NUR210 EXAM 4 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS GRADED A+ 2025/2026
Question 1: A nurse is caring for a patient who believes that their illness is caused by a spiritual
imbalance and the ill will of another person. This patient's health belief system is best described
as: A. Scientific/Biomedical B. Holistic C. Magico-religious D. Indigenous - ANS Correct
Answer: C. Rationale: The magico-religious health belief system views illness as being caused by
supernatural forces, such as "voodoo, witchcraft, or the evil eye." The scientific/biomedical
system is based on cause-and-effect. The holistic system focuses on balance of the mind, body,
and spirit.
Question 2: A patient from a Jehovah's Witness faith is admitted after a motor vehicle accident
and requires surgery. The patient's hemoglobin is critically low, but they refuse a blood
transfusion. What is the nurse's priority action? A. Explain to the patient that the transfusion is
necessary to save their life. B. Ask the patient's family to convince them to have the transfusion.
C. Notify the provider of the patient's refusal and explore potential blood-conservation
techniques. D. Document the refusal and proceed with the transfusion based on implied
consent. - ANS Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Patients of the Jehovah's Witness faith often
refuse blood transfusions. The nurse must respect the patient's autonomy and spiritual beliefs.
The priority is to notify the provider and advocate for the patient by discussing medically
acceptable alternatives, such as blood-conservation methods or non-blood volume expanders.
Question 3: A nurse is assessing a patient's spirituality. Which question best assesses the core
spiritual issue of "Faith"? A. "Do you believe that you will get better?" B. "Who do you turn to
when you are in trouble?" C. "What gives your life meaning and purpose?" D. "Do you have a
religious preference?" - ANS Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Faith is the core issue of
spirituality and is often assessed by asking about what gives a person's life meaning, purpose,
and strength. The other questions relate more to hope or religion.
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,Question 4: A patient who recently immigrated from China is refusing pain medication after
surgery, despite rating their pain as 8/10. The nurse recognizes this may be due to a cultural
belief that: A. Pain is a sign of weakness and should be endured. B. Pain medication is not
effective. C. The medical staff is not trustworthy. D. Illness is a punishment from a higher power.
- ANS Correct Answer: A. Rationale: Some cultures, including certain Asian cultures, may view
the expression of pain as a sign of weakness. The patient may be stoic and refuse medication
even when in significant pain. The nurse must assess this respectfully.
Question 5: A nurse is overheard stating, "All patients from that culture are non-compliant
because they don't value modern medicine." This is an example of: A. Cultural competence B.
Cultural stereotyping C. Ethnocentrism D. Racism - ANS Correct Answer: B. Rationale:
Stereotyping is the unsubstantiated belief that all people of a certain racial or ethnic group are
alike in certain respects. Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own culture is superior, and
racism involves prejudice and discrimination.
Question 6: A patient who is a devout Muslim is admitted to the hospital. Which cultural
consideration should the nurse prioritize in the plan of care? A. Ensuring a Kosher diet is
ordered. B. Asking if the patient needs to face Mecca for prayer at certain times of the day. C.
Removing all religious symbols from the room. D. Offering a blood transfusion if needed. -
ANS Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Patients of the Islamic faith may pray five times a day
facing Mecca. The nurse should assess the patient's desire to maintain this practice and
facilitate it. A Kosher diet is associated with Judaism.
Question 7: A patient is admitted with an acute, reversible state of confusion, disorientation,
and agitation. The nurse recognizes these as signs of: A. Dementia B. Depression C. Delirium D.
Sensory deprivation - ANS Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Delirium is an acute, reversible state
of disorientation and confusion and is considered a medical emergency. Dementia is a
progressive, chronic, and irreversible decline in mental function.
Question 8: A patient is in the intensive care unit (ICU) with constant alarms, bright lights, and
frequent interruptions. The patient becomes anxious and unable to concentrate. The nurse
should identify this as: A. Sensory deprivation B. Sensory overload C. Sensory deficit D. Delirium
- ANS Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Sensory overload occurs when a person is unable to
process or manage the amount or intensity of sensory stimuli, which is common in a critical care
environment.
Question 9: A nurse is caring for an unconscious patient. To prevent pressure injuries and
promote comfort, which intervention is a priority? A. Keeping the lights on to monitor the
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,patient. B. Turning and repositioning the patient at regular intervals. C. Providing oral care once
per shift. D. Administering opioid pain medication around the clock. - ANS Correct Answer: B.
