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 the priority assessment for a patient with suspected acute
pancreatitis?
A) Blood glucose levels
B) Abdominal pain
C) Serum amylase and lipase
D) Vital signs
Correct Option: C) Serum amylase and lipase
Rationale:
In suspected acute pancreatitis, measuring serum amylase and lipase levels is critical because
elevated levels confirm the diagnosis. While abdominal pain (Option B) and vital signs (Option
D) are important, the lab values provide definitive evidence of pancreatitis.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which
of the following actions should the nurse prioritize?
A) Encourage deep breathing exercises
B) Administer bronchodilators as prescribed
C) Monitor oxygen saturation levels
D) Educate the patient on smoking cessation
Correct Option: B) Administer bronchodilators as prescribed
Rationale:
Administering bronchodilators is the priority to relieve airway obstruction in COPD. Oxygen
saturation monitoring (Option C) is essential, but pharmacological intervention is critical for
immediate relief.
Question 3
,In a patient diagnosed with heart failure, which of the following signs indicates worsening
fluid overload?
A) Weight loss
B) Decreased urinary output
C) Peripheral edema
D) Increased heart rate
Correct Option: C) Peripheral edema
Rationale:
Peripheral edema is a classic sign of fluid overload in patients with heart failure, indicating the
body is retaining excess fluid. While decreased urinary output (Option B) may also indicate
overload, visible edema is a more immediate concern.
Question 4
Which of the following medications is the most appropriate for a patient experiencing a
hypertensive crisis?
A) Furosemide
B) Lisinopril
C) Nitroglycerin
D) Metoprolol
Correct Option: C) Nitroglycerin
Rationale:
Nitroglycerin is effective for rapid reduction of blood pressure in a hypertensive crisis due to its
vasodilating properties. While other medications can be used, nitroglycerin provides the quickest
response.
Question 5
A nurse is monitoring a client following a total hip replacement. Which of the following
findings would be considered an early indication of a potential complication?
A) Mild pain at the surgical site
B) Increased blood pressure
C) Sudden onset of shortness of breath
D) Low-grade fever
Correct Option: C) Sudden onset of shortness of breath
,Rationale:
Sudden onset of shortness of breath could indicate a pulmonary embolism, a serious
complication following hip surgery that requires immediate attention. Other symptoms, while
potentially concerning, do not signal immediate life-threatening conditions.
Question 6
Which laboratory value is most indicative of kidney function?
A) Liver enzymes
B) Serum creatinine
C) Hemoglobin
D) Electrolytes
Correct Option: B) Serum creatinine
Rationale:
Serum creatinine is a primary indicator of kidney function. Elevated levels suggest impaired
kidney function, making it crucial for assessing renal health.
Question 7
What is the primary nursing intervention for a patient experiencing chest pain?
A) Administer oxygen
B) Obtain an ECG
C) Start an IV line
D) Provide reassurance
Correct Option: A) Administer oxygen
Rationale:
Administering oxygen is critical to ensure adequate tissue perfusion in a patient with chest pain,
particularly if myocardial ischemia is suspected.
Question 8
A patient with diabetes is experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). What clinical
manifestation should the nurse expect?
A) Bradycardia
B) Polyuria
C) Decreased respiratory rate
D) Hypertension
, Correct Option: B) Polyuria
Rationale:
Polyuria is a common symptom of DKA due to osmotic diuresis caused by high glucose levels.
Other options do not typically correlate with DKA.
Question 9
For which of the following conditions is the use of beta-blockers contraindicated?
A) Hypertension
B) Asthma
C) Angina
D) Atrial fibrillation
Correct Option: B) Asthma
Rationale:
Beta-blockers can cause bronchoconstriction, making them contraindicated for patients with
asthma, where airway constriction is a primary concern.
Question 10
What is a common side effect of opioid analgesics that nurses should monitor?
A) Hypertension
B) Constipation
C) Tachycardia
D) Diarrhea
Correct Option: B) Constipation
Rationale:
Opioids frequently cause constipation due to decreased gastrointestinal motility. This side effect
requires proactive management in patients receiving these medications.
Question 11
A patient with liver cirrhosis is at risk for developing which of the following complications?
