PNLE MEdicaL-SurgicaL NurSiNg rEviEwEr
2025/2026 – advaNcEd aduLt HEaLtH
coMPrEHENSivE ExaM PrEP | HigH-YiELd PracticE
QuEStioNS witH vErifiEd aNSwErS & dEtaiLEd
ratioNaLES | PHiLiPPiNE NurSiNg LicENSurE
ExaMiNatioN (Board ExaM) SuccESS guidE
Question 1
Which of the following is a common sign of hypovolemic shock?
A) Tachycardia
B) Hypertension
C) Flushed skin
D) Bradycardia
Correct Option: A) Tachycardia
Rationale:
Tachycardia is a compensatory mechanism in response to decreased blood volume. It helps
maintain cardiac output despite hypovolemia. Other options do not represent a classic sign of
hypovolemic shock.
Question 2
What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with a chest tube experiencing an
increase in suction drainage?
A) Assess the site for leaking
B) Increase the suction pressure
C) Notify the healthcare provider
D) Reposition the patient
Correct Option: C) Notify the healthcare provider
Rationale:
An increase in suction drainage may indicate a complication such as hemorrhage or lung re-
expansion. Prompt notification of the healthcare provider ensures timely evaluation and
intervention.
Question 3
,A patient with a history of diabetes is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). What
finding would indicate the need for immediate intervention?
A) Blood glucose of 300 mg/dL
B) Urinary ketones present
C) Kussmaul respirations
D) Serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L
Correct Option: D) Serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L
Rationale:
A serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L indicates severe hypokalemia, which can lead to life-
threatening arrhythmias. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent cardiac complications.
Question 4
Which nursing assessment is essential for a patient undergoing continuous renal
replacement therapy (CRRT)?
A) Bowel sounds
B) Skin turgor
C) Weight monitoring
D) Respiratory rate
Correct Option: C) Weight monitoring
Rationale:
Daily weight monitoring is crucial for assessing fluid removal during CRRT. It helps evaluate the
effectiveness of therapy and the patient’s fluid status.
Question 5
What is the primary purpose of administering aspirin to a patient with unstable angina?
A) To reduce pain
B) To dissolve existing clots
C) To prevent platelet aggregation
D) To lower blood pressure
Correct Option: C) To prevent platelet aggregation
Rationale:
Aspirin works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of thrombus formation that
can lead to myocardial infarction in patients with unstable angina.
,Question 6
Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
A) Hypercalcemia
B) Hypophosphatemia
C) Hyperkalemia
D) Hyponatremia
Correct Option: C) Hyperkalemia
Rationale:
In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys are less able to excrete potassium, leading to
hyperkalemia, which can cause serious cardiac issues.
Question 7
What is the initial action a nurse should take when a patient experiences a seizure?
A) Restrain the patient
B) Place a padded tongue blade in the mouth
C) Position the patient on their side
D) Administer oxygen
Correct Option: C) Position the patient on their side
Rationale:
Positioning the patient on their side helps maintain an open airway and prevents aspiration
during a seizure.
Question 8
What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing acute pain from a
surgical incision?
A) Apply cold compresses
B) Administer analgesics as prescribed
C) Encourage deep breathing
D) Distract the patient with conversation
Correct Option: B) Administer analgesics as prescribed
, Rationale:
Administering prescribed analgesics effectively manages acute pain, essential for patient comfort
and recovery.
Question 9
In which position should a nurse place a patient with suspected right-sided heart failure?
A) Supine
B) Prone
C) High Fowler’s
D) Trendelenburg
Correct Option: C) High Fowler’s
Rationale:
High Fowler’s position alleviates dyspnea by promoting better lung expansion and reducing
venous return to the heart.
Question 10
What is the key sign of early hypoxia in a patient?
A) Cyanosis
B) Confusion
C) Dyspnea
D) Restlessness
Correct Option: D) Restlessness
Rationale:
Early signs of hypoxia often include restlessness and anxiety, indicating that the body is not
receiving enough oxygen.
Question 11
What is the primary goal of treatment for a patient with congestive heart failure?
