Fall SemeSter 2025 | atI rN CoNCept-BaSed
aSSeSSmeNt level 1 (moduleS 1–100) | 200+
verIFIed praCtICe QueStIoNS wIth CorreCt
aNSwerS & detaIled ratIoNaleS |
CompreheNSIve NurSINg FuNdameNtalS,
pharmaCology, aNd medICal-SurgICal Study
guIde For NCleX rN & atI eXamS
Module 1: Basic Nursing Concepts
Question 1:
A nurse is assessing a patient who has just undergone a total hip replacement. Which
finding would indicate a potential complication?
A. Increased pain and swelling in the affected leg
B. Clear and warm skin over the surgical site
C. Normal range of motion in the unaffected leg
D. Ability to bear weight on the affected leg
Correct answer: A. Increased pain and swelling in the affected leg
Rationale: Increased pain and swelling may indicate complications such as hematoma
formation or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Monitoring for such signs is critical after
surgery.
Question 2:
A nurse is teaching a patient with hypertension about dietary changes. Which statement
by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will reduce my intake of processed foods."
B. "I can continue to use salt in my cooking."
C. "I will eat more fruits and vegetables."
D. "I should limit my intake of saturated fats."
Correct answer: B. "I can continue to use salt in my cooking."
Rationale: Patients with hypertension should limit sodium intake to help manage blood
pressure. This statement indicates a lack of understanding regarding dietary
modifications necessary for hypertension management.
Module 2: Pharmacology
Question 3:
A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). What is the most important
nursing intervention prior to administering this medication?
A. Assess the patient's pain level.
,B. Check the patient's potassium level.
C. Monitor the patient's blood sugar level.
D. Evaluate the patient's respiratory status.
Correct answer: B. Check the patient's potassium level.
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium depletion.
Assessing potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to serious
cardiac complications.
Question 4:
A nurse is caring for a patient receiving warfarin (Coumadin). Which lab value is most
important to monitor?
A. Hemoglobin
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Platelet count
D. Prothrombin time (PT)
Correct answer: B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
Rationale: The INR is the primary lab value used to monitor the effectiveness of
warfarin therapy and ensure the patient remains within a safe therapeutic range to
prevent thromboembolic events.
Module 3: Medical-Surgical Nursing
Question 5:
A patient with diabetes mellitus is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which
finding would the nurse expect to assess?
A. Rapid, deep respirations (Kussmaul respirations)
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypotension
D. Decreased urine output
Correct answer: A. Rapid, deep respirations (Kussmaul respirations)
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory response to metabolic acidosis,
which occurs in DKA. The body attempts to exhale excess carbon dioxide to correct the
acid-base imbalance.
Question 6:
A nurse is preparing to discharge a patient who has undergone gastric bypass surgery.
Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further education?
A. "I will take vitamin supplements as prescribed."
B. "I can eat anything I want now, just in smaller portions."
,C. "I need to eat protein first during meals."
D. "I will avoid high-sugar foods."
Correct answer: B. "I can eat anything I want now, just in smaller portions."
Rationale: This statement reflects a misunderstanding of dietary restrictions after
gastric bypass surgery. Patients must adhere to specific dietary guidelines to prevent
complications like dumping syndrome.
Module 4: Maternal and Child Health
Question 7:
A nurse is caring for a newborn who is experiencing jaundice. What is the most
appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Monitor bilirubin levels.
B. Increase the newborn's feeding schedule.
C. Place the newborn in a dark room.
D. Administer vitamin K.
Correct answer: A. Monitor bilirubin levels.
Rationale: Monitoring bilirubin levels is crucial in assessing the severity of jaundice and
determining the need for treatment such as phototherapy.
Question 8:
A pregnant patient at 28 weeks gestation is diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Which
teaching point is most important for the nurse to emphasize?
A. "You will likely need insulin during labor."
B. "Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly."
C. "You can stop monitoring your blood sugar after delivery."
D. "Dietary changes are not necessary."
Correct answer: B. "Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly."