Rationale: Unconscious patients are at high risk for immobility complications. Preventing
pressure injuries by turning and repositioning the patient is a critical safety intervention. Oral
care should be done more frequently, and pain should be assessed by nonverbal cues.
Question 10: A patient complains of pain in their left arm following a myocardial infarction. The
nurse recognizes this as what type of pain? A. Radiating pain B. Phantom pain C. Referred pain
D. Deep somatic pain - ANS Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Referred pain is pain that originates
in one area but is perceived in another area. Cardia pain is frequently referred to the left arm,
back, or jaw.
Question 11: A patient reports sharp, burning pain that travels down their leg. The nurse
identifies this as a characteristic of which type of pain? A. Nociceptive pain B. Visceral pain C.
Neuropathic pain D. Cutaneous pain - ANS Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Neuropathic pain is
caused by damage to nerves and is often described as burning, stabbing, shooting, or "pins and
needles." Nociceptive pain is from tissue damage, and visceral pain is from internal organs.
Question 12: A patient has been taking opioids for 6 months for chronic back pain. The nurse
should prioritize assessing for which common side effect? A. Respiratory depression B.
Constipation C. Diarrhea D. Hypertension - ANS Correct Answer: B. Rationale: While
respiratory depression is the most serious side effect, it is less common with long-term use as
tolerance develops. Constipation is the most common and persistent side effect of long-term
opioid use.
Question 13: A patient is using a Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) pump after surgery. The
nurse should provide which of the following instructions? A. "Your family members can press
the button for you if you are asleep." B. "You should only press the button when the pain is
severe." C. "You are the only person who should press the button to administer the pain
medication." D. "This pump will deliver a continuous dose of medication, so you don't need to
press the button." - ANS Correct Answer: C. Rationale: A primary safety rule for PCA use is
that only the patient is permitted to press the button. This prevents over-sedation that could
occur if a well-meaning family member administers a dose when the patient is already drowsy.
Question 14: A nurse is teaching a patient about strategies to improve sleep. Which instruction
demonstrates good sleep hygiene? A. "Take a 2-hour nap every afternoon." B. "Drink one or two
alcoholic beverages before bed to relax." C. "Engage in vigorous physical activity right before
you go to sleep." D. "Avoid caffeine and nicotine several hours before bedtime." -
3 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, ANS Correct Answer: D. Rationale: Good sleep hygiene includes avoiding stimulants like
caffeine and nicotine before bed. Long naps, alcohol, and vigorous exercise late in the evening
can all disrupt the sleep cycle.
Question 15: A patient is diagnosed with sleep apnea. The nurse would expect the patient to
report which of the following symptoms? A. Waking up feeling rested. B. Loud snoring and
excessive daytime sleepiness. C. A tingling or crawling sensation in the legs. D. Walking or
talking during sleep. - ANS Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Classic signs of sleep apnea include
loud snoring, periods of apnea, and excessive daytime sleepiness due to fragmented, non-
restorative sleep.
Question 16: A patient is experiencing repetitive, involuntary jerking of the legs, which is
disrupting their sleep. This condition is known as: A. Insomnia B. Sleep apnea C. Restless leg
syndrome D. Narcolepsy - ANS Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Restless leg syndrome is a sleep-
wake schedule disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often
described as a crawling or tingling sensation, which can disrupt sleep.
Question 17: A college student reports to the health clinic complaining of irritability, poor
concentration, and falling asleep in class. This is most likely a sign of: A. Narcolepsy B. Sleep
deprivation C. Sleep apnea D. Night terrors - ANS Correct Answer: B. Rationale: The
symptoms of irritability, impaired concentration, and excessive sleepiness are classic defining
characteristics of sleep deprivation, which is common in college students.
Question 18: A patient is experiencing grinding of their teeth during sleep. The nurse should
document this finding as: A. Sleepwalking B. Nocturnal enuresis C. Bruxism D. REM sleep
behavior disorder - ANS Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Bruxism is the grinding of teeth during
sleep and is classified as a parasomnia.
Question 19: A patient is experiencing significant life stress and is in the "fight or flight"
response. The nurse would expect to find which of the following? A. Decreased heart rate and
low blood pressure. B. Increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. C. Pupil constriction
and increased digestion. D. Low blood glucose and decreased alertness. - ANS Correct
Answer: B. Rationale: The alarm stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) involves the
sympathetic nervous system, releasing hormones that cause an increased heart rate, elevated
blood pressure, increased alertness, and elevated blood glucose to prepare the body to "fight or
flight."
