NRSG 3320 EXAM 1 CARE OF ADULTS 1
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
• Cardiac Conditions and Heart Failure Management
• Hypertension and Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Perioperative Nursing Care
• Musculoskeletal Conditions and Fracture Management
, • Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
• Older Adult Care and Sensory Changes
• Pain Assessment and Management
• Respiratory Complications and Oxygenation
Introduction
This examination assesses the nursing student's ability to apply foundational
medical-surgical concepts to the care of adults experiencing acute and chronic
health alterations. The exam evaluates knowledge across cardiac, vascular,
musculoskeletal, perioperative, and fluid-balance domains. Items are presented
in multiple-choice and scenario-based formats designed to simulate real-world
clinical decision-making. Emphasis is placed on prioritization, safety, evidence-
based interventions, and the application of the nursing process to diverse
patient populations. The examination challenges candidates to integrate
pathophysiology, pharmacology, and assessment skills while demonstrating
professional judgment and ethical practice.
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.
RATIONALE: The client is exhibiting signs of acute pulmonary edema.
Placing the client upright (High Fowler's position) promotes lung expansion
and reduces venous return, improving oxygenation. Supine positioning would
,worsen respiratory distress by increasing venous return and compressing the
diaphragm.
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. Increased urination
C. Irregular pulse
D. Blood pressure 128/76 mm Hg
C. Irregular pulse
RATIONALE: Hypokalemia predisposes the client to cardiac
dysrhythmias. While muscle cramps are a symptom of low potassium, an
irregular pulse indicates cardiac irritability and potential life-threatening
dysrhythmias requiring immediate intervention.
3. 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.
RATIONALE: The client is experiencing a hypertensive crisis with signs of
end-organ damage (blurred vision, severe headache). The priority is
immediate assessment for target-organ injury (neurologic, cardiac, renal) to
guide emergency treatment. Offering a meal delays critical intervention.
, 4. 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. Administer prescribed analgesic.
B. Assess oxygenation and airway.
C. Assist the client to ambulate.
D. Document the findings.
B. Assess oxygenation and airway.
RATIONALE: Restlessness and confusion with shallow respirations
indicate inadequate oxygenation, possibly from anesthesia or opioid effects.
The nurse must first assess airway, breathing, and circulation before any other
intervention.
5. 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
RATIONALE: A latex allergy places the client at risk for anaphylaxis
during surgery. This must be reported immediately so that a latex-free
environment can be ensured. Mild anxiety and questions about pain are
expected and managed through teaching.
6. A postoperative client suddenly reports unilateral calf pain and
shortness of breath. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Atelectasis
B. Urinary retention
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
• Cardiac Conditions and Heart Failure Management
• Hypertension and Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Perioperative Nursing Care
• Musculoskeletal Conditions and Fracture Management
, • Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
• Older Adult Care and Sensory Changes
• Pain Assessment and Management
• Respiratory Complications and Oxygenation
Introduction
This examination assesses the nursing student's ability to apply foundational
medical-surgical concepts to the care of adults experiencing acute and chronic
health alterations. The exam evaluates knowledge across cardiac, vascular,
musculoskeletal, perioperative, and fluid-balance domains. Items are presented
in multiple-choice and scenario-based formats designed to simulate real-world
clinical decision-making. Emphasis is placed on prioritization, safety, evidence-
based interventions, and the application of the nursing process to diverse
patient populations. The examination challenges candidates to integrate
pathophysiology, pharmacology, and assessment skills while demonstrating
professional judgment and ethical practice.
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.
RATIONALE: The client is exhibiting signs of acute pulmonary edema.
Placing the client upright (High Fowler's position) promotes lung expansion
and reduces venous return, improving oxygenation. Supine positioning would
,worsen respiratory distress by increasing venous return and compressing the
diaphragm.
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. Increased urination
C. Irregular pulse
D. Blood pressure 128/76 mm Hg
C. Irregular pulse
RATIONALE: Hypokalemia predisposes the client to cardiac
dysrhythmias. While muscle cramps are a symptom of low potassium, an
irregular pulse indicates cardiac irritability and potential life-threatening
dysrhythmias requiring immediate intervention.
3. 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.
RATIONALE: The client is experiencing a hypertensive crisis with signs of
end-organ damage (blurred vision, severe headache). The priority is
immediate assessment for target-organ injury (neurologic, cardiac, renal) to
guide emergency treatment. Offering a meal delays critical intervention.
, 4. 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. Administer prescribed analgesic.
B. Assess oxygenation and airway.
C. Assist the client to ambulate.
D. Document the findings.
B. Assess oxygenation and airway.
RATIONALE: Restlessness and confusion with shallow respirations
indicate inadequate oxygenation, possibly from anesthesia or opioid effects.
The nurse must first assess airway, breathing, and circulation before any other
intervention.
5. 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
RATIONALE: A latex allergy places the client at risk for anaphylaxis
during surgery. This must be reported immediately so that a latex-free
environment can be ensured. Mild anxiety and questions about pain are
expected and managed through teaching.
6. A postoperative client suddenly reports unilateral calf pain and
shortness of breath. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Atelectasis
B. Urinary retention