Rationale: Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential for managing
gestational diabetes and preventing complications for both the mother and the baby.
Module 5: Mental Health Nursing
Question 9:
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which
statement by the patient indicates a risk for suicide?
A. "I feel sad sometimes."
B. "I have been thinking about ending my life."
C. "I enjoy spending time with my family."
D. "I am trying to find things that make me happy."
, Correct answer: B. "I have been thinking about ending my life."
Rationale: This statement clearly indicates suicidal ideation, which requires immediate
intervention and assessment by the healthcare team to ensure patient safety.
Question 10:
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI). What is an appropriate nursing consideration?
A. Monitor for increased anxiety during the initial weeks.
B. Advise the patient to avoid all caffeine.
C. Schedule follow-up visits every six months.
D. Discontinue the medication if symptoms improve.
Correct answer: A. Monitor for increased anxiety during the initial weeks.
Rationale: SSRIs may initially increase anxiety before providing therapeutic effects;
therefore, monitoring the patient closely during this period is essential.
Module 6: Community Health
Question 11:
A community health nurse is conducting a health education program on hypertension.
Which statement should be included in the teaching?
A. "Hypertension is only a concern for older adults."
B. "Lifestyle modifications can significantly lower blood pressure."
C. "Medications are the only effective treatment."
D. "Stress has no impact on blood pressure."
Correct answer: B. "Lifestyle modifications can significantly lower blood pressure."
Rationale: This statement emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes like diet,
exercise, and stress management in controlling hypertension.
Question 12:
A nurse is involved in a community outreach program focused on preventing obesity.
Which strategy is most effective?
A. Promoting physical activity in schools.
B. Distributing pamphlets on diet.
C. Encouraging families to eat out less often.
D. Providing individual counseling sessions.
Correct answer: A. Promoting physical activity in schools.
Rationale: Implementing programs that promote physical activity in schools can have a
broad impact on the community's overall health and combat obesity from an early age
Module 7: Pathophysiology
aSSeSSmeNt level 1 (moduleS 1–100) | 200+
verIFIed praCtICe QueStIoNS wIth CorreCt
aNSwerS & detaIled ratIoNaleS |
CompreheNSIve NurSINg FuNdameNtalS,
pharmaCology, aNd medICal-SurgICal Study
guIde For NCleX rN & atI eXamS
Module 1: Basic Nursing Concepts
Question 1:
A nurse is assessing a patient who has just undergone a total hip replacement. Which
finding would indicate a potential complication?
A. Increased pain and swelling in the affected leg
B. Clear and warm skin over the surgical site
C. Normal range of motion in the unaffected leg
D. Ability to bear weight on the affected leg
Correct answer: A. Increased pain and swelling in the affected leg
Rationale: Increased pain and swelling may indicate complications such as hematoma
formation or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Monitoring for such signs is critical after
surgery.
Question 2:
A nurse is teaching a patient with hypertension about dietary changes. Which statement
by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will reduce my intake of processed foods."
B. "I can continue to use salt in my cooking."
C. "I will eat more fruits and vegetables."
D. "I should limit my intake of saturated fats."
Correct answer: B. "I can continue to use salt in my cooking."
Rationale: Patients with hypertension should limit sodium intake to help manage blood
pressure. This statement indicates a lack of understanding regarding dietary
modifications necessary for hypertension management.
Module 2: Pharmacology
Question 3:
A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). What is the most important
nursing intervention prior to administering this medication?
A. Assess the patient's pain level.
,B. Check the patient's potassium level.
C. Monitor the patient's blood sugar level.
D. Evaluate the patient's respiratory status.
Correct answer: B. Check the patient's potassium level.
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium depletion.
Assessing potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to serious
cardiac complications.
Question 4:
A nurse is caring for a patient receiving warfarin (Coumadin). Which lab value is most
important to monitor?
