NURA 1500 EXAM SCRIPT 2026 FULL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CERTIFIED
▶ The most important pathophysiologic factor contributing to the formation
of esophageal varices is:
A. Decreased prothrombin formation
B. Decreased albumin formation by the liver
C. Portal hypertension
D. Increased central venous pressure - Answer: C
Explanation: As the liver cells become fatty and degenerate, they are no
longer able to accommodate the large amount of blood necessary for
homeostasis. The pressure in the liver increases and causes increased
pressure in the venous system. As the portal pressure increases, fluid
exudes into the abdominal cavity. This is called ascites.
▶ The client being treated for esophageal varices has a Sengstaken-
Blakemore tube inserted to control the bleeding. The most important
assessment is for the nurse to:
A. Check that the hemostat is on the bedside
B. Monitor IV fluids for the shift
C. Regularly assess respiratory status
D. Check that the balloon is deflated on a regular basis - Answer: C
Explanation: The respiratory system can become occluded if the balloon
slips and moves up the esophagus, putting pressure on the trachea. This
would result in respiratory distress and should be assessed frequently.
Scissors should be kept at the bedside to cut the tube if distress occurs.
This is a safety intervention.
▶ George has a T tube in place after gallbladder surgery. Before
discharge, what information or instructions should be given regarding the T
tube drainage?
A. "If there is any drainage, notify the surgeon immediately."
B. "The drainage will decrease daily until the bile duct heals."
C. "First, the drainage is dark green; then it becomes dark yellow."
D. "If the drainage stops, milk the tube toward the puncture wound." -
Answer: B
,Explanation: As healing occurs from the bile duct, bile drains from the tube;
the amount of bile should decrease. Teach the patient to expect dark green
drainage and to notify the doctor if drainage stops.
▶ The student nurse is teaching the family of a patient with liver failure.
You instruct them to limit which foods in the patient's diet?
A. Meats and beans
B. Butter and gravies
C. Potatoes and pastas
D. Cakes and pastries - Answer: A
Explanation: Meats and beans are high-protein foods. In liver failure, the
liver is unable to metabolize protein adequately, causing protein by-
products to build up in the body rather than be excreted
▶ A patient has an acute upper GI hemorrhage. Your interventions include:
A. Treating hypovolemia
B. Treating hypervolemia
C. Controlling the bleeding source
D. Treating shock and diagnosing the bleeding source - Answer: A
Explanation: A patient with an acute upper GI hemorrhage must be treated
for hypovolemia and hemorrhagic shock. You as a nurse can't diagnose the
problem. Controlling the bleeding may require surgery or intensive medical
treatment
▶ What information is correct about stomach cancer?
A. Stomach pain is often a late symptom
B. Surgery is often a successful treatment
C. Chemotherapy and radiation are often successful treatments
D. The patient can survive for an extended time with TPN - Answer: A
Explanation: Stomach pain is often a late sign of stomach cancer;
outcomes are particularly poor when the cancer reaches that point.
Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation have minimal positive effects. TPN
may enhance the growth of the cancer
▶ Hepatic encephalopathy develops when the blood level of which
substance increases?
A. Ammonia
B. Amylase
C. Calcium
D. Potassium - Answer: A
,Explanation: Ammonia levels increase d/t improper shunting of blood,
causing ammonia to enter systemic circulation, which carries it to the brain.
▶ You're caring for a 28 y.o. woman with hepatitis B. She's concerned
about the duration of her recovery. Which response isn't appropriate?
A. Encourage her to not worry about the future.
B. Encourage her to express her feelings about the illness.
C. Discuss the effects of hepatitis B on future health problems.
D. Provide avenues for financial counseling if she expresses the need. -
Answer: A
Explanation: Telling her not to worry minimizes her feelings.
▶ Gail is scheduled for a cholecystectomy. After completion of preoperative
teaching, Gail states,"If I lie still and avoid turning after the operation, I'll
avoid pain. Do you think this is a good idea?" What is the best response?
A. "You'll need to turn from side to side every 2 hours."
B. "It's always a good idea to rest quietly after surgery."
C. "The doctor will probably order you to lie flat for 24 hours."
D. "Why don't you decide about activity after you return from the recovery
room? - Answer: A
Explanation: To prevent venous stasis and improve muscle tone,
circulation, and respiratory function, encourage her to move after surgery.
▶ Rob is a 46 y.o. admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of
Hepatitis B. He's jaundiced and reports weakness. Which intervention will
you include in his care?