4 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
ANSWERS GRADED A+ 2025/2026
Question 1: A nurse is caring for a patient who believes that their illness is caused by a spiritual
imbalance and the ill will of another person. This patient's health belief system is best described
as: A. Scientific/Biomedical B. Holistic C. Magico-religious D. Indigenous - ANS Correct
Answer: C. Rationale: The magico-religious health belief system views illness as being caused by
supernatural forces, such as "voodoo, witchcraft, or the evil eye." The scientific/biomedical
system is based on cause-and-effect. The holistic system focuses on balance of the mind, body,
and spirit.
Question 2: A patient from a Jehovah's Witness faith is admitted after a motor vehicle accident
and requires surgery. The patient's hemoglobin is critically low, but they refuse a blood
transfusion. What is the nurse's priority action? A. Explain to the patient that the transfusion is
necessary to save their life. B. Ask the patient's family to convince them to have the transfusion.
C. Notify the provider of the patient's refusal and explore potential blood-conservation
techniques. D. Document the refusal and proceed with the transfusion based on implied
consent. - ANS Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Patients of the Jehovah's Witness faith often
refuse blood transfusions. The nurse must respect the patient's autonomy and spiritual beliefs.
The priority is to notify the provider and advocate for the patient by discussing medically
acceptable alternatives, such as blood-conservation methods or non-blood volume expanders.
Question 3: A nurse is assessing a patient's spirituality. Which question best assesses the core
spiritual issue of "Faith"? A. "Do you believe that you will get better?" B. "Who do you turn to
when you are in trouble?" C. "What gives your life meaning and purpose?" D. "Do you have a
religious preference?" - ANS Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Faith is the core issue of
spirituality and is often assessed by asking about what gives a person's life meaning, purpose,
and strength. The other questions relate more to hope or religion.
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,Question 4: A patient who recently immigrated from China is refusing pain medication after
surgery, despite rating their pain as 8/10. The nurse recognizes this may be due to a cultural
belief that: A. Pain is a sign of weakness and should be endured. B. Pain medication is not
effective. C. The medical staff is not trustworthy. D. Illness is a punishment from a higher power.
- ANS Correct Answer: A. Rationale: Some cultures, including certain Asian cultures, may view
the expression of pain as a sign of weakness. The patient may be stoic and refuse medication
even when in significant pain. The nurse must assess this respectfully.
Question 5: A nurse is overheard stating, "All patients from that culture are non-compliant
because they don't value modern medicine." This is an example of: A. Cultural competence B.
Cultural stereotyping C. Ethnocentrism D. Racism - ANS Correct Answer: B. Rationale:
Stereotyping is the unsubstantiated belief that all people of a certain racial or ethnic group are
alike in certain respects. Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own culture is superior, and
racism involves prejudice and discrimination.
Question 6: A patient who is a devout Muslim is admitted to the hospital. Which cultural
consideration should the nurse prioritize in the plan of care? A. Ensuring a Kosher diet is
ordered. B. Asking if the patient needs to face Mecca for prayer at certain times of the day. C.
Removing all religious symbols from the room. D. Offering a blood transfusion if needed. -
ANS Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Patients of the Islamic faith may pray five times a day
facing Mecca. The nurse should assess the patient's desire to maintain this practice and
facilitate it. A Kosher diet is associated with Judaism.
Question 7: A patient is admitted with an acute, reversible state of confusion, disorientation,
and agitation. The nurse recognizes these as signs of: A. Dementia B. Depression C. Delirium D.
Sensory deprivation - ANS Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Delirium is an acute, reversible state
of disorientation and confusion and is considered a medical emergency. Dementia is a
progressive, chronic, and irreversible decline in mental function.
Question 8: A patient is in the intensive care unit (ICU) with constant alarms, bright lights, and
frequent interruptions. The patient becomes anxious and unable to concentrate. The nurse
should identify this as: A. Sensory deprivation B. Sensory overload C. Sensory deficit D. Delirium
- ANS Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Sensory overload occurs when a person is unable to
process or manage the amount or intensity of sensory stimuli, which is common in a critical care
environment.
Question 9: A nurse is caring for an unconscious patient. To prevent pressure injuries and
promote comfort, which intervention is a priority? A. Keeping the lights on to monitor the
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,patient. B. Turning and repositioning the patient at regular intervals. C. Providing oral care once
per shift. D. Administering opioid pain medication around the clock. - ANS Correct Answer: B.
