❖ Spring Semester 2026 | D238 Adult Health I Exam Study Guide for
Nursing Students | 250+ High-Yield Questions with Detailed
Rationales, Key Concepts, Clinical Scenarios, NCLEX Preparation,
Adult Patient Care, Critical Thinking, and Evidence-Based Practice |
Comprehensive Nursing Exam Review for University Exams and
Practical Assessments
Question 1
Which of the following is the primary purpose of a comprehensive health
assessment?
A) To establish a diagnosis
B) To obtain baseline data
C) To determine the patient's insurance status
D) To prescribe medication
Correct Option: B) To obtain baseline data
Rationale: A comprehensive health assessment provides a thorough overview of a
patient's health status, facilitating the identification of changes over time. This baseline
data is essential for effective monitoring and decision-making in patient care. While
establishing a diagnosis is important, it is not the primary purpose of the assessment
itself.
Question 2
What is the most common cause of dehydration in adults?
A) Excessive sweating
B) Inadequate fluid intake
C) Fever
D) Diarrhea
Correct Option: B) Inadequate fluid intake
Rationale: Inadequate fluid intake is often the leading cause of dehydration in adults,
particularly among the elderly, who may lack the motivation to drink sufficient fluids.
While diarrhea and excessive sweating can contribute to dehydration, they are not as
common as inadequate fluid intake in the general adult population.
Question 3
In caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which of
the following interventions is most crucial?
A) Administering high-flow oxygen
B) Encouraging deep breathing exercises
,C) Limiting oral fluid intake
D) Promoting a high-calorie diet
Correct Option: B) Encouraging deep breathing exercises
Rationale: Deep breathing exercises help improve lung ventilation and can enhance
oxygenation for patients with COPD. While managing oxygen therapy is important, high-
flow oxygen can sometimes lead to respiratory depression in these patients.
Encouraging deep breathing helps maintain lung function and reduces the risk of
atelectasis.
Question 4
What is the primary function of hemoglobin in the body?
A) Transporting carbon dioxide
B) Transporting oxygen
C) Clotting blood
D) Regulating blood pH
Correct Option: B) Transporting oxygen
Rationale: Hemoglobin's primary role is to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues
throughout the body. While it also helps carry some carbon dioxide back to the lungs, its
main function revolves around oxygen transport, which is critical for cellular
metabolism and energy production.
Question 5
Which assessment finding is most indicative of heart failure?
A) Bradycardia
B) Peripheral edema
C) Elevated blood pressure
D) Decreased respiratory rate
Correct Option: B) Peripheral edema
Rationale: Peripheral edema, or swelling of the lower extremities, is a classic sign of
heart failure, resulting from fluid accumulation due to decreased cardiac output and
impaired circulation. While other signs can be present in heart failure, peripheral edema
is particularly characteristic of the condition.
Question 6
Which of the following medications is commonly prescribed for hypertension?
,A) Aspirin
B) Lisinopril
C) Metformin
D) Albuterol
Correct Option: B) Lisinopril
Rationale: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that effectively lowers blood pressure by
relaxing blood vessels. It is commonly prescribed for managing hypertension, whereas
the other options serve different purposes, such as pain relief or diabetes management.
Question 7
What is a primary concern for a patient undergoing surgery?
A) Anemia
B) Infection
C) Weight loss
D) Insomnia
Correct Option: B) Infection
Rationale: Infection is a significant risk associated with surgical procedures due to the
potential for bacteria to enter the body during the operation. Preventative measures,
such as administering antibiotics and maintaining sterile techniques, are crucial in
reducing this risk.
Question 8
Which vital sign is most closely monitored in patients with heart failure?
A) Temperature
B) Respiratory rate
C) Blood pressure
D) Pulse
Correct Option: C) Blood pressure
Rationale: Monitoring blood pressure is essential in heart failure patients to evaluate
cardiac function and fluid status. High or low blood pressure can indicate worsening
heart function or fluid overload, necessitating prompt intervention.
Question 9
What dietary change is most beneficial for a patient with hyperlipidemia?
, A) Increase sugar intake
B) Reduce saturated fat intake
C) Increase carbohydrate consumption
D) Remove all protein sources
Correct Option: B) Reduce saturated fat intake
Rationale: Reducing saturated fat intake helps lower cholesterol levels and reduce the
risk of cardiovascular disease. A heart-healthy diet focused on fruits, vegetables, and
whole grains is vital for managing hyperlipidemia.
Question 10
In the context of diabetes management, what is the purpose of hemoglobin A1c
testing?
A) To measure blood glucose immediately
B) To assess average blood glucose over time
C) To evaluate kidney function
D) To determine insulin sensitivity
Correct Option: B) To assess average blood glucose over time
Rationale: The hemoglobin A1c test provides an average of blood glucose levels over
the past 2-3 months, giving healthcare providers valuable insights into long-term
diabetes control and effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Question 11
Which of the following symptoms is characteristic of hypothyroidism?
A) Weight loss
B) Cold intolerance
C) Increased heart rate
D) Insomnia
Correct Option: B) Cold intolerance
Rationale: Cold intolerance is a common symptom of hypothyroidism due to
decreased metabolism and hormone production. Patients may also experience weight
gain, fatigue, and depression, contrasting with symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Question 12
What does a high sodium level (hypernatremia) in a patient typically indicate?
