ALABAMA NURSING LICENSURE
PREPARATION ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
1. A nurse is assessing a client who reports sudden shortness
of breath and chest pain. Which action should the nurse take
first?
A. Obtain a complete health history
B. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation
C. Ask about the client's family history
D. Administer prescribed oral medication
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Airway, breathing, and circulation are immediate
priorities when a client presents with potentially life-
threatening symptoms.
,2. Which finding is most concerning in a client receiving opioid
analgesia?
A. Pain rating of 4/10
B. Respiratory rate of 8/min
C. Heart rate of 88/min
D. Blood pressure of 128/76 mmHg
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Opioids can cause respiratory depression. A
respiratory rate of 8/min requires immediate assessment and
intervention.
3. A client with diabetes mellitus is shaky, diaphoretic, and
confused. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: Shakiness, sweating, confusion, and altered
behavior are common manifestations of hypoglycemia.
4. Which assessment finding is expected in a client with
dehydration?
A. Bounding pulse
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Orthostatic hypotension
D. Increased urine output
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fluid volume depletion can cause orthostatic
hypotension, tachycardia, dry mucous membranes, and
decreased urine output.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin. Which finding
requires the nurse to hold the medication and notify the
provider?
A. Apical pulse of 54/min
B. Respiratory rate of 18/min
C. Blood pressure of 132/78 mmHg
, D. Temperature of 98.6°F
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Digoxin can decrease heart rate. Significant
bradycardia is a reason to withhold the medication and notify
the provider.
6. Which intervention is appropriate for preventing pressure
injuries in an immobile client?
A. Massage reddened bony prominences
B. Reposition the client regularly
C. Keep the head of the bed elevated at all times
D. Use donut-shaped cushions under the sacrum
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Regular repositioning relieves pressure and reduces
tissue injury. Massage over reddened areas can worsen tissue
damage.
7. A client receiving a blood transfusion develops chills and
back pain. What should the nurse do first?
A. Slow the transfusion
PREPARATION ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
1. A nurse is assessing a client who reports sudden shortness
of breath and chest pain. Which action should the nurse take
first?
A. Obtain a complete health history
B. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation
C. Ask about the client's family history
D. Administer prescribed oral medication
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Airway, breathing, and circulation are immediate
priorities when a client presents with potentially life-
threatening symptoms.
,2. Which finding is most concerning in a client receiving opioid
analgesia?
A. Pain rating of 4/10
B. Respiratory rate of 8/min
C. Heart rate of 88/min
D. Blood pressure of 128/76 mmHg
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Opioids can cause respiratory depression. A
respiratory rate of 8/min requires immediate assessment and
intervention.
3. A client with diabetes mellitus is shaky, diaphoretic, and
confused. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: Shakiness, sweating, confusion, and altered
behavior are common manifestations of hypoglycemia.
4. Which assessment finding is expected in a client with
dehydration?
A. Bounding pulse
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Orthostatic hypotension
D. Increased urine output
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fluid volume depletion can cause orthostatic
hypotension, tachycardia, dry mucous membranes, and
decreased urine output.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin. Which finding
requires the nurse to hold the medication and notify the
provider?
A. Apical pulse of 54/min
B. Respiratory rate of 18/min
C. Blood pressure of 132/78 mmHg
, D. Temperature of 98.6°F
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Digoxin can decrease heart rate. Significant
bradycardia is a reason to withhold the medication and notify
the provider.
6. Which intervention is appropriate for preventing pressure
injuries in an immobile client?
A. Massage reddened bony prominences
B. Reposition the client regularly
C. Keep the head of the bed elevated at all times
D. Use donut-shaped cushions under the sacrum
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Regular repositioning relieves pressure and reduces
tissue injury. Massage over reddened areas can worsen tissue
damage.
7. A client receiving a blood transfusion develops chills and
back pain. What should the nurse do first?
A. Slow the transfusion
