Fall Semester 2025 – Comprehensive Study Guide for APEA Pre-
Predictor Exam Preparation | Extensive Resource Featuring Core Nursing
Theories, Evidence-Based Clinical Practices, Essential Test-Taking
Strategies, In-Depth Subject Reviews, and Extensive Practice Questions
to Ensure Mastery and Success in Nursing Predictor Assessments
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of the nursing process?
A) To establish a plan of care
B) To evaluate patient outcomes
C) C) To provide a framework for individualized patient care
D) To maintain clinician accountability
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: The nursing process provides a systematic approach to delivering
individualized patient care, ensuring that the unique needs of each patient are
addressed.
2. Which assessment finding is most indicative of fluid overload?
A) Decreased urine output
B) B) Crackles in the lungs
C) Hypotension
D) Increased heart rate
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Crackles in the lungs often indicate fluid accumulation, which is a hallmark
sign of fluid overload.
3. What is the normal range for adult blood pressure?
A) 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg
B) 100/70 mmHg to 140/90 mmHg
C) C) 110/70 mmHg to 130/85 mmHg
D) 120/80 mmHg to 150/100 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: The normal range for adult blood pressure is typically considered to be
around 110/70 mmHg to 130/85 mmHg.
4. Which of the following medications is an anticoagulant?
A) Aspirin
B) B) Warfarin
C) Metoprolol
D) Lisinopril
,CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant commonly used to prevent blood clots, while
the other medications serve different therapeutic purposes.
5. What is the best position for a patient experiencing difficulty breathing?
A) Supine
B) B) High Fowler's
C) Prone
D) Trendelenburg
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The High Fowler's position promotes better lung expansion and can alleviate
respiratory distress.
6. Which of the following is a common side effect of opioids?
A) Hypertension
B) B) Constipation
C) Diarrhea
D) Hyperactivity
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Constipation is a well-known side effect of opioid medications due to their
effects on gut motility.
7. What is the primary role of the nurse in patient education?
A) To provide emotional support
B) B) To facilitate informed decision-making
C) To diagnose health conditions
D) To prescribe medications
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Nurses play a key role in helping patients understand their health conditions
and treatment options, enabling informed decisions.
8. Which lab value indicates liver function?
A) Creatinine
B) B) Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
C) Hemoglobin
D) Glucose
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: ALT is a specific enzyme that indicates liver function and injury when tested.
, 9. What is the typical range for adult heart rates?
A) 40-60 beats per minute
B) B) 60-100 beats per minute
C) 100-120 beats per minute
D) 120-140 beats per minute
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: A normal resting heart rate for adults is typically between 60 and 100 beats
per minute.
10. Which of the following is a symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A) A) Kussmaul respirations
B) Bradycardia
C) Increased urination
D) Atypical lymphocytes
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are deep, labored breathing patterns often seen in
DKA as the body attempts to correct acidosis.
11. What is the first step in the prioritization of nursing care?
A) Assessing patient outcomes
B) B) Conducting a thorough assessment
C) Implementing interventions
D) Seeking interdisciplinary consultations
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: A thorough assessment is crucial for determining the patient’s needs and
prioritizing care effectively.
12. Which medication is used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines?
A) Morphine
B) B) Flumazenil
C) Naloxone
D) Atropine
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Flumazenil is a specific antagonist for benzodiazepines used in cases of
overdose.
13. What is the typical function of a diuretic?
A) Increase blood pressure
Predictor Exam Preparation | Extensive Resource Featuring Core Nursing
Theories, Evidence-Based Clinical Practices, Essential Test-Taking
Strategies, In-Depth Subject Reviews, and Extensive Practice Questions
to Ensure Mastery and Success in Nursing Predictor Assessments
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of the nursing process?
A) To establish a plan of care
B) To evaluate patient outcomes
C) C) To provide a framework for individualized patient care
D) To maintain clinician accountability
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: The nursing process provides a systematic approach to delivering
individualized patient care, ensuring that the unique needs of each patient are
addressed.
2. Which assessment finding is most indicative of fluid overload?
A) Decreased urine output
B) B) Crackles in the lungs
C) Hypotension
D) Increased heart rate
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Crackles in the lungs often indicate fluid accumulation, which is a hallmark
sign of fluid overload.
3. What is the normal range for adult blood pressure?
A) 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg
B) 100/70 mmHg to 140/90 mmHg
C) C) 110/70 mmHg to 130/85 mmHg
D) 120/80 mmHg to 150/100 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: The normal range for adult blood pressure is typically considered to be
around 110/70 mmHg to 130/85 mmHg.
4. Which of the following medications is an anticoagulant?
A) Aspirin
B) B) Warfarin
C) Metoprolol
D) Lisinopril
,CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant commonly used to prevent blood clots, while
the other medications serve different therapeutic purposes.
5. What is the best position for a patient experiencing difficulty breathing?
A) Supine
B) B) High Fowler's
C) Prone
D) Trendelenburg
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The High Fowler's position promotes better lung expansion and can alleviate
respiratory distress.
6. Which of the following is a common side effect of opioids?
A) Hypertension
B) B) Constipation
C) Diarrhea
D) Hyperactivity
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Constipation is a well-known side effect of opioid medications due to their
effects on gut motility.
7. What is the primary role of the nurse in patient education?
A) To provide emotional support
B) B) To facilitate informed decision-making
C) To diagnose health conditions
D) To prescribe medications
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Nurses play a key role in helping patients understand their health conditions
and treatment options, enabling informed decisions.
8. Which lab value indicates liver function?
A) Creatinine
B) B) Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
C) Hemoglobin
D) Glucose
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: ALT is a specific enzyme that indicates liver function and injury when tested.
, 9. What is the typical range for adult heart rates?
A) 40-60 beats per minute
B) B) 60-100 beats per minute
C) 100-120 beats per minute
D) 120-140 beats per minute
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: A normal resting heart rate for adults is typically between 60 and 100 beats
per minute.
10. Which of the following is a symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A) A) Kussmaul respirations
B) Bradycardia
C) Increased urination
D) Atypical lymphocytes
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are deep, labored breathing patterns often seen in
DKA as the body attempts to correct acidosis.
11. What is the first step in the prioritization of nursing care?
A) Assessing patient outcomes
B) B) Conducting a thorough assessment
C) Implementing interventions
D) Seeking interdisciplinary consultations
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: A thorough assessment is crucial for determining the patient’s needs and
prioritizing care effectively.
12. Which medication is used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines?
A) Morphine
B) B) Flumazenil
C) Naloxone
D) Atropine
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Flumazenil is a specific antagonist for benzodiazepines used in cases of
overdose.
13. What is the typical function of a diuretic?
A) Increase blood pressure
