NRSG 3320 EXAM 1 CARE OF ADULTS 1
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
1. Cardiovascular System: Heart Failure, Pulmonary Edema, Hypertension
2. Perioperative Nursing Care
3. Respiratory System: Oxygenation, Airway Management
4. Musculoskeletal System: Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis
5. Medication Administration and Safety
6. Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
7. Cellular Function and Stress Response
8. Pain Management and Comfort
9. Health Promotion, Disparities, and Cultural Competence
10. Legal and Ethical Considerations
Introduction
The NRSG 3320 Exam 1: Care of Adults 1 Examination is the comprehensive
assessment designed to evaluate the nursing student's mastery of foundational
adult health nursing concepts. This exam assesses the application of the
nursing process in caring for adults with acute and chronic health conditions,
with emphasis on cardiovascular, respiratory, and perioperative care. The
multiple-choice and scenario-based format requires candidates to demonstrate
critical thinking in prioritization, medication safety, patient education, and
recognition of complications. This examination ensures students are prepared
to deliver safe, evidence-based, and patient-centered care to adult populations
across diverse clinical settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
,1. A client with chronic heart failure suddenly develops severe dyspnea,
bilateral crackles, and pink frothy sputum. What is the nurse's priority
action?
A. Place the client upright
B. Encourage oral fluids
C. Obtain a daily weight
D. Place the client supine
Correct Answer: A
RATIONALE: The client is experiencing acute pulmonary edema. The
priority is to place the client in a high Fowler's or upright position to decrease
venous return (preload) and improve lung expansion.
2. A client taking furosemide for heart failure has a potassium level of
2.8 mEq/L. Which finding requires the most immediate attention?
A. Muscle cramps
B. Fatigue
C. Irregular pulse
D. Increased urination
Correct Answer: C
RATIONALE: An irregular pulse may indicate cardiac dysrhythmias, a life-
threatening complication of hypokalemia. Muscle cramps and fatigue are less
urgent symptoms.
3. A client with heart failure has gained 2.5 kg over 3 days. Which
finding best explains the weight gain?
A. Increased muscle mass
B. Fluid retention
C. Increased bone density
D. Reduced metabolic rate
, Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE: Rapid weight gain in heart failure typically indicates fluid
retention due to worsening cardiac function and inadequate diuresis.
4. A client with hypertension has a blood pressure of 186/118 mm Hg
and reports new blurred vision and severe headache. Which action is
the priority?
A. Recheck the pressure tomorrow
B. Encourage ambulation
C. Assess for target-organ injury
D. Offer a low-sodium meal
Correct Answer: C
RATIONALE: This presentation suggests a hypertensive emergency. The
priority is to assess for target-organ damage (e.g., stroke, retinal hemorrhage)
to guide emergency treatment.
5. A postoperative client becomes restless and confused 30 minutes
after returning to the unit. Respirations are shallow at 9/min. What
should the nurse do first?
A. Assess oxygenation and airway
B. Administer prescribed analgesic
C. Encourage oral fluids
D. Assist the client to ambulate
Correct Answer: A
RATIONALE: Restlessness, confusion, and shallow respirations are early
signs of hypoxia. The nurse must first assess airway, breathing, and
oxygenation.
6. Before surgery, which finding should the nurse report immediately?
A. Mild anxiety
B. Allergy to latex
, C. Request for family visitation
D. Question about postoperative pain
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE: A latex allergy is a critical safety concern that requires
immediate notification to prevent a life-threatening allergic reaction during
surgery.
7. A postoperative client suddenly reports unilateral calf pain and
shortness of breath. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Atelectasis
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Constipation
D. Urinary retention
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE: Unilateral calf pain and sudden shortness of breath are
classic signs of deep vein thrombosis that has embolized to the lungs
(pulmonary embolism).
8. Which intervention is most effective for reducing postoperative
atelectasis?
A. Limiting activity
B. Incentive spirometry
C. Restricting fluids
D. Maintaining supine positioning
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE: Incentive spirometry encourages deep breathing and
alveolar expansion, which prevents and treats atelectasis.
9. A client returns from abdominal surgery with a respiratory rate of
28/min, oxygen saturation of 88%, and increasing anxiety. Which action
should the nurse take first?