A) Promote fluid retention
B) Decrease heart rate
C) Improve cardiac output
D) Increase oxygen demand
2025/2026 – advaNcEd aduLt HEaLtH
coMPrEHENSivE ExaM PrEP | HigH-YiELd PracticE
QuEStioNS witH vErifiEd aNSwErS & dEtaiLEd
ratioNaLES | PHiLiPPiNE NurSiNg LicENSurE
ExaMiNatioN (Board ExaM) SuccESS guidE
Question 1
Which of the following is a common sign of hypovolemic shock?
A) Tachycardia
B) Hypertension
C) Flushed skin
D) Bradycardia
Correct Option: A) Tachycardia
Rationale:
Tachycardia is a compensatory mechanism in response to decreased blood volume. It helps
maintain cardiac output despite hypovolemia. Other options do not represent a classic sign of
hypovolemic shock.
Question 2
What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with a chest tube experiencing an
increase in suction drainage?
A) Assess the site for leaking
B) Increase the suction pressure
C) Notify the healthcare provider
D) Reposition the patient
Correct Option: C) Notify the healthcare provider
Rationale:
An increase in suction drainage may indicate a complication such as hemorrhage or lung re-
expansion. Prompt notification of the healthcare provider ensures timely evaluation and
intervention.
Question 3
,A patient with a history of diabetes is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). What
finding would indicate the need for immediate intervention?
A) Blood glucose of 300 mg/dL
B) Urinary ketones present
C) Kussmaul respirations
D) Serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L
Correct Option: D) Serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L
Rationale:
A serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L indicates severe hypokalemia, which can lead to life-
threatening arrhythmias. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent cardiac complications.
Question 4
Which nursing assessment is essential for a patient undergoing continuous renal
replacement therapy (CRRT)?
A) Bowel sounds
B) Skin turgor
C) Weight monitoring
D) Respiratory rate
Correct Option: C) Weight monitoring
Rationale:
Daily weight monitoring is crucial for assessing fluid removal during CRRT. It helps evaluate the
effectiveness of therapy and the patient’s fluid status.
Question 5
What is the primary purpose of administering aspirin to a patient with unstable angina?
A) To reduce pain
B) To dissolve existing clots
C) To prevent platelet aggregation
D) To lower blood pressure
Correct Option: C) To prevent platelet aggregation
Rationale:
Aspirin works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of thrombus formation that
can lead to myocardial infarction in patients with unstable angina.
,Question 6
Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
A) Hypercalcemia
B) Hypophosphatemia
C) Hyperkalemia
D) Hyponatremia
Correct Option: C) Hyperkalemia
Rationale:
In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys are less able to excrete potassium, leading to
hyperkalemia, which can cause serious cardiac issues.
Question 7
What is the initial action a nurse should take when a patient experiences a seizure?
A) Restrain the patient
B) Place a padded tongue blade in the mouth
C) Position the patient on their side
D) Administer oxygen
Correct Option: C) Position the patient on their side
Rationale:
Positioning the patient on their side helps maintain an open airway and prevents aspiration
during a seizure.
Question 8
What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing acute pain from a
surgical incision?
A) Apply cold compresses
B) Administer analgesics as prescribed
C) Encourage deep breathing
D) Distract the patient with conversation
Correct Option: B) Administer analgesics as prescribed
, Rationale:
Administering prescribed analgesics effectively manages acute pain, essential for patient comfort
and recovery.
Question 9
In which position should a nurse place a patient with suspected right-sided heart failure?
A) Supine
B) Prone
C) High Fowler’s
D) Trendelenburg
Correct Option: C) High Fowler’s
Rationale:
High Fowler’s position alleviates dyspnea by promoting better lung expansion and reducing
venous return to the heart.
Question 10
What is the key sign of early hypoxia in a patient?
A) Cyanosis
B) Confusion
C) Dyspnea
D) Restlessness
Correct Option: D) Restlessness
Rationale:
Early signs of hypoxia often include restlessness and anxiety, indicating that the body is not
receiving enough oxygen.
Question 11
What is the primary goal of treatment for a patient with congestive heart failure?
A) Promote fluid retention
B) Decrease heart rate
C) Improve cardiac output
D) Increase oxygen demand