Nursing Students | 250+ High-Yield Questions with Detailed
Rationales, Key Concepts, Clinical Scenarios, NCLEX Preparation,
Adult Patient Care, Critical Thinking, and Evidence-Based Practice |
Comprehensive Nursing Exam Review for University Exams and
Practical Assessments
Question 1
Which of the following is the primary purpose of a comprehensive health
assessment?
A) To establish a diagnosis
B) To obtain baseline data
C) To determine the patient's insurance status
D) To prescribe medication
Correct Option: B) To obtain baseline data
Rationale: A comprehensive health assessment provides a thorough overview of a
patient's health status, facilitating the identification of changes over time. This baseline
data is essential for effective monitoring and decision-making in patient care. While
establishing a diagnosis is important, it is not the primary purpose of the assessment
itself.
Question 2
What is the most common cause of dehydration in adults?
A) Excessive sweating
B) Inadequate fluid intake
C) Fever
D) Diarrhea
Correct Option: B) Inadequate fluid intake
Rationale: Inadequate fluid intake is often the leading cause of dehydration in adults,
particularly among the elderly, who may lack the motivation to drink sufficient fluids.
While diarrhea and excessive sweating can contribute to dehydration, they are not as
common as inadequate fluid intake in the general adult population.
Question 3
In caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which of
the following interventions is most crucial?
A) Administering high-flow oxygen
B) Encouraging deep breathing exercises
,C) Limiting oral fluid intake
D) Promoting a high-calorie diet
Correct Option: B) Encouraging deep breathing exercises
Rationale: Deep breathing exercises help improve lung ventilation and can enhance
oxygenation for patients with COPD. While managing oxygen therapy is important, high-
flow oxygen can sometimes lead to respiratory depression in these patients.
Encouraging deep breathing helps maintain lung function and reduces the risk of
atelectasis.
Question 4
What is the primary function of hemoglobin in the body?
A) Transporting carbon dioxide
B) Transporting oxygen
C) Clotting blood
D) Regulating blood pH
Correct Option: B) Transporting oxygen
Rationale: Hemoglobin's primary role is to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues
throughout the body. While it also helps carry some carbon dioxide back to the lungs, its
main function revolves around oxygen transport, which is critical for cellular
metabolism and energy production.
Question 5
Which assessment finding is most indicative of heart failure?
A) Bradycardia
B) Peripheral edema
C) Elevated blood pressure
D) Decreased respiratory rate
Correct Option: B) Peripheral edema
Rationale: Peripheral edema, or swelling of the lower extremities, is a classic sign of
heart failure, resulting from fluid accumulation due to decreased cardiac output and
impaired circulation. While other signs can be present in heart failure, peripheral edema
is particularly characteristic of the condition.
Question 6
Which of the following medications is commonly prescribed for hypertension?
,A) Aspirin
B) Lisinopril
C) Metformin
D) Albuterol
Correct Option: B) Lisinopril
Rationale: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that effectively lowers blood pressure by
relaxing blood vessels. It is commonly prescribed for managing hypertension, whereas
the other options serve different purposes, such as pain relief or diabetes management.
Question 7
What is a primary concern for a patient undergoing surgery?
A) Anemia
B) Infection
C) Weight loss
D) Insomnia
Correct Option: B) Infection
Rationale: Infection is a significant risk associated with surgical procedures due to the
potential for bacteria to enter the body during the operation. Preventative measures,
such as administering antibiotics and maintaining sterile techniques, are crucial in
reducing this risk.
Question 8
Which vital sign is most closely monitored in patients with heart failure?
A) Temperature
B) Respiratory rate
C) Blood pressure
D) Pulse
Correct Option: C) Blood pressure
Rationale: Monitoring blood pressure is essential in heart failure patients to evaluate
cardiac function and fluid status. High or low blood pressure can indicate worsening
heart function or fluid overload, necessitating prompt intervention.
Question 9
What dietary change is most beneficial for a patient with hyperlipidemia?
, A) Increase sugar intake
B) Reduce saturated fat intake
C) Increase carbohydrate consumption
D) Remove all protein sources
Correct Option: B) Reduce saturated fat intake
Rationale: Reducing saturated fat intake helps lower cholesterol levels and reduce the
risk of cardiovascular disease. A heart-healthy diet focused on fruits, vegetables, and
whole grains is vital for managing hyperlipidemia.
Question 10
In the context of diabetes management, what is the purpose of hemoglobin A1c
testing?
A) To measure blood glucose immediately
B) To assess average blood glucose over time
C) To evaluate kidney function
D) To determine insulin sensitivity
Correct Option: B) To assess average blood glucose over time
Rationale: The hemoglobin A1c test provides an average of blood glucose levels over
the past 2-3 months, giving healthcare providers valuable insights into long-term
diabetes control and effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Question 11
Which of the following symptoms is characteristic of hypothyroidism?
A) Weight loss
B) Cold intolerance
C) Increased heart rate
D) Insomnia
Correct Option: B) Cold intolerance
Rationale: Cold intolerance is a common symptom of hypothyroidism due to
decreased metabolism and hormone production. Patients may also experience weight
gain, fatigue, and depression, contrasting with symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Question 12
What does a high sodium level (hypernatremia) in a patient typically indicate?
