Encourage the patient to cough and deep breathe
D. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: For a suspected pulmonary embolism, priority interventions include stabilizing
oxygenation by elevating the head of the bed and administering oxygen, then notifying the provider
immediately.
Question 5
A nurse is performing a focused assessment on a patient with asthma. Which finding indicates a severe
exacerbation?
A. Oxygen saturation of 94% on room air
B. Use of accessory muscles for breathing
C. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute
D. Occasional wheezing on expiration
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: Use of accessory muscles indicates increased work of breathing and is a sign of severe
respiratory distress in asthma exacerbation.
Question 6
A patient is prescribed warfarin. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate
therapeutic effectiveness?
A. Activated partial thromboplastin time
B. International normalized ratio
C. Platelet count
D. Bleeding time
🟢 Correct answer: B
,🔴 Explanation: Warfarin therapy is monitored using the international normalized ratio, which reflects
the extrinsic pathway of coagulation.
Question 7
A nurse is caring for a patient with a new colostomy. Which statement by the patient indicates a need
for further teaching?
A. "I should empty the pouch when it is one-third full."
B. "I can use a pouch deodorant to control odor."
C. "I should avoid eating foods that cause gas."
D. "I will change the pouch every day."
🟢 Correct answer: D
🔴 Explanation: Colostomy pouches typically need to be changed every 3 to 7 days, not daily, unless
there is leakage or skin irritation. Daily changes can damage the skin.
Question 8
A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected meningitis. Which finding is most indicative of meningeal
irritation?
A. Positive Babinski sign
B. Positive Kernig sign
C. Dilated pupils
D. Bradycardia
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: Kernig sign is a classic indicator of meningeal irritation, along with Brudzinski sign and
nuchal rigidity.
Question 9
A patient with type 1 diabetes has a blood glucose level of 45 mg/dL. Which action should the nurse
take first?
A. Administer insulin as prescribed
B. Give 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate
C. Start an intravenous infusion of normal saline
D. Recheck the blood glucose in 30 minutes
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: A blood glucose of 45 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia. The initial treatment is to
administer 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate, then recheck in 15 minutes.
Question 10
A nurse is preparing to insert a urinary catheter. Which action maintains sterile technique?
A. Using dominant hand to insert the catheter
B. Cleansing the meatus from back to front
C. Keeping the catheter tip sterile at all times
D. Reusing the same cotton ball for cleansing
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 Explanation: Maintaining the sterility of the catheter tip is essential to prevent introducing
microorganisms into the urinary tract.
, Question 11
A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone. Which
finding should the nurse expect?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Decreased urine osmolality
C. Dilutional hyponatremia
D. Polyuria
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 Explanation: SIADH causes excessive water retention, leading to dilutional hyponatremia and
concentrated urine.
Question 12
A nurse is caring for a patient receiving a blood transfusion. Which finding indicates a hemolytic
reaction?
A. Temperature elevation of 1°F
B. Mild urticaria
C. Low back pain and dark urine
D. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 Explanation: Hemolytic transfusion reactions present with flank or low back pain, fever, chills, and
hemoglobinuria (dark urine) due to red blood cell destruction.
Question 13
A nurse is teaching a patient about self-administration of insulin. Which statement indicates correct
understanding?
A. "I will inject into the same site each time."
B. "I should rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy."
C. "I will massage the site after injection."
D. "I should store insulin in the freezer."
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: Rotating injection sites prevents lipodystrophy, which can affect insulin absorption.
Insulin should be stored in the refrigerator, not the freezer.
Question 14
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is receiving oxygen therapy. Which oxygen
delivery method is most appropriate?
A. Nasal cannula at 6 L/min
B. Simple face mask at 10 L/min
C. Venturi mask at 2 L/min
D. Non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 Explanation: Venturi mask provides precise oxygen concentrations and is ideal for COPD patients
who require controlled oxygen therapy to avoid carbon dioxide retention.
Question 15
A nurse is assessing a patient with dehydration. Which finding is most consistent with this condition?
A. Bounding pulse
ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS| LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027] –
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES |
GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
CORE DOMAINS
Foundations of Nursing Practice
Health Assessment and Physical Examination
Pharmacology and Medication Administration
Infection Control and Safety
Ethics, Legal, and Professional Standards
Maternal and Newborn Care
Pediatric Nursing
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Mental Health Nursing
Community and Public Health Nursing
INTRODUCTION
This examination is designed to evaluate the comprehensive knowledge, clinical reasoning, and
professional judgment of nursing students preparing for midterm-level practice. It assesses foundational
theory, applied professional knowledge, technical concepts, regulatory and legal compliance, ethics, and
real-world workplace decision-making. The assessment utilizes multiple-choice and scenario-based
questions that emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application. Students are
expected to demonstrate understanding, analysis, and sound professional judgment across diverse
patient care situations. This exam reflects the rigorous standards required for safe, effective, and ethical
nursing practice in contemporary healthcare environments.
SECTION ONE – QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a patient. Which of the following is the most
important initial action?
