ASU NUR 325 - Exam 1 Study Guide Questions with Correct
Answers (Grade A+)
Question 1: The nurse identifies which client as being at greatest risk for impaired coping?
a. College student with supportive family
b. Middle-aged adult with multiple chronic illnesses and no social support
c. Adolescent athlete preparing for a championship game
d. Retired older adult who volunteers weekly
Answer: B. Middle-aged adult with multiple chronic illnesses and no social support
Question 2: Which client statement reflects a maladaptive coping response?
a. "I go for a walk when I feel overwhelmed."
b. "I drink alcohol every night to help me relax."
c. "I call a friend when I'm upset."
d. "I write in a journal to clear my head."
Answer: B. "I drink alcohol every night to help me relax."
Question 3: The nurse is caring for four clients. Which client requires immediate intervention?
a. Client who states stress is motivating to finish schoolwork
b. Client who uses deep breathing before a procedure
c. Client who reports thoughts of self-harm due to overwhelming stress
d. Client who goes to the gym daily to relieve stress
Answer: C. Client who reports thoughts of self-harm due to overwhelming stress
Question 4: Which nursing action best supports a client who demonstrates ineffective coping?
a. Provide a list of medications for stress management
b. Tell the client to stop worrying
c. Limit discussions about stress to avoid overwhelming the client
d. Explore the client's usual coping strategies
Answer: D. Explore the client's usual coping strategies
Question 5: A client reports difficulty sleeping due to ongoing financial stress. Which nursing
intervention is most appropriate?
a. Encourage the client to take over-the-counter sleep aids
b. Teach the client relaxation breathing before bedtime
c. Advise the client to nap frequently during the day
d. Suggest the client watch TV in bed until falling asleep
Answer: B. Teach the client relaxation breathing before bedtime
Page 1
,Question 6: A nurse is caring for a neonate who is prescribed an antibiotic. Which developmental
factor should be nurse consider that most significantly affects the drug's pharmacokinetics?
a. Increased plasma protein binding
b. Immature liver enzyme systems
c. Increased kidney filtration rate
d. Accelerated gastric emptying
Answer: B. Immature liver enzyme systems
Question 7: A nurse is preparing a medication for a client who has impaired renal functions. Which
nursing action is most important?
a. Ensure the drug is given with meals
b. Encourage increased fluid intake
c. Administer the drug at the same time daily
d. Confirm the drug dose with the provider
Answer: D. Confirm the drug dose with the provider
Question 8: A nurse is caring for a client who reports taking two medications with similar therapeutic
effects. What is the most likely pharmacodynamic outcome of this combination?
a. Antagonistic effect
b. Additive effect
c. Decreased receptor activity
d. Reduced therapeutic effect
Answer: B. Additive effect
Question 9: A nurse explains to a client why an oral medication takes longer to work than an
intravenous medication. Which statement shows the client understands?
a. "Oral medication is absorbed more slowly because it must pass through the digestive system first"
b. "Oral medication is more powerful so it takes longer to work"
c. "Oral medication bypasses the liver so absorption takes longer"
d. "Oral medication is always less effective than IV medication"
Answer: A. "Oral medication is absorbed more slowly because it must pass through the digestive system
first"
Page 2
,Question 10: A client has a medication ordered in both oral and IV routes. The nurse is explaining to a
client the differences between intravenous (IV) medications and oral medications. Which client
statement shows comprehension?
a. "IV medications work faster because they go directly into my bloodstream"
b. "IV medications work faster because they are broken down by the digestive system"
c. "IV medications take longer to work because they must go through my liver first"
d. "IV medications work slower because they bypass the bloodstream"
Answer: A. "IV medications work faster because they go directly into my bloodstream"
Question 11: A nurse is educating a client about the use of polyethylene glycol for constipation. Which
statement by the client indicates understanding of the medication's mechanism of action?
a. "This medication will stimulate my intestine to move"
b. "It will soften my stool by drawing water into my intestines"
c. "This will increase the bulk of my stool"
d. "It will lubricate my intestines to help stool pass easier"
Answer: B. "It will soften my stool by drawing water into my intestines"
Question 12: A client with a history of chronic constipation is prescribed senna. Which adverse effect
should the nurse monitor for most closely?
a. Electrolyte imbalance
b. Intestinal obstruction
c. Urinary retention
d. Allergic reaction
Answer: A. Electrolyte imbalance
Question 13: A nurse is teaching a client about the proper use of bulk-forming laxatives. Which
instruction is most important for the nurse to emphasize?
a. Take the medication with meals
b. Avoid dairy products while using this medication
c. Drink plenty of water with each dose
d. Use the medication only for short-term relief
Answer: C. Drink plenty of water with each dose
Question 14: A client with ulcerative colitis is prescribed mesalamine. Which statement by the client
indicates understanding of the medication's mechanism of action?