A. Hemoglobin
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Platelet count
D. Prothrombin time (PT)
Correct answer: B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
Rationale: The INR is the primary lab value used to monitor the effectiveness of
warfarin therapy and ensure the patient remains within a safe therapeutic range to
prevent thromboembolic events.
Module 3: Medical-Surgical Nursing
Question 5:
A patient with diabetes mellitus is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which
finding would the nurse expect to assess?
A. Rapid, deep respirations (Kussmaul respirations)
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypotension
D. Decreased urine output
Correct answer: A. Rapid, deep respirations (Kussmaul respirations)
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory response to metabolic acidosis,
which occurs in DKA. The body attempts to exhale excess carbon dioxide to correct the
acid-base imbalance.
Question 6:
A nurse is preparing to discharge a patient who has undergone gastric bypass surgery.
Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further education?
A. "I will take vitamin supplements as prescribed."
B. "I can eat anything I want now, just in smaller portions."
,C. "I need to eat protein first during meals."
D. "I will avoid high-sugar foods."
Correct answer: B. "I can eat anything I want now, just in smaller portions."
Rationale: This statement reflects a misunderstanding of dietary restrictions after
gastric bypass surgery. Patients must adhere to specific dietary guidelines to prevent
complications like dumping syndrome.
Module 4: Maternal and Child Health
Question 7:
A nurse is caring for a newborn who is experiencing jaundice. What is the most
appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Monitor bilirubin levels.
B. Increase the newborn's feeding schedule.
C. Place the newborn in a dark room.
D. Administer vitamin K.
Correct answer: A. Monitor bilirubin levels.
Rationale: Monitoring bilirubin levels is crucial in assessing the severity of jaundice and
determining the need for treatment such as phototherapy.
Question 8:
A pregnant patient at 28 weeks gestation is diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Which
teaching point is most important for the nurse to emphasize?
A. "You will likely need insulin during labor."
B. "Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly."
C. "You can stop monitoring your blood sugar after delivery."
D. "Dietary changes are not necessary."
Correct answer: B. "Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly."
Rationale: Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential for managing
gestational diabetes and preventing complications for both the mother and the baby.
Module 5: Mental Health Nursing
Question 9:
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which
statement by the patient indicates a risk for suicide?
A. "I feel sad sometimes."
B. "I have been thinking about ending my life."
C. "I enjoy spending time with my family."
D. "I am trying to find things that make me happy."
, Correct answer: B. "I have been thinking about ending my life."
Rationale: This statement clearly indicates suicidal ideation, which requires immediate
intervention and assessment by the healthcare team to ensure patient safety.
Question 10:
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI). What is an appropriate nursing consideration?
A. Monitor for increased anxiety during the initial weeks.
B. Advise the patient to avoid all caffeine.
C. Schedule follow-up visits every six months.
D. Discontinue the medication if symptoms improve.
Correct answer: A. Monitor for increased anxiety during the initial weeks.
Rationale: SSRIs may initially increase anxiety before providing therapeutic effects;
therefore, monitoring the patient closely during this period is essential.
Module 6: Community Health
Question 11:
A community health nurse is conducting a health education program on hypertension.
Which statement should be included in the teaching?
A. "Hypertension is only a concern for older adults."
B. "Lifestyle modifications can significantly lower blood pressure."
C. "Medications are the only effective treatment."
D. "Stress has no impact on blood pressure."
Correct answer: B. "Lifestyle modifications can significantly lower blood pressure."
Rationale: This statement emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes like diet,
exercise, and stress management in controlling hypertension.
Question 12:
A nurse is involved in a community outreach program focused on preventing obesity.
Which strategy is most effective?
A. Promoting physical activity in schools.
B. Distributing pamphlets on diet.
C. Encouraging families to eat out less often.
D. Providing individual counseling sessions.
Correct answer: A. Promoting physical activity in schools.
Rationale: Implementing programs that promote physical activity in schools can have a
broad impact on the community's overall health and combat obesity from an early age
Module 7: Pathophysiology