A) Hyperglycemia
B) Hepatic encephalopathy
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 the priority assessment for a patient with suspected acute
pancreatitis?
A) Blood glucose levels
B) Abdominal pain
C) Serum amylase and lipase
D) Vital signs
Correct Option: C) Serum amylase and lipase
Rationale:
In suspected acute pancreatitis, measuring serum amylase and lipase levels is critical because
elevated levels confirm the diagnosis. While abdominal pain (Option B) and vital signs (Option
D) are important, the lab values provide definitive evidence of pancreatitis.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which
of the following actions should the nurse prioritize?
A) Encourage deep breathing exercises
B) Administer bronchodilators as prescribed
C) Monitor oxygen saturation levels
D) Educate the patient on smoking cessation
Correct Option: B) Administer bronchodilators as prescribed
Rationale:
Administering bronchodilators is the priority to relieve airway obstruction in COPD. Oxygen
saturation monitoring (Option C) is essential, but pharmacological intervention is critical for
immediate relief.
Question 3
,In a patient diagnosed with heart failure, which of the following signs indicates worsening
fluid overload?
A) Weight loss
B) Decreased urinary output
C) Peripheral edema
D) Increased heart rate
Correct Option: C) Peripheral edema
Rationale:
Peripheral edema is a classic sign of fluid overload in patients with heart failure, indicating the
body is retaining excess fluid. While decreased urinary output (Option B) may also indicate
overload, visible edema is a more immediate concern.
Question 4
Which of the following medications is the most appropriate for a patient experiencing a
hypertensive crisis?
A) Furosemide
B) Lisinopril
C) Nitroglycerin
D) Metoprolol
Correct Option: C) Nitroglycerin
Rationale:
Nitroglycerin is effective for rapid reduction of blood pressure in a hypertensive crisis due to its
vasodilating properties. While other medications can be used, nitroglycerin provides the quickest
response.
Question 5
A nurse is monitoring a client following a total hip replacement. Which of the following
findings would be considered an early indication of a potential complication?
A) Mild pain at the surgical site
B) Increased blood pressure
C) Sudden onset of shortness of breath
D) Low-grade fever
Correct Option: C) Sudden onset of shortness of breath
,Rationale:
Sudden onset of shortness of breath could indicate a pulmonary embolism, a serious
complication following hip surgery that requires immediate attention. Other symptoms, while
potentially concerning, do not signal immediate life-threatening conditions.
Question 6
Which laboratory value is most indicative of kidney function?
A) Liver enzymes
B) Serum creatinine
C) Hemoglobin
D) Electrolytes
Correct Option: B) Serum creatinine
Rationale:
Serum creatinine is a primary indicator of kidney function. Elevated levels suggest impaired
kidney function, making it crucial for assessing renal health.
Question 7
What is the primary nursing intervention for a patient experiencing chest pain?
A) Administer oxygen
B) Obtain an ECG
C) Start an IV line
D) Provide reassurance
Correct Option: A) Administer oxygen
Rationale:
Administering oxygen is critical to ensure adequate tissue perfusion in a patient with chest pain,
particularly if myocardial ischemia is suspected.
Question 8
A patient with diabetes is experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). What clinical
manifestation should the nurse expect?
A) Bradycardia
B) Polyuria
C) Decreased respiratory rate
D) Hypertension
, Correct Option: B) Polyuria
Rationale:
Polyuria is a common symptom of DKA due to osmotic diuresis caused by high glucose levels.
Other options do not typically correlate with DKA.
Question 9
For which of the following conditions is the use of beta-blockers contraindicated?
A) Hypertension
B) Asthma
C) Angina
D) Atrial fibrillation
Correct Option: B) Asthma
Rationale:
Beta-blockers can cause bronchoconstriction, making them contraindicated for patients with
asthma, where airway constriction is a primary concern.
Question 10
What is a common side effect of opioid analgesics that nurses should monitor?
A) Hypertension
B) Constipation
C) Tachycardia
D) Diarrhea
Correct Option: B) Constipation
Rationale:
Opioids frequently cause constipation due to decreased gastrointestinal motility. This side effect
requires proactive management in patients receiving these medications.
Question 11
A patient with liver cirrhosis is at risk for developing which of the following complications?
A) Hyperglycemia
B) Hepatic encephalopathy