a. "This medication will suppress my immune system"
b. "This will help control my diarrhea directly"
c. "It will promote healing of my intestinal ulcers"
d. "It will reduce inflammation in my intestines"
Answer: D. "It will reduce inflammation in my intestines"
Page 3
, Question 15: A nurse is reviewing a client's medication list and notes the concurrent use of docusate
and senna. What is the therapeutic rationale for this combination?
a. To counteract the side effects of each medication
b. To provide both stool softening and stimulant effects
c. To reduce the required dose of each medication
d. To prevent tolerance to either medication
Answer: B. To provide both stool softening and stimulant effects
Question 16: A client is schedule for an elective left hip replacement. During the pre-operative teaching,
the nurse is reviewing the client's current medications and post-operative medication plan. Which
statement made by the client indicates the need for additional teaching?
a. "I will discontinue use of high-dose aspirin 48 hours before the procedure"
b. "If I experience difficulty breathing or swelling in my tongue and lips, c. "I will take a stimulant laxative
after the procedure to avoid the risk of constipation from the opioid medications"
d. "I will continue to take all medications as prescribed before the procedure, including high-dose aspirin"
Answer: D. "I will continue to take all medications as prescribed before the procedure, including high-dose
aspirin"
Question 17: A 40-year-old client is recovering from abdominal surgery and is prescribed IV morphine
for severe postoperative pain. After receiving a dose, the client reports pain relief but the nurse notes a
respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min., drowsiness, and shallow breathing. Which action should the nurse
take first?
a. Notify the healthcare provider
b. Administer naloxone as prescribed
c. Place the client on their side
d. Decrease the next morphine dose
Answer: B. Administer naloxone as prescribed
Question 18: A 67-year-old client with osteoarthritis is prescribed naproxen for chronic joint pain.
During a follow-up visit, the client reports new onset of dark, tarry stools. Which teaching point should
the nurse reinforce?
a. "This is a normal side effect; continue taking the medication"
b. "Increase your fluid intake to help with the stool changes"
c. "Stop taking the medication and notify your healthcare provider immediately"
d. "Take an antacid to reduce stomach upset and continue the drug"
Answer: C. "Stop taking the medication and notify your healthcare provider immediately"
Page 4
Answers (Grade A+)
Question 1: The nurse identifies which client as being at greatest risk for impaired coping?
a. College student with supportive family
b. Middle-aged adult with multiple chronic illnesses and no social support
c. Adolescent athlete preparing for a championship game
d. Retired older adult who volunteers weekly
Answer: B. Middle-aged adult with multiple chronic illnesses and no social support
Question 2: Which client statement reflects a maladaptive coping response?
a. "I go for a walk when I feel overwhelmed."
b. "I drink alcohol every night to help me relax."
c. "I call a friend when I'm upset."
d. "I write in a journal to clear my head."
Answer: B. "I drink alcohol every night to help me relax."
Question 3: The nurse is caring for four clients. Which client requires immediate intervention?
a. Client who states stress is motivating to finish schoolwork
b. Client who uses deep breathing before a procedure
c. Client who reports thoughts of self-harm due to overwhelming stress
d. Client who goes to the gym daily to relieve stress
Answer: C. Client who reports thoughts of self-harm due to overwhelming stress
Question 4: Which nursing action best supports a client who demonstrates ineffective coping?
a. Provide a list of medications for stress management
b. Tell the client to stop worrying
c. Limit discussions about stress to avoid overwhelming the client
d. Explore the client's usual coping strategies
Answer: D. Explore the client's usual coping strategies
Question 5: A client reports difficulty sleeping due to ongoing financial stress. Which nursing
intervention is most appropriate?
a. Encourage the client to take over-the-counter sleep aids
b. Teach the client relaxation breathing before bedtime
c. Advise the client to nap frequently during the day
d. Suggest the client watch TV in bed until falling asleep
Answer: B. Teach the client relaxation breathing before bedtime
Page 1
,Question 6: A nurse is caring for a neonate who is prescribed an antibiotic. Which developmental
factor should be nurse consider that most significantly affects the drug's pharmacokinetics?
a. Increased plasma protein binding
b. Immature liver enzyme systems
c. Increased kidney filtration rate
d. Accelerated gastric emptying
Answer: B. Immature liver enzyme systems
Question 7: A nurse is preparing a medication for a client who has impaired renal functions. Which
nursing action is most important?
