NSG 3160 FINAL EXAM
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS AND
EXPLANATIONS
1. A nurse manager is implementing a new bedside shift report protocol. According to Lewin’s
Change Theory, which action represents the ‘unfreezing’ stage?
A. Evaluating the effectiveness of the new report format after one month.
B. Providing educational sessions to staff about the risks of current reporting methods.
C. Integrating the new protocol into the formal unit policy manual.
D. Mentoring ‘super-users’ to assist colleagues during the transition.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Unfreezing involves creating the motivation to change by
helping individuals realize that the current status quo is no longer effective.
2. Which task is most appropriate for the RN to delegate to an experienced Licensed Practical
Nurse (LPN)?
A. Assessing a newly admitted patient with chest pain.
,B. Developing a plan of care for a patient with a new diagnosis of diabetes.
C. Administering a scheduled dose of subcutaneous heparin.
D. Titrating an intravenous norepinephrine infusion for a patient in septic shock.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: LPNs can administer medications via most routes; however,
assessment, care planning, and titration of critical drips require the judgment of an RN.
3. A patient with a T6 spinal cord injury reports a sudden, severe headache and has a blood
pressure of 190/110 mmHg. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer prescribed PRN antihypertensive medication.
B. Check the patient’s bladder for distension or a blocked catheter.
C. Place the patient in a supine position immediately.
D. Notify the health care provider to request a STAT CT scan.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: These are classic signs of Autonomic Dysreflexia. The priority is
to sit the patient up and then identify/remove the noxious stimulus, most commonly a full
bladder.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient in the compensatory stage of shock. Which clinical finding
should the nurse expect?
A. Metabolic acidosis with a decreasing pH.
, B. Narrowing pulse pressure and increased heart rate.
C. Cold, clammy skin and decreased urinary output.
D. Mottling of the extremities and lethargy.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In the compensatory stage, the body attempts to maintain CO.
Tachycardia and narrowing pulse pressure occur due to sympathetic nervous system
activation.
5. In a research study comparing two wound dressings, the ‘P’ in the PICO mnemonic stands
for:
A. Protocol followed by the researchers.
B. Patient, Population, or Problem.
C. Probability of a successful outcome.
D. Professional nursing intervention.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: PICO stands for Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison,
and Outcome.
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS AND
EXPLANATIONS
1. A nurse manager is implementing a new bedside shift report protocol. According to Lewin’s
Change Theory, which action represents the ‘unfreezing’ stage?
A. Evaluating the effectiveness of the new report format after one month.
B. Providing educational sessions to staff about the risks of current reporting methods.
C. Integrating the new protocol into the formal unit policy manual.
D. Mentoring ‘super-users’ to assist colleagues during the transition.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Unfreezing involves creating the motivation to change by
helping individuals realize that the current status quo is no longer effective.
2. Which task is most appropriate for the RN to delegate to an experienced Licensed Practical
Nurse (LPN)?
A. Assessing a newly admitted patient with chest pain.
,B. Developing a plan of care for a patient with a new diagnosis of diabetes.
C. Administering a scheduled dose of subcutaneous heparin.
D. Titrating an intravenous norepinephrine infusion for a patient in septic shock.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: LPNs can administer medications via most routes; however,
assessment, care planning, and titration of critical drips require the judgment of an RN.
3. A patient with a T6 spinal cord injury reports a sudden, severe headache and has a blood
pressure of 190/110 mmHg. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer prescribed PRN antihypertensive medication.
B. Check the patient’s bladder for distension or a blocked catheter.
C. Place the patient in a supine position immediately.
D. Notify the health care provider to request a STAT CT scan.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: These are classic signs of Autonomic Dysreflexia. The priority is
to sit the patient up and then identify/remove the noxious stimulus, most commonly a full
bladder.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient in the compensatory stage of shock. Which clinical finding
should the nurse expect?
A. Metabolic acidosis with a decreasing pH.
, B. Narrowing pulse pressure and increased heart rate.
C. Cold, clammy skin and decreased urinary output.
D. Mottling of the extremities and lethargy.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In the compensatory stage, the body attempts to maintain CO.
Tachycardia and narrowing pulse pressure occur due to sympathetic nervous system
activation.
5. In a research study comparing two wound dressings, the ‘P’ in the PICO mnemonic stands
for:
A. Protocol followed by the researchers.
B. Patient, Population, or Problem.
C. Probability of a successful outcome.
D. Professional nursing intervention.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: PICO stands for Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison,
and Outcome.
