WGU D454 ADULT HEALTH III
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT (OA) 2026
EDITION COMPLETE QUESTION
BANK
INSTRUCTIONS: Select the BEST answer for each
question. Each question includes
the correct answer and a detailed rationale for study
purposes.
EXAM BLUEPRINT (D454 Adult Health III):
- Complex Cardiovascular Disorders (Heart Failure,
MI, Shock) — 30 Questions
- Respiratory Disorders (COPD, ARDS, Pneumonia,
Ventilator Management) — 25 Questions
- Endocrine Emergencies (DKA, Thyroid Storm,
Adrenal Crisis) — 20 Questions
1
,- Renal & Hepatic Disorders (CKD, Cirrhosis,
Hepatic Encephalopathy) — 25 Questions
- Neurological Disorders (ICP, Stroke, Seizures) —
25 Questions
- Burns & Trauma — 15 Questions
- Hematologic Disorders — 15 Questions
- Advanced Pharmacology — 20 Questions
- Critical Care & Hemodynamic Monitoring — 15
Questions
- End-of-Life & Palliative Care — 10 Questions
SECTION 1: COMPLEX CARDIOVASCULAR
DISORDERS (Questions 1-30)
Q1. A client with a history of heart failure is
admitted with acute shortness
2
,of breath, crackles in both lung bases, and an SpO₂
of 88% on room air.
Which nursing action should the nurse take FIRST?
A) Administer prescribed IV furosemide
B) Apply supplemental oxygen
C) Place the client in high Fowler's position
D) Obtain a stat chest X-ray
Answer: B
Explanation: The priority is to address airway,
breathing, and circulation
(ABCs). Hypoxemia (SpO₂ 88%) is an immediate
threat, so applying oxygen to
improve oxygenation is the first action before other
interventions .
3
, Q2. A patient with heart failure has a BNP level of
1,200 pg/mL. The nurse
interprets this result as:
A) Within normal limits
B) Indicating acute decompensated heart failure
C) Indicating mild heart failure
D) Indicating renal failure
Answer: B
Explanation: BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) is a
marker of ventricular
stretch and volume overload. Levels >100 pg/mL
suggest heart failure, and
levels >500 pg/mL indicate acute decompensated
heart failure requiring
immediate intervention .
4
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT (OA) 2026
EDITION COMPLETE QUESTION
BANK
INSTRUCTIONS: Select the BEST answer for each
question. Each question includes
the correct answer and a detailed rationale for study
purposes.
EXAM BLUEPRINT (D454 Adult Health III):
- Complex Cardiovascular Disorders (Heart Failure,
MI, Shock) — 30 Questions
- Respiratory Disorders (COPD, ARDS, Pneumonia,
Ventilator Management) — 25 Questions
- Endocrine Emergencies (DKA, Thyroid Storm,
Adrenal Crisis) — 20 Questions
1
,- Renal & Hepatic Disorders (CKD, Cirrhosis,
Hepatic Encephalopathy) — 25 Questions
- Neurological Disorders (ICP, Stroke, Seizures) —
25 Questions
- Burns & Trauma — 15 Questions
- Hematologic Disorders — 15 Questions
- Advanced Pharmacology — 20 Questions
- Critical Care & Hemodynamic Monitoring — 15
Questions
- End-of-Life & Palliative Care — 10 Questions
SECTION 1: COMPLEX CARDIOVASCULAR
DISORDERS (Questions 1-30)
Q1. A client with a history of heart failure is
admitted with acute shortness
2
,of breath, crackles in both lung bases, and an SpO₂
of 88% on room air.
Which nursing action should the nurse take FIRST?
A) Administer prescribed IV furosemide
B) Apply supplemental oxygen
C) Place the client in high Fowler's position
D) Obtain a stat chest X-ray
Answer: B
Explanation: The priority is to address airway,
breathing, and circulation
(ABCs). Hypoxemia (SpO₂ 88%) is an immediate
threat, so applying oxygen to
improve oxygenation is the first action before other
interventions .
3
, Q2. A patient with heart failure has a BNP level of
1,200 pg/mL. The nurse
interprets this result as:
A) Within normal limits
B) Indicating acute decompensated heart failure
C) Indicating mild heart failure
D) Indicating renal failure
Answer: B
Explanation: BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) is a
marker of ventricular
stretch and volume overload. Levels >100 pg/mL
suggest heart failure, and
levels >500 pg/mL indicate acute decompensated
heart failure requiring
immediate intervention .
4