a. Ensure the drug is given with meals
b. Encourage increased fluid intake
c. Administer the drug at the same time daily
d. Confirm the drug dose with the provider
Answer: D. Confirm the drug dose with the provider
Question 8: A nurse is caring for a client who reports taking two medications with similar therapeutic
effects. What is the most likely pharmacodynamic outcome of this combination?
a. Antagonistic effect
b. Additive effect
c. Decreased receptor activity
d. Reduced therapeutic effect
Answer: B. Additive effect
Question 9: A nurse explains to a client why an oral medication takes longer to work than an
intravenous medication. Which statement shows the client understands?
a. "Oral medication is absorbed more slowly because it must pass through the digestive system first"
b. "Oral medication is more powerful so it takes longer to work"
c. "Oral medication bypasses the liver so absorption takes longer"
d. "Oral medication is always less effective than IV medication"
Answer: A. "Oral medication is absorbed more slowly because it must pass through the digestive system
first"
Page 2
,Question 10: A client has a medication ordered in both oral and IV routes. The nurse is explaining to a
client the differences between intravenous (IV) medications and oral medications. Which client
statement shows comprehension?
a. "IV medications work faster because they go directly into my bloodstream"
b. "IV medications work faster because they are broken down by the digestive system"
c. "IV medications take longer to work because they must go through my liver first"
d. "IV medications work slower because they bypass the bloodstream"
Answer: A. "IV medications work faster because they go directly into my bloodstream"
Question 11: A nurse is educating a client about the use of polyethylene glycol for constipation. Which
statement by the client indicates understanding of the medication's mechanism of action?
a. "This medication will stimulate my intestine to move"
b. "It will soften my stool by drawing water into my intestines"
c. "This will increase the bulk of my stool"
d. "It will lubricate my intestines to help stool pass easier"
Answer: B. "It will soften my stool by drawing water into my intestines"
Question 12: A client with a history of chronic constipation is prescribed senna. Which adverse effect
should the nurse monitor for most closely?
a. Electrolyte imbalance
b. Intestinal obstruction
c. Urinary retention
d. Allergic reaction
Answer: A. Electrolyte imbalance
Question 13: A nurse is teaching a client about the proper use of bulk-forming laxatives. Which
instruction is most important for the nurse to emphasize?
a. Take the medication with meals
b. Avoid dairy products while using this medication
c. Drink plenty of water with each dose
d. Use the medication only for short-term relief
Answer: C. Drink plenty of water with each dose
Question 14: A client with ulcerative colitis is prescribed mesalamine. Which statement by the client
indicates understanding of the medication's mechanism of action?
a. "This medication will suppress my immune system"
b. "This will help control my diarrhea directly"
c. "It will promote healing of my intestinal ulcers"
d. "It will reduce inflammation in my intestines"
Answer: D. "It will reduce inflammation in my intestines"
Page 3
, Question 15: A nurse is reviewing a client's medication list and notes the concurrent use of docusate
and senna. What is the therapeutic rationale for this combination?
a. To counteract the side effects of each medication
b. To provide both stool softening and stimulant effects
c. To reduce the required dose of each medication
d. To prevent tolerance to either medication
Answer: B. To provide both stool softening and stimulant effects
Question 16: A client is schedule for an elective left hip replacement. During the pre-operative teaching,
the nurse is reviewing the client's current medications and post-operative medication plan. Which
statement made by the client indicates the need for additional teaching?
a. "I will discontinue use of high-dose aspirin 48 hours before the procedure"
b. "If I experience difficulty breathing or swelling in my tongue and lips, c. "I will take a stimulant laxative
after the procedure to avoid the risk of constipation from the opioid medications"
d. "I will continue to take all medications as prescribed before the procedure, including high-dose aspirin"
Answer: D. "I will continue to take all medications as prescribed before the procedure, including high-dose
aspirin"
Question 17: A 40-year-old client is recovering from abdominal surgery and is prescribed IV morphine
for severe postoperative pain. After receiving a dose, the client reports pain relief but the nurse notes a
respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min., drowsiness, and shallow breathing. Which action should the nurse
take first?
a. Notify the healthcare provider
b. Administer naloxone as prescribed
c. Place the client on their side
d. Decrease the next morphine dose
Answer: B. Administer naloxone as prescribed
Question 18: A 67-year-old client with osteoarthritis is prescribed naproxen for chronic joint pain.
During a follow-up visit, the client reports new onset of dark, tarry stools. Which teaching point should
the nurse reinforce?
a. "This is a normal side effect; continue taking the medication"
b. "Increase your fluid intake to help with the stool changes"
c. "Stop taking the medication and notify your healthcare provider immediately"
d. "Take an antacid to reduce stomach upset and continue the drug"
Answer: C. "Stop taking the medication and notify your healthcare provider immediately"
Page 4