A. Verify the patient's name and date of birth
B. Check the medication expiration date
C. Review the patient's allergy history
D. Confirm the route of administration
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 Explanation: Verifying the patient's identity using two identifiers is the first and most critical step in
the medication administration process to prevent errors.
Question 2
A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which assessment finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Blood pressure of 118/72 mm Hg
B. Urine output of 50 mL/hr
C. Serum potassium of 3.1 mEq/L
,D. Weight loss of 0.5 kg in 24 hours
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia. A potassium level of 3.1
mEq/L is below normal and can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias, requiring immediate intervention.
Question 3
A nurse is teaching a patient about a low-sodium diet. Which food should the patient avoid?
A. Fresh apples
B. Canned soup
C. Steamed broccoli
D. Grilled chicken without seasoning
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: Canned soups are typically high in sodium due to added salt as a preservative and
flavor enhancer. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and unseasoned meats are lower in sodium.
Question 4
A postoperative patient reports sudden shortness of breath and chest pain. The nurse suspects a
pulmonary embolism. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer prescribed pain medication
B. Elevate the head of the bed and administer oxygen
C. Encourage the patient to cough and deep breathe
D. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: For a suspected pulmonary embolism, priority interventions include stabilizing
oxygenation by elevating the head of the bed and administering oxygen, then notifying the provider
immediately.
Question 5
A nurse is performing a focused assessment on a patient with asthma. Which finding indicates a severe
exacerbation?
A. Oxygen saturation of 94% on room air
B. Use of accessory muscles for breathing
C. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute
D. Occasional wheezing on expiration
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: Use of accessory muscles indicates increased work of breathing and is a sign of severe
respiratory distress in asthma exacerbation.
Question 6
A patient is prescribed warfarin. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate
therapeutic effectiveness?
A. Activated partial thromboplastin time
B. International normalized ratio
C. Platelet count
D. Bleeding time
🟢 Correct answer: B
,🔴 Explanation: Warfarin therapy is monitored using the international normalized ratio, which reflects
the extrinsic pathway of coagulation.
Question 7
A nurse is caring for a patient with a new colostomy. Which statement by the patient indicates a need
for further teaching?
A. "I should empty the pouch when it is one-third full."
B. "I can use a pouch deodorant to control odor."
C. "I should avoid eating foods that cause gas."
D. "I will change the pouch every day."
🟢 Correct answer: D
🔴 Explanation: Colostomy pouches typically need to be changed every 3 to 7 days, not daily, unless
there is leakage or skin irritation. Daily changes can damage the skin.
Question 8
A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected meningitis. Which finding is most indicative of meningeal
irritation?
A. Positive Babinski sign
B. Positive Kernig sign
C. Dilated pupils
D. Bradycardia
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: Kernig sign is a classic indicator of meningeal irritation, along with Brudzinski sign and
nuchal rigidity.
Question 9
A patient with type 1 diabetes has a blood glucose level of 45 mg/dL. Which action should the nurse
take first?
A. Administer insulin as prescribed
B. Give 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate
C. Start an intravenous infusion of normal saline
D. Recheck the blood glucose in 30 minutes
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: A blood glucose of 45 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia. The initial treatment is to
administer 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate, then recheck in 15 minutes.
Question 10
A nurse is preparing to insert a urinary catheter. Which action maintains sterile technique?
A. Using dominant hand to insert the catheter
B. Cleansing the meatus from back to front
C. Keeping the catheter tip sterile at all times
D. Reusing the same cotton ball for cleansing
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 Explanation: Maintaining the sterility of the catheter tip is essential to prevent introducing
microorganisms into the urinary tract.
, Question 11
A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone. Which
finding should the nurse expect?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Decreased urine osmolality
C. Dilutional hyponatremia
D. Polyuria
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 Explanation: SIADH causes excessive water retention, leading to dilutional hyponatremia and
concentrated urine.
Question 12
A nurse is caring for a patient receiving a blood transfusion. Which finding indicates a hemolytic
reaction?
A. Temperature elevation of 1°F
B. Mild urticaria
C. Low back pain and dark urine
D. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 Explanation: Hemolytic transfusion reactions present with flank or low back pain, fever, chills, and
hemoglobinuria (dark urine) due to red blood cell destruction.
Question 13
A nurse is teaching a patient about self-administration of insulin. Which statement indicates correct
understanding?
A. "I will inject into the same site each time."
B. "I should rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy."
C. "I will massage the site after injection."
D. "I should store insulin in the freezer."
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: Rotating injection sites prevents lipodystrophy, which can affect insulin absorption.
Insulin should be stored in the refrigerator, not the freezer.
Question 14
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is receiving oxygen therapy. Which oxygen
delivery method is most appropriate?
A. Nasal cannula at 6 L/min
B. Simple face mask at 10 L/min
C. Venturi mask at 2 L/min
D. Non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 Explanation: Venturi mask provides precise oxygen concentrations and is ideal for COPD patients
who require controlled oxygen therapy to avoid carbon dioxide retention.
Question 15
A nurse is assessing a patient with dehydration. Which finding is most consistent with this condition?
A. Bounding pulse