A. Regular exercise
B. A low-protein diet.
C. Allow patient to select his meals.
D. Rest period after small, frequent meals. - Answer: D
Explanation: Rest periods and small frequent meals is indicated during the
acute phase of hepatitis B.
▶ You're discharging Nathaniel with hepatitis B. Which statement suggests
understanding by the patient?
A. "Now I can never get hepatitis again."
B. "I can safely give blood after 3 months."
C. "I'll never have a problem with my liver again, even if I drink alcohol."
D. "My family knows that if I get tired and start vomiting, I may be getting
sick again." - Answer: D
, Explanation: Hepatitis B can recur. Patients who have had hepatitis are
permanently barred from donating blood. Alcohol is metabolized by the liver
and should be avoided by those who have or had hepatitis B
▶ Ralph has a history of alcohol abuse and has acute pancreatitis. Which
lab value is most likely to be elevated?
A. Calcium
B. Glucose
C. Magnesium
D. Potassium - Answer: B
Explanation: Glucose level increases and diabetes mellitus may result d/t
the pancreatic damage to the islets of Langerhans
▶ Sharon has cirrhosis of the liver and develops ascites. What intervention
is necessary to decrease the excessive accumulation of serous fluid in her
peritoneal cavity?
A. Restrict fluids
B. Encourage ambulation
C. Increase sodium in the diet
D. Give antacids as prescribed - Answer: A
Explanation: Restricting fluids decrease the amount of body fluid and the
accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal space.
▶ Nathaniel has severe pruritus due to having hepatitis B. What is the best
intervention for his comfort?
A. Give tepid baths
B. Avoid lotions and creams
C. Use hot water to increase vasodilation
D. Use cold water to decrease the itching - Answer: A
Explanation: For pruritus, care should include tepid sponge baths and use
of emollient creams and lotions
▶ Brenda, a 36 y.o. patient is on your floor with acute pancreatitis.
Treatment for her includes:
A. Continuous peritoneal lavage
B. Regular diet with increased fat
C. Nutritional support with TPN
D. Insertion of a T tube to drain the pancreas - Answer: C
Explanation: With acute pancreatitis, you need to rest the GI tract by TPN
as nutritional support.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CERTIFIED
▶ The most important pathophysiologic factor contributing to the formation
of esophageal varices is:
A. Decreased prothrombin formation
B. Decreased albumin formation by the liver
C. Portal hypertension
D. Increased central venous pressure - Answer: C
Explanation: As the liver cells become fatty and degenerate, they are no
longer able to accommodate the large amount of blood necessary for
homeostasis. The pressure in the liver increases and causes increased
pressure in the venous system. As the portal pressure increases, fluid
exudes into the abdominal cavity. This is called ascites.
▶ The client being treated for esophageal varices has a Sengstaken-
Blakemore tube inserted to control the bleeding. The most important
assessment is for the nurse to:
A. Check that the hemostat is on the bedside
B. Monitor IV fluids for the shift
C. Regularly assess respiratory status
D. Check that the balloon is deflated on a regular basis - Answer: C
Explanation: The respiratory system can become occluded if the balloon
slips and moves up the esophagus, putting pressure on the trachea. This
would result in respiratory distress and should be assessed frequently.
Scissors should be kept at the bedside to cut the tube if distress occurs.
This is a safety intervention.
▶ George has a T tube in place after gallbladder surgery. Before
discharge, what information or instructions should be given regarding the T
tube drainage?
A. "If there is any drainage, notify the surgeon immediately."
B. "The drainage will decrease daily until the bile duct heals."
C. "First, the drainage is dark green; then it becomes dark yellow."
D. "If the drainage stops, milk the tube toward the puncture wound." -
Answer: B
,Explanation: As healing occurs from the bile duct, bile drains from the tube;
the amount of bile should decrease. Teach the patient to expect dark green
drainage and to notify the doctor if drainage stops.
▶ The student nurse is teaching the family of a patient with liver failure.
You instruct them to limit which foods in the patient's diet?