Rationale: Unconscious patients are at high risk for immobility complications. Preventing
pressure injuries by turning and repositioning the patient is a critical safety intervention. Oral
care should be done more frequently, and pain should be assessed by nonverbal cues.
Question 10: A patient complains of pain in their left arm following a myocardial infarction. The
nurse recognizes this as what type of pain? A. Radiating pain B. Phantom pain C. Referred pain
D. Deep somatic pain - ANS Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Referred pain is pain that originates
in one area but is perceived in another area. Cardia pain is frequently referred to the left arm,
back, or jaw.
Question 11: A patient reports sharp, burning pain that travels down their leg. The nurse
identifies this as a characteristic of which type of pain? A. Nociceptive pain B. Visceral pain C.
Neuropathic pain D. Cutaneous pain - ANS Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Neuropathic pain is
caused by damage to nerves and is often described as burning, stabbing, shooting, or "pins and
needles." Nociceptive pain is from tissue damage, and visceral pain is from internal organs.
Question 12: A patient has been taking opioids for 6 months for chronic back pain. The nurse
should prioritize assessing for which common side effect? A. Respiratory depression B.
Constipation C. Diarrhea D. Hypertension - ANS Correct Answer: B. Rationale: While
respiratory depression is the most serious side effect, it is less common with long-term use as
tolerance develops. Constipation is the most common and persistent side effect of long-term
opioid use.
Question 13: A patient is using a Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) pump after surgery. The
nurse should provide which of the following instructions? A. "Your family members can press
the button for you if you are asleep." B. "You should only press the button when the pain is
severe." C. "You are the only person who should press the button to administer the pain
medication." D. "This pump will deliver a continuous dose of medication, so you don't need to
press the button." - ANS Correct Answer: C. Rationale: A primary safety rule for PCA use is
that only the patient is permitted to press the button. This prevents over-sedation that could
occur if a well-meaning family member administers a dose when the patient is already drowsy.
Question 14: A nurse is teaching a patient about strategies to improve sleep. Which instruction
demonstrates good sleep hygiene? A. "Take a 2-hour nap every afternoon." B. "Drink one or two
alcoholic beverages before bed to relax." C. "Engage in vigorous physical activity right before
you go to sleep." D. "Avoid caffeine and nicotine several hours before bedtime." -
3 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, ANS Correct Answer: D. Rationale: Good sleep hygiene includes avoiding stimulants like
caffeine and nicotine before bed. Long naps, alcohol, and vigorous exercise late in the evening
can all disrupt the sleep cycle.
Question 15: A patient is diagnosed with sleep apnea. The nurse would expect the patient to
report which of the following symptoms? A. Waking up feeling rested. B. Loud snoring and
excessive daytime sleepiness. C. A tingling or crawling sensation in the legs. D. Walking or
talking during sleep. - ANS Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Classic signs of sleep apnea include
loud snoring, periods of apnea, and excessive daytime sleepiness due to fragmented, non-
restorative sleep.
Question 16: A patient is experiencing repetitive, involuntary jerking of the legs, which is
disrupting their sleep. This condition is known as: A. Insomnia B. Sleep apnea C. Restless leg
syndrome D. Narcolepsy - ANS Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Restless leg syndrome is a sleep-
wake schedule disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often
described as a crawling or tingling sensation, which can disrupt sleep.
Question 17: A college student reports to the health clinic complaining of irritability, poor
concentration, and falling asleep in class. This is most likely a sign of: A. Narcolepsy B. Sleep
deprivation C. Sleep apnea D. Night terrors - ANS Correct Answer: B. Rationale: The
symptoms of irritability, impaired concentration, and excessive sleepiness are classic defining
characteristics of sleep deprivation, which is common in college students.
Question 18: A patient is experiencing grinding of their teeth during sleep. The nurse should
document this finding as: A. Sleepwalking B. Nocturnal enuresis C. Bruxism D. REM sleep
behavior disorder - ANS Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Bruxism is the grinding of teeth during
sleep and is classified as a parasomnia.
Question 19: A patient is experiencing significant life stress and is in the "fight or flight"
response. The nurse would expect to find which of the following? A. Decreased heart rate and
low blood pressure. B. Increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. C. Pupil constriction
and increased digestion. D. Low blood glucose and decreased alertness. - ANS Correct
Answer: B. Rationale: The alarm stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) involves the
sympathetic nervous system, releasing hormones that cause an increased heart rate, elevated
blood pressure, increased alertness, and elevated blood glucose to prepare the body to "fight or
flight."
4 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
