APEA Comprehensive Nursing Practice Exam – 50 Questions
1. The normal range for adult respiratory rate is:
A. 10–14
B. 12–20
C. 20–28
D. 8–16
Answer: B
Explanation: Normal adult respiration is 12–20 breaths per minute; deviation indicates
respiratory distress or disease.
2. Which vitamin is essential for blood clotting?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin K
D. Vitamin C
Answer: C
Explanation: Vitamin K is required for the synthesis of prothrombin, which aids in blood
clotting.
3. The main function of red blood cells is to:
A. Fight infection
B. Transport oxygen
C. Produce antibodies
D. Form clots
Answer: B
Explanation: Hemoglobin in RBCs binds oxygen for transport to body tissues.
4. The nurse identifies cyanosis by observing:
,A. Pale skin
B. Bluish discoloration
C. Flushed skin
D. Yellowish tint
Answer: B
Explanation: Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin caused by low oxygen levels
in the blood.
5. The best site to assess pulse in an unconscious adult is:
A. Radial
B. Carotid
C. Apical
D. Brachial
Answer: B
Explanation: The carotid pulse is accessible and strong, especially during cardiac arrest
assessment.
6. Which precaution prevents spread of tuberculosis?
A. Contact
B. Airborne
C. Droplet
D. Reverse isolation
Answer: B
Explanation: TB spreads through airborne particles; N95 masks and negative pressure
rooms are used.
7. A patient with low potassium (hypokalemia) is at risk for:
A. Muscle spasms
, B. Cardiac arrhythmia
C. Hypertension
D. Jaundice
Answer: B
Explanation: Potassium maintains cardiac electrical activity; deficiency can cause
arrhythmias.
8. The first sound heard during blood pressure measurement represents:
A. Diastolic pressure
B. Systolic pressure
C. Pulse pressure
D. Mean arterial pressure
Answer: B
Explanation: The first Korotkoff sound indicates systolic pressure, showing left
ventricular contraction.
9. Which injection route has the fastest absorption rate?
A. Subcutaneous
B. Intradermal
C. Intravenous
D. Intramuscular
Answer: C
Explanation: IV injections deliver medication directly into the bloodstream for immediate
effect.
10. Hand hygiene should be performed for at least:
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
1. The normal range for adult respiratory rate is:
A. 10–14
B. 12–20
C. 20–28
D. 8–16
Answer: B
Explanation: Normal adult respiration is 12–20 breaths per minute; deviation indicates
respiratory distress or disease.
2. Which vitamin is essential for blood clotting?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin K
D. Vitamin C
Answer: C
Explanation: Vitamin K is required for the synthesis of prothrombin, which aids in blood
clotting.
3. The main function of red blood cells is to:
A. Fight infection
B. Transport oxygen
C. Produce antibodies
D. Form clots
Answer: B
Explanation: Hemoglobin in RBCs binds oxygen for transport to body tissues.
4. The nurse identifies cyanosis by observing:
,A. Pale skin
B. Bluish discoloration
C. Flushed skin
D. Yellowish tint
Answer: B
Explanation: Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin caused by low oxygen levels
in the blood.
5. The best site to assess pulse in an unconscious adult is:
A. Radial
B. Carotid
C. Apical
D. Brachial
Answer: B
Explanation: The carotid pulse is accessible and strong, especially during cardiac arrest
assessment.
6. Which precaution prevents spread of tuberculosis?
A. Contact
B. Airborne
C. Droplet
D. Reverse isolation
Answer: B
Explanation: TB spreads through airborne particles; N95 masks and negative pressure
rooms are used.
7. A patient with low potassium (hypokalemia) is at risk for:
A. Muscle spasms
, B. Cardiac arrhythmia
C. Hypertension
D. Jaundice
Answer: B
Explanation: Potassium maintains cardiac electrical activity; deficiency can cause
arrhythmias.
8. The first sound heard during blood pressure measurement represents:
A. Diastolic pressure
B. Systolic pressure
C. Pulse pressure
D. Mean arterial pressure
Answer: B
Explanation: The first Korotkoff sound indicates systolic pressure, showing left
ventricular contraction.
9. Which injection route has the fastest absorption rate?
A. Subcutaneous
B. Intradermal
C. Intravenous
D. Intramuscular
Answer: C
Explanation: IV injections deliver medication directly into the bloodstream for immediate
effect.
10. Hand hygiene should be performed for at least:
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