A. Meats and beans
B. Butter and gravies
C. Potatoes and pastas
D. Cakes and pastries - Answer: A
Explanation: Meats and beans are high-protein foods. In liver failure, the
liver is unable to metabolize protein adequately, causing protein by-
products to build up in the body rather than be excreted
▶ A patient has an acute upper GI hemorrhage. Your interventions include:
A. Treating hypovolemia
B. Treating hypervolemia
C. Controlling the bleeding source
D. Treating shock and diagnosing the bleeding source - Answer: A
Explanation: A patient with an acute upper GI hemorrhage must be treated
for hypovolemia and hemorrhagic shock. You as a nurse can't diagnose the
problem. Controlling the bleeding may require surgery or intensive medical
treatment
▶ What information is correct about stomach cancer?
A. Stomach pain is often a late symptom
B. Surgery is often a successful treatment
C. Chemotherapy and radiation are often successful treatments
D. The patient can survive for an extended time with TPN - Answer: A
Explanation: Stomach pain is often a late sign of stomach cancer;
outcomes are particularly poor when the cancer reaches that point.
Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation have minimal positive effects. TPN
may enhance the growth of the cancer
▶ Hepatic encephalopathy develops when the blood level of which
substance increases?
A. Ammonia
B. Amylase
C. Calcium
D. Potassium - Answer: A
,Explanation: Ammonia levels increase d/t improper shunting of blood,
causing ammonia to enter systemic circulation, which carries it to the brain.
▶ You're caring for a 28 y.o. woman with hepatitis B. She's concerned
about the duration of her recovery. Which response isn't appropriate?
A. Encourage her to not worry about the future.
B. Encourage her to express her feelings about the illness.
C. Discuss the effects of hepatitis B on future health problems.
D. Provide avenues for financial counseling if she expresses the need. -
Answer: A
Explanation: Telling her not to worry minimizes her feelings.
▶ Gail is scheduled for a cholecystectomy. After completion of preoperative
teaching, Gail states,"If I lie still and avoid turning after the operation, I'll
avoid pain. Do you think this is a good idea?" What is the best response?
A. "You'll need to turn from side to side every 2 hours."
B. "It's always a good idea to rest quietly after surgery."
C. "The doctor will probably order you to lie flat for 24 hours."
D. "Why don't you decide about activity after you return from the recovery
room? - Answer: A
Explanation: To prevent venous stasis and improve muscle tone,
circulation, and respiratory function, encourage her to move after surgery.
▶ Rob is a 46 y.o. admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of
Hepatitis B. He's jaundiced and reports weakness. Which intervention will
you include in his care?
A. Regular exercise
B. A low-protein diet.
C. Allow patient to select his meals.
D. Rest period after small, frequent meals. - Answer: D
Explanation: Rest periods and small frequent meals is indicated during the
acute phase of hepatitis B.
▶ You're discharging Nathaniel with hepatitis B. Which statement suggests
understanding by the patient?
A. "Now I can never get hepatitis again."
B. "I can safely give blood after 3 months."
C. "I'll never have a problem with my liver again, even if I drink alcohol."
D. "My family knows that if I get tired and start vomiting, I may be getting
sick again." - Answer: D
, Explanation: Hepatitis B can recur. Patients who have had hepatitis are
permanently barred from donating blood. Alcohol is metabolized by the liver
and should be avoided by those who have or had hepatitis B
▶ Ralph has a history of alcohol abuse and has acute pancreatitis. Which
lab value is most likely to be elevated?
A. Calcium
B. Glucose
C. Magnesium
D. Potassium - Answer: B
Explanation: Glucose level increases and diabetes mellitus may result d/t
the pancreatic damage to the islets of Langerhans
▶ Sharon has cirrhosis of the liver and develops ascites. What intervention
is necessary to decrease the excessive accumulation of serous fluid in her
peritoneal cavity?
A. Restrict fluids
B. Encourage ambulation
C. Increase sodium in the diet
D. Give antacids as prescribed - Answer: A
Explanation: Restricting fluids decrease the amount of body fluid and the
accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal space.
▶ Nathaniel has severe pruritus due to having hepatitis B. What is the best
intervention for his comfort?
A. Give tepid baths
B. Avoid lotions and creams
C. Use hot water to increase vasodilation
D. Use cold water to decrease the itching - Answer: A
Explanation: For pruritus, care should include tepid sponge baths and use
of emollient creams and lotions
▶ Brenda, a 36 y.o. patient is on your floor with acute pancreatitis.
Treatment for her includes:
A. Continuous peritoneal lavage
B. Regular diet with increased fat
C. Nutritional support with TPN
D. Insertion of a T tube to drain the pancreas - Answer: C
Explanation: With acute pancreatitis, you need to rest the GI tract by TPN
as nutritional support.