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
1. Cardiovascular System: Heart Failure, Pulmonary Edema, Hypertension
2. Perioperative Nursing Care
3. Respiratory System: Oxygenation, Airway Management
4. Musculoskeletal System: Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis
5. Medication Administration and Safety
6. Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
7. Cellular Function and Stress Response
8. Pain Management and Comfort
9. Health Promotion, Disparities, and Cultural Competence
10. Legal and Ethical Considerations
Introduction
The NRSG 3320 Exam 1: Care of Adults 1 Examination is the comprehensive
assessment designed to evaluate the nursing student's mastery of foundational
adult health nursing concepts. This exam assesses the application of the
nursing process in caring for adults with acute and chronic health conditions,
with emphasis on cardiovascular, respiratory, and perioperative care. The
multiple-choice and scenario-based format requires candidates to demonstrate
critical thinking in prioritization, medication safety, patient education, and
recognition of complications. This examination ensures students are prepared
to deliver safe, evidence-based, and patient-centered care to adult populations
across diverse clinical settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
,1. A client with chronic heart failure suddenly develops severe dyspnea,
bilateral crackles, and pink frothy sputum. What is the nurse's priority
action?
A. Place the client upright
B. Encourage oral fluids
C. Obtain a daily weight
D. Place the client supine
Correct Answer: A
RATIONALE: The client is experiencing acute pulmonary edema. The
priority is to place the client in a high Fowler's or upright position to decrease
venous return (preload) and improve lung expansion.
2. A client taking furosemide for heart failure has a potassium level of
2.8 mEq/L. Which finding requires the most immediate attention?
A. Muscle cramps
B. Fatigue
C. Irregular pulse
D. Increased urination
Correct Answer: C
RATIONALE: An irregular pulse may indicate cardiac dysrhythmias, a life-
threatening complication of hypokalemia. Muscle cramps and fatigue are less
urgent symptoms.
3. A client with heart failure has gained 2.5 kg over 3 days. Which
finding best explains the weight gain?
A. Increased muscle mass
B. Fluid retention
C. Increased bone density
D. Reduced metabolic rate
, Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE: Rapid weight gain in heart failure typically indicates fluid
retention due to worsening cardiac function and inadequate diuresis.
4. A client with hypertension has a blood pressure of 186/118 mm Hg
and reports new blurred vision and severe headache. Which action is
the priority?
A. Recheck the pressure tomorrow
B. Encourage ambulation
C. Assess for target-organ injury
D. Offer a low-sodium meal
Correct Answer: C
RATIONALE: This presentation suggests a hypertensive emergency. The
priority is to assess for target-organ damage (e.g., stroke, retinal hemorrhage)
to guide emergency treatment.
5. A postoperative client becomes restless and confused 30 minutes
after returning to the unit. Respirations are shallow at 9/min. What
should the nurse do first?
A. Assess oxygenation and airway
B. Administer prescribed analgesic
C. Encourage oral fluids
D. Assist the client to ambulate
Correct Answer: A
RATIONALE: Restlessness, confusion, and shallow respirations are early
signs of hypoxia. The nurse must first assess airway, breathing, and
oxygenation.
6. Before surgery, which finding should the nurse report immediately?
A. Mild anxiety
B. Allergy to latex
, C. Request for family visitation
D. Question about postoperative pain
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE: A latex allergy is a critical safety concern that requires
immediate notification to prevent a life-threatening allergic reaction during
surgery.
7. A postoperative client suddenly reports unilateral calf pain and
shortness of breath. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Atelectasis
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Constipation
D. Urinary retention
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE: Unilateral calf pain and sudden shortness of breath are
classic signs of deep vein thrombosis that has embolized to the lungs
(pulmonary embolism).
8. Which intervention is most effective for reducing postoperative
atelectasis?
A. Limiting activity
B. Incentive spirometry
C. Restricting fluids
D. Maintaining supine positioning
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE: Incentive spirometry encourages deep breathing and
alveolar expansion, which prevents and treats atelectasis.
9. A client returns from abdominal surgery with a respiratory rate of
28/min, oxygen saturation of 88%, and increasing anxiety. Which action
should the nurse take first?
